Fernando De Aguiar
Head Coach, St. Petersburg
NCAA Division II player. Former top 3 in Brazil under 18. PTR certified.
Orange Ball · Ages 8 to 10 · St. Petersburg
Tennis Classes for Kids (Ages 7-11) in Saint Petersburg, FL
Your child goes from single hits to real rallies with other kids.
5.0 stars from 12 Google reviews
The Class 8 Promise
By class 8, your child keeps a 5 ball rally going, or your next month is free.
Applies to plans of 8 or more classes. Attend 8 classes within your first 6 weeks. See every milestone
- Free first class.
- We lend the racket.
- Progress check at the end.
- You leave knowing the right class.
Monday to Saturday at 6 PM. Up to 8 per group.
- 500+ families since 2023
- Certified coaches
Sound familiar?
She tried soccer and swim, and lost interest after a month.
After school turns into tablet time.
The big clubs feel too serious, and too expensive.
Orange Ball is one hour of real tennis after school, in a small group, at a fair price.
Pick your class time
Orange Ball runs Monday to Saturday at 6 PM. Spots left are live.
Prices
Your first class is free. After that:
Monthly plans renew each month. Cancel any time. Join a monthly plan and get extra Aces.
| Kids, 4 classes | $119$30 a class |
|---|---|
| Kids, 8 classesMost popular | $229$29 a class |
| Kids, 12 classes | $299$25 a class |
Extra Aces when you join a monthly plan.
Every plan includes
- Certified coach
- Max 8 kids a group
- Rackets and balls
- Progress check
- Class 8 Promise
- Rain classes credited
- Aces rewards
- Cancel any time
How a class works
Real strokes, serving and point play for ages 8 to 10. An hour of tennis after school instead of a screen.
- 1
Warm up games
Footwork and coordination games that get them focused.
- 2
Strokes and serve
Forehand, backhand and serve on a mid size court with orange balls.
- 3
Play points
Rallies and games so they use what they learned.
- Up to 8 kids per group
- Beginners welcome. I work with new players every day
- Every class is a game, with real progress each week
- A healthy routine that fits right after school
Coaching built on research, not guesswork
A smaller racket and a softer ball
In a study of 80 kids aged 6 to 8, a smaller racket with the softest ball gave the best hitting. The soft ball also gave more low to high swings and more contact in front of the body.
Source: Buszard et al. 2014
A smaller court and a lower net
For players under 10, a smaller court and a lower net gave more serves in and more shot variety.
Source: Giménez Egido et al. 2020
Moving up when ready
The ITF has kept the yellow ball out of 10 and under competition since 2012. I move kids up by readiness, not birthdays.
Source: ITF
Healthy hours
Keep weekly hours no higher than your child's age, plus a day off.
Source: Thurber et al. 2026, Sports Health and American Academy of Pediatrics
Want the details? I break down the science of tennis on my YouTube channel, VS Tennis.
The Class 8 Promise
By class 8, your child keeps a 5 ball rally going.
If not, your next month is free.
Applies to plans of 8 or more classes. Attend 8 classes within your first 6 weeks.
What families and players say on Google
5.0 stars from 12 Google reviews in St. Pete
Katie Self
2 months ago
Google review- St. Petersburg
- Kids
My kids love these tennis classes! Coach Fernando is great. They do so many fun, age-appropriate drills and give the kids a great mix of everything. Highly recommend! 🎾
Ashley Castor
2 months ago
Google review- St. Petersburg
- Kids
“Most importantly, my kids genuinely enjoy going to tennis!”
We’ve had such a great experience with VS Tennis Academy! My kids have been taking lessons with them on and off for about two months, and I really appreciate how patient, kid-friendly, and hands-on their approach is. The drills are one of my favorite parts. They teach proper technique, but they also build plenty of practice time into each drill so the kids can actually work on the skill, build confidence, and have fun while doing it. A lot of the learning is incorporated into games, which keeps the kids engaged, but the coaches also make sure they stay focused and are learning the correct technique. As a parent, I love that I can take the same drills and skills they’re learning in lessons and continue practicing them with my kids at home. I also really appreciate the flexibility VS Tennis Academy offers. You can pay by the session or choose packages if you want to attend more regularly. We personally love being able to schedule by the session, and rescheduling when needed has always been easy. Vlad, the owner, is knowledgeable, skilled, responsive, and very accommodating to your needs. Fernando has also been absolutely wonderful with my kids! He’s knowledgeable, patient, fun, and does a great job balancing keeping the kids engaged while also helping them focus and develop their skills properly. Most importantly, my kids genuinely enjoy going to tennis! We’ve had such a positive experience with VS Tennis Academy and look forward to continuing lessons with them. Highly recommend, especially for families looking for patient, knowledgeable coaches who are great with young kids!
Lori Weatherby
3 months ago
Google review- St. Petersburg
- Kids
“They have made so much progress since starting lessons a few months ago.”
I have 2 grandsons age 4 and 7 taking lessons at VS tennis academy in St Pete. They have made so much progress since starting lessons a few months ago. The lessons are game based and they really love it. Coach Vlad and Coach Fernando are great with the kids. They keep them engaged the entire lesson. It is such a great way for them to learn skills and have fun at the same time. I highly recommend.
