Learn Tennis with Melanie
ā5.0 (7)
š°$63 weekly lessons
With more than ten years dedicated to honing my tennis skills, my journey has been shaped by private coaches and academies, contributing to a deep understanding and knowledge of the sport. I am an active member of the college club tennis team, combining my passion for the game with a commitment to continuous improvement. Whether you're a fellow enthusiast looking to elevate your game or a beginner eager to dive into tennis, I'm here to share my knowledge and foster a love for the sport. Let's hit the courts and explore the world of tennis together!
Levels taught: Beginners, Intermediates, Experts
Teaches: Kids, Teenagers, Adults, Seniors
š„17 Lessons
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Reviews
Total reviews7
Average rating
5.0
Jessica Smith
Level: Intermediateā¢Lessons taken: 3
Melanie is an outstanding tennis coach! She has a great way of breaking down techniques and making them easy to understand, which has helped me improve my game faster than I expected. Her coaching is always tailored to my skill level, and she knows exactly when to push me and when to fine-tune the details. Sheās patient, motivating, and truly passionate about helping her students succeed. Every session with her is both productive and enjoyable. I canāt recommend Melanie enough for anyone looking to take their tennis skills to the next level!
James Lakes
Level: Intermediateā¢Lessons taken: 2
Training with Melanie has been a game-changer for me as a high-level player. Her deep understanding of strategy, technique, and match play has helped me refine the finer details of my game that I didnāt even realize needed work. She has an incredible eye for spotting inefficiencies in movement and stroke mechanics, making subtle adjustments that have significantly improved my consistency and power.
What sets Melanie apart is her ability to push me beyond my comfort zone while keeping me focused and confident. She brings a great balance of intensity and encouragement, creating an environment where Iām constantly improving without feeling overwhelmed. Her tactical insights have also given me a new perspective on match play, helping me anticipate opponentsā moves and execute smarter shots under pressure.
If youāre a serious player looking to sharpen your skills and elevate your game, I canāt recommend Melanie enough. Sheās one of the best coaches Iāve worked with.
Ashley
Level: Beginnerā¢Lessons taken: 2
Working with Melanie as my tennis coach has been an incredible experience. From the very first lesson, she took the time to understand my skill level and tailor each session to my needs. Her ability to break down techniques in a clear and practical way has helped me improve my strokes, footwork, and overall strategy on the court. Beyond technical skills, Melanie is patient, encouraging, and truly passionate about the game, making every session both productive and enjoyable. If youāre looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable tennis coach, I highly recommend her!
Jose
Level: Beginnerā¢Lessons taken: 2
Great lessons!
Locations
These are the locations I've set as being able to provide lessons:1 court available
University of South Florida Tennis Courts
USF Holly Dr, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
822.8 miles awayOutdoors
Want a lesson at your home or a different location? We can help.
Availability
These are the times I've set as being available for lessons.sundays
8 AM - 3 PM
mondays
8 AM - 9 AM11 AM - 1 PM3:30 PM - 8 PM
tuesdays
11 AM - 1 PM6 PM - 9 PM
wednesdays
8 AM - 3 PM
thursdays
8 AM - 3 PM
fridays
8 AM - 3 PM
saturdays
8 AM - 3 PM
Beginner training plan
Your first lessonLesson 1: Introduction to Tennis & Basic Grip
Objectives:
ā¢ Understand the basic rules of tennis.
ā¢ Learn proper grip techniques (Eastern, Continental, Semi-Western).
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Dynamic stretching, footwork drills.
ā¢ Grip practice: Hold the racquet correctly with different grips.
ā¢ Ball tapping: Bounce the ball on the racquet for control.
ā¢ Mini-rallies: Hitting slow balls over the net with a partner.
Lesson 11+Lesson 11+: Advanced Play & Specialized Training
Objectives:
ā¢ Fine-tune techniques and competitive strategies.
ā¢ Develop advanced shot variety.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Advanced shot-making (drop shots, slices, inside-out forehands).
ā¢ High-intensity rally drills.
ā¢ Situational match play (e.g., serve at deuce and advantage points).
ā¢ Tournament-style competition among students.
Lesson 4-10Lesson 4: Serve Fundamentals
Objectives:
ā¢ Develop the basic motion for a serve.
ā¢ Understand toss placement and contact point.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Trophy position practice (without ball).
ā¢ Toss and catch drill (practicing consistent toss).
ā¢ Half-serve drill: Serving from the service line.
ā¢ Full serve with targets in the service box.
Lesson 5: Return of Serve & Footwork
Objectives:
ā¢ Improve reaction time for returning serves.
ā¢ Learn proper split-step and footwork.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Partner serve & return drill (slow-paced).
ā¢ Reaction drill: Coach calls forehand/backhand before serve.
ā¢ Footwork ladder drills for agility.
ā¢ Point-based return challenge.
Lesson 6: Volleys & Net Play
Objectives:
ā¢ Master forehand and backhand volleys.
ā¢ Learn positioning at the net.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Volley technique with coach feeding.
ā¢ Touch volley drill (soft hands for control).
ā¢ Approach shot + volley combination.
ā¢ Reflex volley drill with quick exchanges.
Lesson 2-3Lesson 2: Forehand Fundamentals
Objectives:
ā¢ Learn the correct forehand technique.
ā¢ Develop consistency and control.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Shadow swings: Practicing forehand without the ball.
ā¢ Drop-hit forehand: Coach drops ball, player hits with proper form.
