Naples • Beginner’s Guide

How to Start Playing Tennis in Naples, Florida (2026 Beginner’s Guide)

Last updated: December 2025

Naples can be an intimidating place to start playing tennis. You see immaculate clay courts, players decked out in white outfits, and seniors with decades of experience firing winners. But don't let the country club vibe scare you off. Naples is actually one of the best places in the world to learn, specifically because of those soft clay courts. This guide will show you how to go from zero to your first rally in paradise.

A beginner tennis player holding a racquet and ball on a clay court in Naples
Starting on Naples' Har-Tru (clay) courts is easier on the joints, making it perfect for adult beginners.

Step 1: The "Clay Court" Reality Check (Gear)

Before you step on a court at Cambier Park, you need to know that Naples is different. We play mostly on "Har-Tru" (green clay). This surface is softer, slower, and slippery.

  • The Shoes (CRITICAL): Do not wear running shoes. You will roll your ankle. You need specific "Clay Court Tennis Shoes." They have a herringbone tread that allows you to slide controllably without getting stuck.
  • The Racquet: Don't buy an expensive racquet yet. A standard, pre-strung beginner frame from a local shop is fine to start.
  • The Towel: Clay gets everywhere. Bring a towel to wipe sweat and clay off your hands between points.
Naples Etiquette: When playing on clay, it is customary to "sweep" the court with the provided drag-broom when you are finished to smooth it for the next players.

Step 2: Where to Hit Your First Ball

You don't need a $50,000 club membership to start. Naples has incredible public facilities that rival private clubs. The key is knowing where they are and how to book them.

We have compiled a complete list of the best spots in our guide to The 7 Best Public Tennis Courts in Naples. Start there to find a court near you.

Step 3: Navigating "Season" (The Snowbird Factor)

From November to April, the population of Naples explodes, and so does demand for tennis courts. Here is how a beginner survives "Season":

  • Play in the afternoon: The serious league players book the 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM slots. As a beginner, aim for 1:00 PM or later when courts open up.
  • Book ahead: Even at public parks like Cambier, you often need to call 24 hours ahead to reserve a court during season.

Step 4: The Fastest Way to Learn (Don't Just Watch YouTube)

Tennis is highly technical. Trying to learn solely from videos usually leads to bad habits (like a "waiter's tray" serve) that take months to fix later.

Because clay is slippery, learning proper footwork is even more important here than on hard courts. A private coach can teach you how to slide into a shot and recover balance—something you can't learn on an app.

Ready to Step onto the Clay?

We specialize in taking adult beginners and getting them rally-ready in just a few sessions, focusing specifically on the techniques needed for Naples' clay courts.

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FAQ for Naples Beginners

Is it too late to start playing in my 50s or 60s?

Absolutely not. Naples is perhaps the best city in America to start playing as an active adult. The clay courts are very forgiving on joints, and the community is full of players starting later in life.

Do I need a partner to start?

No. Private lessons are 1-on-1. Once you can rally, there are many local "Round Robins" where you can meet partners. (Keep an eye out for our upcoming guide on Naples Tennis Leagues!).