Saddlebrook - advanced preparation?

[aldekeuk]

I have recently booked a trip to Saddlebrook. In the past I know it was known as having "boot-camp" tennis but have read things more recently that say that approach has been softened recently and it is not all out tennis.

So I guess my primary question is what anyone who has been there recently thinks in terms of the "fitness aspect of the place and what type of preparation might be advisable before heading.

Also any general suggestions / comments on the place and its tennis program are more than welcome, including decent places to eat (sushi or italian are good) that a person can go to solo and will not break the bank but are neither the McDonald's type.

Thanks in advance

[Kid Carlos]

Was there at the end of December. If your doing the clinic be ready to run. 5 hours in the sun will hurt you. Dont expect to learn that much just get ready to get fed alot of balls. Try to work with Scott Brookes if you can great coach. As well what I would do instead is take some private lessons, much more worth it. Again Im a 5.0-5.5 and Ive been coaching for ten years so I wasnt too impressed with the clinics, but there certainly not bad. Like I said you will run alot. The reason I say Im not impressed is that I dont like when coaches say nice shot or that looks good when I know that it doesnt. I ended up hitting with James Blakes hitting partner, Fedrico Bartone. Nice player, played Davis Cup for Mexico. In terms of food, you could get by on a Banana for breakfest, chicken wrap for lunch, and the Burger at TD's on the resort for dinner. There are also Steaks and pasta at Dempsey also on the resort. As well, around the resort there is a Publix and subway, pizza etc. Hope this helps.

[Geezer Guy]

If you (Kid Carlos) are really a 5.0 or 5.5 player, you're probably not going to get much out of most places you go. You're probably better than most of the guys that are GIVING the instruction.

[Kid Carlos]

Exactly, however good instructors do not need to be good players. I was just not looking to run around for 5 hours a day. Instead I wanted to work on things to better myself and gain some more coaching insight. All in all for the 3.5-4.5 player you will have fun. And remember some people love going for the work out.

[Geezer Guy]

How was hitting with Fedrico Bartone?

[Kid Carlos]

Hits a really heavy ball, he was like 55 itf juniors, played Bagdahtis a few times. The guy is super consistent with deep heavy shots. You need to be on your game to hit with him. The guys a 7.0 so he knows how to play.

[Bubba]

aldekeuk - when's your trip. I'm headed there the 20th of May. Will be by myself as well... I'm a 4.5 if you want a off-schedule hit and are there.

[aldekeuk]

Bubba - sorry i was already there in March.

Really enjoyed the program there. One thing i would say is that if you are not happy with a particular instructor or the group you are playing with, let the staff know.

The head of the program, Howard Moore, is absolutely terrific and they want the participants to enjoy their time there and will move instructors / players around to give everyone the best experience possible.

Have a great trip there!

[Bubba]

aldekeuk - Thanks for the reply. Sounds great. Can't wait for the workout!
How did you find the facilities. Anything you would recommend? How's their tennis shop?

[aldekeuk]

Facilities were nice - have every kind of surface (har-tru, red clay, grass) so that was kind of neat to experience those after the clinic sessions. Only advice would be to be in decent shape and make sure you stretch before and after so you can get the most out of the sessions. Tennis shop is ok - pricey as you might expect. Enjoy your trip - wish i was going back soon!