Your 2017 Guide to Long Island Tennis Magazine’s Top Clubs & Programs
Bethpage Park Tennis Center
99 Quaker Meeting House Road, Building #4
Farmingdale, N.Y.
(516) 777-1385
Bethpage Park Tennis Center is located just a few hundred feet from the Black Course at beautiful Bethpage State Park. Four indoor hard courts and four indoor red clay courts are air-conditioned for year-round play, along with two outdoor Har-Tru courts.
Bethpage Park Tennis Center offers an array of adult seasonal, leagues, lessons and walk-on court opportunities. It’s free and low-cost program for seniors and special populations is perhaps the largest of its kind in New York State. The Center is best known for its renowned junior development program, led by top coaches Steve Kaplan and Keith Kambourian. Collectively, they have developed more players than anyone else in the east.
Steve is the owner of Bethpage Park Tennis Center, as well as the director of City Parks Foundation Lacoste Academy. Steve has been the long-time coach of more than 800 nationally-ranked junior players, 16 state high school singles champions, two NCAA Division I Singles Champions, and numerous touring professionals and prominent coaches. Steve’s students have been awarded in excess of $8 million in college scholarship money.
Keith, co-owner of the club, has exceled as both a player and a coach. He was ranked in the top 30 nationally in the Boy’s 18 Division and received a full scholarship to Duke and was ranked nationally among the best collegiate players. He directed the Reebok Urban Youth Tennis Academy at Flushing Meadows, N.Y. and has since coached players from beginners to international touring professionals. In 1998, he was awarded the ETA Long Island Region Tennis Professional of the Year Award. Keith has a master’s degree in sports management. His level-headed approach to junior tennis ensures that students develop and maintain a positive and productive mental outlook.
In the summer, the finest players in the east join us for summer camp on four indoor hard courts four indoor red clay courts that are air-conditioned, along with two outdoor Har-Tru courts and six nearby outdoor hard courts. Lunch is included and transportation is available.
Bethpage Park Tennis Center charges no membership fee and encourages and values beginners equally with our nationally-ranked players.
Butch Seewagen Tennis Academy
188 Maple Avenue ♦ Rockville Centre, N.Y.
(516) 763-1299, ext. 10
CATSNY.com ♦ CATSRVC@gmail.com
The Butch Seewagen Tennis Academy is proud to be the first of its kind on Long Island devoted entirely to the USTA’s 10 & Under Tennis Program. The Academy features three state-of-the-art, QuickStart, U.S. Open blue green courts. The Academy offers professional tennis programs for group, semi-private and private lessons, plus birthday parties and special events.
Directed by former U.S. National Amateur Champion and former top 70 player, the Butch Seewagen Tennis Academy uses USTA and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) QuickStart tennis guidelines. This progressive curriculum focuses on developing children’s tennis skills on a size-appropriate scale, utilizing smaller courts, low compression balls and smaller rackets. Drills and games are played with an emphasis on developing skill sets in a fun environment.
Carefree Racquet Club
1414 Jerusalem Avenue, #1
North Merrick, N.Y.
(516) 489-9005 ♦ CarefreeTennis.com
Carefree Racquet Club is Long Island’s premier indoor tennis club. We offer seven indoor tennis courts, two racquetball courts and a half-court basketball court. League Coordinator Debbie Cichon offers adult singles, doubles and team doubles leagues that are always on level to insure you a good game every time you play. Carefree has many USTA teams in the adult, senior, mixed-doubles and Tri-Level leagues. For those new to the game or just want to improve, Carefree offers two 14-week sessions of learn and play groups coordinated by Louis Vallejo. Players get an hour lesson each week, along with 90 minutes of practice time each week. For players looking for a more relaxed social atmosphere, Karen Guigliano hosts parties on Friday/Saturday nights where food is served and Karen arranges all games for the night.
Jean Tanklowitz, senior program coordinator, has many retirees who simply have a flexible schedule, playing Monday through Thursday in the afternoon. All games are arranged by Jean.
