Doyouplay. From PTLA teamWelcome to Doyouplay. From the team behind PlayTennisLALearn more
Doyouplay. From PTLA teamWelcome to Doyouplay. From the team behind PlayTennisLALearn more
They're the heartbeat of American tennis — 13 million players who make tennis a priority, hitting courts 10+ times yearly. Meet the core players who've made tennis a lifestyle.
Core tennis players form the backbone of tennis communities across America
In a world of fleeting fitness trends and abandoned New Year's resolutions, 13 million Americans have found something different. They've discovered an activity so compelling, so rewarding, so perfectly suited to their lives that they show up again and again — at least 10 times every year, often much more.
These are tennis's core players, and they represent something remarkable in modern America: a community united not by demographics or geography, but by a shared passion that transcends age, income, and background. They're the teachers and CEOs, retirees and college students, parents and singles who've made tennis an unshakeable part of their identity.
What drives someone to become a core tennis player? What transforms a casual recreational activity into a cornerstone of life? And perhaps most importantly — how can you join their ranks and experience the profound benefits that come with truly committing to tennis?
Highly committed players
Moderate participants
Casual or new players
Core players represent just 51% of all tennis players but generate over 75% of all court time and drive the growth of tennis communities nationwide.
Source: USTA Tennis Participation Report 2024
7.8M
Regular commitment level
3.5M
Serious commitment level
1.7M
Dedicated commitment level
The magic threshold appears to be 10 sessions per year — about once a month. Beyond this point, players experience a fundamental shift in their relationship with tennis. It stops being something they "do" and becomes something they "are."
The benefits of tennis aren't linear — they're exponential. Playing 2x per month yields 3-4x the benefits of playing occasionally.
Understanding the key motivations that keep players engaged long-term.
Physical health and social connections are the top drivers for sustained engagement.
1-2 times per month — testing the waters, usually with friends or in beginner programs.
2-3 times per month — crossing the core player threshold, tennis becomes routine.
1-3+ times per week — tennis becomes central to identity and social life.
"I started playing tennis to network with clients. Three years later, I play 4 times a week and it's become my primary stress outlet. My tennis partners are now my closest friends, and I've never been in better shape."
Playing frequency: 4x per week • Journey: Networking → Core lifestyle • Main benefit: Stress management
"After retirement, I needed structure and social connection. Tennis gave me both. I play doubles three times a week with the same group — we've become like family. It's kept me young."
Playing frequency: 3x per week • Journey: Retirement activity → Core lifestyle • Main benefit: Social connection
"Tennis is my 'me time' away from work and kids. I play early mornings twice a week religiously. It's better than therapy — I come home energized and happy. My family knows not to mess with tennis time!"
Playing frequency: 2x per week • Journey: Personal time → Core routine • Main benefit: Mental health
Becoming a core player isn't about talent or natural ability — it's about consistency, community, and commitment to improvement. Here's how to make the transition.
Core tennis players aren't born — they're made. Every single one of the 13 million started exactly where you are now, wondering if tennis was worth the time and effort. What they discovered is that tennis isn't just an activity, it's a life enhancement.
The transformation from casual player to core player happens gradually, then suddenly. One day you realize you're planning your week around tennis, booking courts weeks in advance, and genuinely missing the sport when you can't play. That's when you know you've joined the ranks of tennis's true believers.
Whether you're one of the 6.3 million newcomers just starting your tennis journey or someone who plays occasionally and wants to deepen their commitment, the path to core player status is clear: show up consistently, embrace the community, and let tennis work its magic.
Take the first step toward making tennis a cornerstone of your life. Find regular playing partners and start your core player journey today.
Location: Brooklyn
looking to play in brooklyn
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Have tennis lined up for the week but open for the weekend.
Location: Barrio Viejo
Looking to play at Vermont canyon 11am Tuesday- Friday
Location: Sherman Oaks
Playing at VNSO this Sunday
Location: Metrocenter/North Rhodes Park
Playing at Echo Park tomorrow Thursday from 8 am till 12 noon / Doubles or singles
Location: Rancho Park
Any 3.0-3.5 players free to play this weekend?
Location: Del Aire
I typically just rally and don't play sets. I'm in El Segundo so I play anywhere from South Bay to Santa Monica. Ready to play Today!!
Singles tomorrow at or around 5pm????
currently have torn rotator cuff -cant play
Location: Pasadena
Interested in rallies, marches, singles, doubles… just want to play and have fun!
Location: Los Angeles
About a 2.5. Love doubles but play singles, as well.
Location: Wilshire Montana
Would love a hit tomorrow between 11am and 3pm at the Christine Emerson Reed Tennis Courts in Santa Monica!
Hi! Anyone free to play tomorrow (Monday) after 2pm but before 6pm? Poinsettia preferable but Vermont or Riverside ok. 4.0+
Location: South Los Angeles
Anyone wanna play Sunday around noon?
Location: Los Angeles
4.0 Doubles anyone?
Location: Marina Del Rey
Looking to hit today, I have courts I can book for free in Marina Del Rey. I am available from 3pm and 5:30pm
Location: West Los Angeles
Looking for a 3.5-4.0 player for today 05/01 from 3PM-5PM at Cheviot Hills. Court is ready! Sorry for the last minute
Location: Northeast Los Angeles
Will be at Hermon Park early morning practicing serves. Anyone up to rally from 9-11am?
Location: Castle Heights
Anyone 3 to 4 available to rally at 6pm in Marvista??
Looking to play doubles —need one at ladera park at 4 pm text me at 4158660676
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