Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Tennis Coaching Partner in Adelaide
Helen Rice Tennis School has been a cornerstone of tennis coaching in Adelaide since 1979. Founded by former professional player Helen Rice, our school combines decades of expertise with a passion for nurturing talent across all age groups. Our nationally accredited coaches deliver programs tailored to individual needs, from beginner children to competitive adults. We prioritise holistic development, integrating technical skill-building with life lessons in discipline and sportsmanship. With over 500 active members and 20 dedicated courts, we offer a vibrant community environment. Our coaches hold advanced qualifications in exercise physiology and human movement, ensuring evidence-based training methods.Regular participation in Tennis Australia conferences keeps our team at the forefront of coaching innovation. Safety and accessibility are paramount, with all staff holding current police checks and child safety clearances. From our flagship Grand Slam holiday clinics to cardio tennis sessions for fitness enthusiasts, we create pathways for lifelong engagement with the sport. Our multi-generational client base, including third-generation families, attests to our enduring impact on local tennis culture.
Services
Hot Shots Tennis
Private Coaching
Grand Slam Clinics
Cardio Tennis
Development Squads
School Holiday Programs
Adult Tennis Lessons
Competition Coaching
Home Court Lessons
Fitness Training
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of local tennis coaching expertise
- Personalised programs for all skill levels
- Nationally accredited coaching staff
- Free trial lessons for new participants
- Multi-generational family participation options
Associations and certifications
- Tennis Australia
What people say
Excellent coaching
Love the game
Improved so much
Fun social workout
Professional and dedicated
Services
Hot Shots Tennis
Our ANZ Hot Shots program introduces children aged 3-12 to tennis through age-appropriate equipment and scaled courts. Red, orange, and green ball stages progressively develop fundamental skills while maintaining engagement through game-based learning. Sessions incorporate modified racquets, low-compression balls, and smaller court dimensions to ensure early success. This structured pathway builds both technical proficiency and lifelong enjoyment of tennis.
Private Coaching
Personalised tennis instruction caters to individual goals and ability levels. Our accredited coaches create tailored development plans focusing on technical refinement, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning. Lessons accommodate players from beginner to elite levels, with equipment and court size adjusted to suit age and experience. Regular progress assessments ensure continuous improvement in stroke production and match play effectiveness.
Grand Slam Clinics
School holiday programs combine technical coaching with competitive play and physical conditioning. Participants aged 3-16 engage in stroke development, tournament simulations, and fitness activities across two-week intensive sessions. The curriculum balances skill acquisition with social interaction, fostering peer relationships through team challenges and prize-based competitions. Early drop-off and late pick-up options accommodate working families.
Cardio Tennis
High-energy group workouts blend tennis drills with cardiovascular exercise for all fitness levels. Sessions use music-driven formats to improve agility, endurance, and stroke consistency while burning calories. Modified drills ensure accessibility for recreational players while maintaining intensity for experienced athletes. Social atmosphere encourages regular participation through community-building activities.
Development Squads
Performance-focused squads prepare junior players for competitive tennis through comprehensive technical, tactical, and physical development. Daily training includes match play analysis, point construction strategies, and fitness testing. Coaches implement periodised programs aligning with school terms and competition calendars. Progression pathways support transition from local club play to state-level tournaments.
People
Helen Rice
Founder & Head Coach
Tennis Australia Club Professional with 40+ years coaching experience. 2017 Newcombe Medal winner and multiple Tennis SA Coach of the Year recipient. Holds current police checks and first aid certifications.
Stefan Rice-Schaffeler
Senior Coach
Clinical Exercise Physiologist with Tennis Australia accreditation. Specialises in biomechanics and injury prevention for junior players. Maintains current child safety clearances and first aid training.
Saskia Rice-Schaffeler
Junior Development Coach
Human Movement graduate and 2024 Tennis SA Coach of the Year finalist. Focuses on early skill acquisition and motor development in young children. Certified in working with children checks.
James Bate
Junior Coach
Tennis Australia Junior Development Coach specialising in Hot Shots programs. Current police checks and first aid certified. Emphasises fun-based learning for beginner players.
Tilly Redford-Insall
Community Coach
Community Coaching Course graduate with focus on adult beginner programs. Maintains working with children clearances and first aid qualifications. Promotes inclusive tennis participation.
Questions
Do you offer free trial tennis lessons?
Yes, we provide free introductory Hot Shots or Cardio Tennis sessions for new participants to experience our programs.
What age groups do your programs cover?
Our tennis programs cater to players aged 2-87, with specific offerings for children, adults, and seniors.
Where are your tennis facilities located?
We operate at Denman Tennis Club, Netherby Tennis Club, and Bellevue Heights Tennis Club in Adelaide.
Are government subsidies available for lessons?
Yes, we accept SA Government Sports Vouchers providing $100 discounts for primary school-aged children's programs.
What qualifications do your coaches hold?
All coaches have Tennis Australia accreditation, first aid certification, and current working with children clearances.
Do you offer private tennis coaching?
Yes, we provide one-on-one private coaching tailored to individual skill levels and development goals.
Reviews (5)
Queen Gracious
Jan 19, 2022
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Paula Meyer
Apr 24, 2021
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The progress that both our kids have made after attending the holiday clinics as well as weekly group lessons has been very impressive! The coaches are so great with the kids!
Petra Kelly
Nov 19, 2020
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I first took two of my grandchildren to the Helen Rice Tennis School in early 2020. I knew they needed better coaching than I was able to give. I wasn't wrong. Both boys improved out of sight after only 3 or 4 days of personal coaching. I then took them back in the recent Oct school holidays along with another 3 grandkids. Across all ages 7- 13 they were all fully engaged throughout each day's sessions. They all loved it. I was so impressed with the happy learning environment. All of the coaches were fabulous- managing to keep kids on track even when it rained! There's something special about this
Erica D.
Nov 16, 2020
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I took some private tennis lessons during the summer holidays. Stefan is a terrific coach - very friendly and helpful. I got to practice and improve all my tennis strokes and learnt a lot of handy techniques and strategies, even as a beginner player. Would definitely recommend for tennis lessons.
Sharon Harvey
Jul 17, 2020
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Very well organised by Helen, great communication and lovely, enthusiastic tennis coaches. Patrick has done individual lessons, group lessons and holiday clinics at various times, and loved them all!
