General information & FAQs

About us

Forza Tennis is a Berlin-based tennis school founded by Luca (Italy), Rodrigo (Brazil), and Brigitte (Netherlands). After many years of coaching and playing tennis, we created Forza with the aim of building a high-quality tennis school that is not just about lessons, but about long-term development and community.

More than 100 players train with us every week – from beginners to advanced adults, as well as children of all ages.

We believe in long-term collaborations between coaches and players. That’s why we work with fixed groups that train together for an entire season. This is how we achieve real progress and build meaningful relationships between players and coaches.

Our three core values are:

• High quality training, on and off court
• Personal connections with our players
• Real enthusiasm and love for the game

Trainings

Season & Commitment

We divide each year into two training seasons:

• Summer season: early May – end of September
• Winter season: mid-October – end of March

When you join a group, the commitment is for the entire season. This means you’ll train every week at the same day and time with the same group of players. We believe this stability helps you progress faster and makes it easier to build a strong group dynamic.

Each season contains between 16-23 weeks. Out of these weeks, 4 weeks the coach will be off. The specific weeks are communicated before the start of each season.

Our groups usually consist of 4 players, which gives everyone plenty of attention and hitting time. In some cases (for example, if requested by the club or players), groups can be extended to 5–8 participants. We always aim to match players of similar level in one group.

Lesson structure

Our training follows a structured approach to ensure consistency and progress:

• Training blocks: Every 2–4 weeks, the coach introduces an overarching theme (e.g. volleys, topspin, serve & return). This allows you to practice and repeat key skills over several sessions.
  
• Weekly focus: Each lesson then zooms in on one specific aspect of that theme, with multiple exercises designed to help you improve step by step.
  
• For beginners: The focus is on learning the basic strokes — forehand, backhand, volley, and serve — and building a solid foundation.
  
• For advanced players: While the basics are always reinforced, the emphasis shifts to more complex shots, tactical concepts, and match situations.
  
• Balance of technique & tactics: Every session includes both technical training (stroke development, footwork, consistency) and tactical elements (decision-making, positioning, point construction). The exact balance varies from lesson to lesson.

FAQ - Trainings

Do you offer drop-in lessons?

No. Consistent seasonal training is essential for real progress. Private lessons are available separately, but group training requires a seasonal commitment.

If some players from my class cannot attend a training session, will it still take place?

Yes. Fewer participants can even mean more individual attention.

Can I switch to a different coach’s group session mid-season?

No. Groups remain with the same coach for the full season to ensure consistency. You may, however, book a private session with another coach or take a slot in a different group if available.

One of my teammates is behaving in a way that makes me feel uncomfortable. Should I report this to the trainer?

Absolutely. We want all lessons to be welcoming and safe. Please report any inappropriate behavior to your coach immediately.

Registration Process

When Registration Opens

Registration for each season opens 1–2 months before the start of the new season. We announce the registration link in our WhatsApp community (see Communication) and also send it out via email.

Note: If a training block is reserved for a specific club, the registration will be managed through the club’s own channels rather than Forza Tennis directly.

How to Register

When you fill out the registration form, we ask for:

• Your contact details
• Your availability during our training hours
• (If you are new to Forza Tennis) a short description of your playing experience and level

Tip: The more availability you provide, the higher the chance we can find a suitable spot for you.

After Registration

Registration usually stays open for 1–2 weeks. After it closes, we start working on the schedule to find the best possible group placement for everyone.

• If we are unable to find you a spot, we’ll reach out personally to let you know.
• If we can place you in a group, you will receive an email with your training time and group details.
• Once the schedule is sent out, you’ll have one week to pay and confirm your participation.

FAQ – Registration

Can I register after the deadline?
Usually not. Registrations close after 1–2 weeks, and afterwards we can only place players if there are last-minute openings. To secure a spot, please register within the official period.

What if I have very limited availability?
The more flexible you are, the easier it is for us to place you. If your availability is very restricted, we’ll do our best but cannot guarantee a spot.

Is it possible to register together with someone else?
Yes, in two ways:

• Form your own group: If you want to train outside the core hours (Mon–Thu 18:00–19:00, Fri 17:00–20:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00), you can register as a complete group. We’ll reserve your slot for the whole season. The hourly fee is divided among your group members.
  
• Request in group lessons: If you join our regular group training, you can note in the registration form if you’d like to train with a partner/friend. We’ll try to arrange this, but it’s not guaranteed. Note however that this is only possible if you are at a similar level. If not, you may book a private session for just the two of you.
  

Do returning players get priority?
Yes. Players from the previous season are placed first. New players are added as spots become available.

How do I register for club-member trainings?

If the trainings are organized specifically for a partner club, the registration will not go through Forza Tennis. Instead, it will be announced and managed directly via the club’s communication channels.

Can I join later in the season?

