Van Beginner Tennis Course

This beginner tennis course in Van, on the shore of Turkey's largest lake, opens the door to a healthy pursuit in this magnificent city of Eastern Anatolia. Even if you have never held a racket, our experienced instructors take you from the very basics. At easily accessible facilities around İpekyolu and Edremit, in small groups and with correct technique, you begin to savour tennis. Our aim is to prepare you for the joy of tennis and a healthy life.

Why start tennis in Van?

Van has a high-altitude, continental climate, with long cold winters and cool, short summers. The most productive time for outdoor courts is therefore late spring, summer and early autumn; in these months, playing tennis in the clean, cool air on the shore of Lake Van is a unique experience. During the long winter months, training continues without interruption at indoor facilities in the city center, so you are never left without a court in winter. Van's young population and the lively student community of Yüzüncü Yıl University are raising interest in sport and tennis. The areas along the Edremit shore support an active life.

What is in the training program?

The program is built entirely from zero. First you learn the basic grips: eastern for the forehand, continental for serve and volley, and one- or two-handed for the backhand. Then we move to correct stance, weight transfer and footwork, learning to reach the ball on time through the split-step, side shuffles and recovery steps. On the forehand we work on the backswing, torso rotation and forward swing; on the backhand, shoulder turn and a balanced finish. We introduce the serve with the ball toss, rhythm and basic motion. Through drills that develop hand-eye coordination you learn to meet the ball at the right time, along with court rules, lines and tennis's scoring system (15-30-40, advantage, set, match).

Safe practice at high altitude

Because of Van's high altitude, the body can tire more quickly; so we place special emphasis on warm-up and stretching at the start of every lesson, and prevent injuries by increasing the pace gradually and taking regular breaks. Slow balls are used for beginners. Suitable clothing and proper shoes in the cool air are also emphasised.

What awaits you in the first lesson?

Do not worry about day one; if you do not have a racket we provide equipment support and recommend suitable shoes. In small groups of up to six, the instructor attends to everyone one-on-one. In the first hour you get to know the court, try the basic stance and hit your first forehand with soft balls. Amid the clear air of Lake Van, most participants feel the joy of getting the ball over the net by the end of the first lesson.

Frequently asked questions

Participants in Van often ask whether the high altitude makes play harder; we increase the pace gradually, take regular breaks and place special emphasis on warm-up, so you stay comfortable until your body adjusts. Do not worry about equipment; a racket is provided. For those from İpekyolu and Edremit, lesson times are flexible. In the long winter we work indoors, so you can continue regularly year-round. The clean, cool air by Lake Van makes late spring and summer ideal for outdoor courts, and most who attend twice a week begin simple matches within a few months.

Who can join?

This course is for anyone curious about tennis, regardless of age or fitness. Students, workers, retirees and anyone looking for a new hobby can join Van's growing tennis community. With regular practice twice a week you reach a level within a few months where you can build a basic rally and play enjoyable matches with friends. Now is the perfect time to begin a healthy hobby in the unique atmosphere of Lake Van. Over time your endurance grows and, with the advantage of the high altitude, your fitness noticeably strengthens.