Show 30 more reviewsShow fewer
วรวลัญช์ คลล้ํา
3 months ago
Google review- St. Petersburg
- Kids
“My kids literally ask to go back every day!”
My kids literally ask to go back every day! We’ve been bringing our 5-year-old and 11-year-old to the Purier Park courts, and I can't say enough good things about this academy. The coaches here are top-tier professionals who really know how to talk to children. They create such a fun, pressure-free atmosphere where kids genuinely fall in love with tennis. From a busy mom’s perspective, it’s a dream: small groups (max 5–6 kids so no one gets left out), seamless online reservation, and super convenient training times close to home. 10/10 recommendation!
Lori Weatherby
3 months ago
Google review- St. Petersburg
- Kids
My grandsons love tennis lessons. I have a 4 year old and 7 year old. Both love the way Coach Vlad and Coach Fernando teach. They play games that are both fun and teach the fundamentals. Both boys have progressed very quickly. I highly recommend
Natalia Batan
9 months ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
My 9 years old daughter attends tennis classes with VS Tennis Academy for 6 months so far. She really enjoys it. Coach Vlad is very nice, paying attention to each student and making classes fun and engaging. I definitely recommend it!
Olga Lyew Kong
9 months ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
- Group and private lessons
Our daughter loves coach Vlad and coach Kanishkh!!! We have seen her tennis skills, knowledge of the game, and coordination improve since starting. We love the flexibility of the classes and enjoy that she can do both group and private lessons.
Mrs. Yessim
9 months ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
We’ve known Coach Vlad for a couple of years. As a coach he maintains a good balance of structure and encouragement and is very dedicated to his work. This feels like the right fit for my three kids.
Katrina Atkins
9 months ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
- Private lessons
My daughter had a lot of fun and developed a love of tennis in the private lessons. She is excited to start group lessons with them now. 10/10 recommend.
Sneha kolte
a year ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Our experience at VS Academy has been great! My kid loves it and the coach Vlad is phenomenal. He is a true professional. They have a great environment. His patience with kids is remarkable. Vlad is a fun and great coach. Highly recommended tennis coach👍👍 I also recommend Vlad to my friends.
Zhar Xy
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
The tennis instructor displayed exceptional teaching skills, providing fun environment to kids. Their passion for the sport translated into engaging lessons, fostering a positive and motivating learning environment. I highly recommend this tennis teacher for anyone seeking quality coaching.
Shamsher Khan (Shamz)
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Coach Vlad is fantastic! He makes tennis fun and engaging for our 7-year-old daughter. His friendly and patient approach has helped her improve her skills and gain confidence. Highly recommend him for any young tennis enthusiast!
Scott Fillingham
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
- Adults
Vlad is an amazing coach. His patience with the kids is remarkable. He really cares and takes his time to make sure his students learn the game. He’s also my coach and has helped my game tremendously. We’re very happy we found Coach Vlad.
Jennifer Delarosa
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Vlad has given really good advice and individualized tennis instruction to my daughter. His knowledge greatly enhanced her technique and overall performance. He provides a good learning atmosphere and is very patient with the kids. I recommend Vlad to anyone who wants to improve their tennis game.
pooja jali
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids and teens
Both my 13yr old and 7 yr old kids are learning Tennis at VS Tennis Academy since 3 months. I found lot more improvement in their skills than what we expected. As always Coach Vlad is awesome with kids!
Alejandra Alli Alejandra
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Vlad and Ninad are amazing! They have so much patience and they teach the kids tennis skills while making it fun and enjoyable.
Xiaodong Pang
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
We had an outstanding experience with Coach Vlad. His expertise and personalized approach significantly elevated my boys tennis progress. Highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their tennis skills.
Elva Zheng
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Vlad is a great coach. He teaches kids to play tennis in a game-based way, motivating them and improving their interest. My son loves him very much.
Reina Carcifi
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
My kids have been taking tennis lessons from Vlad for several months. They have gotten much better. They are learning techniques and are able to practice with other kids. The lessons are very affordable too.
ilagane24
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Vlad is very knowledgeable. He is very responsive & very interested in getting players to play their best. Our son is improving & enjoying tennis at the same time.
Nisreen Siam
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids group classes
Outstanding experience with coach Vlad! My daughters really enjoy practicing tennis with him and making friends in the group classes!
Isabel Alberto
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Such an amazing coach, very patient, and he really knows how to let the kids follow all his instructions.
Mike W
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Outstanding experience with Vlad. Our son Carson love it. Thank You
Yanzhu Chen
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
My 2 girls experience here are very good ! Highly recommended !!
Raymond Moneda
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Vlad is a fun and great coach. Since my kids started going to his classes they have fun and enjoy playing tennis now. Highly recommended tennis coach👍👍
Shane F
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Best experience I've had with a tennis instructor. He does amazing with the kids too and they always enjoy the lessons and want to go back.
Amber
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
The coach is wonderful with the kids and is very patient with them. Would definitely recommend signing your kids up for this.
