The Top 5 questions to ask when choosing a tennis instructor in the Santa Clarita Valley

Tennis is a classic sport with a long history, yet its popularity is only growing. All over the world children as young as three are pickling up racquets, and many older adults have been playing for decades.

Playing a match here and there can be an enjoyable pastime. But if you ever talk to a tennis player with a passion for the sport, they will tell you that their focus is on being a formidable opponent on the court — which requires a continuous commitment to building their skills.

The Paseo Club is a private club in the Santa Clarita Valley that has provided the community with a one-stop destination for tennis, fitness, socializing, and more for over twenty years.

In this article, you will learn where to find a tennis instructor in the SCV, what to ask a prospective coach, and the importance of selecting the right coach for you. Read on to discover more!

How can people find a tennis instructor in the Santa Clarita Valley?

There are two ways to find a tennis instructor in the Santa Clarita Valley that offers private lessons — Google and the Paseo Club.

You will find a handful of private instructors who use the local tennis courts to teach lessons by searching the internet. They are listed individually or on review sites such as Yelp. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is also a great resource that offers a “find a coach” option. 

The Paseo Club is the only local club with a full-service tennis department. The thirteen instructors are entirely comprised of professionals with high levels of experience. 

What 5 questions should people ask a prospective tennis instructor? 

It is essential to do some research when you are looking for a tennis instructor. Tennis lessons are not cheap, and you deserve to get the most from your investment. Below are some helpful topics to inquire about from a prospective coach.

1. Certifications  

Tennis instructors can become certified through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) or the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Certifications are important because you can be assured you are dealing with a competent professional. The certification process features many steps, including attending classes, passing written and on-court tests, and completing a minimum of hours of instruction.

2. Experience 

Selecting a coach based on their extensive experience can be very helpful, but it is not essential. Experience does not always translate into great coaching skills. Equally, an inexperienced coach is not necessarily an ineffective one.

Consider how the instructor shares their ideas and relates to you. If a coach can guide you in strategy and technique and how to operate under pressure and stress, then they will likely be a great coach. 

3. Compatible teaching style and philosophy  

Every coach has a different teaching style and philosophy that is unique to them. Selecting the right coach is about meeting the person who is the best fit for you. Different players require a different approach to coaching. A competent coach will be versatile and strive to meet each individual student's needs. The greatest coaches never stop learning and will implement several approaches and strategies to see what works best for you.  

4. Availability

Whether you need early-bird lessons, after-work lessons, lunch-break lessons, or a different time slot altogether, you need to be sure that your desired coach has time available. Some coaches get booked, while others work second jobs. Discuss your scheduling needs upfront so you know you and your coach have compatible schedules.

5. Price 

The cost of tennis lessons varies from coach to coach. Pricing ranges between $70-95 per hour for a professional instructor in the Santa Clarita Valley. Semi-private lessons are often available. You and a friend of a similar skill level can share a lesson, splitting the cost. Semi-privates are a great option for people on a budget. 

Final recommendations

Much like trying on a shirt at the mall, you are encouraged to try different coaches. See what works for you. Don’t settle for someone just because they were your first coach, your friend loves them, or they have the cheapest rates.  

It is your money and your time, and you get to decide who you want to work with. Another idea to consider is learning from multiple coaches simultaneously. This team approach to training will help you make noticeable inroads with your tennis skills.

The Paseo Club is your destination for tennis. Members can drop in or reserve court time, join leagues, receive group or private lessons, or duke it out at one of our seasonal tournaments. 

When you aren’t busy having a great match, you can cross-train with fitness classes, Pilates, or pickleball. Or put your feet up and relax in the sauna, steam room, cafe, or at the on-site spa. 

The Paseo Club is your home away from home. Become a member today and join the Paseo community. We can’t wait to see you!