Tennis Lessons
We offer group and individual tennis lessons at Nielsen Tennis Stadium. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of the game or you’re already an ace, our experienced instructors will help you develop your skills, technique, and game strategy so that you can confidently play on your own.
If you want to practice outside of lessons or keep playing after your last class, we offer a variety of equipment rentals and services. Click here for details on reserving a court.
Questions? Reach out to us at tennis@recwell.wisc.edu or (608) 265-3179.
Do What You “Love”
We now offer memberships to Nielsen Tennis Stadium exclusively! Enjoy member rates for our programs and services.
Private Lessons
Meet one-on-one with a certified instructor. Receive personalized feedback on your form and improve on specific skills and techniques.
Students & Members: $70
Non-Members: $85
Designed for:
- All levels of experience
Prerequisites:
- None
Class Components:
- 75-minute personalized lesson, with racket rental included in price if player doesn’t have personal racket
- Form emailed to player after the lesson, with reminders/report card system
- Option to opt in for after class follow-up videos and ways to improve their own practicing/after the lesson (through email/text)
Group Tennis Lessons
Package of four 75-minute sessions with instructor and maximum of 6 players per court.
To ensure clarity and consistency for participants in our group tennis lessons, levels are based on the USTA’s National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP). An NTRP rating is a number indicating a player’s ability, from 1.5 (beginner) to 7.0 (touring pro). To find NTRP rating information or to rate yourself, please click here.
Intro to Tennis: Adult Red Ball
Participants can expect to be introduced to the game of tennis by employing beginner friendly tools such as scaled courts and lower compression balls. If you’re looking for an opportunity jump start your tennis journey, this is the court for you!
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Beginner players who are looking for a fun and accessible introduction to tennis.
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
Class Goals:
- Footwork
- Competition
- Groundstrokes
- Volleys
- Sportsmanship
- Reaction time
Level 1
Introduce yourself to tennis and learn the basics of the game. Beginner level players are primarily working on getting the ball into play over the net and improving hand-eye coordination to make contact with ball. Players will learn the names of different strokes and shots with a heavy emphasis on groundstrokes and volleys.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Players with little to no tennis experience
- NTRP of 1.0 – 2.0
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
Class goals:
- Distinguish the different grips for forehands, backhands, forehand volleys, and backhand volleys
- Make consistent contact with ball
- Hit groundstrokes (forehands and backhands) and rally
- Volley 3-4 shots consistently
- Good agility, footwork, positioning, and movement around the court
- Score and keep track of points in game style
Level 2
Players who successfully completed class goals from Level 1 class. Player should be very familiar with the types of strokes and looking to add pace and directionality to their shots. Must be able to sustain a short rally or slow pace somewhat consistently with other players.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Players with some tennis background who want to build on the basics
- NTRP level of 2.5-3.0
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
- Instructor approval from Level 1 class to advance
Class goals:
- Incorporate power, control, spin, and directionality into groundstrokes
- Angle volleys and put away shots at the net
- Use special shots (approach shots, slices, lobs, and overheads) in a game setting
- Successfully perform serves
- Improve positioning on the court to understand singles and doubles spacing
- Can confidently rally 5 consecutive forehands and backhands with opponent at the base line
- Can consistently return volleys from opponent
- Good mobility around the court
Level 3
Expand upon your skills and take more control of your tennis game.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Frequent tennis players looking to gain more consistency and control of shots in a competitive setting
- NTRP level of 3.0-3.5
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
- Instructor approval from Level 2 class to advance
Class goals:
- Reach 4.0 rating
- Vary direction and depth on groundstrokes; improve execution of volleys to exhibit aggressive net play
- Develop a stronger 1 st and 2 nd serve, and strengthen placement of serves
- Effective use of drop shots, slices, and lobs
- Anticipate where the ball is going, and quickly adapt in match play setting
- Improve court coverage while hitting winners on overheads and volleys
- Can consistently hit medium-paced shots and rally forehands and backhands with opponent from the baseline
- Can return semi-difficulty low and high volleys from opponent
- Understands specialty shots (slices, overheads, approach shots, etc.)
- Excellent mobility around the court and can display directional intent with shots
Level 4
Refine weak points and continue to develop skills and strategy.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Frequent tennis players looking to refine weak points and continue to develop skills and strategy.
- NTRP of 4.0-4.5
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
- Instructor approval from Level 3 class to advance
Class goals:
- Build strategy and patience to decrease unforced errors
- Control power to defend consistently when attempting returns
- Endure long rallies and vary game plan
- Place serves and returns strategically
- Improve court coverage and hit winners on overheads and volleys
- Can consistently hit medium-paced shots and rally forehands and backhands with opponent at the baseline
- Can return semi-difficulty low and high volleys from opponent
- Understands specialty shots (slices, overheads, approach shots, etc.)
