Tennis instruction comes in four basic types: recreational programs, group lessons, semi-private lessons, and private lessons. Each has its strengths, weaknesses, and suitabilities to different types of kids:
Recreational programs are usually run by a local recreation department or summer day camp that wants to expose a lot of kids to tennis. The USTA and similar organizations in other countries often provide generous support. The head instructor is most often a college-age player who wants a first experience at teaching tennis, but some programs use a high school coach, a parent who plays, or, more rarely, a professional instructor. The rest of the staff are usually people who have some playing experience and feel qualified to teach basic skills. The number of kids per court can range from two (rare) to twelve.
Advantages:
- Very low cost: usually between $0 and $3 per hour.
- Lots of companions.
- Very informal, very little pressure.
- Better programs emphasize fun, using a lot of big group games.
- Little or no commitment.
- Often have racquets to lend.
- Very little instructor time per student.
- Instruction may not be technically sound.
- Instructors may not know how to encourage and motivate.
- Very little hitting time per hour.
- Too much waiting for a turn can make tennis seem boring.
- Lack of individual attention can leave some students behind.
- Crowded conditions can be unsafe without careful planning and monitoring.
- Players completely new to the game. (As long as the rec program is good enough to be safe and fun.)
- Kids taking other lessons who want an additional chance to play.
- Families who can't afford more expensive instruction.
