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.

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We now offer memberships to Nielsen Tennis Stadium exclusively! Enjoy member rates for our programs and services.

NTS MEMBERSHIPS

PRIVATE LESSONS

Photo of two tennis players ready to return a serve standing on an indoor tennis court

Meet one-on-one with a certified instructor. Receive personalized feedback on your form and improve on specific skills and techniques.

Students & Members: $70

Guests: $80

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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-minutes 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.

View NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) General Characteristics 

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: $75
Guests: $100

Register Here

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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: $75
Guests: $100

Register Here

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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

OR

  • 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

Class goals:

  • Incorporate power, control, spin, and directionality into groundstrokes
  • Angle volleys and put away shots at the net
  • Utilize 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

Level 3

Expand upon your skills and take more control of your tennis game.

Students & Members: $75
Guests: $100

Register Here

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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

OR

  • Can consistently hit medium-paced shots and rally forehands and backhands with opponent from the baseline
  • Can return semi-difficult 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

Class goals:

  • Reach 4.0 rating
  • Vary direction and depth on groundstrokes; improve execution of volleys to exhibit aggressive net play
  • Develop a stronger 1st and 2nd 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
Photo of tennis player returning a ball on an indoor tennis court

Level 4

Refine weak points and continue to develop skills and strategy.

Students & Members: $75
Guests: $100

Register Here

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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

OR

  • Can consistently hit medium-paced shots and rally forehands and backhands with opponent at the baseline
  • Can return semi-difficult 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

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

TENNIS INSTRUCTORS

Jamie Bourquin
Certification: USPTA
Teaching experience: 28 years
Specialization: All skill levels; helping beginners progress

“I love watching players feel the joy from 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.”