April 30, 1999
By J. Fred Sidhu
What could be better than getting a chance to learn how to play tennis while enjoying San Diego's fine weather.
How about learning to play tennis for free?
The United States Tennis Association is providing that opportunity by offering a free beginning group tennis lesson for adults and children at over 30 tennis facilities across San Diego County from May 8 through May 23.
The free 90-minute is design for both children and adults who are beginning tennis players or players who have not played in some time and would benefit from beginning tennis instruction.
The lesson is part of the nationwide USA Tennis Plan for Growth organized by the USTA and the Tennis Industry Association, the tennis nonprofit trade group which represents 130 manufacturers, apparel and shoe companies, court builders, stringers and other tennis-related companies.
In 1995, the free lessons were offered in 27 cities in the United States. This year, more than 140 cities will offer free lessons.
"This is also a great opportunity to get the entire family out for some fun. Kids, ages four and above, can begin to play. Parents can be learning on one court while their kids are being taught on another,'' says Lesley Guajardo, program director for the free tennis lessons.
After the free lesson is offered, aspiring players will be encouraged to enroll in the USA Tennis 1-2-3, after participating in the free lesson.
The USA "1" part is a series of six 90-minute group lessons which teach the basics of tennis play. This nine-hour series costs $49 per person.
The USA "2" part is another series of six 90-minute group lessons focusing on strategy. (How to play the game once you learn the strokes). This nine-hour series also runs $49 per person. A participant may skip this series if they feel ready for the next step which is league play.
The USA "3" part is a beginning tennis league which emphasizes the fun aspect of playing tennis. Tennis as a social team sport where people get to meet others is the goal.
There will be adult beginning tennis leagues, kids beginning tennis leagues. A corporate league which pits corporate teams against each other will also be offered.
The cost of playing in one of the leagues, will cost approximately $25 per person for 6 weeks of play.
"The nine-hour series would normally cost anywhere from $90 to $135 any other time of the year depending on the location. At $49, that's a little over $5 per hour. You can't even go see a movie for that now-a-days,'' said Guajardo. "By playing tennis, you can be outside enjoying San Diego's beautiful weather, getting a little exercise and meeting new friends along the way.''
All league participants will receive a t-shirt, awards at the end of the league, trophies to the top teams, a pizza party for the two top teams and a free tennis rating card.
Participants in the USA Free For all lesson will receive a two for one ticket voucher to the Quality Challenge Men's Senior Championships at Rancho Bernardo Inn scheduled for June 17-20. Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Mats Wilander and Bjorn Borg are scheduled to play.
All players signing up for the USA "1" lesson series will also receive a two for one ticket voucher to the Monday night session of the TIG Tennis Classic (formerly the Toshiba Tennis Classic) to be held August 2-8 at the La Costa Resort & Spa. Defending champion Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis are among the early entrants.
Both ticket offers are subject to ticket availability.
Sign-ups for the free lesson are currently being taken. For additional information and to sign up, call (619) 744-8774.
The following is a list of the San Diego County locations which will host a free tennis lesson.
SAN DIEGO (CITY)
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