Youth Tennis

Tiny Tykes

Ages 3-4

This beginner's class is designed to develop hand-eye coordination and listening skills. It emphasizes group interaction and uses age-appropriate equipment. 36-foot courts will be used with red tennis balls.  This class prepares players to begin playing red tennis ballpoints against age-appropriate opponents.  Involvement in USTA red-ball match play is encouraged.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Futures

Ages 4-6

Your child will acquire the fundamentals of all tennis strokes using QuickStart as a foundation. Our expert staff will also focus on developing your child's hand-eye coordination and general athletic skills. 36-foot courts will be used with red tennis balls. This class prepares players to participate in red ball points against age-appropriate opponents. 

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Competitors 1

Ages 6-10

This class is the first step to becoming a tournament level tennis player. We will focus on stroke technique, as well as learning how to compete with other children in a controlled environment. Sportsmanship and fair play will be emphasized. We will also introduce off-court strength and quickness training. This class prepares children to participate in red ball matches against similar age and skill leveled opponents. Involvement in USTA red ball match play is encouraged.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Competitors 2

Ages 7-12

At this point, children in this class can rally and serve consistently and are developing directional control. Our goal is to develop a well-rounded, competitive game for your child. Strength and quickness will be developed through off-court training.  60-foot courts will be used with the orange progression ball. Players may even be introduced to full court green ball tennis.  This class prepares players to participate in orange ball match play against similar skill leveled opponents. Involvement in USTA orange ball tournament play is encouraged. Pro Approval for the class is required.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Competitors 3

Ages 7-12

These kids can play! These players rally consistently, execute some advanced tactics, and are comfortable in USTA tournament and Junior Team play. Players work on developing effective swing techniques, including the use of spin and speed, becoming more aware of their opponent, how to structure a point in their favor and refining serve techniques including the use of spin on the second serve. 78-foot tennis courts with green balls will be used.  Players at the highest level of this class will be introduced to full court while using the yellow ball.  This class prepares players to participate in USTA green ball tournaments.  Pro Approval is required.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Yellow Ball 101 (High School 1)

Ages 12-17

Class focused on learning skills necessary to construct a rally, keep score and feel comfortable on the court.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Varsity (High School 2)

Class consisting of junior varsity to varsity players looking to make a greater impact on their high school team. Focusing on skills used to plan and execute a variety of shots to build a successful rally. 

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

All State (High School 3)

Class consisting of advanced high school players. Focusing on skills necessary to hit every variety of shot with adequate speed and spin. Focus and intensity is expected. Minimum requirement:  Girls beginning June 1st of the year of transition into 9th grade.  Boys beginning January 1st of the year of transition into 9th grade.  Minimum requirement allows equal months of preparation into high school season with Girls season played in the Spring, and Boys season played in the Fall.  Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch
• Portage Branch

Tour

Designed for students who have mastered the basic techniques and tactics. Development of stamina and strength through off-court conditioning is a priority. Players will work on flight time, spin, and speed of the ball, and developing a tactical game-plan around attacking and defending. These players will travel to USTA tournaments outside of the Kalamazoo area. Pro Approval required to register. Contact Oak Saad at 345-9622 x170.

Class Locations

• Maple Branch

Elite I

Players must already prove themselves to be highly motivated before admittance. USTA tournament play must be a priority, with an emphasis on USTA National Rankings and UTR.  Classes will be based on competitive situations and advanced stroke techniques. Participants should have the desire to play college tennis.  Pro approval is required to register. Contact Oak Saad at 345-9622 x170. 

Eligibility Requirements: Recommended minimum of 12 years of age with 15+ USTA Matches. (No more than 1/3 of Level 7 tournaments count towards USTA match requirement.  Match totals must be completed in a 12 month period.)

Class Locations

• Maple Branch

Elite II

This is our most advanced class offered. Players must be able to handle accelerated ball speeds and be extremely consistent. USTA tournament play is mandatory.  All players involved in this class should have the desire to play college tennis or beyond. Pro approval is required to register.  Contact Oak Saad at 345-9622 x170 with questions or eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements: Recommended minimum of 15 years of age. 

Class Locations

• Maple Branch

Private Lessons with a Pro

Lessons are scheduled based on individual tennis professionals' available times and court space. To schedule a lesson, contact any of the tennis professionals listed below via email. 

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellation of a private lesson must be made at least 8 hours prior to the scheduled lesson time, via e-mail or phone directly to the private lesson coach. Failure to notify the coach 8 or more hours prior to the lesson will result with the lesson being charged in full.

Individual Private Lesson Rates:

Member: $65/hr  Non-Member $75/hr

Group lessons for 2, 3, or 4 players per hour available.  Call Erik Anderson at x426 or Oak Saad at x170 for pricing and availability.

Tennis Racquet Stringing & Regripping

Break a string? Need a new grip? We have a variety of strings and grips to choose from. Call Oak Saad at (269) 345-9622 x170. We do not restring racquetball racquets.

New Online Court Sheets for viewing! 

View our tennis court sheets online to find avaiable courts for rental before calling us to reserve and pay.  All court fees are due at the time rental.  To rent a court, call us at 269-345-9622 up to 7 days in advance of when you would like to play.

Maple Court Sheets - Click here

Portage Court Sheets - Click here

Indoor Tennis Court Rentals

Youth: Age 18 and younger, Youth must be a YMCA member to receive youth tennis court rate.
Adult: Age 19 and older

September through May: Full price for all reservations and walk-on.
June through August: All indoor court fees are $10 per hour and walk-on.
Outdoor Court Use: Free walk-on for Maple outdoor courts. Outside clay courts at Portage are available for $6 per hour.

Must be a YMCA member to reserve tennis courts.  All guest fees apply to anyone playing who is a non-member.
Reservations can be made 7 days in advance. All court reservations must be paid for in full at the time of reservation.
No refunds for unused tennis court rentals.

To reserve a court, call Maple (269) 345-9622 or Portage (269) 324-9622.

Click here to view all current USTA Tournaments and to register.