Saddlebrook Tennis Hopman Academy Review « Ramblings of a Corporate Geek

Saddlebrook Tennis Hopman Academy Review

So I thought after spending ten days at the Tennis camp I would write a summary, or a review of what I liked and did not like about the Saddlebrook Tennis Hopman Academy.

Things they do right

1) The instruction is top notch, I mean absolutely great you will find no better

2) You will get into better shape they put alot of emphasis on fitness

3) The resort and the restaurants are very good, pricey but good

4) They are extremely accommodating and grant most requests

5) Instructors go the extra mile for you and you can get alot of private one on one time if you need to

6) The courts are well maintained

7) Your game will improve

Things they could do better

1) They should send out a letter letting you know it is physically challenging offering suggestions on how to stretch and get in shape to come. Some of us researched the camp and knew what to expect others who did not were not ready for the physical aspect.

2) They have no Tennis attire with the Saddlebrook logo

3) They do not push match play for after hours, they could be more forward about setting this up. I mean if you asked they set something up but never went around asking who would be interested in night play

4) If you travel alone after tennis ends nothing organized is going on so you have to fend for yourself

All in all this is a great place to go and if you have any questions leave some comments and I will answer them

May 14, 2007 - Posted by geekramble | Geek Rambling, Tennis, geek, hopman, saddlebrook, saddlebrook tennis, tennis camps | | 22 Comments

22 Comments »

Saddlebrook: I only have 4 days to spend in the adult program.
In your experience, is that enough, worth the time/money? I am a 49 yr. male, solid 3.0, but rated 3.5 by local Pros. My goal for in attending the program is to just to develop consistency and try to approach the lower level of a 3.5. So again, do you think just 4 days would be of benefit?
Thanks

Comment by John McGregor | June 23, 2007 | Reply
John
It would be a great help. I would caution you though it is rigorous so do get in shape before you go. Remember its Fla and its 5+ hrs of tennis a day. The drills are tough but fair and you will see a marked improvement on your game I assure you. Dont get discouraged after day 1 and 2 as your game will fall apart and your body will be making you wonder what you were thinking, you will see the results of sticking through the soreness I promise. Most of the people that were down when I was there came for the three day and the five day sessions so you will fit in with the majority of the folks there.
Let me know how it goes for you
Steve

Comment by geekramble | June 23, 2007 | Reply
Looking for a 2 weeks clinic around christmas. Thanx

Comment by Marcoonnet Catala | June 26, 2007 | Reply
I think this would be a great place though I also hear its one of their busiest weeks so sign up soon.
When you get back let us know what you thought or if you went elsewhere how that worked out for you

Comment by geekramble | July 5, 2007 | Reply
I’m thinking of going for 5 days late next May and was wondering if it was better, instruction-wise, to go during the week (Mon-Fri) or over a weekend (Thur-Mon). It sounds like the instruction varies depending on how many/what type of people (level-wise) show up? Is the instruction better than at Newk’s in Texas? I’m a strong 3.5. Thanks.

Comment by Sharon | September 5, 2007 | Reply
I would suggest going midweek as you will find a better instructor to student ratio. It never goes more than 4:1 but during the week I found that you can get 2:1 or 3:1 often.
As a strong 3.5 you will be middle to low side of level that is there which is pretty much where you want to be. Alot of players will be there who you will find very challenging

Comment by geekramble | September 5, 2007 | Reply
I am thinking of going to a 5 day camp in Jan-2008. I am a 46 male in good shape- 3.5-4.0 level. Will there be other people around my age and level Thanks Greg

Comment by greg duffy | December 2, 2007 | Reply
You would need to be in real good shape. They are not kidding if you cant run a few miles it will be too much for you. As a 3.5 -4.0 player you will enjoy it as you will be towards the lower end of the guys there most will be 4.0 and up but there were always a court or two of the 3.5 men. You may though find yourself playing with some 4.5 women which is not bad either
If you live in the NE as I do nad have not played as much as you do over the summer make sure you get out there a few times between now and then and bring the advil

