Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What type of equipment would you recommend for me to use with my children in our driveway?
The basics are balls, nets, and racquets. For balls, you definitely will want to slow things down to achieve more success with our Champs slow-bouncers or Spinners high-density foam balls. For nets, our 10-foot Mini-Net should be the answer. Another less expensive option is to get a roll of Tennis Caution Tape and tie it between two trees or chairs. Your choice of racquets depends largely on the age of the child. Take a close look at our Hand Racquets since they are the easiest-to-use beginner racquet available.

Q. What is the best DVD for a beginning adult?
Joe Dinoffer’s “Fast Lane Tennis.” Here’s why: Tennis is a complex sport. Most people learn faster visually. Therefore, a highly visual instructional DVD with simple, common-sense checkpoints for each stroke is ideal. Customers tell us that "Fast Lane Tennis" is the most comprehensive yet concise instructional DVD available, full of concepts to help speed up learning, eliminating much of the frustration that many experience in taking up tennis. The series consists of 10 shows featured on The Tennis Channel. And, although Joe’s daughter Kalindi is featured on the series, beginning through intermediate players of all levels will benefit equally from the dozens of quick tips and drills.

Q. What DVD would be good for someone coaching kids?
A combination of Joe Dinoffer’s “Fast Lane Tennis” and his “Creative Tennis" series is recommended. “Fast Lane Tennis” is explained above in detail. "Creative Tennis" consists of 6 extended programs that offer guidance for coaches of all levels of experience and instructional expertise. The concepts shared in this series also apply to adults as well as children.

Q. What products would be good for someone coaching kids?
Of course, this is a very broad question. You will get a lot of ideas from the DVD’s by Joe Dinoffer, especially “Fast Lane Tennis.” Also, check out our instructional article section to read many articles that address the needs of children in various age ranges. For equipment, check out our “Kids Section” and specifically (for younger children 3-7 years old) look at our Juggling Scarves, Hand Racquets, Spinners, Beach Balls, and SportTee. You might also want to check out our affordable Tennis Twist ball machine and Champs slow-bouncers. The main concept to remember is to make learning fun and use whatever tools you can to help beginning children succeed. Know that, if they succeed, they will keep coming back for more.

Q. What is the best racquet for a child?
Your choice of racquets depends largely on the age of the child. Take a close look at our Hand Racquets since they are the easiest-to-use beginner racquet available. Aside from Hand Racquets, after youngsters get an initial feel for contact with the ball, Lollipop Paddles offer a brightly colored and fun option as juniors transition from rank beginner to full-court tennis. Of course, we also offer a full line of junior racquets as well.

Q. I want to improve my (backhand, serve, return, whatever). What do you recommend?
Tennis consists of so many specific shots and each of these shots consists of many parts that can cause headaches. One of our missions at Oncourt Offcourt is to cure as many headaches as possible as quickly and painlessly as possible. Check out our “Training Aids” section for fixes to more tennis stroke problems than you ever thought you might encounter. In particular (among dozens of others), you may want to check out the items in our exclusive “Bag of Tricks.”

Q. What kind of tennis balls do you carry?
We carry the kind of tennis balls you will have trouble finding anywhere else. Our Pro Trainers are similar to regular competitive balls, except pressureless. In particular, pressureless balls are ideal for high school coaches or players who want a basket of balls that will not go flat over time as compared to normal pressurized balls. For beginners we have a great selection of transition balls, starting with our cut foam high-bouncing Spinners. The next step after Spinners are our slow-bouncing Champs. And, for fun and slowing down play, don’t forget to check out our Streamers, a ball that bounces slow like our Champs, but has the added visual excitement of 20 colorful Mylar streamers flying through the air.

Q. I want to buy a ball machine. Where do I start?
We have done extensive research into the best quality ball machines in the world and are proud to offer them to our customers. We have a price-matching guarantee and our page on ball machines should systematically answer all your question. But, feel free to call our office so our trained staff can help you select the machine that is best suited to your specific needs.

Q. What size medicine ball should I get?
This depends on two factors. First, are you throwing and catching the medicine ball (dynamic exercises), or are you using it more statically? For throwing and catching drills you will want medicine balls that are lighter in weight. All that said, here is a general guideline: Up to 12 years old, have children use their own body weight or the lightest medicine balls, namely 1 or 2 kilograms. A girl through high school will generally stay with a ball no larger than 3 Kg. Boys may go to 4 Kg. Past high school depends on the size and strength of each athlete. Keep in mind that each kilogram converts to 2.2 pounds.

Q. How can I find what I am looking for?
Every page of our website contains a key word search engine. Just type in a word that describes what you are looking for and you’ll find it quickly.

Q. Once I place an order, how long before it will be delivered to me?
We ship UPS ground unless specified otherwise. Generally, all items in our catalog are in stock in one of our warehouses and are shipped within 24-48 hours. Check with your customer service representative for an approximate delivery date for your order.

Q. What are my shipping charges?
The website calculates UPS Ground shipping within the 48 contiguous United States according to the following rates: DVDs and other products under $50 that also weigh under one pound, add $7. All other products and orders up to $90.00 add $9.00; $70.00-$499.00 add 12%; $500.00-$999.00 add 10%; above $1,000.00 add 8%. UPS rates to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada and Puerto Rico are also calculated by the website as multiples of the the above. Other international customers please check our international distributors list or contact us for assistance. NOTE: Shipping charges are calculated on the RETAIL price before any discounts. (Some products may also have an additional overweight/oversize charge.)

Q. Can I contact you with questions about my order?
Just call 1-88-TENNIS-11 (1-888-366-4711) or 214-823-3078, or e-mail us. It is our pleasure to help you.

Q. How do I return merchandise?
Merchandise can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of the date of purchase, as long as it is in resalable (new) condition. However, to receive credit, you must contact our offices to receive a “Return Authorization Number” before shipping any product back to us.