The decision to take private tennis lessons or join
group lessons is a subject that comes up all the time with
my players. Each type of tennis lesson has its benefits and
your tennis professional can discuss which would be the
most beneficial to your game. This month I thought I would
discuss some of the things that I feel are the main points
of each to help you make a decision on what route to take to
best improve your game.
I feel that private lessons are best suited for
players needing help with a specific shot or strategy, singles
players, and sometimes beginning players. Let's say you need
help with a new one handed backhand. A private lesson would
give you the opportunity to hit the shot hundreds of times
under the watchful eye of your teaching professional. In a
group lesson, the focus might be backhands but not specifically
the one hander you are trying to improve. Are you a singles
player? A private lesson is a chance to go one on one with
your pro and let him/her see your strengths and weaknesses in
actual point situations. This can also be done in a group
lesson if the group is made up of all singles players. Some
beginning players feel comfortable in private lessons and would
like a few one on one hours to grasp the basics before jumping
into a group or hitting session.
Group lessons are great for doubles players, players
wanting more hitting partners in a lesson, and some beginners
feel safety in numbers. A big percentage of my players are
doubles team tennis players. In private lessons it can be
difficult for that player to visualize where his/her opponents
and partner would be. In a group setting a player gets instant
feedback on what his/her shot or strategy would do in actual
match play - there is no "pretend your opponent is here"
thinking. Group lessons can also give you the opportunity to
hit against different style players at the same time, which
better simulates a match. For example, you might be placed in
a point situation in a group lesson against a lobber with a
dinker partner - this may not always be the most fun situation
but it is more realistic. Beginning players sometimes enjoy
starting in group lessons with their friends. Group lessons
also are usually less expensive per person than private lessons.
I realize not all players and teaching professionals
will agree with my assessment of tennis lessons. At my club,
group lessons are the most popular partly due to USTA team
tennis.
