Every time I hit the ball on the wall I used to pretend I was there (Wimbledon). When I went to sleep I used to pretend I was there.
~ Evonne Goolagong ~
As a young child, Wiradjuri woman Evonne Goolagong's first 'racquet' was made from a wooden fruit box — it had no strings and was more like a paddle. Yet, Evonne spent hours hitting a ball against every flat surface she could find and dreaming of going to Wimbledon.
And guess what? Not only did she go to Wimbledon but she won twice, along with 4 Australian Open titles, one French Open title and runner-up 4 years in a row at the US Open. She was ranked number one in the world in 1971 and again in 1976.
Everybody has dreams. It's what you do with them that counts.
Whether you dream of being on centre court at the Australian Open in Melbourne as a player or you just want to improve your skills to beat your mates during social tennis games, tennis lessons with a good coach can do wonders for your skill level, confidence, cardio fitness and overall enjoyment of the game.
This article gives an overview of where to start your search for tennis coaching in different locations around Australia — but first, just out of interest, let's take a quick look at the history of tennis in Australia.
A Brief History of Tennis in Australia
Lawn tennis, the domain of the elite with private backyard courts, took off in Australia during the mid-1870s. In 1875, the first tennis court was constructed in Hobart, followed three years later by the first club tennis courts built in Melbourne. Then, in 1880, the Championship of the Colony of Victoria, became Australia's first tennis tournament.
The Australian Open began as The Australasian Championships prior to 1927 but it wasn't until 1946 that it started attracting foreign players (who could now travel to Australia by air).
Australia produced its first Wimbledon winner in 1907 (Norman Brookes) and finally started manufacturing its own racquets in the 1920s.
The 1960s are often dubbed the 'golden years' of Australian tennis with a host of male tennis greats coming out of Australia and, of course, it was this same decade that Margaret Court dominated women's tennis, winning a still unequalled 24 singles majors.
So, with this inspiration fresh in your mind, let's have a look at where you can find 'tennis lessons near me'.
Tennis Coaching in Canberra
Everyone's a 'coach'! Once you start playing any sports, you will find there are always people who like to share advice, even if they've only ever participated from the couch. Even amongst the professional players, you'll find they have different strategies they swear by. Certainly, advice and technique will differ from coach to coach. At the end of the day, listen to the advice, implement it and, if it doesn't work for you, move on.
Of course, there is some standard advice that every player, at every level, should follow — keep your eye on the ball and practise regularly if you want to improve your cardio endurance, fitness and playing skills.
Where can you obtain some of this advice and get help putting it into practice in Canberra?
Three places that come highly recommended are:
- Canberra Tennis Centre — 32 courts and programs for every level from ANZ Hot Shots for the kids to junior and adult competitive leagues. Open 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm.
- Canberra Tennis Academy — small class sizes (maximum 6 players with one coach) and private lessons for every level, plus a comprehensive development pathway for kids from the age of 3. Tennis coaching is available every day except Sunday.
- Canberra School of Tennis — a wide range of coaching and gameplay events, including charity matches. Four venues across Canberra, events and lessons are available every day except Sunday.
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Learn Tennis in Sydney
If you'd prefer not to go to a club or centre for tennis coaching, you always have the option of looking to hire a private coach. Private coaches will usually have a specific tennis court or club they work from but can also be flexible and come to you (if you're lucky enough to have a tennis court in your backyard). And, there is online coaching as well, which can be just as beneficial as long as you have the motivation to get out and practise the skills you learn online.
Where can you find a great private coach (or group classes if you prefer) in Sydney?
- Inspire Tennis — ten locations throughout Sydney and open seven days a week from 7:30 am through to 10:30 pm. Coaching and holiday programs for kids as young as three, private lessons and court hire are all available.
- Centennial Parklands Sports Centre — open daily from 6 am until 10:30 pm, this centre offers casual court hire as well as private and group tennis lessons for every level. Competitions and social tennis are also features.
- Sydney Olympic Park — part of the Tennis World franchise, this centre is the site of the 2000 Olympics so the idea of playing where the great tennis Olympians played is hugely motivational. Private and group lessons for all ages and every skill level.
Tennis Lessons in Melbourne
Yes, Melbourne is the home of the Australian Open every year around January and February so it's no surprise that tennis is popular in this city and throughout the state. Taking the opportunity to attend the Australian Open and watch how the professional players conduct themselves during the match — their mental preparation, their focus, their stance and movement around the court — is going to help you improve your own game skills.
When you're ready to put your observations into action, where can you go to learn tennis in Melbourne?
- Top Tenn Tennis Coaching — the emphasis is on fun and sportsmanship with coaches at this centre. Open every day, they have classes for every level starting from ANZ Hot Shots.
- Topseed Tennis Academy — apart from the regular private and group sessions offered by most other clubs, the point of difference at Topseed is their specialised tennis programs for kids and adults with autism.
- Excel Tennis — open 6 days a week from 8 am until 9:30 pm, all private and group coaching focuses on the development of technique and fitness and giving students a competitive edge.
Play Tennis in Adelaide
Different courts (hard court, grass, clay) require different techniques so, again, it is a great idea to watch the professional players in the different Grand Slam events as they are played on different surfaces. And again, put you have observed into practice as you play.
Where can you go for the best tennis training in Adelaide?
- TK Tennis Coaching — if you're keen to find coaches who specialise in training kids, you've come to the right place. Programs are based around the ANZ Hot Shots model, although they also offer private coaching for adults.
- Helen Rice Tennis School — plenty of top level coaching with an end goal of competitive playing and tournaments, whether you're an adult, a child, a beginner or an advanced player.
- Millswood Tennis Centre — another member of the Tennis World Group, this centre is able to focus concurrently on individualised coaching as well as tournaments and social leasgues.
Perth Tennis Lessons
If you're not into competitions and 'winning' and 'just want to play, have a bit of a hit and have fun', social tennis might be for you. Find a club that offers a social tennis group (and most of them do) and join. Depending on the group, it can be a little competitive at times but most people are generally out there for fun and fitness. It's a great way to meet people who have similar interests to you. Alternatively, if you already have a group of friends who are into tennis, join a club and take advantage of their free or discounted court hire.
Even if you just want to play socially, a few lessons here and there wouldn't hurt. Here are a few options for people who live in the Perth area.
- Tennis Lessons Perth — a family run business where the focus is on fitness, fun and, of course, family.
- Tennis Factory — recommended nationally for the quality of its coaching programs.
- Perth Performance Tennis Academy — known for its Inclusion programs for adults and kids with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Brisbane Tennis Coaching
Finally, Brisbane. If you're looking for an opportunity to learn tennis in a fun and supportive environment, we have found a number of options to get you started.
- Morningside Tennis Centre — considered by many as the best club in Brisbane for lessons.
- Queensland Tennis Centre — a huge range of programs to cater for every player.
- Malpass Tennis — four locations spread around the CBD with enough variety for everyone.
Search on Superprof today to find amazing tennis lessons!
"But I can't find tennis lessons near me that suit my schedule or budget!"
If this is you, why not consider online coaching with a Superprof tennis tutor? The first lesson is usually free so you've nothing to lose and everything to gain.
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