About High Five Tennis:

High Five Tennis Academy works with kids of all ages but our focus is on kids 2-10 years of age.   We specialize in one-on-one, private red ball (children ages 2-8) and orange ball (9+) lessons, focusing on personalized instruction that builds a strong foundation for lifelong success on and off the court through fun, collaborative play.  At HFT, we help children develop a comprehensive understanding of the game, emphasizing both technical skills and the importance of sportsmanship.

Inspired by my own experience watching my daughters take lessons in traditional red ball group settings (with 5 to one ratios), I realized the crucial need for a more individualized approach. Drawing inspiration from Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and guided by principles of child development, we created High Five Tennis Academy with a focus on:

• Personalized Instruction: Tailored to each child’s unique learning style, pace, and developmental stage.
• Strong Foundations: Developing consistent strokes, excellent footwork, and a deep understanding of court movement.
• Collaborative Learning: Fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive learning environment.
• Fun and Engaging:  Creating a joyful experience with age-appropriate music and a focus on making learning fun.

How We Work: A Step-by-Step Approach

Phase 1: Building a Strong Foundation (30 or 60 minute private lessons).  When we begin working with your child we focus on one-on-one sessions emphasizing fundamental strokes, footwork, and court awareness. Our goal is to develop rock-solid technique and a deep understanding of the game’s rhythm. We incorporate fun games and age-appropriate music to keep learning engaging.   In general for red ballers in the 2-6 year old range we begin with 30 minute sessions.  If your child has the attention and patience to handle an hour we can explore this as well.  Often with kids in the 7+ range they will do well with a full hour but we will still initially start with a 30 minute session for the first lesson to get them acclimated.  We’ll continue with private lessons exclusively until your child consistently demonstrates solid form and technique. 

Phase 2: Partner Play & Teamwork (1 hour lessons). Once your child has a strong foundation, most kids transition to add in a second weekly semi-private lessons with a partner (or you can suggest one). This second session adds a social element to the learning experience. Children learn to practice doubles strategy, develop essential teamwork skills, and build valuable social connections while continuing to receive personalized attention.

Ultimately, this combined approach – private sessions for focused skill development at the onset of playing tennis, followed by  adding in a second day with partner play for application – provides the optimal learning environment for young players. Your child will gain confidence, build lasting friendships, and develop a lifelong love for the game at a speed that can not be matched via traditional group tennis programs. We also seamlessly guide children through the transition from red ball to orange ball, ensuring a smooth and successful progression.

Why Individualized Learning?

As Malcolm Gladwell emphasizes in Outliers, individualized learning can be a key to success. Traditional group classes often limit individual attention and customization, crucial at this developmental stage. One-on-one instruction allows for tailored focus on each child’s unique needs, fostering mastery of both technical skills and the artistic flow of tennis.

Every child is unique with distinct strengths, personalities, and learning needs. At High Five Tennis, we recognize that all children learn differently. Whether your child is a quick learner or requires extra support, our individualized approach ensures they receive the attention and guidance they need to thrive. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment for all children, including those with neurodiverse learning styles.

Our Collaborative Approach to a Competitive Sport

We prioritize a collaborative and supportive learning environment. This encourages growth, confidence, and a love for the sport without the pressure of early competition.

Wait, but tennis is a competitive sport! Yes, it can be. But at its most basic, tennis is a partnership between two people (or maybe four if you’re playing doubles). HFT looks at tennis for little children from this viewpoint. We teach kids how to play with others, collaboratively. Instead of focusing solely on winning points, we encourage children to work together to sustain long rallies and celebrate each other’s successes. This fosters a positive and encouraging atmosphere where everyone feels supported and valued.  It also focuses on consistency in hitting and control, which are vital when kids move into a competition.

Hold on… what about tournaments and competition? If and when your child is ready to begin competing, we will gradually introduce them to competitive play. We will work with you and your child to develop the skills and strategies needed to succeed both on and off the court, while always prioritizing sportsmanship and a positive attitude.  

What’s Your Child’s Goal?

Whether your child aims to play casually, compete in high school, pursue college tennis, or even aspire to professional play, it all begins with a passion for the game and rock stable fundamentals. Our approach cultivates this passion, focusing on the details that build a lasting connection to tennis.

Our Mission:

At High Five Tennis, we strive to:

• Foster a lifelong love of tennis in your child through personalized instruction.
• Develop exceptional footwork and technical skills (spins, movement) before transitioning to orange ball.
• Build strong rallying consistency at an early age.

About Kevin:  Kevin has been teaching tennis in clubs in Washington, DC, New York City, and Westchester for over thirty years.  He is a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association.  Kevin grew up taking lessons from former world number one, Pauline Betz Addie in his hometown of Washington, DC.  He went on to play college tennis in Pennsylvania. Currently Kevin works with kids two years and up (even really big kids over 18 years old.)

Questions?  Schedule a call with Kevin.  Contact us at 646.388.0030.