Long Island has one of the most storied junior tennis traditions in the country. The Port Washington Tennis Academy produced John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Vitas Gerulaitis, and Tracy Austin. SPORTIME and JMTA continue that legacy today.
USTA Eastern Long Island organizes sanctioned junior tournaments and league play across Nassau and Suffolk. Whether you're looking for a beginner clinic or elite academy training, Long Island has options at every level.
Junior tennis uses smaller rackets and modified balls to make the game developmentally appropriate. USTA Quick Start uses red, orange, and green balls on progressively larger courts.
USTA Eastern offers junior development programs at Sportime USA locations across Long Island. Port Washington Tennis Academy (PWTA) is the most historic program, home of the McEnroe brothers. Local parks also offer USTA 10-and-Under Tennis programs.
Start with group lessons at a local tennis facility or public park. Nassau and Suffolk County parks offer affordable court access. Look for USTA Quick Start programs using red, orange, and green balls on smaller courts for beginners.
Group lessons run $15–$40/hour. Private lessons cost $60–$150/hour at established academies. USTA junior team tennis and tournament play adds $200–$500+ per season.
USTA junior tournament play is open starting at age 8. Most Long Island academies recommend starting formal instruction at age 5–7 and entering competition at 9–10.
John McEnroe grew up in Douglas Manor, Queens/Nassau County border and trained at Port Washington Tennis Academy (PWTA). His brother Patrick McEnroe also trained there. PWTA remains one of the top junior tennis programs in the country.
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