by Beth Rifkin
Train – Condition – Coach - Academy
We all know what happens when these tennis buzz words get tossed around. Everyone knows someone – maybe it’s your significant other? Perhaps your practice partner? Possibly even your tennis playing best friend? Regardless, the same thing happens each time; out of their mouth with conviction is, “Yeah right! I could be a top ten player too if I went to some fancy academy and had the world’s top coaches to train with!” and then there’s the proverbial pause while they wait for you to agree.
Want to put them in their place? Throw them on the court at one of the USA's top Academies and see if they break (serve or themselves). Florida’s three largest pro training camps offer programs for adults ranging from ½ day to a full week. No more excuses – it’s time for those who are serving aces from their sofa to put up or shut up!
The famed Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy’s (NBTA) alumni list is a preeminent who’s who in pro tennis; Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Tommy Haas (pictured above), among so many others. And depending on the program, the NBTA (in partnership with IMG) offers the adult player everything that the pros get: technical instruction, video analysis, nutrition, physical fitness, mental training and match play. Programs range from ½ day to a full week and cost anywhere from $160 to $2,000. Their motto – “You can go anywhere to be "taught", but if you are ready to "train", the NBTA is waiting for you!”
The Evert Tennis Academy is a combined force between the Evert family (yes, that’s Chris Evert!), and IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing firm. Located in Boca Raton, Florida, the Evert Tennis Academy is home to many national and international junior champions and some of the world’s finest pros. Led by Drew Evert, daily Adult training includes warm-up, match simulation drills, singles and doubles strategies, technical training, competitive games, and match play. Sessions are available Thursday thru Sunday and are held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
Barcelona’s infamous Sanchez-Casal Academy can now be found stateside and is the place to go to beef up your clay court game. Located in Naples, Florida the 44 court facility holds true to Spanish tradition with 37 clay courts and 7 hard. Adult programs begin at 2 days and last as long as 8, ranging from around $360 to $1,600. Players have access to the world’s top pro’s, on-court training, physical fitness, pilates, stretching and massage.
Please check each Academy’s website for exact programs and pricing.
Ego not included.