- Excellent mobility and around the court and can display directional intent with shots
Featured Programs
Biomechanics
This class is for players who are interested in learning more about the technical aspects of tennis. Participants can expect to focus on enhancing a defined skill in different ways throughout the program offering.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Beginner to intermediate level players who would like to improve the technical aspects of their game.
- 18+ years old
- NTRP from 1.5 to 3.5
Prerequisites:
- 18+ years old
- Players should know fundamental techniques for groundstrokes and volleys.
Class Components:
- Contact Point
- Footwork
- Balance and Positioning
- Understanding Spin
- Head Control
- When to Hit with Power
- Ball Control
- Repetition
Cardio Tennis
Participants can expect to play faster-paced competitive games and drills led by one of our instructors. This is a great opportunity to continue developing your tennis skills in a high energy environment.
Students & Members: $80
Non-Members: $110
Designed for:
- Adult players (18+ years old) who can sustain a rally
- NTRP of 2.5 or higher (Levels 2-4)
- This offering will use orange tennis balls
Prerequisites:
- Ability to maintain a rally against other intermediate to advanced players
- Excellent mobility around the court and can display directional intent with shots
Class Components:
- Proper motions
- Footwork
- Competition
- Groundstrokes
- Volleyballs
- Sportsmanship
- Reaction time
- High energy rallying
Tennis Ladder
Similar to a league, the Tennis Ladder will provide singles players and doubles pairs with an opportunity to schedule and play competitive matches with other players who are seeking to play tennis matches. Check out the registration page for more information!
Students & Members: $15
Non-Members: $20
Designed for:
- Players of all genders who are 18+ years old and seeking opportunities to play competitive tennis matches. This Tennis Ladder is recommended for intermediate and advanced level players who have experience playing competitive tennis matches.
Prerequisites
- 18+ years old
- Players have dependable tennis strokes with directional and depth control and are looking to play in a competitive setting.
- Players should have strong knowledge of match play including serving, scoring, and general match etiquette.
- During the registration process, players must provide their preferred contact information. This information will be shared with other players in the ladder.
Ladder Format
- Players are responsible for scheduling their own matches
- Matches must be played at Nielsen Tennis Stadium
- 8-game pro set, regular scoring
- Scores must be reported to Nielsen Staff immediately after each match
- Ladder scores will be updated weekly by Nielsen Staff
- Recommend playing 1 – 3 matches per week
- Players are responsible for reserving their own court, paying their own court fees, and providing their own tennis balls
- The ladder will take place over the course of four (4) weeks
Tennis Skill Clinics
Specialized clinics designed to facilitate skill acquisition within the game of tennis. These clinics only meet for one class.
Students & Members: $20
Non-Members: $28
Designed for:
- Players looking for instruction on a specific skill or aspect of the game.
- NTRP level specified within each offering
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Meet NTRP level specified within each offering
Class Goals:
- Develop specific tennis skills associated with each offering
3.0+ Adult Match Play
Take your game from practice to competition in a fun and social matchplay setting. Designed for players who already know how to play and score a tennis match, this class provides organized match opportunities against players of a similar level in a casual and welcoming environment.
Instructors and staff will coordinate matches and pairings throughout the session. Depending on registration numbers, participants may play singles, doubles, or a combination of both formats.
Students: Free!
Members: $7
Non-Members: $12
Designed for:
- Players who already know how to play and score a tennis match.
- NTRP 3.0-level skill set or higher
Prerequisites:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Comfortable rallying, serving, and playing points without instructor-led technical instruction.
Class Goals:
- Apply tennis skills and strategies in live match situations.
- Develop confidence competing in organized singles and doubles play.
- Improve point construction, court positioning, and decision making.
- Meet and connect with other players through social matchplay.
TENNIS INSTRUCTORS
Jamie Bourquin
Certification: USPTA
Teaching experience: 28 years
Specialization: All skill levels; helping beginners progress
“I love watching players feel the joy of tennis.”
Daria Javid
Certification: USPTA
Teaching experience : 28 years
Specialization: Stroke mechanics and comprehensive lessons (including the mental aspects of tennis)
“Tennis is an acquired skill. With proper instruction, diligent practice and enthusiasm, everyone will reach their full potential.”
Jim Shirley
Teaching experience: 39 years
Specialization: All skill levels; helping advanced players take their game to the next level
“Tennis is an investment. If you invest the time, the payout will be great.”