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    Parent Role

    The first tennis lesson: what parents need to know

    The first tennis lesson is an exciting moment — for child and parent. At 359.tennis we ensure a warm, safe and professional start.

    359.tennis Coaching Team
    By 359.tennis Coaching Team · Gediplomeerd coachteam · NTC / TV De Kegel
    Last reviewed on 21 March 2026

    This article describes what parents can expect at their child's first tennis lesson at 359.tennis. Practical information about clothing, equipment and group placement.

    What does my child need?

    • Clothing: sportswear and sports shoes (no black soles for indoor)
    • Racket: at 359.tennis we offer a free loaner racket for beginners
    • Drinks: bring a water bottle
    • No special tennis clothing needed — comfortable is sufficient

    What happens during the first lesson?

    The first lesson is about getting to know each other and having fun:

    • Meeting the coach and other children
    • Play activities with balls and rackets — focused on ball feel and movement
    • No technical pressure — the goal is a smile at the end
    • The coach observes the child for group placement

    Frequently asked questions

    From what age can my child start?

    At 359.tennis we start from age 4.

    Can I watch?

    Yes, parents are welcome to watch the first lesson(s). We ask you to keep some distance so the child feels free to explore.

    What if my child doesn't like it?

    Some children need 2-3 lessons to settle in. Our coaches are experienced with hesitant children.

    How are groups formed?

    Based on age and level. Beginners join the Tennis Kids programme with adapted balls and court sizes.

    Do I have to book a full season?

    At 359.tennis, you register directly for a lesson programme. There are no separate trial lessons — your child is placed in the right group based on age, level, and availability from their very first session.

    Read about the role of parents or the START programme for beginners.

    Frequently asked questions about the first tennis lesson

    Want to apply these insights in practice?

    View Tennis Kids programmeAll tennis lessons
    Testimonials

    What Our Players Say

    Read experiences from players and parents who train at 359.tennis.

    4.9/ 5 stars · based on player & parent reviews
    Rate us on Google
    For over 10 years, we've been taking tennis lessons at 359.tennis and playing Saturday afternoon competition at TV De Kegel. We're a fun group of friends in the 50+ category. It's wonderful to be socially and athletically active together. The combination of lessons and competition truly keeps us together as a team.

    Petra Versluys

    Volwassenen — competitieteam zaterdagmiddag

    Our whole family plays at 359. The kids train on Saturday morning, and my wife and I joined the adult group. It's become our shared hobby in the Netherlands. The coaches speak English and the international atmosphere makes us feel right at home.

    Chen Wei & Lin

    Expat family — kids + adult program

    We started at 359.tennis as complete beginners. We wanted to learn tennis and have a regular weekly family activity. Now we take family group lessons together, and our daughter also trains in her own group. The best part is that it's not just a fun sport, but it truly strengthens our family bond.

    Familie Nakamura

    Familiegroepsles — samen als gezin tennissen

    View all reviews on Google

    Facts about 359.tennis

    Verifiable facts that distinguish 359.tennis as a professional tennis academy in the Amsterdam region.

    • Our coaches are nationally or internationally qualified (e.g. KNLTB, ITF, PTA, PTR) and engage in continuous development through the 359 Coach approach.
    • 359.tennis operates on 12 indoor and 14 outdoor courts at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Amstelveen — one of the largest and most professional tennis centres in the Netherlands.
    • Founded in 2005, with over 20+ years of continuous experience in professional tennis coaching.
    • Over 10.000+ players trained since founding — from complete beginners to competitive tournament players.
    • The 359 Method is a proprietary development model based on the Fit · Fun · Focus™ principle, focused on both athletic and personal growth.
    • Accessible from 15 municipalities including Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Amsterdam-Zuid, Hoofddorp, Aalsmeer and Uithoorn.