Tennis Lessons
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Good first time tennis camp for 6YO?
June 2011
My son who will be 6YO in May wants to take tennis lessons. I was thinking a
fun Summer tennis camp would be a good way to get him introduced to the
game. I'm looking at Aztec Tennis on Hopkins and the tennis camp at Aurora
School in Oakland. Any feedback on these two. Any others I should
consider?
Thanks!
Anon Mom
We have used Carlton and Aztec for three years and are very pleased.
We had a great experience with Clairmont Country Club tennis camp. Not as expensive
as many others and the kids get to swim as well.
Reenie
My child did one or two summer sessions at Aztec, a few years ago, and both times my
child found the classes overly-large, and the children seemed to do a lot of waiting
in line to have their turn to hit. The local tennis clubs (the Claremont and
Berkeley Tennis Club) seem to have a very high enrollment, too).
As well, I didn't like the lack of supervision during the break--the kids seem to run
all over the Hopkins park without adults within earshot.
On the recommendations of other tennis families, my child enrolled in AceFace Tennis.
http://www.acefacetennis.com/page8/page29/page29.html
Ace Face is conscientiously run by Nate and another man, and their support staff
(college and/or high school players) seem great and devoted. Kids really learn to
play tennis. They're not just being warehoused. I think that half-day and full-day
options are available as well as different price structures, depending on how many
days a week your child attends. There are camps offered at the Bentley High courts
in Lafayette and at some park in El Cerrito, although the summer camp may be limited
to Bentley. There is also year-round tennis with Ace Face.
I'm a tennis player, myself, and was impressed with the quality of instruction and
the intimacy of the program. Nate is a great guy who runs a fine program.
Anon
Tennis Lessons for 6 year old
June 2011
I am looking for some updated recommendations for tennis
lessons for children in the Berkeley/Albany area. If you
have had a good experience with private lessons or clinics
for little kids (6 - 7 years old), I would appreciate your
suggestions.
Berkeley Mom
I'm a certified tennis instructor, I live in Berkeley with my wife and
kids, and can recommend two different places/organizations hosting
tennis camps for young children. The first is hosted by UC Berkeley and
Men's Tennis Coach Peter Wright. I don't know any details re the camp
but I do know Peter and he's a stand-up guy, so his camp must be good.
The other place is the Berkeley Tennis Club (BTC) in south Berkeley off
of Ashby Ave., where I'll be working as a tennis instructor this summer.
BTC's tennis camps for kids including wee ones, are available t/o summer
and are run by Lynne Rolley, who has an outstanding reputation. I helped
teach the last couple of sessions of their spring clinics for young kids
and it's a good format -- informal, active, the kids have fun and are
kept busy with instruction but also lots of emphasis on games and
running around.
A.
Child-friendly tennis instructor in Berkeley/Oakland
Nov 2010
Appreciate
recommendation for tennis instructor/s from Berkeley Tennis
Club or other club/s in Oakland. Would like a child-friendly
instructor.
Thanks.
tennis
Try Peter Benko in Berkeley. www.azetectennis.com before you
try anybody else. He charges a reasonable rate and he is
very social.
Contact Peter Benko for Lessons.
Email : benkotennis@aol.com or
call @ 510-798-7561 or 510-644-9600
He teaches in public courts on Hopkins St and he has lots of
kids as well as adults. He also works with the Berkeley
High School Girls Team sometimes. He could connect your kid
with other kids to play as well.
From 2007-2009, I coached the Piedmont High Girls JV Team.
I can help also if you would like, but I am not a certified
Pro.
I am a Berkeley Tennis Club member as well. You can call me
if you want more info.
Kenny
For anyone looking for a wonderful tennis instructor in
Berkeley Peter Benko is fantastic with adults and little
kids. He is a gifted teacher, observes well, hears your
needs and has a way with teaching the skills. From tiny tots
to high level adults. He truly cares! Contact me for more
information. Holly
Tennis lessons for 6 year old
Jan 2010
Can anyone recommend a tennis
instructor for a 6 year old boy? Preferably in Berkeley, Albany or El Cerrito.
Thanks.
