Tennis Lessons For Kids & Adults


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is your experience teaching tennis?
I have extensive experience as a hitting partner and instructor, leading both private and group lessons. My tennis journey began at a summer camp (ACAC) in Charlottesville, followed by a youth program at UVA. I then played four years of varsity tennis at Albemarle High School and competed in various local tournaments in Charlottesville, as well as a few in the Mid-Atlantic region. After a brief hiatus from competitive tennis, I reignited my passion for teaching in the Summer and Fall of 2017 while living in NYC. During this time, I coached privately and also taught group lessons for Bumblebee Tennis in Brooklyn and Queens, working with kids and adolescents.

In 2018, I expanded my teaching career to Northern Virginia, where I was hired by an apartment complex in Alexandria to lead four group sessions each weekend over an 8-week period, catering to beginners and intermediate players. Since then, I’ve taught full-time in the DC-Metro area. Additionally, from 2019 to 2022, I worked part-time as an instructor for the University of Virginia’s Intramural program, leading group sessions for UVA students and faculty, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. In summary, I’ve been consistently instructing since the summer of 2017, starting in NYC and growing my reach in Charlottesville and the DC-Metro area. (Details of my experience *playing* tennis).


2. What is your approach to coaching?
In tennis, as in any sport, success comes down to two main elements: 1) mastering the fundamentals, and 2) developing your unique style or "feel" for the game. Every player has their own strengths and weaknesses, and learning the fundamentals is crucial because it creates the foundation for discovering your individual style. Once you’ve developed this style, it becomes a competitive edge.

The more you practice against opponents of superior skill levels, the more you'll be challenged to raise your own game, leading to faster improvement. Tennis is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The mental aspect is a key component that influences not only performance on the court but also your overall mindset. By focusing on this mental side, players can build a mindset and character that lasts a lifetime. Mental coaching is a vital part of the lessons I offer and plays an essential role in the growth of players at all skill levels and ages.


3. What can I expect at my first lesson?
First 5 Minutes: We’ll start by breaking the ice and getting to know each other. We’ll discuss your goals for tennis, review your current assessment of your game, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. This is also a good time to stretch and prepare for the session.

Next 5 Minutes: We’ll warm up with some rallies starting at the service line. During this time, I’ll observe your skill level, athleticism, hand-eye coordination, and overall potential. This will help me determine the pace and direction for the rest of the lesson.

Next 50 Minutes: We’ll dive into more focused training. Depending on your needs, we may work on groundstrokes to adjust or refine your strengths, or focus on improving areas of weakness. I’ll introduce drills to provide in-depth instruction and may incorporate game-play to keep things competitive and fun. Feel free to ask any questions along the way — the more specific and challenging, the better.

End of Session: I’ll provide an overall assessment of your progress and suggest areas for improvement, whether technically, strategically, or mentally. We’ll also have time for further review, advice, and any remaining questions.

Reminders for Your First Session: Please wear tennis shoes, and bring your own racket if you have one (if not, just let me know in advance and I’ll provide one). I’ll bring the tennis balls, but please also bring water and sunscreen if desired.


4. Should I sign-up for a private lesson or group lessons?
1.  Private Lesson – One-on-one. More expensive per player but you get all of the attention. Highly recommended if you are serious about improving your tennis game.
2.  Group Lesson – Two or more students to one coach. Cheaper. Recommended if you want a more social atmosphere. Allows the instructor to analyze your play against other players.
  • For two players, the rate is: $70/hour ($35 each player).
  • For three players: $90/hour ($30 each player).
  • For four or more players: $100+/hour ($25/each player).

5. What is the youngest age you teach?
I teach students as young as 3 to 4 years old, starting with basic coordination drills and fun activities using foam balls and small racquets. Around 5 to 6 years old, kids can begin structured lessons focusing on proper technique and footwork. By 7 to 8 years old, they can transition to more competitive play with modified courts and balls (such as red, orange, and green dot balls).

Ultimately, the best age depends on the child's coordination, interest, and ability to follow instructions.


6. How can I remit payment?
Cash is accepted.
Cash App: https://cash.app/$SuleimanAloul
PayPal: SALOUL10@gmail.com
Zelle: SALOUL10@gmail.com (my name should come up: Suleiman Aloul)

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Testimonials



Sulay is a good teacher and a great person to be around, enthusiastic and positive and fun. He's got a lot of great drills up his sleeve and is encouraging of players at all levels! — Martha

Coach Sulay is a fantastic tennis coach. He is very patient with a positive attitude toward my son. Coach Sulay has taught Nathan for the last six months and he has improved tremendously with his strokes and serving. I would recommend Coach Sulay for all skill levels. — Minh

My 8-year old son enjoyed tennis class because of Coach Sulay. He learned from Coach Sulay not only tennis skills but also passion and persistence! Thank you so much Coach Sulay! — Allen

Sulay is a phenomenal professional tennis coach, and he has an unbelievable amount of stamina and patience. He led our entire community—both beginners and advanced players—in weekly tennis clinics. He built a large group of players through his tennis expertise, fantastic drills, and commitment to personal growth. Couldn’t recommend Sulay more! — Daniel M.

