Do you have a budding little tennis player? Are you a former or current player who wants to share the game with your kid? When our son took an interest in tennis after observing people playing it on his way to swim class, I was secretly thrilled because while I love tennis, it was his own idea. Initially, I was completely unaware that so many places offer lessons starting before age five. When he turned four, I started looking into options and was pleasantly surprised to discover that numerous organizations do!
While I highly encourage everyone to check their local recreation centers, gyms, neighborhood swim and tennis/racquet clubs, and YMCAs, I know these can fill up quickly, require membership, or both. There are many additional places to find lessons and programs that best suit your child(ren’s) schedules, learning style, and interest level.
Tennis is a beautiful sport, and unlike many others, can be a lifelong one. It can be played competitively or socially, requires minimal equipment, and zero physical contact. Tennis helps develop hand-eye coordination, speed, agility, and stamina as well as mental fortitude (I’ve heard it compared to chess in terms of strategy). Best of all, it’s just FUN.
Here are some options for tennis lessons for kids if your child is ready to give it a try!
Washington, D.C.:
Rock Creek Tennis Center is located at The William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C., and has a junior program for ages 5 – 17. They focus on building fundamentals while keeping it fun. You can opt for private or semi-private lessons, which are available year-round thanks to the large facility which includes a total of 25 outdoor courts and five heated indoor courts. (5220 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20011)
East Potomac Tennis Center, the sister program to RCTC, EPTC provides the same offerings above, located at the East Potomac Park courts (both indoor and outdoor) near Hains Point across from the Wharf. (1090 Ohio Drive, SW Washington, DC)
TGA of North DC is offering Fall tennis clinics for ages 3.5 – 10 years old at Friendship “Turtle” Park, as well as private lessons, and clinics for 8 and up at Hearst Park. Their focus is fostering an active and healthy lifestyle by combining athletics, academics and life lessons with the game.
WTEF (Washington Tennis and Education Foundation) offers programs at two locations: the West Campus which includes courts at The William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, and the East Campus courts at Ward 7 across the Anacostia from RFK Stadium. These tennis enrichment programs include Tiny Tots, and Development and Performance for youth ages 4 to 18.
Maryland:
JTCC located in College Park has junior programs for ages 3 and up. The program allows children to develop their interest in the sport while helping them achieve their full potential. Classes and schedules are flexible, and they stress that whether your child wants to play for fun, exercise, or compete at different levels, there is a place for everyone.
Bethesda Tennis Academy operates out of three to five clubs depending on the season, but you do not have to be a club member and has lessons and programs for all kids ages 4 – 16. The BTA touts all USPTA certified coaches and is known for progressive improvement of its players.
Pass Academy is a prominent, well-recognized tennis academy for those who want to pursue a truly competitive edge. The lessons are held at the Bullis Tennis Center in Potomac, Maryland. Junior programs start with the PA’s “Tiny Tots” ages 5-6, and progress up to age 14, before the high school varsity clinics.
Virginia:
Tennis Central provides exceptional programs beginning as young as three years old through adulthood. During Spring, Summer and Fall, they offer private, group, and even family lessons. Tennis central has a robust summer camp program for ages 3 to 12 as well. Tennis lessons are held at three locations: Arlington and Mclean in Virginia, as well as Bethesda, Maryland. (For busy parents, they also have a home courts program where instructors can come to you.)
ASM Tennis Academy The philosophy at ASM is to ensure a well-balanced environment and enjoyable atmosphere while learning tennis traditions and fair play. The junior programs which include ages 5 – 8 follow the USTA Progressive System (red, orange, green ball levels), and are available at various courts in Alexandria, Arlington, and Mclean.
What Does My Child Need to Play?
(Very little!)
Comfortable athletic wear
Good court shoes
Water
Visor or hat, and sunscreen
Enjoy!
Tennis can be as casual or serious as you make it. My son’s interest and enjoyment in the sport has renewed my love for it: I picked up my racket and hit the courts for the first time in years. The best thing, however, has been watching him really enjoy learning a game he can take with him for years to come. As always, the most important thing is to have fun!
If your family has a favorite place with tennis lessons for kids that it isn’t on this list, we’d love to hear about it!