Our family connected with Jim Robinson [408-449-7720] when
we purchased a lesson with him via our school's silent
auction. We've had sporadic lessons with him since the
Fall, about once a week, and my 8 year old son is enjoying
it and improving. Plus, as it's usually private or
semi-private, he doesn't get anxious about playing with kids
he doesn't know. [the main reason it's been hard to get him
involved in a sport]
Jim has been very patient with us, and he's great with kids
who respond well to someone who's able to be silly and
funny, yet also teach the game.
The one drawback, which isn't much of one, is that he's a
little hard to get a regular schedule out of. But for the
most part, it's been a really great experience. Oh, and to
top it off, he gives me lessons too, while my son gets them,
so I'm getting some needed exercise!
-jmf
7-year-old is asking for tennis class
Sept 2009
My son who is going to turn 7 in a week has been asking for tennis
class for years. He attended Neighborhood school in Kensington for
his preschool and enjoyed learning tennis so much that he wants to
continue it. Yes, it's been 4 years and he is still askng for it so
I figure he really wants it. Does anyboday know any tennis lesson
for that age group?
City of Albany recreation department has a kids tennis program
that runs all year. I'm not sure what the minimum age is, but
the instructor might be flexible if your child can keep up with the group. My kids
attended summer sessions and enjoyed the program.
annon
My then 7-year-old had a good experience at a spring break tennis camp last year at
the Claremont Resort & Spa. He had never played tennis before and he is not that
athletic. He learned enough to be able to return balls across the net with decent
looking form and he had fun, too. You don't have to be a member of the Claremont (we
aren't). The class was 9-4 and you can pay a few dollars extra to have them order
their lunch at the poolside grill, which is a Big Treat. In the summer, they have
tennis in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. It was not that expensive
compared to other camps I've used.
Ginger
I have two recommendations for you: The first is Chuck Bleckinger. He and his wife
use to own Bleckinger's Tennis Store on San Pablo in El Cerrito until a few years ago
when they retired. He's still teaching and has coached several junior teams in the
past. His number is:510-223-2483 or 510- 691-6308. He's highly recommended by the El
Cerrito Tennis Club and a USTA professional.
The second is Marvin Samuels, MAS1TENIS@AOL.com,
a USTA professional who has taught in the El Cerrito
area for a while. He is also recommended by the El
Cerrito Tennis Club. Please give them a try.
tennislover
May 2009: Tennis lessons for moms & kids together?
Some friends and I are looking for a tennis instructor to teach
us and our daughters, who range in age from 10 to 16. We thought
it would be fun to take lessons as our own class of about 6 to 8
people. Most existing classes seem to be divided by age group,
though. We live in North Berkeley. Suggestions appreciated!
Wanna-be tennis player
Heather Andersen is a great Tennis coach and teacher and her specialty is women
and children. Her daughters, exclusively coached by her when younger, are
excellent tennis players. She taught my children a couple of years ago and I was
very impressed by her. She is a warm, professional gal from the South who is
passionate about tennis. She has taught in Oakland/Berkeley but is now coaching
at Sleepy Hollow Swim and Tennis Club in Orinda -I'm sure she does private
lessons as well. She can be reached through the Club's main # : 925.254.1126
Luv tennis
Aug 2008: Tennis lessons for 7 year-old?
I am looking for a tennis class for my 7 year-old son. He has never
played but is very interested in learning. I'd like to find a low-key
environment where group lessons are offered once a week. I am not
interested in private lessons at this time. Berkeley or North Oakland
location preferred. Thanks!
Contact Berkeley Parks and Recreation Department. I took their adult
beginner tennis lessons with instructor Jim Edwards, who teaches
Tuesday/Thursday at Willard Park. I think he's Berkeley's best-kept
secret. He is just amazing as an instructor and a truly wonderful person.
The kids class was just before my class and I thought he was great with
the kids. I think the kids lessons start at 8 years old, but talk to the
Parks & Rec department if your child is an older 7 in case it's
negotiable. I think the main thing is that they need to be mature enough
to pay attention and follow instructions.