Comment by geekramble | December 2, 2007 | Reply
Thinking of a 5-day stay in late March. A few questions:

1. Is late March a good time (e.g. number of people, temperature, rain, etc.)?
2. I am a 35 year old Male 4.0-4.5 player. Will there be comparable folks? My wife is a 32 year old 2.5 player. Will she benefit?
3. Is the breakfast that is included adequate? Is there a meal plan for lunch/dinner or is it limited to the restaurants? The restaurants appear pricey and do not appear to serve healthy items. Where do the juniors eat?
4. I heard no microwaves in rooms. Is this true? Do folks tend to buy groceries and prepare their own meals?
5. I heard there is a parking fee if you have/rent a car during your stay. Is this true?
6. Is there access to laundry/dryer machines? How much do they cost?
7. Are the drills on the Har-Tru courts of can you select to play on different surfaces?
8. Are the stringers CS or MRT stringers? What do they charge for labor?
9. How often is video analysis done? Will they let you bring home these videos?

Thanks

Comment by Jorge | January 2, 2008 | Reply
Jorge
To answer your q’s

1. Is late March a good time (e.g. number of people, temperature, rain, etc.)?
Should be an ideal time to go not too hot

2. I am a 35 year old Male 4.0-4.5 player. Will there be comparable folks? My wife is a 32 year old 2.5 player. Will she benefit?

She may even like it more as she will more than likely get more 1 on 1 attention then you will as there will be many more players at your level. Just one note for her, if you think the drills are tough with four people and one instructor, try them with two…better be in shape

3. Is the breakfast that is included adequate? Is there a meal plan for lunch/dinner or is it limited to the restaurants? The restaurants appear pricey and do not appear to serve healthy items. Where do the juniors eat?

Breakfast is a buffet and is pretty good. Alot to eat and a nice selection. The Juniors eat either in the restaurants or in their own Kitchens. You have a stove there if you are concerned about the food selection and prices

4. I heard no microwaves in rooms. Is this true? Do folks tend to buy groceries and prepare their own meals?

When I have been there no one did this although it is definitely an option. No microwaves but there is a stove and oven

5. I heard there is a parking fee if you have/rent a car during your stay. Is this true?

There was no fee for parking when I was there. I stayed and parked right by the main courts

6. Is there access to laundry/dryer machines? How much do they cost?

Access yes, but go during odd hours ie late at night r early in the am as right when you get off the courts they are usually booked. When I went the houskeeping staff actually did the laudry for me and it did not cost a thing. Though I am sure they would appreciate a tip..hint!!

7. Are the drills on the Har-Tru courts of can you select to play on different surfaces?

Depends on the day though most were on har-tru. I had two days that were on Hard and although played on teh grass no drill were on it

8. Are the stringers CS or MRT stringers? What do they charge for labor?

Not sure abotut he stringers nor am I that particular. The issue I found was more with the limited string selection then the stringers. If I remeber correctly it ran about $20 per raq plus strings

9. How often is video analysis done? Will they let you bring home these videos?
Video was done almost every day and they did not ahve a way for you to take the video home. Ok that is the official answer now here is what I did. My last day I had the pro feed me balls and I had another pro I had become friendly with use my camera to do the video and comment on it. So I have video from my stay

Comment by geekramble | January 2, 2008 | Reply
I am looking for tennis academy for my fourteen year old daughter. She is a tounament player and seriously looking for good coach that could bring up her itf rank. Beside training, she also wants to pursue good academy study. Which academy would you recommend?
Thanks

Comment by Lee | March 1, 2008 | Reply
Lee,
I was at the Adult camp so although I spoke to a lot of the juniors and saw their workouts I cannot speak to the quality of the academy academically. I can tell you that the students are from all over the world and do not seem as concerned with the school part of the experience. then again at 14 I wasnt real fond of school either.
The tennis training is top notch and I know this and other academies over short summer trials for those juniors interested. I would suggest going to a couple of the higher rated ones and make your decision from your experience

Comment by geekramble | March 1, 2008 | Reply
1. I am not really in shape (I have a slim build) and play tennis once a week in the winter-time. I cannot run a few miles. I have one month to go before I get there. What do you recommend to get in shape or should I just forget about going? I’m nervous about everything I’ve been reading about how grueling it is and just have visions of me passing out on the course! – really.