If a spot is available, yes. Fees will be calculated pro-rata from your start date. Most groups, however, fill up at the beginning of the season.

Can I try one lesson first?

We generally do not offer trial lessons, as groups are closed for the entire season. In some cases (for advanced players), if a spot is available, a first session can be arranged with the coach’s approval. You are however welcome to join one of our lessons from the sidelines to get to know us and how we work.

Does registration guarantee a training spot?

No, registration does not automatically guarantee a spot. Once registration closes, we carefully create balanced groups based on availability, level, and preferences. If we cannot place you immediately, we will contact you personally. A spot is only confirmed once you receive the email with your group details and complete the payment.

Can children sign up for group training?

Yes! We welcome children of all ages. Kids are grouped based on both age and skill level to ensure safe, fun, and effective training. Please note that a group will only be opened if we have enough children of roughly the same age and skill level. For very young children (ages 3–7), we also offer Tennis Kindergarten, which focuses on playful ball skills and coordination.

Prices & Payment

Training Fee and Court Fee

Our prices are made up of two parts:

• Training fee – this is the same for all participants and covers the coaching.
• Court fee – this fee covers the costs of court rent. Club members do not pay this fee if their club provides the courts for training.

Payment Method

Payments are made by bank transfer. All participants will receive the payment details (including our IBAN) together with their confirmation email. Payment is due within one week after receiving the final schedule in order to secure your spot.

Invoices & VAT

All our prices include VAT (Umsatzsteuer). Each payment is invoiced and recorded properly. Forza Tennis operates fully transparently and in line with German tax regulations.

Season-Specific Prices

Since court rental fees and availability vary between seasons and locations, we publish a detailed price sheet for each season (e.g. Summer 2025). This document includes the exact fees per player, per group size, and per season.

FAQ - Prices & Payment

How does the payment work?

Once your registration is confirmed, payment becomes due. You will receive the transfer details (including IBAN) with your confirmation email. Please allow a few days for scheduling, as we carefully balance groups by level and preferences.

Can I pay in two or more installments?

Yes. Installments can be arranged individually, but the full season fee is still required by the end of the season.

Can I get a discount for my training season?

Discounts may be available depending on how many sessions per week you register for. The exact discounts are presented at the beginning of each season.

I am going on vacation for 2 months mid-season. Do I still have to pay for the entire season?

Yes. Seasonal fees cover courts and coach salaries. You may offer your slot to another player, but payment remains due.

Cancellation policy

Sometimes lessons don’t go as planned. This section explains what happens if a lesson is canceled, whether by Forza Tennis or by you, so everyone knows what to expect.

If Forza Cancels

Possible reasons for cancellations and how we handle them:

• Coach absences: If a coach is sick or otherwise unavailable, we first try to arrange a replacement. If no replacement is possible, we will schedule a recovery lesson within the same season.

• Weather cancellations (outdoor lessons): Lessons canceled due to bad weather will be rescheduled at the end of the season. A maximum of two (2) weather-related make-up sessions are allowed per season.

• Club events: Occasionally, a club may need the courts for tournaments or other events, even if we were not informed in advance. In such cases, we will try to offer a rescheduled recovery lesson or an alternative solution.

We always communicate cancellations as soon as possible, either via WhatsApp for last-minute changes or via email for planned adjustments. Recovery lessons are scheduled at least two weeks in advance. We try to find a reasonable date and time for everyone, but in cases of multiple cancellations (e.g., consecutive weeks of bad weather), flexibility may be required.

If a Player Cancels

If you cannot attend a lesson due to holiday, illness, or other personal reasons, we unfortunately cannot offer a refund or credit. However, to provide flexibility, we maintain a WhatsApp swap group, where players can swap and sell lessons (see Swapping Lessons).

If you are absent for a longer period (e.g., injury), you may find someone to take over your spot. We are happy to help connect you with other interested players, but the responsibility to arrange a replacement lies with you.

FAQ – Missed & Canceled Lessons

Why don’t I get a refund if I miss a lesson?

Our fees are calculated per season to secure courts and coaches in advance. Refunding individual absences would create financial uncertainty for both the trainers and Forza Tennis. To give you flexibility, we offer the WhatsApp swap group and can help connect you with other players to take over your lesson.

What happens if my lesson is canceled due to weather?

Outdoor lessons canceled for bad weather will be rescheduled at the end of the season. A maximum of two weather-related make-up sessions are allowed per season.

What if my coach is sick?

We first try to find a replacement coach. If no replacement is available, we schedule a recovery lesson within the same season. While we cannot guarantee every session can be rescheduled, we aim to be fair and flexible.

What happens if the club needs the courts for a tournament or event?

If the club requires the courts unexpectedly, we will communicate this as soon as possible and try to offer a recovery lesson or an alternative solution.

