A Smile at the End of the Racket
Published: September 3, 2026
※For this article, we conducted a follow-up interview and will focus on new initiatives and changes that have taken place since our previous coverage.
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna: A Place Where Beginners and Experienced Players Can Enjoy Tennis in Their Own Way
Just a few minutes from Minami-Suna Station, HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna sits on the rooftop of Toprecc Plaza.
I recently visited the school for the first time in about three years and observed a Beginner-Intermediate class.
The sound of tennis balls striking rackets echoed across the court. Fast-paced rallies and powerful strokes continued one after another.
“…Everyone here is really good.”
That was my first impression.
Yet despite the impressive level of play, the atmosphere was remarkably relaxed.
Smiles, conversation, and encouragement came naturally throughout the lesson.
It quickly became clear that this was not only a place where people come to improve their tennis. It was also a place where people come to enjoy it.
To learn more about what makes HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna special today, I spoke with staff member Jo.
▲Toprecc Plaza is a large shopping complex with a variety of facilities. HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna is located on its rooftop.
Before You Know It, 80 Minutes Have Passed
The Beginner-Intermediate class I observed that day lasted 80 minutes.
The lesson began with warm-up exercises.
After loosening up, the players moved on to rallies, volleys, and forehand and backhand practice. They then worked on approach shots and volleys, followed by partner exercises.
After that came longer rallies, serve practice, and finally match-style play.
What surprised me was how many different types of practice were included in a single lesson.
Whenever Jo explained the next exercise, the players listened and then moved into position to begin.
And yet, despite the variety of activities, the lesson never felt rushed.
Short breaks were built in between each exercise, giving everyone a chance to catch their breath before moving on.
Listen to Jo’s explanation. Practice. Take a short break. Then move on to the next exercise.
The rhythm felt so natural that I found myself completely absorbed in watching.
At one point, I thought, “It must have only just started.”
Before I knew it, the lesson was already nearing its end.
The title says it best: before you know it, 80 minutes have passed.
▲HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna has two full-size courts and one half court. Beginners and experienced players alike can enjoy tennis at a level that suits them.
A Lesson Where Everyone Is the Star
Another thing that stood out was how little time the players spent simply waiting for their turn.
Of course, there was time to listen to explanations, but most of the lesson involved actually moving and hitting the ball.
Players chased after balls, kept rallies going, and called out to their partners as they focused on the exercise in front of them.
Rather than simply having little waiting time, it felt as though everyone had plenty of time to actually hit the ball.
The way the court was used also helped keep everyone involved. While one group practiced on the main part of the court, players could work on forehands and backhands in the space at the back.
At the end of each exercise, everyone collected the balls together and took a short break.
Then Jo explained the next activity, and everyone headed back into position.
What made the lesson particularly memorable was the balance between enjoyment and concentration.
Players encouraged one another. A missed shot would sometimes bring a spontaneous laugh. Conversation came naturally during the breaks.
Yet when Jo started explaining the next exercise, everyone listened carefully.
Once practice resumed, their attention immediately returned to the court.
There were smiles.
There was focus.
Seeing those two things exist so naturally side by side left a lasting impression on me.
▲Jo explains the next exercise while the players listen carefully.
▲Practicing rallies, watching the ball and returning each shot at a steady pace.
▲Practicing backhand strokes.
▲Working on forehands and backhands as Jo feeds the balls.
A Place Where Beginners Can Start with Confidence
Watching the lesson, it was easy to assume that most of the participants had years of tennis experience.
However, Jo told me something surprising.
“More than half of our new members are either completely new to tennis or have only played a little in the past.”
HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna offers several levels of adult classes:
・First Time
・Beginner
・Beginner-Intermediate
・Intermediate
・Intermediate-Advanced
・Advanced
Those who have never played tennis before can start with the First Time class.
After a trial lesson, they can also be guided toward a class that matches their level.
And the options don’t stop with adult classes.
There is also a class for seniors aged 65 and over. The lessons are 50 minutes long, making them easier for people who want to stay active for their health and well-being.
The school also has a wide range of classes for children.
There are classes for preschoolers, as well as J1 through J5 classes for elementary school students, with levels divided according to age and ability.
Children can gradually move up through the levels as they grow and develop their skills.
There is even a Family Class for parents whose children attend classes from Kids through J5.
A child might start playing tennis, and before long, their parent may find themselves stepping onto the court too.
Age, experience, and motivation vary from person to person.
For someone thinking, “I’d like to try tennis,” one of the school’s greatest strengths is that they can begin at a level that feels right for them.
▲While a lesson takes place on the main part of the court, another practice session is held in the space at the back, making effective use of the available space.
▲After each exercise, everyone helps collect the balls. Even a single practice session uses a surprising number of balls.
From Exercise to a Passion for Tennis
People begin playing tennis for many different reasons.
Some want to get more exercise.
Some want to stay healthy.
Others want to return to a sport they enjoyed years ago.
