BumbleBee Tennis aims to provide you with thorough, concise, and clear information in order to answer questions or concerns you may have about you or your child’s lessons. However, if you were unable to find the information you were looking for on the rest of the site, please follow the quick links below, call our office at (347)- 284-6061, or email your inquiry to info@bumblebeetennis.com.

Frequently Asked Questions Quick Links:

Group Lessons

Private Lessons

Facilities

Equipment

Online Profiles & Accounts

Payments, Refunds, Credits, & Fees

Arriving Late or Missing Class

Behavioral Issues

Becoming a Better Tennis Player

Miscellaneous Inquiries

Group Lessons

How do I sign my child up for group tennis lessons?
Under the “Youth” tab located at the top of the homepage, select “Schedule/Register HERE”. On the next screen, choose the age and skill level of your child and follow the link to choose your child’s weekly class time and location. It’s that simple.

How do I sign myself up for an adult group lesson?
Under the “Adults” tab located at the top of the homepage, select ‘Schedule/ Register HERE”. On the next screen, select the day and class you’d like to sign up for. If the class you want is already filled, you can choose to put yourself on the Wait List, or look for the class in the coming weeks schedules.

What are your class prices for adults?
Group Classes:
Regular Price = $46/class
Session Prices (discounted): $176 for 4 classes, $252 for 6 classes, $312 for 8 classes, $432 for 12 classes

Cardio Classes:
Regular Price = $36/class
Session Prices (discounted): $136 for 4 classes, $204 for 6 classes, $232 for 8 classes, $312 for 12 classes

How do your adult group/cardio tennis class packages work?
The adult scheduling allows you to select your classes one at a time, based on your own busy agenda. However, we also offer great discounted prices for adults if you are interested in purchasing a series of classes.

Simply purchase a package of multiple classes and use them throughout the season at your convenience. Our online system allows you to view the current class schedule and register for a class using your pre-purchased credits, enabling you to take classes around your schedule.

Can I use a Group Class credit towards a Cardio Lesson?
Yes, however you will not receive a credit for the difference in the cost of the lessons.

Will I get a class reminder for my group lesson?
Group lessons do not have appointment reminder emails. When you schedule your class, you will receive a lesson confirmation email. If you did not receive that, make sure to contact the office at info@BumbleBeeTennis.com. If you think you accidentally deleted the reminder e-mail, then go to your online account and check your upcoming class schedule

How are students broken up into groups?
Groups are arranged according to age and skill level.

Can I share my adult lessons package with a friend?
Unfortunately not. Each package must be used by the same student. However you can purchase packages for a friend with your online account. They would then just need to create an online BumbleBee Tennis account so that we can add that package to their profile.

May I change to another class time altogether?
You are always allowed to change to another group if you don’t feel comfortable or skillfully matched in a particular group. However, moving to another group depends on available space in a class and time. Call our office to let us know what you want, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Private Lessons

Can I book a private lesson for my child at your uptown facility?
Weekends and weekday mornings work best for private lessons because we usually do our youth group programs after school during the week. Just contact us our office and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Can I book a private lesson for my child at your SoHo or LES facilities?
Sure! Email us ALL days and times that work for you and we will do our best to accommodate your scheduling needs.

Can I book a private lesson for me and my friends?
Sure! Simply find days and times that work for everyone in your group and contact us. We’ll accommodate your group the best we can.

I didn’t get my private lesson reminder. Does that mean my class is not scheduled?
Most likely. Please call or email the office to find out.

Facilities

Can I come by to see your facility?
Sure! Our main court at John Jay College is located at 899 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10019. Our SoHo court is located at 268 Mulberry Street at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral Youth Center Gymnasium, New York, NY 10012. Our Lower East Side court is located in the University Settlement building at 184 Eldridge Street, New York, NY 10002.

It’s best that you come during a scheduled class, so that you can see what to expect for yourself. To view our class offerings, check out our online schedule.

At the Columbus Circle location, can I pick up my child in front of the building rather than on the court?
Unfortunately not since all of the instructors are usually tied-up cleaning or preparing for their next lesson. Please pick up your child on the court.

Do you offer court rental time at the Columbus Circle location?
Unfortunately no, we do not.

Why don’t you offer adult classes at locations other than Columbus Circle?
Our SoHo & LES locations are indoor gymnasiums, with sizes only appropriate for Junior tennis court set up. We hope to add another adult tennis location soon!

Where is your main office?
While BumbleBee Tennis lessons are conducted at various facilities, our main office is located in Long Island City, Queens. The address is:

10-27 46th Avenue
Suite 300
Long Island City, NY 11101

Our office number is: (347)- 284-6061.