For junior players, Ben Marks, Carefree’s director of tennis, coordinates the Junior Development Program with two 14-week sessions starting at the age of five and running through the age of 18. Children can take group, semi-private or private lessons and get practice time and ladder match play as well. Ben also runs a high-school prep program and an Elite program. Carefree is very proud of its QuickStart tot program for children ages three- to five-years-old. This adorable program uses all the props to keep the children’s attention and is unmatched.
Carefree Racquet Club is managed by Kathy Miller, who is also the Long Island USTA Adult League Coordinator. Kathy, along with her assistant manager, Pat McIlwee, pride themselves on the organization and smooth running of the best indoor club on Long Island that has never and continues to not charge membership fees. So if you are looking to join a program or just rent a court now and then, we would love to see you at Carefree!
Early Hit Training Center
95 Glen Head Road ♦ Glen Head, N.Y.
(516) 455-1225
The Early Hit Training Center is located at 95 Glen Head Road in Glen Head, N.Y. Home of the ALPS Program, Early Hit Training Center specializes in accelerated learning through a combination of private lessons, group sessions and physical training in tennis-specific exercises. The program was designed by Carl Barnett, with the help of Pat Etcheberry.
The program focuses on the players and their need for accessible court time, coupled with a flexible schedule and parent-friendly budget. Early Hit Training Center features a fabulous summer camp, pro shop, restaurant and private training all year long.
Great Neck Estates Tennis Club
12 Shore Drive ♦ Great Neck, N.Y.
(516) 233-2790
Great Neck Estates Tennis Club is located in the scenic Great Neck Estates Waterfront Park. The lobby and front desk area of the Club provides players with an incredible view of New York City. This new tennis center features a brand-new, fully-insulated air structure and five Har-Tru courts. The air structure, manufactured by the world famous Farley Group of Canada, is the most advanced air structure of its kind and provides a tennis experience second to none. When players walk onto the court, they are instantly amazed by the quality of the lighting system.
What truly makes a facility excellent are the people who create, direct and instruct the programs. From QuickStart to tournament training, New York tennis at Great Neck Estates is striving to offer junior tennis players the best tennis experience.
The Club’s weekend junior tournament training programs is its trademark. On both Saturdays and Sundays, a three-hour tournament training program is offered, consisting two-hour lesson/drill followed by a full set of tennis. The session includes rigorous competitive drills, point play and fitness, and then each player participates in a ladder match. The results of the ladder match determines the player’s court next week. This type of experience weekly prepares juniors for both high school and tournament tennis.
During the mornings and early afternoons, Willie Notar organizes and directs programs for adult players. To burn calories, there is Boot Camp and for players in the evenings, there are men’s drill and play leagues.
Nassau Indoor Tennis Club
73 Fern Place Inwood, N.Y.
(516) 239-8303
NassauIndoorTennis.com ♦ Info@NassauIndoorTennis.com
For more than 30 years, Nassau Indoor Tennis Club has been the tennis club to go to in the Five Towns area of Nassau County.
Conveniently located on the South Shore, 30 minutes from Manhattan and 10 minutes from JFK Airport in Inwood, N.Y., Nassau Indoor Tennis Club is easily accessible from anywhere on Long Island or New York City.
Under new ownership, the recently reconditioned Har-Tru Tennis Courts are the perfect venue for the tennis enthusiast. Proud members of the USTA, Nassau Indoor Tennis Club offers something for everybody.
Looking for an outstanding youth program, private lessons, adult leagues, seasonal or hourly court time? Looking to throw a tennis party and cannot find a facility to rent? Nassau Indoor is available for all-sized parties, big or small. Nassau Indoor Tennis is happy and able to accommodate your tennis needs. The Club is proud host to USTA-sanctioned junior tournaments and USTA Adult League Teams.
Nassau Indoor Tennis Club provides unparalleled professional instruction to children and adults of all skill levels and abilities. The Club’s pros include David Brent, head pro at Inwood Country Club; Mark Harrison, head pro at Seawane Country Club; Eric Morales, head pro at Woodmere Country Club; and Chris Morales, head pro at the Village of Lawrence Country Club. Rest assured, when you join Nassau Indoor Tennis Club, you’ll get hands-on instruction from some of the region’s best and nationally-ranked professionals. Whether you are taking up tennis for the first time or have been playing for a long time, Nassau Indoor Tennis is available for all of your tennis needs. Just let them know if you want an individual or group lesson and Nassau Indoor Tennis Club’s pros will do the rest.
