Tennis

HJTEP accepts ages 5 - 18 years at any stage of development, from the first introduction to the game through advanced levels of play. HJTEP student-athletes take the sport of tennis seriously, knowing it will enrich their lives exponentially, and most stay with us for an average of between 5-10 years. 

Aspiring student-athletes advance through the tennis program by progressing through each level of play: Grassroots I & II; Futures & Intermediate; High Performance I & II. Their ultimate goal is to be selected for The Tournament Team, where they will have attained high standards of play and academic achievement.

Our metrics for success in the tennis program include striving for 100% player retention while qualifying 36% of our players for tournament play and at least 13% of HJTEP athletes competing at the national level. Our most advanced players will have also gained tournament experience at the international level.

Grassroots & Futures

Grassroots I

Grassroots I is our beginner's class. These are the youngest (and generally smallest) students in the program who are first taught basic tennis skills by using the larger, softer, and slower tennis balls referred to as the 'Red Ball' on a 36-ft court. This approach enables these youngsters to see the ball more clearly and diminishes any fears they may initially have of the faster and higher-bouncing balls.

These young players develop hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility in a game-based setting as they begin to understand the sport. Our coaches focus on preventing frustrations by keeping the game simple and enjoyable for this young group. Grassroots I meet twice weekly for a total of two hours.

Schedule:

• Wednesday and Friday 4:00 - 5:00 PM

   

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $350, Non-Harlem Residents $385 *
 

Grassroots II

Grassroots II is our advanced-beginners group that starts to transition from the 'Red Ball' to the 'Orange' and 'Green Balls' on courts that are 60 ft and 78 ft. They also play recreational games as they compete with each other. Their basic objectives continue to center around agility, balance, and coordination while moving more into the level of skills needed for the next stage of play. Grassroots II meets twice a week for 3 hours total.

Schedule:

• Wednesday and Friday - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $420, Non-Harlem Residents $460*

Futures

The Futures group generally consists of students who have the skills to play more regularly. Focusing on specific areas of their game, these players transition from a purely recreational to a more competitive play environment. They participate in tournaments with kids from other areas and begin to focus much more deeply on court manners and etiquette. The fitness focus remains on agility, balance, and coordination while also incorporating specific and more competitive tennis movements. Futures meet four times weekly for a total of six hours.

Schedule:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 4:00 - 5:30 PM
• Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $605, Non-Harlem Residents: $665 *

Tournament Level

Intermediate Group
 

This group isn't age-limited but typically works with kids ages 11-14 who are still playing recreational tennis but trying to get into competitive play. The workload is more intense and expectations are higher. Physically, these kids are stronger than those in Futures, but they need more knowledge and skills for periodic tournament play. The fitness emphasis is on agility, balance, coordination and tennis-specific movement. This group meets on Wednesday and Friday, including Junior Team Tennis during winter/spring sessions.

Schedule:

• Wednesday and Friday - 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $505, Non-Harlem Residents: $675 *

High Performance  I (HP I)
 

Our student-athletes who reach HP I play competitive tennis only. They have developed beyond recreational play and are trying to achieve a USTA ranking/WTN rating to further their game, with a goal of winning college tennis scholarships. The basic fitness component is tennis-specific endurance, strength, and conditioning training. In addition to training, HP I players play a minimum of one monthly tournament.

Schedule:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 4:30 - 6:30
• Saturday - 12:30 - 3:00 pm

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $1,060, Non-Harlem Residents: $1,290 *

High Performance II (HP II)

Students in the HP II group generally share the same goals as HP I, but they compete at a higher level. Their goal is to win a scholarship at an NCAA Division I university. Division I schools include Ivy League Colleges, leading West Coast schools, and historically Black colleges like Howard and Hampton University, Fairleigh Dickinson, and Fairfield University. The fitness focus is on agility, balance, and coordination. HP II students play a minimum of 2 tournaments per month to earn rankings and generally attend HJTEP program play 4-5 days a week.

Schedule:

• Monday, Tuesday and Thursday - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• Saturday - 2:00 - 5:00 pm

Registration Fee: Harlem Residents: $1,200, Non-Harlem Residents: $1,680 *

The Tournament Team

The Tournament Team represents HJTEP's top-level players who aim to achieve higher academic and tennis achievements. This select group of high-potential players spans all ages and demonstrates abilities and desires to pursue higher academic and tennis achievements. These players are also held to a higher academic standard, including community engagement and peer mentoring. 

Many tournament team members receive financial assistance for the additional private coaching, tournament costs, extra equipment needs, etc. These players train 4 days a week and compete in 24 yearly tournaments.

* Scholarships are available based on financial need.