Can I swap or sell my lesson if I can’t attend?

Yes! Our WhatsApp swap group allows players to swap their lesson with someone else or sell their session. For longer absences, such as injury, you may find someone to take over your spot. We can assist in connecting you with other interested players, but the responsibility to arrange a replacement lies with you.

What if fewer players show up for a lesson?

The lesson will still take place. Fewer players may mean more individual attention, which can actually be beneficial.

Swapping & Drop-In Lessons

We understand that sometimes you may not be able to attend your regular lesson, or you may want to join a different group. To give players flexibility, we offer a system for swapping lessons or taking drop-in slots.

How It Works

1. WhatsApp Swap Group

Every season, we create a dedicated WhatsApp group for all active players. This is the place where you can post available slots, see other players offering theirs, and coordinate swaps or drop-ins.

2. Same Level Requirement

You may only take a training slot that matches your level. Joining a class that is too advanced or too basic can affect the quality of the session for other players, and trainers may deny participation.

3. Offering Your Slot

If you cannot attend a lesson, you can post your slot in the list in the WhatsApp group. Include:

• Date and time of the lesson
• Level of the class
• Your name
• Location

Example: 01.05 17:00-18:00 L2 Brigitte TCW means Brigitte is giving away her Level 2 slot at TCW on May 1st from 17:00–18:00.

4. Taking a Slot

To take a slot, copy the list from the chat, remove the slot you want to claim, and directly contact the person offering it to arrange payment or confirm the swap.

5. Pricing

At the beginning of each season, we recommend a price for each location (e.g., 15 € per hour for TCW). In the end, players are free to charge more, less, or nothing. We do not manage payments or arrangements – this is handled directly between players.

6. Who Can Join

Only players who are currently registered with Forza Tennis for that season may take or buy slots. External players may join only with prior permission from us.

FAQ - Swapping & Drop-In Lessons

How can I pay for someone’s slot?

Slots available for swap or sale are posted in the WhatsApp group with date, time, level, and location. Contact the player directly to arrange payment and confirm the swap.

How much should I pay for someone’s slot?

Prices depend on the session duration (1 or 1.5 hours) and whether a court fee is included. At the start of each season, we recommend a price, but the final amount is agreed directly between players.

Communication

To make sure you stay informed and connected, we require every new player to provide a valid email address and phone number.

How We Communicate

• WhatsApp – Our primary channel for quick updates, announcements, and connecting with other players. Each season, we create dedicated WhatsApp groups for active players that train at the same location. These WhatsApp groups are used to share information about lessons, swaps, and other activities. Players can opt out of being in the WhatsApp group, but this is at their own risk, as they may miss last-minute updates such as cancellations.

• Email – We use email for official communication such as schedules, invoices, and important updates. This ensures you always have a written record you can refer back to.

• Website – Our website contains general information about Forza Tennis and our programs. It is currently under construction but will serve as a hub for information in the future.

Contacting Us

New players can find most information in our general information and FAQ documents. If you still have questions, you can always reach us by email or WhatsApp. We aim to respond within one week.

Contact Details

Email: info@forzatennis.de

Whatsapp: +49 1575 5862635

Website: forzatennis.de

Information for Beginners

Starting tennis is exciting, and being prepared can make your first lessons more enjoyable and safe. Here’s what you need to know:

Clothing

Wear comfortable sports clothes that allow freedom of movement. Shorts or skirts with pockets (or tight enough to hold a tennis ball) are practical for holding balls during lessons. Layers are helpful, especially in cooler conditions, as they allow you to warm up gradually and reduce the risk of injury.

Shoes

Proper shoes are essential for both safety and protecting the courts. Which shoes you need depend on the surface that you play on:

• Clay or outdoor courts: Use clay-court or all-court shoes with the appropriate tread pattern. This ensures grip and prevents ankle injuries.

• Indoor courts (carpet or carpet with granules): You can use shoes designed for indoor tennis or multi-sport shoes with good support. Carpet-specific shoes often have a flat sole and should only be used on carpet that has no granules.

Important: In all halls, shoes must be clean. Change from your street shoes to your tennis shoes in the designated area (usually at the reception) before entering the court, and remove them after leaving.

Rackets

A racket is essential for tennis, but if you don’t have one yet, don’t worry! We can lend you a racket for your first lessons so you can try different types before deciding which one suits you best. Buying a racket later ensures you choose one that matches your style and commitment level. You can always ask your coach or our community recommendations before buying a new racket. If you already have a racket, bring it along.

Other Essentials

• Water: Bring a bottle to stay hydrated.
• Snack: Optional, in case you need a quick energy boost.
• Towel: Useful for wiping off sweat.

Most of our training locations have changing rooms and showers, so you can comfortably prepare before and after your session.

FAQ - Beginners

Do I need to bring my own racket for the first lesson?

