Winter Tennis Instruction

A lottery-style registration system has been instituted to more efficiently handle the number of basic level tennis registrants. All basic level students are required to apply for a registration time through the lottery system. Registration is conducted in-person only. Wilmette Tennis Club membership is not required to register for lesson programs.

Winter Lottery Registration
Students not enrolled in Fall Session II basic level classes must fill out a lottery form.

• Lottery Deadline: Friday, Jan. 4
• Registration: Saturday, Jan. 19, at your assigned time.
• Classes Begin: Sunday, Jan. 20

How to enter the registration lottery:

• Complete a Tennis Lesson Lottery form for each student.
• Submit your Lottery Application Forms by the deadlines noted above. No fees are paid at this time. If you miss this deadline, please call the Wilmette Tennis Club to get a registration number and time, 847-256-9676.
• Lottery forms will be drawn in the following order: Residents then Non-Residents.
• You will be informed of your registration time by mail. If you do not receive your registration notice through the mail, please call us for your assigned time.
• Registration begins at your assigned time at the Wilmette Tennis Club, 2300 Old Glenview Rd. Proof of residency will be checked prior to registration.
• If you are unable to attend registration, contact the Wilmette Tennis Club for assistance.

General Information

• Regulation tennis shoes must be worn. Tennis apparel is requested.
• Balls are supplied for lessons, racquets are not.
• Group instruction with individual attention emphasized.
• Private instruction is available from the Wilmette Tennis Club’s professional staff. Contact Darrell Smith 847-256-9682 for more information.
• Ball machine rental, on a Match Mate ball machine, is $15 per hour- including ball hopper. Court time is not included.
• Demonstrator Racquet Rental – A $2 fee will be charged to use a demonstrator racquet. Same day rental only. 

Tennis Instruction Levels 

The following are guidelines to help determine your level of tennis ability when registering for tennis instruction.

Basic Levels

• Tiny Hitters: For 4 year-olds with minimal tennis experience.
• Little Hitters I: For 5 to 6-year-olds with minimal tennis experience.
• Little Hitters II: For 5 to 6-year-olds who have been in the program before and who have been promoted by the Tennis Club Staff.
• Novice:  For 7 to 9- year-olds beginning to learn racquet skills with minimal tennis experience.
• Junior and Adult Beginner: Individual with limited tennis experience. Wants to learn the fundamentals of tennis.
• Junior and Adult Intermediate I: Individual with developing skills. Wants to improve fundamental strokes. Requires additional work on service motion and complete review of basic strokes.
• Junior and Adult Intermediate II: Individual should be able to serve and hit ground strokes with moderate success. Consistency and competition is emphasized. Baseline game strategy is drilled.
• Junior and Adult Intermediate III: Individual with consistent strokes. Students develop net play and drill baseline game.

Advanced Levels
Advanced Level programs require a tryout. Call Wilmette Tennis Club at 847/256-9676 for information.

• Junior Excellence Program:  Advanced junior players who have mastered the fundamentals. Program includes Excellence 1 hour and 1½ hours.
• Women's Drill, Play and Strategy:  Intermediate to advanced level students drill on all strokes and play competitively under the supervision of their instructor.
• Pro-Amateur Drill:  Advanced players with a firm command of basic strokes drill on advanced strokes and strategy.
• Instructional Leagues: For intermediate and advanced players, conducted under professional supervision. Emphasis is on doubles strategy.