Emily M
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
Could not ask for a better tennis instructor. Amazing with kids, pays close attention to technique, and highly motivating.
Brian Lowery
a year ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
“It’s hard to find a coach who connects equally well with adults and kids, but Vlad does just that.”
As a former tennis instructor in the Tampa area, I’m very selective when it comes to coaching—and Vlad is the real deal. His approach is technical, motivating, and tailored to each player’s goals. The locations where he teaches are conveniently located near me, making it easy to stay consistent with training. If you're looking for high-quality tennis lessons near Wesley Chapel, I can’t recommend Vlad and VS Tennis Academy enough. Whether it’s private lessons, junior development, or adult clinics, you’re in great hands. I also trust Vlad to coach my 6-year-old son, and he’s been fantastic with him. He keeps the lessons fun, engaging, and age-appropriate, which has made tennis my son’s favorite sport—exactly what I was hoping for. It’s hard to find a coach who connects equally well with adults and kids, but Vlad does just that.
Patricia Endara-Bravo
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
“he designed a personalized training program that catered specifically to my son's strengths and weaknesses.”
My son has been training with Coach Vlad for several months now, and the experience has been outstanding. From the very beginning, he designed a personalized training program that catered specifically to my son's strengths and weaknesses. This individualized approach has made a significant difference in his performance on the court in a short period of time. One of the standout aspects of Coach Vlad's coaching is his attention to my son's overall level of fitness level which is just as important as his tennis ability. I highly recommend Coach Vlad to anyone looking to improve their tennis skills. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, you will undoubtedly benefit from the personalized and professional coaching that he offers.
Aziza Khusainova
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
“Tennis lessons have become a true passion for our son, not just a hobby.”
Tennis lessons have become a true passion for our son, not just a hobby. Our coach Vlad is a true professional! He knows how to find an approach to each child, making the lessons both fun and productive. His patience and ability to explain complex things in simple terms are invaluable. Under his guidance, my son has made significant progress and continues to improve. Much of this is thanks to our coach Vlad!
Chandrasekhar Panchavati
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
- Adult classes
“His approach impressed me so much that I decided to join the adult classes”
Attending VSTennis Academy has been an exceptional experience. Vlad, the head coach, exudes a maturity in his coaching style that belies his youthful age. He infuses fun into learning tennis through various engaging games, making the classes highly enjoyable for the kids who eagerly look forward to each session. His approach impressed me so much that I decided to join the adult classes, and I couldn’t be happier with the decision. Vlad caters to different skill levels with tailored methods, ensuring every student, regardless of their experience, receives top-notch instruction. I highly recommend VSTennis Academy for tennis enthusiasts of all ages, and especially for parents seeking a dynamic, passionate coach for their children. 🎾👏
Alpa Pathak
2 years ago
Google review- Wesley Chapel
- Kids
“We’ve only had a few lessons but I already see a huge improvement in my daughter’s skills!”
Vlad is an amazing instructor. He helped my daughters improve so much. He was incredibly engaging, patient and helpful. He’s always interacting with the girls, offering positive encouragement and constructive criticism. He took the time to correct their stance and their form, despite them repeatedly making mistakes and did so with kindness. We’ve only had a few lessons but I already see a huge improvement in my daughter’s skills!
Your coach
Where we play
Jack Puryear Park
5701 Lee St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Park near the green wall.
Bring athletic shoes and water. Florida gets hot. We have rackets and balls.
Get directionsOther classes in St. Petersburg
Ages are a guide. Your coach moves your child up by skill.
Top-rated kids tennis lessons in St. Petersburg
Group tennis classes for kids near me, ages 8 to 10: professional youth tennis in St. Pete, taught in small groups.
An after-school program from 6 to 7 PM that is beginner friendly and gets kids off screens.
What happens at your first class
- Book onlinePick a day and time. Free first class.
- Come in sneakersBring athletic shoes and water. Florida gets hot. We have rackets and balls.
- Play for 60 minutesA small group at the right level: up to 8 kids or 6 adults, with a coach the whole time.
- Progress checkAt the end the coach tells you what went well and which class fits. You leave knowing the right class.
Questions parents ask
What if it rains?
If it rains or there is lightning, I text you before class and you get the class back. Florida storms often pass fast, so we wait a few minutes first if it is safe.
What should we bring?
Bring athletic shoes and water. Florida gets hot. We have rackets and balls. Park near the green wall.
Can parents watch?
Yes. Parents are welcome to watch from beside the court.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. There is no contract. Cancel your monthly plan at least 7 days before the next billing date. You can also book single classes.
Where are the classes in St. Petersburg?
At Jack Puryear Park, 5701 Lee St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703.
Should I start with a group class or a private lesson?
Start with a group class. It is the easiest way to meet the coach and see how we teach. Add private lessons later if you want faster progress.
How do I pay?
Online with a card when you book. Every price is on this site before you pay.
Not sure which class fits?
Your first name, your phone and who it is for. I will text or call you back with the right class and time.
- Takes 15 seconds.
- No signup, no card.
- Or call (407) 308 4884.