Equipment

What should I bring to class?
We recommend that you or your child bring:

• Comfortable athletic clothes

• Hat/visor

• A bottle of water

• Sunscreen, SPF 30 minimum (if taking lessons at the outdoor Columbus Circle court)

• Rubberband to pull back hair

• A small towel or hand towel

Where should I leave my personal belongings during the lesson?
Most students leave their belongings on the benches, located on the court. This is usually the safest and easiest method. However, lockers are also available on the 3rd floor.

Do I need to bring a racquet?
Yes, you do. However, if you do not own a racquet or are hesitant to purchase one, we offer racquet rentals for $2 per day. It is recommended that you reserve a racquet in advance through your online account to ensure one will be available for you and so that instructor knows in advance. To rent a racquet online for a specific day, go to the racquet rentals page on our website.

If you ever forget your raquet and would like to rent one on the spot, generally we will have one available and you would just need to make arrangements with our office. If the racquet is not previously reserved, your online account will be charged $2 for the racquet rental.

How do I pick up my rental racquet?
Once you arrive for your lesson, sign out for a racquet and choose the one you’d like to use. When the lesson is over, simply have the instructor sign the racquet back in. Additionally, if the racquet is not signed back in by the instructor at the end of the lesson or returned ASAP, you will be charged $85 for the cost of the racquet.

How long does the racquet rental last?
You can use it for the duration of your lesson that day. If your child has a full day camp, it’s just $2 for the day.

Can my son or daughter use my adult racquet?
Students ages ten and under cannot use adult racquets because the size is too large for them to support and control their swing. In addition, it gives them too much power for the games we do and is dangerous to use around other children.Therefore, these students must use a youth racquet. Youth racquets are always available for sale or as rental.

Students ages 11 and older could possibly use an adult racquet depending on their size and ability. Ask the instructor, when you see him/her, whether or not your child can use an adult racquet.

Do you sell racquets?
Yes, we sell youth and adult racquets. We can have the racquet for you in a few days or by the time of your next lesson.

Do they come with covers?
The youth ones don’t, but extra covers are available for $5. The adult racquets do come with covers.

Do I need to bring my own tennis balls?
No, we provide an ample amount of tennis balls for each lesson.

What kind of shoes should I wear?
Tennis shoes are recommended, but are not entirely necessary unless you are involved in a very active lesson. Tennis shoes are traditionally a good choice because of their sturdy side support, providing stability for the ankle during side-to-side movement. However, any good athletic shoe should be fine.

Online Profiles & Accounts

Do I have to set up a profile?
Yes. This ensures we can contact you regarding scheduling changes with your class, send out confirmation emails, and it allows the instructor to know who is in the class. It only takes a few minutes, you only need to do it once, and best of all its FREE.

Is my online information secure?
Yes it is. Our online software uses the highest level of web security and data encryption.

Can I sign up for classes over the phone?
Yes, but it’s best to do it online through our system because the online system allows you to sign up whenever it’s convenient for you. If you are having issues with our website or don’t have internet access, we would be more than happy to assist you.

I signed up for my first class over the phone. How do I access my online account?
Simply email a request to info@bumblebeetennis.com, so that we can send you your username and password. Please include in the email the username & email you would like to use. If we cannot locate an existing profile, we will create one for you. You can change the password to something you prefer later.

Why should I make use of my online account?
You can now take part in the various services we offer 24 hours a day! Some of these services include:

• Easy & quick online tennis class sign-up

• Easy access to your class information- If you ever forget what time or day your class is, just log on to find out.

• Easy access to your tennis class status – Check on when your class session starts & ends and any cancellations due to weather or facility issues.

• Review your tennis class order history

• Request a private tennis lesson at our Columbus Circle location

To access your account, go to the BumbleBee Tennis log-in page.

Why do you ask for my birthday?
We use this information for demographic purposes and sending out birthday emails. This is especially important for our youth classes and allows us to keep all classes balanced. There is a big difference between a 5 year & 10 month old and a 5 year & 1 month old.

If you’re an adult, entering your birthday is not required unless you would like a birthday wish from BumbleBee Tennis.

Do I have to fill out the adult liability form?
Yes, once a year. We promise it will only take a few minutes!

I don’t see my class online in my “Upcoming Schedule” tab. Does that mean I’m not registered?
Most likely this means you are not registered for the class. However, be sure you are looking at the correct date by adjusting the date in the right hand corner of the window. The schedule view only shows up to a few weeks out so maybe you have to forward to the correct date.

Payments, Refunds, Credits, & Fees

Do I have to pay prior to taking the lesson? Can I just pay when I get there?
All lessons, private and group, have to be paid for and reserved BEFORE your lesson begins. Classes are only fully booked and reserved upon payment. This helps us ensure that the class is kept within the limited class size. With our online system you can easily and securely sign up for a lesson by viewing our class schedule and paying with your credit card.

