Start from zero
No experience? No problem. Learn the rules, grips, movement, and strokes in clear, manageable steps.
LAKEWOOD, OH · SEASONAL OUTDOOR LESSONS
START
HERE.
Tennis is an awesome game—and getting started should feel exciting, not intimidating. Coach A.J. brings over 20 years of coaching experience and a background in education that helps him meet every player at their pace.
PTR certified20+ years coachingLakewood, OH public courts
Seasonal in Lakewood, OhioPrivate or bring a partnerPublic outdoor courts
TENNIS FOR THE COMMUNITY
The court should feel open to everyone.
Lakewood Tennis w/ Coach A.J. is built for people who are curious about tennis, ready to learn, or looking to strengthen their fundamentals—without the pressure, formality, or higher costs often associated with racquet and country clubs.
Feel comfortable
Lessons are encouraging, practical, and paced to help beginner and intermediate players enjoy learning.
Play affordably
Community-based lessons on public courts offer a welcoming alternative to club instruction that can cost substantially more.
PTRCERTIFIED
MEET YOUR COACH
Experience that makes the game feel simpler.
Coach A.J. teaches tennis part time, backed by more than 20 years of coaching and instructional experience. He earned his certification through the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) in 2005 and brings a lifelong competitive background to every lesson—including winning a Pennsylvania high school state championship in doubles.
Beyond the court, Coach A.J. is a certified teacher with a master’s degree in special education. That training helps him connect especially well with children, adapt instruction to different learning styles, and move at the pace each player needs to build skill and confidence.
20+ years coaching and instruction
2005 earned PTR certification ↗
PA high school doubles state champion
M.Ed. special education and certified teacher
USTA Safe Play ApprovedIncludes SafeSport training, Safe Play policy acknowledgment, and criminal background screening.
Learn about Safe Play ↗
COACHING IN THE COMMUNITY
Youth and adult classes through Lakewood Recreation.
In addition to private and semi-private lessons, Coach A.J. teaches youth and adult tennis classes through Lakewood’s Community Recreation & Education Department. Visit the official recreation website for seasonal programs, class details, and registration.
Visit Lakewood Recreation ↗
HELP YOUNG PLAYERS LOVE THE GAME
Interested in volunteering
Coach A.J. welcomes responsible high school and college-aged tennis players who would like to make a difference, strengthen their own skills, and gain meaningful experience helping with youth classes offered through Lakewood Recreation.
Hands-on teaching experience
Learn how to explain skills, demonstrate fundamentals, support drills, and help organize positive group activities.
Leadership and responsibility
Practice taking initiative, being dependable, managing small tasks, and setting a positive example for younger players.
Stronger communication
Build confidence giving clear directions, offering encouragement, listening, and adapting to different ages and learning styles.
Mentorship that matters
Help young beginners feel welcome, enjoy being active, overcome frustration, and become more confident on and off the court.
A deeper tennis understanding
Reinforce your own fundamentals by observing instruction, demonstrating technique, and seeing the game through a coach’s perspective.
Teamwork and problem-solving
Work alongside Coach A.J. and other helpers to keep classes safe, organized, energetic, and responsive to the group’s needs.
Experience for your next step
Develop relevant experience for résumés, college applications, interviews, and possible futures in coaching, teaching, recreation, or youth development.
Community involvement
Give back through a healthy local activity and potentially work toward service-hour goals when accepted by your school or organization.
LESSONS FOR BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATE PLAYERS
Focused coaching at your pace.
Choose one-on-one instruction or bring others and learn together. Every lesson is adapted to the players on court.
PRIVATE OR SMALL-GROUP
One flexible lesson format
Book a private lesson for one-on-one attention or create a small-group lesson with two, three, or more players. Coach A.J. adjusts instruction, drills, and feedback to the size and experience of your group.
EVERY LESSON INCLUDES
- Beginner–intermediate instruction
- 60, 90, or 120-minute options
- Fundamentals, footwork, and point play
- Coaching adapted to each player’s pace
2026 HOURLY RATE
$40Lakewood student
$50Standard
One total hourly rate, whether the lesson is private or shared by a group.2026 rates: Valid through December 31, 2026. Rates may be updated for the 2027 season and will be communicated in advance. Small-group pricing is the total hourly lesson price—not a per-player charge. Longer lessons are billed proportionally. Lessons are seasonal and held on available public tennis courts in Lakewood, Ohio; weather may require rescheduling.
SEASONAL AVAILABILITY · LAKEWOOD, OH
Find your next court time.
1:1PRIVATE
Beginner–Intermediate · Lakewood public courts
Private Lesson
2+GROUP
Beginner–Intermediate · Lakewood public courts
Small-Group Lesson
A friendly scheduling note: Posted availability reflects Coach A.J.’s current schedule and is not a guaranteed appointment. All lesson requests require confirmation. Occasionally, a lesson may need to be adjusted, rescheduled, or canceled because of weather, court conditions, or unexpected personal or family responsibilities. Whenever possible, Coach A.J. will provide notice and work with you to find another time.
PROGRESS YOU CAN FEEL
Build a game that feels like yours.
Backed by PTR certification and over 20 years of instruction, Coach A.J. focuses on practical fundamentals and clear feedback.
Reliable contact
Find a repeatable swing path and cleaner contact point.
Better movement
Recover with purpose and reach the next ball balanced.
Confident points
Use simple patterns instead of guessing under pressure.
Clear instruction. Useful practice. More confidence every time you step on court.
TESTIMONIALS / REVIEWS
What players and parents are saying.
Feedback shared by players and families who have worked with Coach A.J.
COACH A.J.’S COURT NOTES
Small tips. Better tennis.
01
FOOTWORK · 3 MIN READ
The split-step cue that makes everything feel earlier
Time your hop as your opponent makes contact—not after. Land light, stay balanced, and let your first step answer the ball.
02
SERVE · 4 MIN READ
Stop chasing power before you own your toss
Practice ten tosses without swinging. Your ideal toss should peak just inside the court and be reachable at full extension.
03
MATCH PLAY · 2 MIN READ
A calmer plan for the next big point
Choose one high-percentage pattern before the point begins. A clear plan quiets nerves and keeps your feet committed.
LAKEWOOD HITTING PARTNERS · ADULTS 18+
Meet someone new. Get out and hit.
This free community board helps adult players find local hitting partners. Listings appear only after Coach A.J. reviews and approves them.
Players looking to hit
Loading approved listings…
Please play safely: Meet in a public place, tell someone your plans, and use your own judgment. Lakewood Tennis w/ Coach A.J. introduces community members but does not screen participants or supervise meetups.
YOUR NEXT POINT STARTS HERE
Ready to get on court?
Tell Coach A.J. about your experience, goals, and availability. Lessons are scheduled seasonally on Lakewood public courts.
Contact Coach A.J.412-327-0801
ajb5035@gmail.com
Lakewood, Ohio
ajb5035@gmail.com
Lakewood, Ohio