Going to a tennis camp during march... Saddlebrook? Newks? ---??

[Yoh]

I want to go to a tennis camp from roughly mid march to about 23rd or something of march, so about 2 weeks...
Im a senior in high school, been playing tennis since i was quite young, play every year, but not year-round... Im probably not as good as what I should be... Want to make varsity this year in high school and just improve my tennis overall

Ive heard that Saddlebrook is a good place.... but it seems quite expensive? im not sure of the exact price... but something like $1500 for a week... so if i want 2 weeks then that would be 3000... quite expensive?

Ive also heard that Newks is good and cheap.... but it seems like not too many people go there, and so it wouldnt be much fun? :-?

Any other place i should look? or should i decide between these two.... if so, which do you think is more suited for me?

 

[Yoh]

oh, what about those nike tennis camps... how do they compare... in price and other stuff?

 

[Yoh]

so yea... i did some more research and, other than the fact that newks is 1/2 the price, im not sure if theres anything better than saddlebrooke?
i called them both and they said that saddlebrook has about 150 people going to a week in march and newks has like.... 10 or less...

if newks is said to be good, why dont people go there? is 10 people... good or bad? im not sure...

also, which is better for people my age...

any input is greatly appreciated... thx

 

[Geezer Guy]

Newk's has 50 - 75 academy kids that attend fulltime. They were almost certainly not included with the numbers you recieved. The academy kids rarely mix in with the "campers".

Then, they have people (mostly adults) that come in for either the weekend or a week. The weekend sessions are more heavily attended than the weeklong sessions because they're cheaper, easier to fit into peoples schedules, etc. I've heard some weekends have over 100 people. The weeklong are better (imo) but cost more and many people just can't spend that much time so they are less heavily attended.

I think Newk's is great - especially for someone traveling alone. I've been to the week-long session 5 times. I've heard good things about Saddlebrook, but not been there myself. I do hope to go there sometime.

One more thing. I've found that the FEWER people that attend with you, the better. You'll get more quality instruction with smaller numbers. The first time I went to Newk's I was the only camper there the entire week. It was AWESOME! I had 6 hours a day of private lessons. I was one happy but very worn out camper by the end of the week.

and one more more thing. Go to www.TennisResortsOnline.com and look up both Saddlebrook and Newk's. There's a section there where people that have attended recently can write comments. That will let you know what other's that have attended recently had to say.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Yoh]

Do you think if i had 2 weeks and i go to Newks then Saddlebrook... would that be too much?
And would there be teenage kids at newks other than the campers? not necessarily?

 

[hit2mybh]

Newks has kids that are there fulltime, so yes, there would be kids your age. If I am correct they go to the local high school for a few hours each weekday, but live at newks, and train all day. Two weeks would be good. The first few days I would think you'd need to just settle in and meet everyone, then it would make the next week that much more fun. Anyone know much about the Roddick academy in San Antonio? Not too far from Newks in New Braunfels. http://www.roddicktotaltennis.com

 

[Yoh]

I now think that 1 week at newks and 1 week at Saddlebrook would be better than 2 weeks at newks? more experience and different type of training?

Would 2 weeks of tennis camping kill / wear me out badly?

 

[Geezer Guy]

Do you think if i had 2 weeks and i go to Newks then Saddlebrook... would that be too much?
And would there be teenage kids at newks other than the campers? not necessarily?

I now think that 1 week at newks and 1 week at Saddlebrook would be better than 2 weeks at newks? more experience and different type of training?

Would 2 weeks of tennis camping kill / wear me out badly?

Generally at Newk's (I think) the academy kids do not mix with the Campers. If you go as a camper you'll get good instruction - but you won't be meeting and hanging out with the academy kids. You could MAYBE get placed in the Academy for a couple of weeks - if you're good enough - but that's a BIG if. Those kids are really good, and they don't let just anybody in.

I don't know about Saddlebrook.

If I were you, I'd pick one or the other. I think if you try to do both back to back you'll get less out of it than if you went all the way with one. If you're in reasonably good shape, I don't think 2 weeks will kill you. It'll TIRE you, but it won't KILL you.

Of course, the advantage of doing both is that you'd then know which was better for you. When you're ready for further training in the future, you'll know which to go back to.

