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Tennis At the USC

Intensity:
Locations: Leiden
Offer:: Free sports, Association, Courses

Hit your best shot on our outdoor courts

Tennis is the ultimate combination of technique, tactics, and explosiveness. Sprinting to catch that drop shot, jumping high for a smash, or twisting your entire body for a rock-hard backhand: tennis demands the utmost from your physique.

Tennis is incredibly popular at the USC. With 8 outdoor courts, there is plenty of room for free play. Want to improve your technique? Our experienced trainers are ready for personal guidance in small groups, from absolute beginners to advanced competitive players.

What do you need?

A valid USC sports subscription (required for all activities) Booking (mandatory for free play) Sportswear (comfortable clothing and tennis shoes) Water (to stay hydrated)

Join STV Qravel

Looking for more than just tennis? Qravel is the most fun student tennis association in Leiden. Besides club nights, drinks, and legendary parties, they organize tournaments and trips.

Visit the Qravel website

Weekrooster

Courses

Discover Tennis

For the beginner

Never held a racket before? No problem. In the Level 1 course, you will learn the basics in 10 lessons. You immediately work on your fitness and ball skills under the guidance of enthusiastic trainers.

For the advanced player

Do you mastered the basics? Register for courses at level 2, 3, or 4 to further sharpen your technique and tactics. Of course, you can also enjoy unlimited 'free play' on our courts.

For the socializer

Tennis is a social sport. It's easy to meet up with a training buddy to hit a ball outside of lessons, or dive into student life at the Qravel association.

All about Tennis

How do I know what my level is?

Beginners start at level 1. If you have experience, take a look at our level classification:

Forehand (Beginner)
Backhand (Beginner)
Serve (Beginner)

None
For anyone with 0–40 hours of tennis experience

Forehand and backhand after movement
Stabilising the serve
Volley

Able to rally 6–8 balls consistently
At least 50% of serves land in

Forehand and backhand in match situations
Targeted serve
Volley after moving to the net
Smash
All techniques in a structured rally

Able to rally 10+ balls consistently
75% serve accuracy
Basic forehand and backhand volleys

Forehand and backhand in match situations and under pressure
Targeted and powerful serve
Volley and smash during rallies
Second serve as variation

You can play long rallies
You can vary your forehands and backhands (short–long, left–right)
You can deliver a targeted serve
You can play volley and smash while moving towards the net (in a training situation)

What are the registration requirements?

A valid USC membership for the full duration of the course is required.
Please note: You may register for a maximum of one course per period. Day passes are not permitted.

What happens if it rains (makeup policy)?

Lessons may be cancelled due to bad weather. The first cancelled lesson will not be made up. The second and third cancelled lessons will be made up (maximum of two makeup lessons). Lessons that have already started and are interrupted

When can I register?

The next courses will start again this spring. Registration opens on 16 March 2026 at 10:00.

How can you book an outdoor court for free play?

Booking a tennis court is mandatory and can only be done online. With a valid USC sports membership, this is free of charge, provided all players are members.

How to book:

Where: Via the website mijn.uscleiden.nl or the USC Leiden App (Android/iOS).
When: You can book up to 7 days in advance.
Duration: Maximum of 60 minutes per day, for up to 4 people.

On the day itself:

Check-in: All players must check in upon arrival by scanning the QR code at the court using the USC Leiden App.
Time: Check-in is possible from 5 minutes before until 10 minutes after the start time of your reservation.
Court dragging: The court must be dragged within your reserved 60 minutes.

Good to know:

Playing with a non-member? This person must register online and purchase a day pass via mijn.uscleiden.nl.
Booking by phone or email is not possible.

Are there lessons in the winter?

Unfortunately, no tennis lessons are offered on the outdoor courts during the winter. New series start again in the spring.

Can I register for multiple courses?

No. To give everyone a fair chance at a spot, you may register for maximum one tennis course per period.

Boost your game in the gym

For that perfect serve, you need to be able to tense your back muscles extremely well. And to catch that lob, you need explosive jumping power. Combine the court with the gym for better performance.

Ask for a free personalized schedule