ā¢ Partner rally: Forehand-only exchanges from the service line.
ā¢ Target practice: Hit forehands into designated court areas.
Lesson 3: Backhand Fundamentals
Objectives:
ā¢ Master one-handed or two-handed backhand.
ā¢ Improve coordination and balance.
Drills & Activities:
ā¢ Shadow swings: Practicing backhand form.
ā¢ Drop-hit backhands: Focus on technique and follow-through.
ā¢ Cross-court backhand rally with a partner.
ā¢ Backhand consistency drill: 10 consecutive shots over the net.
Youth players
Working with kidsShort & Fun Tennis Lesson Plan for Kids (11+ Lessons)
Each lesson is 1-2 hours long, keeping kids engaged with fun drills and games. The focus is on learning through play, improving coordination, and building confidence.
Lesson 1: Tennis Basics & Fun with the Ball
Objective:
ā¢ Introduce tennis in a fun way.
ā¢ Learn how to hold the racquet and make contact with the ball.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Freeze tag with racquets.
ā¢ Ball control: Bounce the ball on the racquet 10 times.
ā¢ Drop & Hit: Drop the ball and tap it over the net.
ā¢ Mini-rally: Soft hitting over a short net.
ā¢ Game: āBall Balance Walkā (walk while balancing a ball on the racquet).
Lesson 2: Forehand Fun
Objective:
ā¢ Learn basic forehand stroke.
ā¢ Improve hand-eye coordination.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Relay races with racquets.
ā¢ Shadow swings: Practice forehand with no ball.
ā¢ Forehand wall bounce: Hit against a wall.
ā¢ Forehand rally with coach feed.
ā¢ Game: āTarget Zonesā (hit into different areas for points).
Lesson 3: Backhand Basics
Objective:
ā¢ Learn two-handed backhand for easy control.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Fast feet drills.
ā¢ Backhand shadow swings.
Working with teenagers
Each lesson is 45-60 minutes, balancing skill development, competitive play, and fun. The focus is on building proper technique, strategy, and fitness while keeping it engaging.
Lesson 1: Fundamentals & Footwork
Objective:
ā¢ Learn basic strokes (forehand, backhand).
ā¢ Develop proper grip and stance.
ā¢ Improve movement and agility.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Dynamic stretching + ladder drills.
ā¢ Grip check & shadow swings (forehand/backhand form).
ā¢ Drop-hit drill (self-bounce and hit).
ā¢ Forehand & backhand rally (partnered).
ā¢ Footwork drill: Side shuffle + split-step timing.
ā¢ Game: āAround the Worldā (players rotate hitting shots).
Lesson 2: Serving & Return of Serve
Objective:
ā¢ Develop a strong, consistent serve.
ā¢ Learn how to return serves effectively.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Jump rope + reaction drills.
ā¢ Toss accuracy game (toss and catch at ideal height).
ā¢ Shadow serve drill (focus on trophy position & motion).
ā¢ Half-court serves (start close, work back).
ā¢ Return of serve practice (partnered).
ā¢ Game: āServe Target Challengeā (hit designated areas).
Lesson 3: Net Play & Volleys
Objective:
ā¢ Master forehand and backhand volleys.
ā¢ Improve net movement and reaction time.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Quick feet reaction game.
ā¢ Volley form & technique practice.
ā¢ Coach-fed volley drill (emphasize control).
ā¢ Approach shot + volley drill (transition from baseline to net).
ā¢ Reflex volley game (fast-paced volleys).
ā¢ Game: āKing of the Netā (players rotate at the net).
Lesson 4: Singles & Doubles Strategy
Objective:
ā¢ Learn court positioning and shot selection.
ā¢ Improve point construction and decision-making.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Agility + split-step drill.
ā¢ Crosscourt consistency rally.
ā¢ Situational drills (serve + first shot, defensive play).
ā¢ Doubles positioning drill (where to stand & move).
ā¢ Game: āPoint Play Challengeā (situational points).
Lesson 5: Match Play & Fun Competition
Objective:
ā¢ Apply all skills in real match situations.
ā¢ Develop confidence and mental toughness.
Activities:
ā¢ Warm-up: Fast footwork drill.
ā¢ Mini-matches (short sets or tiebreakers).
ā¢ Coach feedback on tactics & improvements.
ā¢ Doubles & singles play.
ā¢ Game: āLast Player Standingā (winner keeps the court).
ā¢ Wrap-up discussion: Goal setting for improvement.
This plan keeps teens engaged while refining technical skills, strategy, and fitness!
What you need to bringFor the lesson, please bring water your racket, some comfortable tennis shoes, maybe a snack as well as a positive attitude!!
What I can bringDuring the lesson Iāll have tennis balls with me as well as cones and a ladder for drills
Frequently asked questions
Cancellation Policy
We totally understand that life can be unpredictable and plans might change. That's
why we've got your back with our flexible cancellation policy, designed to give you
peace of mind when booking private sports lessons with our awesome local instructors!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
If you need to cancel your lesson, no worries! You can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of making your booking. We want to make the process as hassle-free as possible for you.
And if you simply want to reschedule your lesson, change the date and time, or adjust the number of students joining, we've got you covered there too. You can easily make these changes within 24 hours of booking, and up to 72 hours before your lesson starts.
Our goal is to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free. So go ahead and book with confidence, knowing that we're here to accommodate your needs every step of the way!
MZ
Tennis with Melanie Zaprianovā 5.0 (7 reviews)