 

[Yoh]

I am probably not going to be doing this often...
But I dont really see why going to two places would not be as good... I feel like if i stay at one place it might start to get boring and maybe repetitive

 

[Geezer Guy]

... Anyone know much about the Roddick academy in San Antonio? Not too far from Newks in New Braunfels. http://www.roddicktotaltennis.com

Thanks for that. I checked it out and have the impression that it's just for kids - although I didn't see that specifically spelled out. Do you have the same feeling?

 

[hit2mybh]

Yeah, I think it is just a junior program and not sure if it even had any short term programs, more like semesters.

 

[Yoh]

so i have to decide to do saddlebrook 2x, one of each, or newks 2x....
reasons i cant decide...
2x saddlebrook = best but too expensive...
2x newks = cheap, but i feel like saddlebrook will be somewhat better / more fun... so i wanna go to saddlebrook too...
one of each = makes most sense... mid-price, more experience, but like it has been recommended i should stick with one place?

 

[Geezer Guy]

what the hey - go to both.

then let US know which you liked better.

 

[aldekeuk]

Can't comment on Newk's since haven't been there.

But Saddlebrook is very nice (hence the high price) and the tennis is great too. Met a guy there last year who had been there a full week and he said he got pulled aside a couple times for 30-60 min private lessons for no extra charge. I think the tennis instruction at Saddlebrook is great but it all depends on the instructor and the level of the people on your court (towards the lower and higher ranges of NTRP ratings it may be a bit "hit or miss" in terms of having people at your level - just depends on who attends that given week). IF the instructor doesn't meet your needs - say something as they want all their attendees to be happy and will switch things around.

In terms of the physical aspect of it - if you are a high school age kid, you should have no problem surviving the day as you're not going to be running lines and doing other conditioning drills like that.

I highly recommend Saddlebrook after my first visit last year and am already booked for a return trip this year.

Hope that helps some

 

[Yoh]

suppose i do end up at saddlebrook for a week or 2, where/when/how should i request a coach?
Im looking for the type that deals well with intermediate players... works more on stroke and technique rather than conditioning...

from other threads, ive heard:
Tai Lam
Juan Carlos
Milos
Randy

anyone else? or anyone of these in particular?

 

[Chauvalito]

Cant go wrong with Newk's

My brother's were at newks right after Christmas for a week and they loved it. I drove in from san antonio to see then every few days and they were quite tired. They did improve all aspects of their game.

I played in teh academy and camp when i was there age and can vouch for the intensity of the training, they do make it fun to be there though.

My bro's have also played at Van der meer, and liked Newk's better as far as the tennis concerned.

Newk is not priced lower because of lower quality. It is priced lower because of location...in the middle of nowhere , but a short trip from san antonio, a city that I love and have gone too every year for the past 10 years, since my first trip to newks at age 14.

 

[Yoh]

Thanks everyone for the input, but ive conjured another option...
Since im too lazy to go from NY -> MI -> TX -> FL -> CT (which is my crazy plan for the march break...), im thinking about reducing one destination by not going to Texas.... which means that 2 weeks in Florida...
My best option before was 1 week at Newks then Saddlebrook, since two weeks at Saddlebrook would simply be abit too expensive...
I am now looking for some other good camp that is around $1000 or less per week in Tampa... any suggestions? (I think if i ask for a camp as good as newks or SB, that would be unreasonable?)

 

[aldekeuk]

suppose i do end up at saddlebrook for a week or 2, where/when/how should i request a coach?
Im looking for the type that deals well with intermediate players... works more on stroke and technique rather than conditioning...

from other threads, ive heard:
Tai Lam
Juan Carlos
Milos
Randy

anyone else? or anyone of these in particular?

I did a session with Tony Shibegawa (not sure if I got that last name exactly right) - Japanese guy that was very good and kept things moving at a good pace.

 

[Yoh]

ok thanks... ill add him to my list...
any suggestions on other good / cheap camps near tampa, or in tampa?

 

[starsin47]

Saddlebrook

I did not look, but I think I have more than once posted on my experience and thoughts about Saddlebrook.

Went last July and will go back. I like July because of:
the challenge of the heat / humidity
lower costs
small number of participants

In March you will have a lot of folks on Spring Break.

Before you go, call and ask to speak to the adult coordinator or the Director of Tennis, Howard Moore. Tell them what you want to accomplish and I am sure they will work out a program (in addition to the standard clinic). I did this and had about 3 hours of individual instruction.

After going to several adult camps, I decided Saddlebrook is the best option for me. I would not split my time between different camps. Find a Pro you like, and stick with it.

