My Frustration Finding Affordable Tennis Lessons
I’d been dreaming about tennis lessons for months watching those fancy clubs charge crazy money. Felt like you needed gold bars just to swing a racket. So last Tuesday I grabbed my laptop thinking there must be cheaper options.
Step 1 was Googling: Typed “tennis lessons cheap” and got flooded with fancy academies asking $100/hour. Nearly closed the tab until I tried adding “public court” and “community coach”. That magic combo finally showed parks department stuff buried on page 3.
The Detective Work Begins
First I called City Rec Department – lady sounded bored but gave me gold: “Yeah we got seasonal group lessons at Riverside Park courts. $120 for 8 weeks.” Did quick math – that’s $15/session! But spots fill fast she warned. Grabbed my calendar right then.
Next morning I showed up at Riverside at 7am thinking I’m early. Wrong. Line already had 12 people! Old dude in front told me “registration opens at 9 but folks camp out since ’19”. Brought foldable chair next day at 5:30am – beat 4 other early birds.
Equipment Hacks That Saved Cash
Racket was next headache. Sports store near me wanted $200 for basic Wilson. Almost caved till I remembered neighbor’s kid plays college tennis. Knocked on his door with homemade cookies – came home with his old Babolat frame he sold me for $40. Score!
- Balls: Found slightly used ones on local swap group – 15 cans for price of 3 new
- Shoes: Got last season’s model at outlet mall with 50% off sticker
- Clothes: Wore old gym gear first month till birthday discount came
Biggest surprise? My group coach turned out to be former college player. She gave free extra tips after class if we helped collect balls. Last session she even brought her ball machine saying “might as well get your money’s worth”.
How It Actually Went Down
First lesson? Embarrassing. Couldn’t even hit the fence consistently. But by week 3 something clicked during forehand drills. Now I’m hooked – already planning winter indoor sessions at community center. Total damage? Under $300 including gear for 2 months of training. Still can’t believe I almost paid that for just 3 private lessons elsewhere.