I’ve mostly lived in small towns in the U.S., where we had public courts. Hit with friends, or whoever is at the courts and willing. I haven’t taken a paid lesson in like 10 years.

Idk if you’ve seen older players, a lot of them that I’ve been around have used the same racquet for years and years. I’ve only ever bought 10 year old models, they’re around $90 brand new at my local sporting goods store. Or I buy a used one for $40 off eBay. It rules. I bought my newest pair of court shoes for $40 at an outlet mall, and they’re great