Nassau Indoor Tennis Club is open seven days a week, and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Hourly and seasonal court time is also available. Whether you would like to sign up for individual or group lessons, rent hourly or seasonal court time, join a league, or need some questions answered, Nassau Indoor Tennis’s friendly staff is available to assist you.
For more information, visit NassauIndoorTennis.com.
Point Set Indoor Racquet Club
3065 New Street ♦ Oceanside, N.Y.
(516) 536-2323 ♦ PointSetRacquetClub.com
Extreme makeover … tennis club edition! Upgrade yourself by enjoying the all new U.S. Open blue tennis courts, gleaming locker rooms, renovated lobby/office and redesigned social space of post-storm Point Set Indoor Racquet Club! A state-of-the-art, spare no expense renovation out of respect to our customers!
With 350-plus juniors in developmental programs, 60-plus QuickStart Pee-Wees, 500-plus adult players in leagues/contracts/drills, Point Set Racquet Club is working towards fulfilling its mission statement:
Point Set aspires to be the most vibrant tennis club on the South Shore by integrating heart with sport in the community. The dedicated dream team staff of tennis professionals administers a top tier Tournament Training Program (TTP) for three levels of junior competitors. It addresses all aspects of competition: drills, match play, fitness and mental toughness. See what a difference the Point Set staff delivers as the facility has added air-conditioning for a controlled climate for play year-round!
Point Set Indoor Racquet Club recognizes that customers are its most important asset. The collegial relationship of the staff, on- and off-the-court, translates into a friendly environment for its customers. Point Set is a full-service club and your gateway to challenging yourself to explore, enjoy and improve yourself through the great sport of tennis. Experience the difference a supportive environment makes! Come play at Point Set, where fun meets fitness.
Port Washington Tennis Academy
100 Harbor Road ♦ Port Washington, N.Y.
(516) 883-6425 ♦ PWTA.com
Port Washington Tennis Academy (PWTA) is dedicated to young people, primarily from the ages of four through 18. PWTA was created in 1966 as a non-profit facility to use tennis as a means of fostering educational success for children, by developing a stimulating lifelong activity that is fun, healthy, and scholastically and socially beneficial. This is accomplished by utilizing specialized techniques with a wide range of instructional programs, special in-house competitions and several USTA-sanctioned tournaments. Additionally, graduating high school seniors get the benefit of PWTA’s many years of experiences and up-to-date knowledge of schools, teams and coaches when it comes to identifying, selecting and the eventual placement at a university meeting their individual capabilities and goals. While PWTA is well-known for many world-class professional players graduating from its programs, encouraging educational excellence will always be the club’s main focus.
PWTA also offers an extensive variety of adult programs at all levels. Men’s and women’s daytime and evening leagues, private lessons, group clinics (three players plus a professional), seasonal courts, including instructional and season-ending doubles play sessions, are just part of the club’s broad spectrum of activities.
PWTA is the largest indoor tennis facility on the East Coast, with 17 indoor courts (four hard and 13 Har-Tru) and a unique elevated quarter mile-long indoor running track. PWTA also provides many extras not found as part of a teaching program, such as an international teaching staff, closed-circuit TV for each court, upper TV lounge for relaxed viewing, spectator viewing galleries to ensure full visibility of every court, comfortable lounge areas, extensive men’s and women’s locker rooms, meeting rooms, etc. Complimentary coffee, tea, milk, cookies, juice and potassium rich bananas are always available to PWTA members. In addition, the Academy has a fully-stocked pro shop to meet the needs of members.
For more information, call (516) 883-6425 or visit PWTA.com.