L
May 2008: Need Tennis Teacher for 10 yrs old boy
I am looking for a tennis teacher for my 10yr old son for
individual lessons. He has been taking group classes for the
past 3 yrs. We live in the San Pablo area - any recommendations
would be appreciated.
manda
I'd try calling Lakeridge Athletic Club in El Sobrante. They
have competitive tennis teams - part of the USTA. They're
offering tennis camp every other week during the summer.
Maybe they can recommend someone. The number is 222-2500.
Happy Lakeridge Member
Jan 2008: Tennis (group) lessons for 9 year old
The lessons offered at Albany Rec. on Mondays are not a good time for
us. Anyone have any recommendations? I am looking for group lessons,
not individual. My son turns 9 in April. Thanks!
There are tennis clinics for kids Monday thru Thursday at
the Clairmont...and you don't have to be a member. Its drop
in, $18 a class. The junior program clinics ages 7-16 is
from 4:15 to 6:15 Mon-Thurs
Contact the tennis office at 510 549-8517 ext 852
Just register and show up.
anon
Try Aztectennis.com - They teach classes at the courts on
Hopkins St. near King Middle School. There are no fixed
sessions; you buy 6 classes at a time and can join the
beginners' class at any time. Our 10 tear old had a good
time there before she decided to concentrate on swimming.
soccerstepdad
April 2007: Tennis lessons for 4 year old boy
My son just turned 4 and I would like him to take tennis lessons. Does anyone know of a good place that you
would really recommend where they would teach kids his age? We live in San Ramon so, the closer to this area,
the better.
Thanks a lot.
Tennis mom
This isn't close to you at all, but just in case. . . My 4.5 y/o son has
taken tennis lessons from ''Alex'' at his Kensington preschool for the
past 18 months. It's set up through the preschool, but I know that the
instructor works through the Kensington Parks & Rec dept as well. He's
been working there forever and claims that his best players started at the
preschool age and continued. My son, and the rest of the kids, seem to
love him and look forward to tennis day.
Nov 2006: Tennis Teacher for 8 yo Beginner
My 8-yr old took tennis at camp this past summer (50 min./day for 3 weeks)
and wants to continue. The person who taught her this summer agreed to
teach her starting in Sept., but my repeated emails/calls about lessons
have gone unanswered. My daughter is eager to learn the sport, energetic,
and relatively coordinated. Can anyone recommend a teacher in Berkeley who
is knowledgeable, good at teaching kids this age (i.e. encouraging instead
of badgering), reasonably priced, and reliable?
Jay
My daughter goes to drop-in tennis classes weekend mornings, 10-
11 am, at Bentley High School in Lafayette. On weekend mornings you can get there
from Berkeley in 10-15 minutes. The kids are ages 6-9 and the coaches, Dan and Jimmy,
are really great. Pay
$15 each time your daughter attends. Email Dan at dangoeriz@yahoo.com if you have
questions --Liz
You want Alex Brown. He's wonderful with children and a super-nice guy:
alex.brown3@comcast.net Jane
March 2005: Tennis lessons for 5-year-old
I am looking into tennis lessons for my 5 year old. Does
anyone know where they offer group or private classes for
children that young? Thanks!
anon
Try the Orinda Community Center classes. They are offering
tennis lessons for children as young as 5 yrs old. You can find
the info at http://www.ci.orinda.ca.us/parksandrec/3Classes.html
on the internet. Good luck.
Maya
Albany Rec. Tiny Tots Tennis (age 4-5), Tue and Thur afternoon
in the spring. Also summer classes. Phone: (510)524-9283
R..K.
1999: Classes for 4-year-old
My son is 4 years old and he would like to practice tennis. Are there
good
and fun
tennis lessons for this age in Berkeley or Albany ? (we live in North
Berkeley).
Thanks for your recommendations.
Anne
For the person inquiring about Tennis classes for a 4 year old: Roxanne
Rohan is a great instructor who has a wonderful way with children. I was
particularly impressed with the way she handled some difficulties my son
had
when he was taking classes with her. She has also been involved with
community tennis events in El Cerrito. I'm not sure if she has classes for 4
year olds, but she has many ongoing classes. You can leave a voice mail
for
her at 451-0825, box 3.
