Quick Guide for Visitors & New Residents
Welcome to Shreveport! Whether you're here for a weekend or making this your new home, the local tennis community is welcoming and active. With a great mix of public parks operated by SPAR (Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation) and beautiful private clubs nestled among the pine trees, finding a match is easier than you think.
Why Shreveport is Great for Tennis Travelers
For the avid tennis traveler, Shreveport offers true Southern hospitality on and off the court. The climate allows for year-round play (though summers are hot!), and the community is highly engaged through local associations. It's a city where you can easily drop into a clinic at a public center like Querbes and meet locals who will likely invite you to their next doubles match or recommend the best local spot for post-match gumbo.
Top FAQs
Finding Casual Matches (Visitor/Resident)
Q: What are the best ways to find hitting partners for matches and casual rallies of similar skill level?
A: For both visitors and residents, getting connected through the Northwest Louisiana Community Tennis Association (NWLA CTA) is your best first step. They act as the central hub. Additionally, joining local Facebook groups like the "Shreveport-Bossier Tennis" network allows you to post your NTRP rating and availability. For women, reaching out to the Shreveport Association of Ladies Tennis (SALT) is highly recommended.
Finding Partners (Visitor Specific)
Q: As a visitor, what is the best way to find hitting partners?
A: Call the pro shops at the main public centers: Querbes Tennis Center or Southern Hills. The desk staff and teaching pros know the regulars and can often pair you up with a local group looking for a fourth for doubles or someone seeking a singles hit.
Securing Court Time (Visitor for 7 Days)
Q: What are the best ways to get court times if I'm visiting for 7 days?
A: Public courts are your most reliable option. The city's SPAR facilities are excellent. You can easily book courts at Querbes Tennis Center (which offers both clay and hard courts) or Southern Hills Tennis Center. Private clubs like Pierremont Oaks are generally restricted to members and guests, so stick to the public centers for guaranteed access.
Joining Lessons (Visitor/Resident)
Q: How do I join private or group lessons?
A: The SPAR public tennis centers (Querbes, Southern Hills, and Bill Cockrell) have resident pros who offer both private lessons and group clinics. Call the facilities directly to inquire about drop-in clinics for adults. If you are looking for private clubs, some may offer lesson packages to non-members depending on the season, but the public centers are the most straightforward path.
Connecting as a Beginner/Intermediate
Q: As a 2.0 to 4.0 player, how do I connect and find others to play?
A: Enroll in a beginner or intermediate clinic at a SPAR tennis center. Clinics are the absolute best way to meet players at your exact level. From there, you can exchange numbers and start setting up your own matches. For women, the SALT league has specific divisions that cater perfectly to the 2.5-4.0 range.
Part I: The Courts of Shreveport
Shreveport offers a solid mix of public and private facilities, featuring both hard courts and the highly sought-after Har-Tru (clay) surfaces that are popular in the South.
Public Facilities (SPAR)
The Shreveport Public Assembly & Recreation (SPAR) department manages the city's public tennis infrastructure. These are pay-to-play public centers.
- Querbes Tennis Center: Located at 3507 Beverly Pl. This is the crown jewel of public tennis in Shreveport. It features six clay courts and five hard courts, all lighted for evening play. They have a pro shop and teaching staff. (Rates and exact hours need confirmation, call ahead).
- Southern Hills Tennis Center: Located at 1000 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. A major public hub featuring 10 lighted hard courts and a pro shop.
- Bill Cockrell Tennis Center: Located within Bill Cockrell Metro Park, this facility offers 10 hard courts available for public use.
Private Clubs
If you are moving to the area and looking for a club membership, Shreveport has several premier options.
- Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club: Founded in 1961, this is one of the premier private tennis clubs in Louisiana. It boasts an impressive twelve Har-Tru (clay) courts and seven Laykold hard courts. It is known for a highly active membership and excellent programming.
- East Ridge Country Club: Sister club to Pierremont Oaks, offering 5 hard-surfaced courts and 4 rubico-clay courts.
Part II: Local Tennis Communities & Associations
Northwest Louisiana Community Tennis Association (NWLA CTA)
The NWLA CTA is the official USTA local organization. They are the central nervous system for organized tennis in the Shreveport-Bossier area, managing USTA leagues, local tournaments, and community outreach. Their website is a vital resource for any resident looking to play competitive team tennis.
Shreveport Association of Ladies Tennis (SALT)
SALT is a massive, independent women's tennis league in the area. They offer Doubles Teams and Singles Flex leagues, providing "the perfect mix of fun, tennis and memories." This is an absolute must-join for any female player looking to network and play regular matches.
Part III: Coaching, Shops & Services
Lessons & Clinics
For official instruction, the teaching professionals based at Querbes Tennis Center and Southern Hills Tennis Center are the most accessible options for the general public and visitors. Private clubs like Pierremont Oaks have elite coaching staffs, but access is typically restricted to members.
Pro Shops & Stringing
- Public Pro Shops: Both Querbes and Southern Hills have on-site pro shops that handle stringing, grips, and basic accessories.
- Backspin Tennis Boutique: A local specialty shop known for tennis apparel, sports gear, and gifts.