No, we can lend you a racket for your first lessons so you can try it out before deciding to buy your own.

What type of balls are used in beginner lessons?

For beginners, we use softer, slower balls (like low-compression or “red/orange/green stage” balls) to make it easier to hit and control the ball.

Can I wear regular sneakers if I don’t have tennis shoes yet?

For your first lesson, it’s okay to use regular sneakers, but we strongly recommend proper tennis shoes for both your safety and to protect the courts. This is especially important if you are prone to ankle injuries, as regular sneakers may not provide enough support. Please also make sure your shoes are clean before entering the hall. We cannot take responsibility for any injuries caused by inappropriate footwear.

Is it okay if I’m completely unfit or haven’t played sports in a while?

Yes! Our beginner lessons are designed for all fitness levels. We encourage everyone to go at their own pace and focus on learning the basics. Feel free to tell your coach if you feel unable to execute the exercise and he/she will try to provide you with an alternative.

Do I need to book lessons in advance or can I just show up?

All lessons must be booked in advance. Check our registration instructions to secure a spot in a beginner group.

Do I need to know tennis rules before starting?

No prior knowledge is needed. Our coaches will explain the rules and scoring as part of the lessons.

Can children start with beginner lessons?

Yes, we offer beginner lessons for kids as well as adults. Groups are organized by age and skill level. For kids in the age of 3-7 we also offer a Tennis Kindergarten to practise their ball skills in a more playful setting.

Levels

Groups are made based on level. We distinguish 6 different levels ranging from L0 to L6. Below a description of each level.

How Levels Work

Every player’s level is assessed before the start of the season when groups are formed. Returning players are evaluated by their coach from the previous season, while new players are assessed based on the information provided in their registration form.

Sometimes small differences in level exist within a group, but these are never large enough to compromise the quality of the training. The assigned level is final, but it’s important to remember that it’s just a tool to place players roughly in the right class.

Our focus is on individual progress, not strict comparisons. Even if there are slight differences in skill within a group, all players are expected to cooperate, support each other, and work together to improve.

FAQ – Levels

Can I switch to a different level during the season?

We generally keep players in the same group for the full season to ensure stability and consistent development. Exceptions are rare and only made if the coach believes it will benefit your progress without disrupting the group and if the schedule allows us to do so.

What if I feel under- or over-leveled?

It’s normal to feel slightly ahead or behind at times. The group setting allows you to learn from others and challenge yourself safely. Focus on your individual progress rather than comparisons.

Do kids progress differently than adults?

Yes, kids often progress in smaller, incremental steps, and their groups are designed to combine age-appropriate instruction with skill development. Adults are grouped primarily by skill level, but all training emphasizes personal improvement.

How often are levels reassessed?

Levels are mainly reassessed at the start of each season. Coaches observe progress during the season and provide feedback, but formal level changes mid-season are uncommon.

Can I train in a higher-level group for extra challenge?

Occasionally, coaches may allow advanced players to join a higher-level group if there is space and it won’t disrupt the class. This is evaluated individually and you always need approval from your coach before training in a higher-level group.

Locations

Currently, Forza Tennis is operating from 5 different locations all over Berlin. As we keep on expanding this list will be updated.

Club Members vs External Players

Some of our players participate in Forza Tennis trainings through a tennis club, while others join independently. This distinction mainly affects logistics, but not the quality or intent of our coaching.

Club Members

• Usually do not pay a court fee, since the club covers the rental costs.
• Trainings are often organized directly in collaboration with the club, and some arrangements (like group sizes, lesson hours, or locations) may vary slightly depending on the club’s facilities and policies.
• Benefits from club membership, such as access to courts or other club events, may apply.

External Players

• Pay both the training fee and a court fee to cover the cost of renting the court.
• Are incorporated into group trainings alongside other players, maintaining the same high-quality coaching and attention to individual progress.

Important: Regardless of whether you are a club member or an external player, our goal is the same: to provide structured, engaging, and effective tennis training. Any differences in setup or cost are purely administrative and do not affect the quality, structure, or learning experience of the sessions.

Private Trainings

Forza Tennis offers private lessons for players who want individual attention or want to focus on specific goals. You can choose between season-long private lessons or single, on-demand sessions.

Season-long private lessons

These take place at the same day and time each week and follow the schedule of our group trainings (19–23 weeks, with 4 weeks reserved for coach holidays, communicated before the season starts). This option allows you to train consistently with the same coach and see long-term progress.

Single private lessons

These can be booked on demand and offer flexibility for players who cannot commit to a full season or want extra practice. In this case a payment is made in advance as a one-time fee (see the prices of the current season). Note that single private lessons are usually only possible during non-peak hours (mostly during the day on weekdays or sporadically on saturday or sunday evening).

Note: private training is also available for groups of 2, 3 or 4.