What to Expect at a Tennis Clinic

What to Wear, What to Bring, and More

Thinking about signing up for a tennis clinic at Bellingham Training & Tennis Club but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone—we get these questions all the time. The good news: tennis clinics are welcoming, energizing, and one of the best ways to improve your game (especially during the winter months).

Here’s everything you need to know before you step on court.

What Are Tennis Clinics Like?

Tennis clinics are structured, coach-led group sessions designed to help you improve specific parts of your game while keeping things fun and social. Expect a mix of:

  • Dynamic warm-ups
  • Skill-focused drills (stroke technique, footwork, consistency)
  • Live-ball play
  • Match-style points and game scenarios

Clinics move quickly and keep you engaged—you’ll hit a lot of balls, get real-time feedback from our pros, and leave feeling accomplished (and usually a little sweaty).

What Should I Bring?

You don’t need much to get started—just the essentials:

  • Tennis racquet (we can help if you need recommendations)
  • Water bottle (hydration matters, even indoors!)
  • Comfortable athletic clothing
  • Clean court shoes (non-marking soles required for indoor courts)

That’s it. We’ve got the rest covered.

What Should I Wear?

This is the #1 question we hear—and for good reason.

Wear layers you can move in. Our indoor courts often feel cool at first, especially on cold Bellingham mornings, but once you start moving, you’ll warm up quickly. Light layers like long sleeves, zip-ups, or vests are perfect—you can peel them off as your body temperature rises.

Why layers matter:

  • Keeps muscles warm during warm-ups
  • Helps prevent stiffness and injury
  • Lets you stay comfortable throughout the session

Think breathable, flexible, and athletic.

Playing Indoors in the Bellingham Winter

Winter tennis is one of BTTC’s biggest advantages. While it’s cold, dark, and wet outside, our five indoor courts offer a consistent, weather-proof environment where improvement really happens.

No wind. No rain delays. No frozen fingers.

Many players find they make the biggest gains during the winter season because they can practice consistently—and consistency is everything in tennis.

Before the Clinic: Meet, Warm Up, Connect

Clinics begin in our warm, welcoming lobby, where players gather by the fireplace, sip coffee or tea, and meet fellow participants before heading onto the courts together. It’s relaxed, social, and a great way to ease into the session—especially if it’s your first time.

Stay Strong Off-Season

Tennis doesn’t stop when you leave the court. BTTC also offers tennis-specific fitness classes and a full gym to help you stay strong, mobile, and injury-free all winter long. Our tennis fitness classes focus on strength, agility, balance, and conditioning—perfect complements to your clinic play.

Winter Is When Improvement Happens

Your future game starts here.

Clinics run January 5 to March 1, and spots fill quickly. If you’ve been wondering when the “right time” to work on your tennis is—this is it.

We’ll see you in the lobby… then on the court.