Coach Sulay was patient and effective teaching my 4 and 5 year old who never played before. He was prompt and very knowledgeable about the game. Looking forward to more lessons in the spring! — Ali

Sulay is great! He's always on time, with a positive attitude, and encourages us while also giving constructive feedback. As beginners, we had no idea what we were doing, but Sulay did a good job of helping us with the basics. — Emily

Sulay has a caring approach with his students. He is definitely very patient. Sulay’s character is very nice. He’s a punctual and reliable coach. The playing style includes nice top-spin with forehand and backhand. He is creative and brings his own touch to the lesson. — Vanessa

Thank you for your patience during the courses as I have asked a lot of simple questions. I learn a lot from this course, especially from you. I like your teaching very much. Thanks. — Renqin Cai

Sulay is a great coach. Friendly, flexible and knowledgeable, he can change the plan according to your needs. — Shahin

Gained a bit more confidence after various drills. Going for more when I play with regular partners. They actually noticed my improvement. — W.S.

You are a great instructor. And the best thing about you is that you care. Don’t lose it! — P.K.S.

Sulay has been a great tennis coach for my 7-year old daughter. He is very passionate about tennis and his coaching has tremendously helped my daughter to pick up the nuances of playing tennis. Sulay comes highly recommended! — R.P.

Thank you for teaching us. You are a very nice and professional coach. We have got a lot of fun. Best wishes. — Meilin

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Stringing (Northern Virginia)

Consider comparing pricing, turnaround rate, and location(distance from you):
  1. Falls Church: www.CapitalStringing.com/price-list.html
  2. McLean: www.McleanrhClub.com/tennis-programs/racquets-stringing
  3. Fairfax: https://AlpineSkiShop.com/demo-rackets-and-stringing
  4. Pete (in McLean) is known for stringing & selling gear: (703) 597-4619.
  5. Vu Stringer — (571) 992-4149 — $10 service, includes 24-48 turnaround; +$7 for same day stringing; has strings for $10+ depending on type of string.

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Tennis Ball Machine Rental
  1. Onelife Fitness McLean: MUST BE A MEMBER | $11/hr ball machine rental fee, PLUS a fee to reserve a court.
  2. Arlington YMCA Tennis & Squash Center: MUST BE A MEMBER | $10/hr ball machine rental fee.
  3. Burke Racquet & Swim Club: MUST BE A MEMBER | $10/hr ball machine rental, PLUS a fee to reserve a court ($44-48/hr).
  4. Rock Creek Tennis Center: MUST BE A MEMBER | The Ball Machine Is Broken at the moment | $15/hr ball machine rental fee, PLUS a fee to reserve a court.
  5. Fairfax Racquet Club: NO BALL MACHINE AVAILABILITY
  6. Reston Association: NO BALL MACHINE AVAILABILITY


Find a Tennis Court (with / without lights)
  1. Filter by location, and 'Filter' options: GlobalTennisNetwork.com/tennis-courts/courts
  2. Find a court by zip code: www.tennismaps.com/Index.asp?regionid=93&lat=38.79&lng=-77.19&zoom=11
  3. TennisDC.com/DC-Tennis-Courts?id=32 (ARLINGTON, ALEXANDRIA)
  4. TennisDC.com/DC-Tennis-Courts?id=33 (FAIRFAX, FALLS CHURCH)
  5. TennisDC.com/DC-Tennis-Courts?id=34 (MCLEAN, RESTON)
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      Find a Tennis Partner
      1. PlayYourCourt.com - playyourcourt.com/tennis-pros/washington-dc/166866
      2. GlobalTennisNetwork.com
      3. TennisDC.com
      4. Craigslist: search "tennis" in Community - washingtondc.craigslist.org/search/ccc?query=tennis&sort=rel
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      Indoor Courts (during the Winter season, in Northern VA)
      2. Fairfax Racquet Club (Fairfax, VA): www.fairfaxracquetclub.com/tennis.html
      3. Army Navy Country Club (Fairfax, VA) (Arlington, VA): www.ancc.org/club/scripts/library/view_document.asp?NS=A&DN=TENNIS
      4. The Bready Park Indoor Tennis Center (Herndon, VA): www.herndon-va.gov/recreation/indoor-tennis-center
      Tennis Training Centers & Programs -- https://passacademytennis.com
      1. Montclair Tennis Club [Prince William County] -- www.montclairtennisclub.com
      2. Renaissance Tennis Club [Falls Church] -- https://passacademytennis.com/pa-ren
      3. Skyline Onelife Fitness [Falls Church] -- www.onelifefitness.com/tennis
      5. Great Falls Swim & Tennis Club [Great Falls] -- www.gfsandt.com
      6. Bullis School Tennis Center [Potomac, MD] -- https://passacademybullis.com
      7. Potomac Swim & Tennis Club [Potomac, MD] -- www.potomacswimandtennis.com/tennis
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