Brenda
March 2003: Classes for an 8-year-old
We would like to have our 8 year old daughter take tennis lessons.
We have access to a court, and would ideally like someone who
could come to our house. However, we would also be willing to go
to the lessons. I looked at the recommendations on the website
(2), but could not tell if the instructors mentioned specialized
in teaching children or not. Also, we would like an instructor in
the Berkeley area.
Roger
Recommended:
Claremont Resort
Tennis league for beginners?
March 2011
I have taken tennis classes, but don't have a lot of people to
play/practice with. I'd like to join some sort of league/group with
other beginners (female preferred). Know of any?
Tennis mom
Start at this link http://www.ustanorcal.com
Once you have a USTA rating, then league play should be easier to find.
The other option is join a tennis club. El Cerrito has a tennis club,
without an actual club. google it. they also have a Saturday morning
''hacker'' drop in tennis group. hope that gets you started. Welcome to
the world of tennis!
anon
Affordable Tennis Lessons?
Feb 2011
Can anyone recommend an affordable tennis instructor that will give
lessons at one of the public courts in the North Berkeley/Albany
area?
I've played tennis most of my life but have taken the last few years
off and am looking to get back into the game.
Thanks - Jenny M
Try the City of Berkeley:
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Parks_Rec_Waterfront/Level_3__-General/tennislessons2011.pdf
Tana
Want to learn how to play tennis
June 2006
I'd like to learn to play tennis but I've literally never
picked up a racket in my life. Does anyone have a good
recommendation for instructors, either private or small group,
who don't charge a fortune?
Is anyone of similar in-experience interested in learning with
me for that matter?
Thanks!
Rachel
Sign up for the lessons offered by City of Berkeley Parks & Recreation. They have
lessons for kids and adults, and Jim Edwards is an exceptional teacher and a
wonderful person. The schedules are convenient (you can choose morning, evening,
or Saturday), and the cost ends up being around $8 per hour. The classes I took
only had 6-8 people in them.
I am not athletic, and a slow learner at Tennis, but the main thing is that it was such
a great experience. My husband and I signed up together in a simple effort to
reform our couch-potato lifestyle. We received so much more than expected. Over
the course of a couple years, we signed up for around eight 5-week sessions
(repeating the beginner session a few times until I felt comfortable, then moving on
to Advanced Beginner). Now we absolutely love tennis, and are thrilled to have this
sport in common.
June 2005: Tennis Instructor/Class for Adult Novices
I'd like to take private tennis lessons with my husband and would
love a recommendation for a great tennis instructor. I'd also
appreciate a recommendation for group adult tennis classes in
case we take that route. We're flexible and can take classes in
Oakland, San Leandro and parts of Berkeley.
R
A few years ago I took some group beginner lessons through the
Oakland Parks & Rec at Montclair Park. One hour twice a week.
It was good. I think that Piedmont Parks & Rec also offers
classes, too.
April 2004: Tennis instructor for adult who played a lot in the past
My boyfriend is interested in finding an instructor to work
with to return to tennis after a long hiatus. He played quite a
bit until a brain aneurysm 12 years ago required him to stop.
He's done a ton of rehab since then and is generally a fine
specimen. (If I do say so myself.) He still has some
balance issues and his hand-eye coordination is not what it
once was but he's eager to find out how well he can learn to
play. He needs a patient tennis instructor more than he
needs a phyisical therapist type. Any ideas on the perfect
person to work with him?
Girlfriend on the ball
i reccomend damon valentino.
he is a very caring individual.
408.661.8274
or
damonvalentino AT yahoo.com
juli
March 2003: Class so I can play doubles
I'm looking for a tennis class so I might be able to play doubles
with my husband when he gets old enough to slow down from his
present advanced level! My desiderata:
in or near Albany, not expensive private lessons but reasonably
priced group class, beginner to advanced beginner level,
preferably at least some oldsters (over 40) like myself in the
group.
Linda
I recommend wholeheartedly you try the El Cerrito Tennis Club.
