Should You Take Group or Private Tennis Lessons?

Whether you’ve found a dusty old racket in your garage or have decided to invest in mastering a new skill, tennis lessons are a great idea for everyone from casual players to children who are potential future pros. You don’t need to be devoted to benefit from the occasional lesson either. Taking even one or two just to get you started can greatly improve your game, provide you with some valuable safety tips, and help you maximize your workout.

If you’re just starting out and unsure about how much time you will spend playing, group tennis lessons are affordable and fun options. You’ll be paired with others of a similar skill level so there won’t be any fear of embarrassment. You’re also likely to meet up with some potential playing partners, which is a great help if you are going to be learning on your own.
Playing against the wall, after all, isn’t nearly as challenging or fun. You can often buy a package of several for the same price of just one or two private sessions, and meetings tend to be flexible and offered throughout the week at different times. If you miss one session, most will allow you to reschedule if the instructor is given sufficient notice. It is important to understand the rules of paying and arriving to sessions as they can differ depending on location and teacher. You can pin down the basics in as little as a month as well as find a new workout buddy, which makes it a great investment for beginners.

Some people, even beginners, think that group tennis lessons aren’t worth it. True, you won’t get as much one-on-one time with an instructor for specific corrections or help with your technique, but in the early stages this won’t be much of an issue. You also will be running around the court much less, which is beneficial for those who might be out of shape. For many novice players, just being able to watch others hit the ball and return it a few times can also be a valuable lesson.

If you’ve already mastered some basics but are finding yourself having increasing difficulty playing games, private tennis lessons are the best way to go. Prices can range greatly depending on the skill and reputation of the teacher, but that doesn’t mean one that charges $50 a lesson is any less qualified than one who charges $200 for an hour. It’s best to find one whose work ethics, skill, and teaching methods mesh with your standards and expectations. Since the price can be high, consider limiting sessions to only once a month of a few times a year. You should also be sure to be on time and warm up beforehand so you can be certain not to waste a moment. Be sure to explain your goals to the instructor so you ensure you are getting what you pay for and not something that you’ve already covered previously or feel that you can work out on your own time.