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Babette Horenstein Tennis Center 503-629-6331

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS YOUTH PROGRAMS PLAYER PROGRESSION

Q: Do I need a tennis racquet to participate?
Players are required to meet certain competencies to move up
A: No, THPRD has loaner racquets available to use during a level. Coaches are evaluating players throughout the session.
class if need. Choose a racquet that measures from the Some areas to keep in mind:
ground to the finger tip of your child standing up straight.
9 Technical deficiencies, such as grips and swing patterns,
Q: What type of shoe should be worn? will be considered.
A: Tennis shoes with proper support (they are built with 9 Success Rallying and point play is another consideration
side-to-side movement in mind and offer more lateral 9 Top players in a class will not automatically be promoted
to a higher-level class
stability) For your safety, no cleated shoes, boots, heels, 9 It is very common for players to be in a class for more than
sandals/open-toed shoes, flats or other street shoes are one session
allowed on the Tennis courts. 9 Parents and players will be notified at the end of the
Q: How long does it take to move up a level? session IF they are ready for the next level.
A: Completing a class does not guarantee advancement.
In fact, most students stay in a level for multiple seasons
before reaching the benchmarks needed to move up.
Practicing the skills taught outside of class is just one way
to help you advance. Ask your instructor for more tips.
Q: Can I register for multiple levels at the same time?
A: You can only register for the level listed in your THPRD
account (or level 1 if you do not have a level yet). If your
level advances during the term, we can then look for
openings to enroll you in.
Please note: it’s better to have the consistency of a class,
even at the lower level, than to have no class at all. So sign COMPRESSION BALLS
up for the entire term at your current level!
RED BALL CLASSES
Q: I’ve been taking lessons outside of THPRD, how do I Players are introduced to basic tennis skills using the Red
get a level assignment? Compression ball which will bounce slower and lower. This
A: If you have taken lessons with a private coach or non- will help while working on technical development along with
THPRD facility, contact the Tennis Center to schedule a consistency and directional control. These classes will be
free 15-minute evaluation. Our instructor will briefly test played on a 36ft court with 19–23-inch racquets.
your skills and assign a level accordingly. ORANGE BALL CLASSES
Q: My child’s birthday is next month, can I register For players that have can demonstrate competencies to play
them for the next age group? on a bigger court. These classes are played on a 60 ft court
using the orange compression ball which will bounce slower
A: The system will allow you to register for the class if their and lower than a yellow ball. Activities and games will focus on
age falls within the requirements by the start of the class. further developing groundstroke consistency, serve technique,
and net play. Serve and transition skills will be emphasized as
Q: Why is there no instructor listed for the class?
players develop match-play experience in both singles and
A: With the Activity Guides being produced months in doubles.
advance and our coaches’ schedules changing often, GREEN BALL CLASSES
instructors are not assigned until closer to the start of This program is for players that are working to further develop
class. If you have a preference, requests can be sent their fundamentals to begin to play competitive tennis. The
to j.rankin@thprd.org and we can see if we are able to focus will be on more rally and match-based play with an
accommodate. emphasis on stroke mechanics, strategic philosophies, and the
athletic skills needed to play the sport. Players will play on a 78
foot court in this class.

www.thprd.org Summer 2026 Activities Guide Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District 131