I scheduled a private lesson but need to cancel the appointment time. Will I be charged a fee?
If you cancel it at least 24 hours in advance, you will not be charged a fee. When an appointment time is canceled, by you or due to rain, your online BumbleBee Tennis account will be credited so you can reschedule your lesson for another time.

Please note that we will not refund your credit card, but credit back your online account. If you are canceling it with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged a $25 rescheduling fee. If it is less than 4 hours before the class, you cannot make it up or be credited. To reschedule your class, use the online scheduling system or just call or email us to find another time.

What if I sign up for a private lesson, but need to cancel it shortly after? Would I still be charged the rescheduling fee?
Unfortunately yes. Since it takes a lot of time to coordinate a private lesson (instructor, court, your schedule, our schedule), once it is booked we have already invested time in getting it set up. Canceling all of that work and rearranging the instructor’s schedule are the reasons a rescheduling fee is charged.

Arriving Late or Missing Class

I came to class 15 minutes late. Can I stay an extra 15 minutes into the next class?
Unfortunately you can not stay later than the scheduled class time. If you would like to sign up for the next class, you can, as long as there is space available and it is the correct level for you. Just let the instructor know and contact us to arrange your registration.

What if I miss my class?
Unfortunately it cannot be made up, credited or refunded in any way if we do not receive advance notice.

Weather Policy & Cancellations

Because our Columbus Circle location is an outdoor tennis court, classes at this location can sometimes be affected by the weather. It is surrounded by high walls, but is not covered. During most of the day there is shade on one or both sides of the court, however when it rains we have to cancel class.

In Case of Rain:
A. We will cancel lessons and notify you in two ways if it is a same day cancellation:

1. Automated voice message to the phone number listed in your profile
2. Email sent to the email address listed in your profile

B. You will receive a credit back into your online BumbleBee Tennis account to use on a future lesson.

What contact information will BumbleBee Tennis use to contact me?
We will use the phone number and email address that we have on file. Be sure this information, located in your profile, is up to date. In addition, you can check the class status on our website for any additional information. If one link in the chain is broken (such as us having the wrong phone number), you may not receive our email or phone messages. In the worst case scenario, if the weather looks iffy, go to our website to check the class status for the day.

For weekend classes, will someone still contact me?
Yes, as long as you have a scheduled class with us, you will be notified of schedule changes.

When will I be notified if my class is canceled due to weather?
Ninety-nine percent of the time, classes will be cancelled at least two hours prior to their scheduled start time. As soon as we know a class cannot go on due to a wet court or definite rain, we contact you immediately.

Why do you only cancel classes the day of?
Foreseeing inclement weather is not an exact science. Therefore, we wait until the day of the class to see how the weather plays out. Very often clouds can clear up in the morning or the weather changes by midday.

What if my class is early in the morning, between 6am-9am. Will I still be contacted?
If it’s a private lesson on a weekday morning, the instructor will call you that morning. You are welcome to cancel your class if you strongly feel it will rain.

What if my class is between 9am and 12pm. Will you still contact me in the morning?
Yes. We check the weather around 7:30am and will contact you as soon as it’s evident that it will rain. We try our very best to contact you 45 minutes to an hour before your early morning class so we can catch you before you leave your house. This means that if you have a 9am lesson we may send our automated voice message out at 8am.

Is there a place for me to check online if my class is canceled?
Yes. On the www.BumbleBeeTennis.com homepage, our class status box on the lower right side of the page is updated as soon as we know class is canceled. For adults, you can also view the adult schedule. Any classes that are canceled are crossed off with a red line.

So again how will I find out if my class is canceled for the day?
1. Check the BumbleBee Tennis homepage class status box on the lower right side. We update this status as soon as we know class is canceled.
2. Check the adult class status on the Adult Classes schedule page. Canceled classes are crossed off with a red line.
2. You will receive an automated voice message on your phone notifing you of the canceled class.
3. You will receive an email notifing you of the canceled class.

Can I call in to find out about my class status?
Yes, but it will be the same info as the website. Calling in during bad weather may actually slow us down as we are handeling many notification methods, so we ask that you just check the website during unpredicatble bad weather days. However if you must know b/c you are leaving the house, you may call. Thank you for your understanding with that.

