Youth Tennis
Beginning students of all ages will be introduced to tennis in a fun and rewarding way. Fundamentals of basic stroke techniques will be introduced with time spent on developing the ability to hit consistently.
Questions: yuri.sohn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3993.
Clinics Session 1 (January 13 – March 8)
Sign your child up for a once-a-week session of tennis instruction, tailored to their specific skill level. In this clinic, first time players will be introduced to tennis in an environment more focused on play. Hand-eye coordination and footwork are strengthened through drills to build a solid foundation for growth of tennis skills. All classes will be held at the Dodds Tennis Center, and class will run for seven weeks.
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Clinics Session 2 (March 24 – May 10)
Sign your child up for a once-a-week session of tennis instruction, tailored to their specific skill level. In this clinic, first time players will be introduced to tennis in an environment more focused on play. Hand-eye coordination and footwork are strengthened through drills to build a solid foundation for growth of tennis skills. All classes will be held at the Dodds Tennis Center.
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Adult Tennis
Clinics Session 1 (January 13 – March 3)
Sign up for a once-a-week session of tennis instruction, tailored to your specific skill level. Participants will be introduced to tennis in a fun and rewarding way. Fundamentals of basic stroke production will be introduced with time spent on developing the ability to hit consistently. All classes are held at the Dodds Tennis Center, and class will run for seven weeks.
No Class: January 20
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Clinics Session 2 (March 24 – May 5)
Sign up for a once-a-week session of tennis instruction, tailored to your specific skill level. Participants will be introduced to tennis in a fun and rewarding way. Fundamentals of basic stroke production will be introduced with time spent on developing the ability to hit consistently. All classes are held at the Dodds Tennis Center, and class will run for seven weeks.
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Leagues
Leagues will be structured and competitive, yet recreational. Consultation with head pro is necessary, as the head pro will find a league that fits your level and preference. Leagues run for seven-week sessions. Please note that flex leagues require that matches be played at the Dodds Tennis Center.
Questions: yuri.sohn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3993
Leagues Session 1 (January 12 – March 2)
Play competitive matches against similarly skilled players at Dodds Tennis Center. Consultation with our Head Tennis Pro Yuri Sohn is necessary as he carefully organizes league lineups to ensure all participants are evenly matched with regards to skill level. If you are interested in joining, please set up a skill assessment with Yuri Sohn so that he can place you in the appropriate league.
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Leagues Session 2 (March 10 – May 4)
Play competitive matches against similarly skilled players at the Dodds Tennis Center this fall. Consultation with our Head Tennis Pro Yuri Sohn is necessary as he carefully organizes league lineups to ensure all participants are evenly matched with regards to skill level. If you are interested in joining, please set up a skill assessment with Yuri Sohn so that he can place you in the appropriate league.
Location: Dodds Tennis Center
Drop-In Workouts
Our popular drop-in workouts consist of pro-supervised drills, point games, and match play – tailored to players looking for extra practice, exercise, and enjoyment. Drop in for a single class or purchase a multi-pass to use at any of our workouts!
Scholarship Information
Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. Youth Scholarship Program applicants are not guaranteed fund availability, program registration or choice of program location. Early applications are given priority. Need is the primary criterion upon which scholarship applicants are considered. Questions: 217-398-2550.
Visit our Scholarship Opportunities page for the updated Scholarship Applications!
Find Outdoor Courts
The Champaign Park District maintains outdoor tennis courts in many area parks. Please visit the “tennis” tag on our interactive park map to find a field near you!
Need help choosing a tennis program to participate in? See National Tennis Rating Program Guidelines:
- 1.0 This player is just starting tennis.
- 1.5 This player has limited playing experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball over the net, has some knowledge of scoring but is not familiar with basic positions and procedures for singles and doubles play.
- 2.0 This player may have had some lessons but needs on-court experience, has obvious stroke weaknesses, but is beginning to feel comfortable with singles and doubles play.
- 2.5 This player has more dependable strokes and is learning to judge where the ball is going, has weak court coverage or is often caught out of position, but is starting to keep the ball in play with other players of the same ability.
- 3.0 This player can place shots with moderate success, can sustain a rally of slow pace but is not comfortable with all strokes, lacks control when trying for power.
- 3.5 This player has achieved stroke dependability and direction on shots within reach, including forehand and backhand volleys, but still lacks depth and variety, seldom double faults and occasionally forces errors on the serve.
- 4.0 This player has dependable strokes on both forehand and backhand sides, has the ability to use a variety of shots including lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys, can place the first serve and force some errors, is seldom out of position in a doubles game.
- 4.5 This player has begun to master use of power and spins, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is able to move opponent up and back, can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve, is able to rush net with some success on serve in singles as well as doubles.
- 5.0 This player has good shot anticipation, frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured, can regularly hit winners or force errors off short balls, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes, has good depth and spin on most second serves.