2. Will I feel out of place going alone (like at meals)?

Thanks very much.

Comment by Mindy | February 17, 2009 | Reply
- Mindy,
  While I assure you you will not pass out, the better shape you are in before you get there the better the experience will be. I travelled alone when I went and meeting people for meals etc was fairly easy, especially for breakfast and lunch, dinner took a little more effort. If you speak to Howard Moore before you go he is great at making sure you have a great time, on of the best at any camp I have been to, and I have been to many. So dont fret about how grueling it may be, they will push you to your limits whatever they may be at the time. Enjoy and let me know how it goes
  
  Comment by geekramble | February 17, 2009 | Reply
Hey there,

Seems like you know all about the program so wanted to ask a few questions.

I’m looking to do a week long program either at the Bollittieri school or Saddlebrook. Do you have any recomendatiosn on which is better? I’m around a 4.0 player. 26 year old male and will be going by myself.

Since I’m going by myself, what’s the best way to find people to do stuff with in the evenings?

Thanks very much..

Comment by Will | September 1, 2009 | Reply
- There are a few subtle diferences. The accomodations at Saddlebrook are much nicer and the resort has a few other activities that you can partake in during the offtime. They also have a fitness academy onsite at saddlebrook, its extra but worth going to for a few days so they can develop for you a routine you can follow year round. As far as the tennis and instruction goes its pretty equal. You will hit more balls at IMG but be tested more at Saddlebrook on your fitness
  
  Comment by geekramble | September 2, 2009 | Reply
Great–Thanks for your help.

Also, do you know what kind of shape you should be in before you go down? I’ve started jogging again the past month, and currently am jogging 30-40 min 5 times a week. And I play tennis once a week…Do you think that’s good enough to attend? What are your general thoughts?

Comment by Will | September 10, 2009 | Reply
- You should be fine. There will be people there not in as good of shape as you but you will see the better shape you are in the more you will get from it. I do suggest though one day at the etchenberry facility, the knowledge they gave was great to go home with
  
  Comment by geekramble | September 11, 2009 | Reply
Thanks again–I just found your other blog postings about the individual days you spent down there, and they’re very helpful about what to expect and things to keep in mind while I’m down there.

I realized while reading that you live in NYC…do you have any tips for finding a league to join or how to find tennis partners?? I’m around a 4-4.5…and I was in http://www.tennisnyc.com/ for a while, but I hated having to go out to Jersey to play…am looking for something in the city, and don’t mind having to play a bit more as time is very tight with my job.

In any case, if you have any more tips please let me know! And sorry for bugging you with more questions..

Thx,
Will

Comment by Will | September 14, 2009 | Reply
- No problem. In NYC the choices are limited. IF money is no object I found joining a club is the easiest thing to do as they will setup games etc. There is also the USTA which plays mostly in Queens but has easy access to public transportation. My wife and I have also played in GLTA tournies, they do allow straight people to play but remeber its their tourny so if PDA’s bother you maybe not for you, but I must say the tennis is great
  
  Comment by geekramble | September 16, 2009 | Reply
Hey–this might seem like a silly question, but do you get to see any of the pros down there training? What’s their schedule like? It would be fun to hear about it as thinking of going.

Thank you!

Comment by Steve | September 15, 2009 | Reply
- When I was there James Blake and Marty Fish were there practicing. They dont post when the pros will be there or even on the courts but once they show up its pretty much public knowledge real fast so u can go watch them. Both Marty and James were great to those of us who were there and came over and hung out for about a half hour
  
  Comment by geekramble | September 16, 2009 | Reply