Will I be still be notified if it starts to rain right before class?
Unfortunately we cannot predict the weather. So as soon as it begins raining, even if it is 30 minutes before your class’ start time, we will begin the cancellation notification process. Our notification system has worked well for us about 95% of the time. Inevitably there will be times when it may rain unpredictably. However, we do hope to reach you before you arrive for your lesson. If we can not reach you beforehand, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Will I receive a make- up class if my lesson is canceled due to inclement weather?
Youth Classes:
* The first two rained out classes are automatically added to the end of youth sessions, to occur at the same time/place/day as the session’s regular scheduling. Make- up class week for Fall 2009: Week of November 2nd to November 6th. Make- up class week for Spring 2010: Week of June 14 to June 18th.When the number of rain outs exceeds two, we may be able to arrange Sunday indoor youth classes at PS 199 between 12-2pm, depending on facility availability.
* If you cannot make it to the scheduled make- up classes, it is considered a general cancellation and follows the standard youth cancellation policy. Please cancel it on your online account and notify us on when you can make it up.
* If there are no times that suit your schedule, we will credit your online account for that rained out class. You can then use that credit for any other youth program within one year of your class.

Adult Classes:
*A credit will be added to your account so that you can schedule the make- up class at your convenience. You will see the credit in your account immediately after you receive the cancellation email.
*Credits should be used within one year of your canceled class.

What happens if you cancel the class and it becomes sunny anyways?
If for some reason the weather clears up after classes are cancelled, and it will be easy to contact all students, we may be able to put the class back on. Just email or call us and we will do the best we can.

What do you mean by an automated phone message?
In order to effectively, quickly and accurately contact all students from each class, we must send out an automated phone message. An automated phone message is a prerecorded voice message that plays as soon as the phone is answered. The phone number should still read (347)-284-6061. The message will repeat twice just in case the call is sent to voicemail.

What happens if it rains during the summer camp program?
The tennis program will be moved to the large indoor gymnasium at John Jay College. If you have further questions feel free to email or call the office.

What if I think it’s going to rain and BumbleBee Tennis has not canceled classes yet?
Since the rain is often extremely fickle, we will sometimes wait until 2 hours before the start of the class to make a final determination. There have been many times where it has cleared up in the afternoon, making the court playable.

If you are sure it is going to rain, you can “late cancel” your class for that day. If we do end up canceling the class due to rain, you will receive your credit back even though you have late canceled. However, if the class still goes on, you will not get your credit back without paying the $12 rescheduling fee.

Behavioral Issues

Some of the children in my son’s class are disruptive. What will BumbleBee Tennis do to make the kids pay attention so my son can learn?
BumbleBee Tennis strives to ensure all children get the most out of every lesson and gradually become better at tennis. However, every child is different in terms of behavior and focus. Instructors will never discipline a child or lose patience, however they will do what they can to keep the kids focused and busy during the lesson, not giving them the chance to become distracted or fool around with others.

We’ve learned that successful lessons ultimately require the cooperation of all parents and guardians, to push the children to not only perform to the best of their ability, but to also be respectful and attentive to instructors and peers. When necessary, BumbleBee staff will call parents to notify them of disruptive behavior, in hopes of resolving behavioral issues so that all students get the most out of the class.

Examples of disruptive behavior include:

• Excessive Crying
• Aggressive behavior (i.e. swinging racquet, which poses a danger to other students)
• Walking off of the court
• Saying negative or mean things

Another possible solution would be to move the child from a group lesson setting to a private lesson. Regardless of the situation, we’ll do our best to be proactive in resolving any class issue that may arise.

Becoming a Better Tennis Player

How does one become good at tennis?
Tennis is more than just hitting a ball with a tennis racquet; it involves any and all of the following:

• coordinating the feet and head through footwork exercises

• learning to generate power through the legs, torso and arms

• spatial coordination through gauging where the ball is

• timing – bouncing and hitting

• control

• strategy

• fitness

How can I practice on my own time?
Hit against a wall or play with a friend. An even easier way to practice is to do muscle memory exercises at home with your racquet while you are watching tv or talking on the phone. Get the muscle memory down and you are halfway there!

Miscellaneous Inquiries

Can I do a lesson while my child takes a lesson?
Generally you cannot do a separate lesson at the same time as your child because our Columbus Circle location (where all adult classes are held) only has one court. However, if your child is very young, we may have two instructors on staff making it possible to set up a mini youth tennis court on the side, while you take a lesson on the main court.

If this interests you, contact our office and let us know that you’d like to set up a “mini/adult dual” class.

Can I take a lesson with my child or children?
This is something brand new that we’ve recently started offering to clients. Our instructors can provide you with any kind of lesson you want. Currently group prices are applied to the lesson, one for the adult and one for the child. We are working on developing a class package for this with a fixed price.

Do you give out trophies or awards at the end of the season?
We give out medals on the last day of our youth spring session. Parents are welcome to come enjoy the festivities and see how much their kids have improved.