How to book a court with a coach

A lesson needs two things at the same time: a free court and a free coach. Arranging them separately usually means a chain of messages, a coach who is free when the court is not, and two payments. Booking them together means you never end up with one and not the other.

1. Choose the format

The format decides the price per person and how much attention you get. Most coaches offer several of these:

• Private lesson: fastest progress, because the whole session is about you. Best for fixing a specific stroke or preparing for a tournament.
• Lesson for two: the coach rate is shared, so it costs about half per person. Great with a regular partner at a similar level.
• Group clinic: three to six players, drills and match play. The cheapest way to learn and a good way to meet people to play with.
• Kids and juniors: shorter sessions, lighter equipment and games that keep children moving.
• Team practice: for basketball, volleyball and futsal squads, built around your team’s plays and fitness.

2. Pick a coach by level

Each coach lists the levels they teach, from beginners to advanced players, plus languages and specialities such as juniors or match strategy. Choose a coach who teaches your level, not the most decorated one: a great beginner coach explains the basics patiently, while a performance coach is better once you can already rally.

• Beginner: new to the sport. You will learn the grip, the basic strokes and the rules.
• Improver: you can rally a little and want to be consistent.
• Intermediate: you play matches and want better tactics, serves and movement.
• Advanced: you compete and want specific, detailed work.

Read reviews from players at a similar level, and check that the coach teaches at a venue that is easy for you to reach on a weeknight.

3. Book the slot

1. Search with a coach
   On the booking page, pick your sport, area and date, and choose "With a coach".
2. Pick a time that works for both
   You only see times when both the coach and a court are free, so there is nothing to coordinate.
3. Check the total
   The price shows the coach rate and the court fee as one total. There is no booking fee on top.
4. Pay once
   Pay with GCash, Maya, QR Ph or card. The court and the coach are confirmed together.

4. Add gear if you need it

New to the sport? Add a racket, paddle or bat and balls to the booking and collect them at the desk. The coach will check that the gear suits you, and you can decide what to buy later, once you know what you like.

5. Share the cost of a group lesson

For a lesson for two or a clinic, one person books and pays, then shares the invite link. Each friend pays their share from their own phone, and you are refunded as they do. Here is how splitting works.

Before your first lesson

• Arrive 10 minutes early to change, collect gear and warm up.
• Wear court shoes with non-marking soles and bring water: indoor halls in the Philippines can be warm.
• Tell the coach what you want from the session, for example "I can rally but my serve goes in the net".
• Ask for one or two drills to practise on your own before the next lesson.

Questions worth asking a coach

• What would you work on with me in the first three lessons?
• Do you bring balls and a ball basket, or should I rent them?
• Can you film a few rallies so I can see what to change?
• Do you run group clinics I could join between private lessons?
• Which venue do you prefer for evening lessons, and how busy is it?

Lessons for kids

For children, look for a coach who lists juniors among their specialities. Good junior lessons are short, use lighter rackets and slower balls, and are built around games rather than long queues for drills. A small group of children at a similar age is often more fun, and cheaper, than a private lesson. Stay nearby for the first session so your child feels at ease.

If your plans change

Each venue sets a free-cancellation window, usually 24 hours before you play, and you see it before you pay. Cancel from My account before then and the full amount goes back to the account you paid with. Read the cancellation policy.

How many lessons do you need?

Many beginners can play a friendly game after three to five lessons, especially in pickleball and padel. Tennis and squash take longer. A common pattern is a weekly lesson for the first month, then a lesson every few weeks between games with friends, so you keep improving without paying for a coach every time you play.