The Definitive Guide to Tennis in Norman

A complete resource for new residents, visitors, and avid players.

Quick Guide for New Residents & Visitors

Welcome to Norman! If you want to get on the court today, here is exactly what you need to know:

  • The Main Hub: Westwood Tennis Center is the undisputed heart of Norman tennis. It’s public, high-quality, and handles everything from court bookings to stringing.
  • Quick Booking: You can book courts at Westwood via the Court Reserve app or by calling them directly.
  • Free Play: If you just want a quick, free hit, head to Lions Park or the 12th Avenue Recreation Center.
  • Stringing Emergencies: Westwood’s Pro Shop offers same-day stringing for an extra $5.

Why Norman is a Great Tennis City for Travelers

For the avid tennis traveler, Norman offers a unique blend of collegiate tennis prestige and accessible public play. Home to the University of Oklahoma (OU) Sooners, the city pulses with a deep appreciation for the sport. Visitors can easily watch high-level Division I collegiate matches at the Headington Family Tennis Center and then head a few miles down the road to Westwood Tennis Center—a USTA National Outstanding Facility—to play on championship-grade courts. The local tennis community is famously welcoming, heavily populated by university staff, students, and locals who frequently organize drill groups and drop-in events, making it incredibly easy for an outgoing visitor to find a match or join a clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can residents and visitors find hitting partners of a similar skill level?
A: The easiest method is to participate in the adult drill clinics or local leagues hosted at Westwood Tennis Center. These group settings naturally pair you with players of a similar NTRP rating, making it easy to exchange numbers for casual rallies.
Q: What is the absolute best way for a visitor to find a quick match?
A: Introduce yourself to the front desk at Westwood Tennis Center—the staff is excellent at connecting traveling players with local groups. Alternatively, drop into one of their scheduled cardio or skills clinics.
Q: What is the best way to book court time during a short 7-day visit?
A: Westwood Tennis Center allows non-members to reserve courts. You can call their pro shop directly or use the Court Reserve system via their website (westwoodtennis.com) to secure your timeslot up to a week in advance.
Q: How do I sign up for private or group lessons?
A: You can register for private lessons or group clinics by calling the Westwood Pro Shop. For junior or collegiate-style training, you can also reach out to Crowell+Cohen Tennis (crowellcohentennis.com), run by OU's coaching staff.
Q: As a 2.0 to 4.0 level player, how do I connect with others for casual play?
A: Join a USTA recreational league. Norman has active 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 ladders. You can also join regional Facebook groups or apps like PlayYourCourt to post your NTRP rating and availability to the local Norman community.

Courts & Facilities

Westwood Tennis Center (Public)

The crown jewel of Norman tennis. Recognized by the USTA as a National Outstanding Facility, it caters to everyone from beginners to tournament players.

  • Address: 2420 Westport Dr, Norman, OK 73069
  • Courts: 12 championship outdoor hard courts, 2 climate-controlled indoor courts, and 4 dedicated 36-foot youth courts.
  • Lighting: Yes, professional-grade lighting on all outdoor courts.
  • Access & Pricing: Public access. Court fees apply (indoor courts are significantly higher than outdoor). Reservations are highly recommended via westwoodtennis.com.

Headington Family Tennis Center (University / Private)

The home of the OU Sooners. While primarily for varsity athletes, the facility occasionally hosts major public tournaments and summer camps.

  • Address: 500 W Imhoff Rd, Norman, OK 73072
  • Courts: 12 outdoor hard courts, 6 indoor courts.
  • Access: Restricted to OU athletics and special events/camps.

Lions Park (Public)

A great option for casual, free play in a beautiful park setting.

  • Address: 450 S Flood Ave, Norman, OK 73069
  • Courts: Standard outdoor hard courts.
  • Lighting: Yes.
  • Access: Free, first-come, first-served via the City of Norman (normanok.gov).

12th Avenue Recreation Center (Public)

A multi-use public facility perfect for neighborhood practice.

  • Address: 1701 12th Ave NE, Norman, OK 73071
  • Courts: Outdoor hard courts (shared with pickleball lines).
  • Access: Free, first-come, first-served.

Lessons & Coaching

Whether you need a quick tune-up on your serve or a long-term development plan, Norman has excellent coaching options.

  • Westwood Teaching Pros: The center employs multiple certified professionals offering private, semi-private, and group lessons. They also run the "Tiny Tots" programs and adult Cardio Tennis. Book via westwoodtennis.com.
  • Crowell+Cohen Tennis: Directed by OU's head tennis coaches, they offer elite after-school programs, summer junior camps, and private lessons. Best for competitive juniors. Contact them via crowellcohentennis.com.
  • Independent Coaches: You can find independent, vetted coaches for flexible, park-based lessons using platforms like findtennislessons.com.

Community, Leagues & Partners

The Norman tennis community is highly active year-round.

  • USTA Oklahoma Leagues: Norman hosts robust USTA league play (Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons) mostly out of Westwood. You can easily find a team by contacting the local league coordinator at the Westwood Pro Shop.
  • Local Drill Groups: Westwood runs weekly drop-in drill sessions categorized by NTRP levels. This is the absolute best way to network, break a sweat, and find weekend hitting partners.
  • Oklahoma Tennis Coaches Association: For professionals and high school coaches, the OTCA (oklahomacoaches.org) provides statewide networking and advocacy.

Shops, Stringing & Services

You don't need to drive to Oklahoma City for gear; Norman has you covered.

  • Westwood Pro Shop: The premier local shop for all tennis needs.
    • Stringing: Professional stringing with a standard 2-business-day turnaround. Labor is $20 if you bring your own string, or you can purchase strings ranging from $4.95 to $45.95. Next-day (+$3) and same-day (+$5) rushes are available.
    • Gear: Sells racquets (Wilson, Head, Babolat, Yonex), bags, overgrips, and balls.
    • Rentals: Demo racquets are available for $5/day, which can be applied to a new racquet purchase. Ball machines are also available for rent.
  • DICK'S Sporting Goods: Located at the University North Park (dickssportinggoods.com), they offer basic tennis apparel, balls, and entry-level racquets if you are in a pinch.