Welcome to the wonderful world of tennis. If you are looking for a way to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors, you have come to the right place. Our community believes that Reno is one of the best places in the country to pick up a racquet — with over 300 days of sunshine annually and a wide network of accessible public courts. Whether you are a total novice or haven’t played since high school, this guide will help you start playing in Reno with confidence.
What You Actually Need to Start
One of the biggest myths about tennis is that you need expensive equipment to begin. To get out on the court today, you only need three things:
Community tip: Don’t spend a fortune on high-end gear until you’ve spent a few weeks on the court and discovered what style of play you enjoy. Start simple and upgrade later.
Best Beginner-Friendly Courts in Reno
When you are just starting out, busy tennis centers can feel intimidating. Our community recommends starting at quieter neighborhood parks where you can practice at your own pace. For a full list of all public courts, see our Public Tennis Courts guide.
Our top pick for beginners. Features hitting walls so you can practice your swing solo without needing a partner on the other side of the net.
Quiet neighborhood vibe and easy parking make this an ideal low-pressure spot for your first practice sessions.
Beautiful riverside setting. Family-friendly with year-round restrooms and a playground nearby — great for bringing the kids along.
A lesser-known gem in Southeast Reno with 2 free public courts. Also popular for morning pickleball sessions — arrive early to secure a tennis spot.
Playing in Reno: Altitude & Wind
Playing tennis in Reno is a bit unique due to our high-desert environment. Two things every beginner needs to know:
The altitude: At 4,500 feet, the air is thinner which means the ball travels faster and bounces higher than at sea level. Don’t be frustrated if your first few hits fly further than expected — it is completely normal and you will adjust quickly.
The Washoe Zephyr: Reno’s famous afternoon winds typically peak between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. For beginners, our community strongly recommends morning sessions before 11:00 AM when the air is calmest and it is much easier to learn to control the ball.
Finding a Hitting Partner
Tennis is a social sport and finding someone at your level makes the learning process much more fun. Here is how our community connects:
Your Next Steps After the First Few Weeks
Once you have gotten comfortable with the basics, here is what our community recommends as natural next steps:
Frequently Asked Questions
Very little. Public courts in Reno are free to use. Your main costs are a basic racquet ($30–$60), a can of tennis balls ($5–$8), and a pair of non-marking athletic shoes. You can get started for under $100 total.
Not necessarily. Many players start by hitting at public parks and learning through practice. However, a few beginner lessons can help you avoid developing bad habits early on. The Reno Tennis Center at TennisNation.com offers Learn to Play programs specifically designed for newcomers.
Morning sessions before 11:00 AM are ideal. The Washoe Zephyr afternoon winds make ball control much harder for beginners. Morning hours are calmer, cooler, and give you the best conditions for learning.
Reno sits at about 4,500 feet above sea level. At this altitude, the air is thinner, which means the ball travels faster and bounces higher than at sea level. It takes a few sessions to adjust but most players adapt quickly. You can also switch to high-altitude tennis balls which are designed for these conditions.
Dick Taylor Memorial Park and the Reno Tennis Center at Plumas Park both have hitting walls where you can practice your strokes solo. Hitting walls are one of the best tools for beginners to build rhythm and consistency without needing a partner.
The easiest way is to show up at public courts during morning hours — Plumas Park and Wilkinson Park are good starting points. You can also join local WhatsApp or Facebook groups for Reno racquet sports to connect with other newcomers looking for a casual hit.