Ross School Tennis Center
18 Goodfriend Drive ♦ East Hampton, N.Y.
(631) 907-5162
Ross.org/Tennis ♦ TennisAcademy@Ross.org
The Ross School Tennis Center, located on the Ross Upper School campus in East Hampton, N.Y., is a wonderful resource in the Hamptons open to seasonal and year-round residents. The Center features six Har-Tru tennis courts that are enclosed by a bubble from mid-fall through mid-spring, allowing for year-round play. The courts are directly adjacent to the beautiful, state-of-the-art Field House, featuring amenities such as locker rooms, lounge, snack bar, and ping-pong tables. The Field House is also used for a variety of special events and is available for private parties.
Junior Tennis Programs (Nursery–Grade 6)
Using the QuickStart method and low-pressure balls, this program for students up to age 10 develops strong foundations in our youngest players through fun, level-appropriate games and drills. This program develops spatial awareness and locomotor skills and is designed to motivate young players into continuing the sport and taking it to the next level.
Junior Tennis Academy (RSJTA) (Grades 7-8)
This program offers the same intense training program as Tennis Academy (below), but caters specifically to players in grades seven and eight.
Tennis Academy (RSTA) Grades 9-12 and Post-Graduate
Featuring intense and demanding training for national and international high school students already playing in USTA or ITF tournaments, this unusual and dynamic program combines an engaging, global curriculum with the highest level of competitive tennis training available. Designed for USTA/ITF players in grades seventh through 12th and post-graduates, the RSTA is the first in the New York City area to augment a full academic program with a complete physical and mental conditioning program. Boarding options are available, as is a tennis-only (no academics) program.
Lessons and Court Rentals
Private instruction is available for all ages and levels of play. The Tennis Center staff provides a fun and supportive atmosphere that allows for the greatest amount of success. Guests can also rent courts during the weekday, weekend, or seasonally.
Call (631) 907-5162 or e-mail TennisAcademy@Ross.org for more information or to make reservations.
Sag Harbor Park Tennis
395 Main Street ♦ P.O. Box 2988
Sag Harbor, N.Y.
(631) 725-7275
Sag Harbor Park Tennis is located in Mashashimuet Park on Main Street in Sag Harbor, N.Y., approximately one mile south of the village. Sag Harbor Park Tennis provides the highest level of services and programs in a unique setting and environment, convenient for players from Southampton to Amagansett, with the best value in the Hamptons.
The facility has four HydroCourt (watered from under the surface) and four traditional Har-Tru clay courts. There are also two hard courts available for play and/or instruction. Beautiful 100-plus year-old elm trees provide great shaded areas on those hot summer days experienced on the court.
Sag Harbor’s professional staff, selected by Annacone Tennis Management, includes current and past Division I college players, ATP Tour professionals, and USPTA & USPTR Professionals with more than 50 years of tennis teaching experience. The staff is led by Steve Annacone, tennis director and president of Annacone Tennis Management. Steve has more than 40 years of experience in all facets of the tennis industry. His first teaching position was at the Park in 1976, so this facility has a deep place in his heart. After coaching his brother, Paul, on the ATP Tour for eight years, Steve served as tennis director, head professional and manager at numerous clubs, mainly in the state of Tennessee. In 2011, when his main focus switched to management of tennis facilities, Sag Harbor Park Tennis was the first program he agreed to manage in the New York area. Annacone Tennis Management has managed 15 facilities in the past 10 years and Sag Harbor Park Tennis is the centerpiece and model for these endeavors.
The Sag Harbor Park tennis professionals are known for their instructional expertise. Sag Harbor’s world-class staff offers a variety of adult and junior tennis programs for all ages and levels. They offer numerous programs for all ages and abilities, including the Annacone Tennis Academy and Camp. Membership is not required, but members do receive many advantages in reserving courts, scheduling and participating in lessons, as well as access to special events. Game matching and group matching, as well as hitters, are available for all of our members.
E-mail SagHarborTennis@aol.com or visit SagHarborParkTennis.com for more information. See you on the courts!
SPORTIME Tennis Clubs–Home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy
11 locations across Long Island, Manhattan, Westchester and the Capital Region
(888) NY-TENNIS
SportimeNY.com/Tennis ♦ JMTA.com
Info@SportimeNY.com
SPORTIME’s courts, programs, coaches, facilities and club environments have set the standard of excellence since 1994, and we are getting better every year. With more than 150 hard and soft surface courts, indoors and outdoors, we offer great tennis programs and facilities for players of all ages and abilities. To find out more, go to SportimeNY.com.