“Many people come here simply to get some exercise,” Jo explained. “And then some of them end up getting hooked on tennis.”
At first, they may simply want to move their bodies a little.
Then, once they manage to keep a rally going for a few more shots, it becomes fun.
As they find themselves returning more and more balls, they start wanting to challenge themselves further.
For some, that eventually develops into a more competitive interest in the sport.
The philosophy of HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna can be summed up in three simple words:
“ENJOY TENNIS.”
As Jo put it:
“The most important thing is whether you can enjoy it.”
▲Before serve practice, Jo explains how to hit a serve while the players listen.
▲The players practice their serves.
Lessons Designed by Individual Coaches
At HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna, coaches are given considerable freedom when it comes to planning their lessons.
“Each coach has their own style,” Jo says.
Some coaches begin with serve practice, while others place more emphasis on getting players to hit plenty of balls from the beginning.
Rather than following a rigid manual, coaches design their lessons while observing the needs and atmosphere of each class.
As a result, even members attending the same school can experience different teaching styles depending on their coach.
That variety may be another part of what makes continuing to attend enjoyable.
Recently, the school has also been incorporating exercises that focus on movement during actual matches into its rally practice, followed by point-based drills.
The school also holds game events for members.
When members say they want more opportunities to play matches, the school responds by organizing events dedicated to game play.
▲The lesson ends with match-style play, giving players a chance to put their practice into action.
▲After the lesson, Jo and the players take a moment to look back on the day’s practice together.
For Families, Individuals, and Different Lifestyles
The school’s members come from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds.
Weekday daytime classes attract many homemakers and parents with young children, while evening classes are popular among people in their 30s and 40s attending after work.
Some members are also people from overseas who live in Japan.
The school offers several systems that make it easier for families to attend together.
In addition to family discounts, family members can transfer unused make-up lesson tickets to one another. If one family member cannot use a ticket, another can use it instead, making it easier to continue attending.
If you need to miss a lesson or want to arrange a make-up lesson, you can also complete the procedure online 24 hours a day.
A new general class starting at 6:30 p.m. was introduced last year, making it easier for people to attend after work.
For anyone thinking about starting tennis, another attractive feature is the availability of rental equipment.
Both rackets and tennis shoes are available to rent free of charge, so there is no need to purchase everything before your first lesson.
If you have ever wondered what you need to get started, the answer may be simpler than expected.
Just wear comfortable clothes and step onto the court.
Trial lessons are also available.
▲Rackets are available to rent free of charge. There is no need to purchase a racket when starting tennis.
▲Tennis shoes are also available to rent free of charge. You can get started without having to bring your own equipment.
There Is a Smile at the End of Every Racket
People come to HIT Tennis School Minami-Suna for all kinds of reasons.
To get some exercise.
To find a new hobby.
To enjoy a sport with their family.
To work up a sweat after work.
Or simply because they want to enjoy tennis itself.
The people on the courts may all have different goals, but once they step onto the same court, they can share the experience of hitting a ball back and forth.
Someone who originally came just to get a little exercise may eventually find themselves completely absorbed in a rally.
Someone who played tennis years ago may pick up a racket again and discover a new kind of enjoyment.
And someone who has never played before may return again and again until they find themselves thinking, “Tennis is actually really fun.”
There is no single right way to enjoy tennis.
You can start from your very first step, at your own pace.
Where your tennis journey goes from there is up to you.
▲The reception counter is located immediately in front of the elevator.
▲Jo (right) and Takiura (left) at the reception counter.
After the Interview
The first thing that struck me during this visit was how skilled everyone appeared.
I had been told it was a Beginner-Intermediate class, so I wondered what kind of lesson I would see. But watching the rallies and strokes, I quickly realized just how seriously everyone was playing.
But after watching for a while, another impression became even stronger.
Everyone looked like they were genuinely enjoying themselves.
One moment, they were completely focused on chasing down a ball. Then, during a break, conversation would naturally start.
Once practice began again, everyone would immediately return their focus to the court.
Jo told me many things during the interview, but the words that stayed with me most were:
“The most important thing is whether you can enjoy it.”
Before this visit, I thought of a tennis school primarily as a place where people go to improve their skills.
After observing the lesson, I came away with a different perspective.
People can begin tennis to exercise.
They can start with family members.
They can return to a sport they loved years ago.
The reason for starting does not really matter.
What matters is taking that first step.
And I couldn’t help but smile when Jo told me that his own journey into tennis began after he attended an information session because of the offer of a 500-yen QUO prepaid gift card.
You never know what might become the beginning of something important.
“Starting for the first time” does not mean knowing nothing. It means standing at the moment when something new is about to begin.
On the courts that day, I saw both serious expressions and genuine smiles.
And at the end of every racket was not just a tennis ball, but a different way of enjoying the sport and the time that can grow from it.
▲A commemorative photo with Jo.
※Information is based on July 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
