tennis lessons (Tampa: living in, zip code, cost)

[honu1]

I haven't played a while and would like to start playing again. Thinking of taking some group lessons in order to ease back into it and also meet people since I'm new to the area. I found the city of Tampa's Cal Dickson Tennis Center online as well as MP Tennis Center. Anyone have any experience with these? Other options? I'll be living in South Tampa but don't mind driving a bit for good instruction. Thanks.

[upgrader]

Wow, you've got many options for tennis lessons in Tampa. The two you mentioned, then there's HCC tennis (www.hcctennis.com), City of Tampa at Majorie Park (Davis Islands), Steve Smith, who current teaches at four har-tru courts at the Tampa Racket club (just a bit north of HCC - www.tennissmith.com )

How one responds to a tennis instructor various greatly by your own learning style. I'd suggest trying a group lesson at each facility and seeing which instructor(s) work best for you. Then you can usually book a series at a discount.

Probably the best deal for casual play is HCC's 5 dollar doubles a few weekday nights and possibly Sunday afternoon. Harbour Island tennis club does a Friday night ten dollar one as well.

One other consideration is surface. If you are young, hard courts (like Cal Dixon) are probably fine to learn and play on, and cheap or free around Tampa. Har-tru and the red clay at mp tennis cost a lot more, but are much easier on the body.

Originally Posted by honu1

I haven't played a while and would like to start playing again. Thinking of taking some group lessons in order to ease back into it and also meet people since I'm new to the area. I found the city of Tampa's Cal Dickson Tennis Center online as well as MP Tennis Center. Anyone have any experience with these? Other options? I'll be living in South Tampa but don't mind driving a bit for good instruction. Thanks.

[honu1]

Thanks for the info!

I've always played on hard courts, but would like to also try clay since it hasn't been available anywhere else I've lived.

[upgrader]

Glad the info is helpful!

I've mostly played on hard as well, but now that I'm older, I'm looking to switch over to soft courts - actually a factor as I consider where to move.

One subtlety - most soft courts are "har-tru", mp tennis has actual red clay. I haven't play on them since they were installed about a year ago. Red Clay is rare in the U.S., and typically slower than har-tru. The French open is played on Red Clay. Just pointing out if you try mp tennis and don't like the surface (since you are coming from hard court experience), you should also try har-tru - at davis islands or hcc for example.

Originally Posted by honu1

Thanks for the info!

I've always played on hard courts, but would like to also try clay since it hasn't been available anywhere else I've lived.

[bradstreet sports]

We offer href="http://www.bradstreetsports.com/">Tampa tennis lessons> at a number of locations and also send our coaches out to clients remotely. We host programs at our sites for kids ages 3 and up and adults of all levels. We also have significant experience with academy level juniors. Check us out at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bradstreetsports.com/">Bradstreet Sports>.

As far as hard v soft courts . .

Clay is easier on the bones but is a little hard to come by, is usually a bit more expensive to play on, and you'll deal more with uncertain bounces.

Hard courts are everywhere and are, many times, free. Bounces are usually consistent.

Additionally, hard courts play faster than clay and usually favor a bigger hitter who likes to finish points quickly so your game style may have some impact on your choice of courts.

Court choice is a matter of time, budget, and availability.

[BucFan]

I live the 33598 zip code and have beautiful Hard-Tru courts where I live (free to play on w/ lights). I'm a rusty 3.0 - anyone around that ability that needs a hitting partner, shoot me a message. Free play with member.

[Tennisdink]

I heard that HCC has free drills for everybody week this week