Summer Lessons with Kobe!
Join Coach Kobe this summer for high-quality group and private tennis lessons, at the lowest prices in Riverside! See details on group options, private lesson bookings and how to get to the courts – please email info@riversidetennis.org with questions.
Kobe Patterson arrives to Riverside with over 20 years of coaching experience, including at Greenwich Tennis Club, Gotham Tennis and Central Park Tennis. A great choice for those new to tennis or tournament players of any age, he specializes in player development and match strategies. Originally from Ghana and now our neighbor on the Upper West Side, Kobe is ready to up your game. His warm energy is infectious and we’re excited to have him on the RTA team!
Please call the Fort Washing Lesson Hotline at (212) 978-3490 to check if the 172nd courts are open for RTA lessons. This hotline only indicates if lessons are on at 119th Street and Fort Washington. RTA does not notify players directly about rainouts, only by updating the hotline.
Group Lessons
With a maximum of only four players in a group and 90-minute lessons (except Cardio Tennis), Fort Washington is the place to get as much tennis into your summer as possible! All for the low price of only $40 per hour of instruction from an experienced pro.
The summer session runs from June 30 to August 17, with no group lessons from July 3 to 6, in observance of Independence Day. Registration is on a Drop-In basis, so you may select only the days and times you’d like to play, without committing for the summer.
All rainouts will be refunded within a week of a rained out lesson. Cancellations can only be credited or refunded if 48 hours notice is provided.
If Kobe feels different level is a better fit, we will suggest switching classes to ensure everyone gets the most out of their session.
Beginner: For those brand new to tennis or still learning the basic strokes. Build a strong foundation in a friendly, supportive setting.
Low Intermediate: For players who know the basic strokes but are still developing consistency and control. A great next step after Beginner Drills.
High Intermediate: For players who can consistently rally. Focus on advanced technique, strategy, and point play.
Cardio Tennis – Swing & Sweat: Heart-pumping tennis drills with a focus on fitness and fun. No rallying skills required.
Private Lessons
Get on court for a lesson with Kobe this summer – he would love to have you at Fort Washington to work on any aspect of your game.
Private lesson bookings are now open from June 30 through Labor Day!
If you do not have a profile with RTA, please Create an Account before booking a lesson, otherwise your booking will not be considered valid. You must leave a credit card on file.
Lesson bookings and charges may not appear in your RTA account until the day of or after a lesson; Your immediate event confirmation email upon booking holds the lesson time and serves as the confirmation email until the lesson is charged to your account.
Monday through Thursday: 11am, 4pm Weekends: 7am
Cancellation Policy: If you would like to cancel a private lesson, you can do so by emailing info@riversidetennis.org at least 48 hours in advance in order to be eligible for a refund or a credit. Our pros rely on lesson revenue to earn a livable wage.
Directions to the 172nd Street Courts - From the UWS
The Fort Washington Tennis Courts are one of NYC’s hidden gems – tucked away in a leafy corner of Riverside Park at 172nd St under the George Washington Bridge are ten hard courts, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. A quick few miles up the Hudson River by bike or a scenic 15-minute walk down from the A-Train at 181st St, this shady and green spot in Washington Heights is a short trip uptown from our other two locations.
Google Maps directions to the courts are not always correct and detailed within the park, use the route below to help you find the courts. RTA recommends leaving ten minutes of extra time to navigate on your first trip you take to Fort Washington.
Bicycle: Catch the Hudson River Greenway to ride up the river right on the water from the western end of either 137th St or 125 St under the Henry Hudson Parkway, or by going down through Riverside Park from 103rd, 97th, or 95th and Riverside Drive, or any point further south. Continue riding uptown on the bike path (no cars the whole way) until you reach the courts, just shy of the GWB at roughly the equivalent of 172nd St.
Subway: Take the uptown A-Train to 181st Street. Walk west roughly three blocks on 181st until reaching the overlook at the end. Turn right up Riverside drive one block, cross the highway overpass over the Henry Hudson Parkway, then turn left onto the bike path. Follow the bike path down the hill (there are a few curves at it winds downwards) until reaching the Fort Washington courts. Approach the courts from the north, passing by the Little Red Lighthouse on the right a-half block before arriving.
You may also take the 1-Train uptown, then transfer to the at 168th St. Or, take the 1-Train to 181st St then walk about four short blocks west to the A-Train stop, then follow the the route above.
Driving/Taxi: Set your destination as 181st Street and Riverside Drive. Follow the Subway Directions above from the second step, at the “overlook” on 181st and Riverside. There is no parking or drop-off point any closer to the courts than this point.