Programs for everyone
►Juniors: From the Tennis Whizz program for preschoolers, to the SPORTIME U10 tennis pathway for red and orange level players, to the Junior Tennis Kinetics and Excel Tennis programs for green and yellow level juniors, to the ultimate opportunity to train with New York tennis icon Johnny Mac and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) team, SPORTIME offers a complete menu of tennis programming for every level of play. SPORTIME Randall’s Island is the flagship home of JMTA, with JMTA satellite locations in Syosset on Long Island, Amagansett on Long Island (summer only) and at Lake Isle, Eastchester in Lower Westchester. Our curriculums include world-class, age and level appropriate athletic training, mental toughness training, and more, reflecting our commitment to developing complete players. SPORTIME/JMTA’s games approach gets kids playing fast and blends technical and tactical learning and coaching from the very first lesson. SPORTIME students turn their weaknesses into strengths, and their strengths into winning games!
►Adults: SPORTIME‘s Adult Tennis Kinetics is the largest adult group lesson program in the country. Major League Tennis, Cardio Tennis, and SPORTIME’s signature “Zone” high-intensity competitive games program all provide great workouts, combined with skills development, and are a lot of fun! For those looking for the ultimate challenge, SPORTIME offers Adult Excel, modeled after the highly successful Junior Excel and JMTA programs. Mixed-doubles parties, round-robin mixers, club tournaments and other special events round out the adult schedule throughout the year.
►SPORTIME Camps: SPORTIME offers the best tennis camps anywhere and has a camp location near you! SPORTIME summer and school-break camps, including U10, Excel and JMTA player development camps, utilize fun and fast-paced training methods, competitive games, technical instruction and tactical training for match play, as well as off-court athletic and mental toughness training. Multi-Sport camps are also offered.
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Flushing, N.Y.
(718) 760-6200 ♦ NTC.USTA.com
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, home of the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, is the largest public tennis facility in the world. The Tennis Center is open to the public year-round and offers exciting programming, as well as numerous events throughout the year.
Programs are offered for all ages and levels, as well as clinics, private lessons, leagues, tours, field trips, summer camps, corporate events, birthday parties and tournaments. The NTC also supports all USTA Community Tennis and Player Development initiatives.
The professional staff also conducts community tennis programs, including 10 & Under Tennis for children 10 years of age and under to learn tennis in a fun and dynamic way; USTA Junior Team Tennis for youth match play; USTA League Tennis for competitive, level-of-play competition, and an official Cardio Tennis site for on-court heart pumping fitness.
Initiatives for USTA Player Development include an Invitational USTA Competition Training Center for ranked players, Player Development programs for top-ranking juniors in the Northeast, and a year-round USTA Tournament Training Program for ranked juniors.
The NTC also provides for diverse community outreach programs including; the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL), the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the Queens District Attorney’s Star Track/Say Yes to Tennis, No to Violence program for Queens at-risk youth. The NTC also hosts various tennis opportunities for special populations, including wheelchair tennis instruction for the physically-challenged from the months of October through July, HERO (Help Expand Recreational Opportunities) for developmentally challenged adults and tennis for autistic children through NYFAC (New York Families for Autistic Children).
There is an extensive summer camp program which provides basic tennis instruction starting as young as 10 and under up through and including Academy level players. Camps include instruction and fitness programs; the encouragement of good sportsmanship leading to general character building for the children. These services are provided at nominal cost, making it affordable for youngsters who would not otherwise get the chance to attend camp or receive tennis instruction. Lastly, the Project ACES (Alternative Classroom Environment for Students), implemented at the NTC in 2009, is geared towards children from schools from the New York City Metropolitan Area. This program provides students the opportunity to visit the NTC and learn about the history of tennis. The kids are given a tour of the entire site, including Center Court in Ashe, a video presentation on the history of tennis and the great players of the sport, followed by an hour of on-court tennis instruction.
