Registration Policies Memberships must be paid in full at the time of registration for membership discount and registration privileges. Register at Heritage Tennis Club. In-person registration will be completed before Mail-in or early drop-off registration is processed. In-person Registration begins at 7:30 am on the dates listed on Registration Dates. Individuals may register only their immediate families. Registration qualifications are considered per individual player.

 

HTC Youth Tennis Lessons

Junior classes meet once a week for youngsters who are learning or beginning to enjoy the game of tennis. To participate in an advanced beginning class, the student should have taken a series of beginner classes. Students should be able to sustain a moderate rally and be familiar with the rules of tennis. If there is any doubt as to the proficiency for advanced beginner classes, enroll the child in a beginner class for at least one session. All intermediate students must have the permission of a staff professional to register.

Hitters

This program introduces the tennis basics to 5-7 year olds: forehand and backhand groundstrokes, volleys and serves.

Beginners

Advanced Beginners

Intermediate

HTC Junior Excellence

This program will focus on advanced drills, stroke production and competitive play. Players for all classes must be at the intermediate level or above. Staff recommend this program for students who enjoy the game and for athletes interested in playing high school tennis.

Tournament Training V

11-13 years old playing at an intermediate level

Tournament Training IV

12-14 years old playing at an intermediate to advanced level

Tournament Training III

Boys - Low level junior varsity or trying out for high school team.
Girls - Already on junior varsity

HTC Adult Tennis Lessons

These classes are geared towards players who want emphasis on instruction and stroke development.

Beginner 1.0-2.5

Advanced Beginner 2.5-3.0

HTC Adult Drill Program

These drills are geared towards players who want emphasis on instruction and stroke development.

Advanced Beginner 2.5-3.0

Intermediate 3.0-4.0

Men's Advanced Intermediate

HTC Travel Team Drill

This drill emphasizes doubles strategy and play. It is an opportunity to practice with your partner in preparation for travel team matches. Players on all travel teams are encouraged. This program is for members only.

HTC Weekly Drills

Looking for a way to drill and play, but can't commit to a session of lessons? The weekly drill program allows you to call in by Saturday and drill that Sunday or Monday. Space is limited in each program, so call early. Pro staff coordinate registration and work with players to find a drill that fits even the most demanding schedule.

HTC Private Group Lessons/Drills

Do you have four or more friends who'd like to take lessons during the day but can't find the right time or ability level? Heritage Tennis Club gives you the opportunity to book your time permanently with a pro for nine weeks. You do not have to be a member to enjoy this privilege. Just call us at 847-398-7780 to arrange a time.

A Self-Rating Guide

The following is a self-rating guide to enable you to place yourself in a lesson group. If the description of your play is advanced beginner, then this is the lesson group in which you should participate. When two categories describe your level of play, choose the lower one. Remember, most players tend to over-rate themselves. After the session is completed, your professional may ask you to move to the next higher level.

Beginner (1.0-2.5)

Person has not played tennis before or has very little tennis experience. May have had a series of tennis lessons and knows theoretically how to hit the ball, but does not have the ability to control groundstrokes or serves. Frequently out of position, little racket control, and not very comfortable at the net. The serve is usually pushed, double faults frequently, and has trouble controlling the direction for the serve. One year in this category is common for adults and possibly two years for young children.

Advanced Beginner (2.5-3.0)

Player has had a few lessons and finds a little more success at the game. Still is out of position frequently, but has the ability to sustain a rally from the baseline making at least 5-6 shots in succession. However, loses control when attempting to add power to the shots. Preparation is often late under pressure. The serve is not a weapon, just gets the ball in play. Double faults regularly and ball toss is erratic. Synchronization of ball toss and swing is not smooth. Has the ability to judge the direction of the bounce and the speed of the ball, but is still out of position 20% of the time. This person is less afraid at the net, but either swings too big or just blocks the ball. Would rather play the baseline than the net. Has had some experience playing and keeping score, but finds self-speculating during the rally rather than being involved. It generally takes an adult over two years of lessons and play to advance out of this category. It may take children three years to move beyond this point.

Intermediate (3.0-4.0)

Player has played tennis for at least three years or is an exceptional athlete. Groundstrokes are hit with medium pace, good control, and are reliable. Starting to experiment with spin and understands the role of spin in the game. Can't always control the placement of spin. The first serve begins to create weak returns from opponent and has more velocity to it. Double faults once every two games. More comfortable and successful in the net. Enjoys and is successful in quick exchanges at the net. May begin to serve and volley in doubles and understands the value of controlling play from the net. May be involved in traveling teams. It will take 3-5 years of lessons and play to accomplish this level.

Advanced (4.0 and above)

This player does all the things an intermediate can do but better. This player is involved in traveling leagues at the "A" level of play or in the highest level of in-house leagues. This person changes pace, spin and direction of the ball with relative ease. Starting to use spin serves and is capable of being both a power player and finesse player. In doubles, the team almost always wins serve, and puts pressure on the opponent. Can hit half volleys, winning over-heads, placement volleys, power volleys, and drop shots. This player can do it all, but still wants to make the more difficult shots more consistently. If you have to ask if you are an advanced player . . . you are probably not! It takes 5-7 years of lessons and play to attain this lofty level.

 

HTC Private Lessons

Looking for one-on-one instruction? Our Pro Staff offer private lessons. Call the club for more information.

HTC In-House League Program

The Heritage Tennis Club offers a number of in-house leagues for men and women. These leagues are designed to provide an element of competition to many levels of players. Anyone wishing to join a league must be rated prior to participation. All league players must be current members of Heritage Tennis Club to participate.

If you are interested in registering for a league or playing as a substitute, please contact the League Coordinator at 847-398-7780. If your company or organization would like to form its own league, please contact the Club for court availability or assistance in setting up the league.

Fall League Session: September-mid-January.

Registration will be accepted throughout summer until leagues are full.

Spring League Session: mid-Jan, 2009-end of May, 2009 (17 weeks).

Registration will be accepted beginning in December until leagues are full.

Tennis League - Ladies

Tennis Leagues - Men

HTC Instructional League 2.5-3.0

Advanced beginner players can benefit from a program that focuses on building stroke development and introduces league experience.

HTC Early Morning League

Heritage coordinates an Early Morning League. This league is always looking for new 3.5+ players. Sign up is on a weekly basis, make your reservation before 5 pm every Tuesday. If you are interested, please call 847-398-7780. The league plays every Wednesday morning from 7:30-9 am.

HTC Travel Teams

Heritage travel teams play against other Park District club teams including Glenview, Winnetka, Wilmette, Barrington, Schaumburg, Niles, and Forest View. Players may be asked to try-out for these teams. If you are interested in participating on a travel team, contact: