If you live in an area where public courts are available and you can play outdoors year-round, court time is free. If you're in a colder climate, though, you can stretch your outdoor season with a little hardiness and creativity. As long as the courts aren't covered with snow, I'll go out in any weather to play. You can get a used net for around $20. If your local courts don't leave the net cranks up in the winter, get a "come-along" (portable winch) for around $20, and you're all set to put up your own net after the public courts have taken theirs down. Get a pair of gardening gloves with the little rubber spots all over the front, and you'll be able to grip your racquet comfortably in 30-degree weather. It's pretty invigorating to play in the cold.
If 30 degrees is too chilly for you, and you must play indoors, sign up as a sub for as many of the local leagues as you can. A lot of clubs won't charge you for your play as a sub, and you'll probably get more calls than you need.
Lessons
Inexpensive private or semi-private lessons are pretty rare, but you can get some good, though less intensive, instruction in low-cost group lessons. The USPTA Tennis Across America program offers free instruction as a special annual event. You can also pick up some good tips from the resources listed in my Instruction section.
If you're on a budget, the last thing you want to do is buy an inappropriate racquet. See the Racquet FAQ for answers to the most important questions you should consider.