We do not have a 'clubhouse' but we are an organization who
promotes tennis at all levels. The USTA season is getting
underway, if you are a beginner you can get in contact with one
of the captains of a 2.5 team (beginning level)to get on a
team. You can attend a team clinic, once/week (series of 5
clinics is $95.00)and doubles strategy is taught by Alvin Hom
and Denise Tom. They are long time US Tennis Association
Professional teachers. I have been involved with them and the
club since I was 40'ish and highly recommend it as an activity
to share with ones spouse.
Margo
March 2003: Teacher for Adult Beginner
I'm wondering if people have recommendations for an adult tennis
instructor...not too expensive, mellow, with a sense of humor?
We are not hard-core athletes, and do not know how to play --
but my husband and I were thinking it could be fun to learn
tennis and go play at some of the local parks. So, since we
may be laughing at ourselves as we try to develop tennis
abilities, we'd like someone who isn't too formal or rigid. I've
seen phone numbers advertised at Hopkins park, etc., but don't
know who is good. Want something relatively inexpensive.
Thanks.
I've been happy with the City of Berkeley lessons at the Rose
Garden and Live Oak Park with Jim Edwards. They're relaxed,
small, good, and cheap ($65 for 10 lessons). Jim's particularly
good on strategy and teaches doubles strategy quickly, which
helped me play better than if I'd worked only on drills or
playing singles, since I wasn't in great shape and had no
experience. I started as a beginner over the age of 40 and
classmates have included retirees, UC students, first-time moms
with babes, serious tennis athletes returning after a long hiatus
or injury. Jim creates an atmosphere that connects people so you
develop a network of folks to play with outside of class, if you
want to play more. It's a very congenial atmosphere.
You can sign up with City of Berkeley's Recreation Program Office
at 981-5150 or pick flyers at the tennis courts. I'm glad I
screwed up the courage to try. I love the game and have met some
lovely people to play with.
Lenore
Eddie Pasternack is a tennis instructor who is supposed to be a
great teacher. He has an advertisement in the Monthly
publication or you can look him up in the phone book.
dawnloretz
Re: previous message about Eddie Pasternack, tennis instructor.
He does teach for the Oakland Rec Dept in Montclair. I've taken
his classes and thought he was really great (I'm a complete
novice).
Jennifer
1999
I have a recommendation for an excellent Tennis Teacher. His name is Eddie
Pasternak 655-5783. He's really thorough and helps people achieve great
results. He'll help you troubleshoot to improve your game like no other!
He's good for pros, beginners and for people who just want to enjoy the
game more.
I'd like to recommend Tom Vadnais for tennis lessons of any age and ability
level. He is the varsity tennis coach at Bishop O'Dowd High School in
Oakland and currently teaches the adult classes through the CalFit program
on campus. He can be reached at 707-446-6616 evenings or 510-917-3795
days. Margaret
April 2006: Toddler tennis lessons
First I want to say that we are not a sports focused family and
have almost no knowledge about tennis. But our 2 year old is
obsessed with playing ''tennis'' which he plays with a little
racquet and anything he can get his hands on - favorites include
ping pong balls, shuttle cocks, and balloons. And he's been
hitting at balls since he could actually make contact between
the racquet and the ball (we used to hang a wiffel ball on a
string from the ceiling). And I think he's got a knack for it.
We don't
want to spend a fortune for private lessons But since he does go to some
activities we though it would be nice to expose him to something
that he's already showing interest in and may have some innate
talent at.
Looking back, I regret anything where in my anxiousness I put
my kids in things, or expected things, too early. Even though
your son shows lots of interest and talent, I would hesitate to
do anything formal like a lesson. I suggest to just keep
letting him have fun and let him direct the activity. I think
a ''lesson'' where someone tells him what to do might kill the
fun for him. Maybe hire a neighborhood teenager to go out and
play ball with him, but again, letting your son direct it.
There will be plenty of opportunity for lessons later, I do
feel lessons are developmentally not recommended. I think the
main goal is to keep his love for it alive. I wouldn't think
about lessons til he was at least 5. Only my opinion, but
there it is.
anon
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