Also, go with realistic expectations. My approach is to make a list of 3 things I want to improve (e.g.: topspin forehand, overhead, and backhand drive). If you try to do too much, or do not have a plan, you will leave frustrated.

One more pointer if you go to Saddlebrook, if you get there and things are not working out, talk to the adult coordinator or Moore-they want you to leave satisfied.

 

[all3ofus]

I can only tell you that I was planning on going to saddlebrook the 2nd week of april and the price I was quoted was 2300.00 for the week. When I add airfare, car and food probaly close to 3 grand. I am opting for newks instead. It is about 1000 cheaper. Hope this helps

 

[Geezer Guy]

I can only tell you that I was planning on going to saddlebrook the 2nd week of april and the price I was quoted was 2300.00 for the week. When I add airfare, car and food probaly close to 3 grand. I am opting for newks instead. It is about 1000 cheaper. Hope this helps

I'll bet you save MORE than $1,000. The food is included, and you don't really need a car. Once you get to the Ranch there's no reason to leave - unless you want to take in some off-ranch evening entertainment. You can get a cab from the airport to Newk's. It's only about 30 miles.

 

[all3ofus]

I'll bet you save MORE than $1,000. The food is included, and you don't really need a car. Once you get to the Ranch there's no reason to leave - unless you want to take in some off-ranch evening entertainment. You can get a cab from the airport to Newk's. It's only about 30 miles.

Hi Geezer Guy,

You have been to newk's a number of times can you share a little of your experiences? P.S. I am also a geezer guy (50Yrs young). Thanks, Marvin

 

[Geezer Guy]

Hi Geezer Guy,

You have been to newk's a number of times can you share a little of your experiences?

I'll post a bit, and if you have questions just ask and I'll elaborate. I've been to Newk's for 5 years in a row now. Each year I've gone in Oct, Nov or Dec and attended a week-long (Sun - Fri) session.

The weather has almost always been pleasant. I only remember rain during 1 half of 1 day in the entire 5 weeks. (They have covered courts if it rains.) Sometimes it's cool in the mornings, and sometimes it's hot in the afternoon, and sometimes the Texas wind can be gusty. I'd say a good 75% of the time the weather is darn near perfect.

All meals are included in the cost. You get 3 buffet-style meals a day. Hot food at every meal - not just ceral and cold sandwiches. The food is hearty and filling and very good. Not gourmet. Good home-style cooking with a nice variety of selections.

There are several selections of accomodations to choose from. The type of accomodation will effect your price. There are courtside condo-units that can sleep from 1 to 6 people, and there are some smaller bungalo homes that can sleep 1 - 4 people. You can go solo, or you can double-up with a buddy or spouse. Staying alone costs more, of course. Most of the units are owned by the ranch, but some units are privately owned and rented. There can be a fairly wide range in "niceness" of the furnishings. You might be staying in a unit with furniture from the 90's and a big bulky TV, and your neighbor might be staying in a place with brand new furniture and a flat screen TV. It's all neat and tidy and clean, but some units are better than others. It's fine - but it's not the Ritz.

And finally - the most important part: Tennis Instruction. There are never more than 4 campers and a pro on a court. You'll get 5 1/2 hours of instruction Monday - Thursday. Each day has a different aspect of the game highlighted. Serves are worked on every day for a brief time. The tennis instruction includes the usual mix of cooperative drills, competitive drills, and point play. The pro's do a great job of keeping things moving and lively. You will not get bored. ESPECIALLY if you're there for a week that has a smaller number of campers, they'll really work with you personally to get the kinks out of those ugly strokes. If you're willing, they'll work with you long and hard to implement the "textbook" style strokes. If you want to keep your old strokes and just work on consistency, that's fine too.

The pro's do a good job of getting to know every person. The pro's are lively and funny. They eat every meal with the campers. They hang out in the bar with the campers after supper. They really put in a LONG day but are always happy and up-beat. If you want to work privately with a Pro after hours, they are available for that. I have not done that personally - I don't know if there's an extra charge, or you just buy them a beer at night and call it good. I have been to a lot of different tennis camps and resorts. I can tell you that without a doubt the Pro's at Newk's are the most fun and seem to REALLY care about improving your game.

Tennis instruction ends at 4:30, and supper is served at 7 PM. During that break you have free access to the courts for additional match play, you can hit the pool or the whirlpool to relax, get a massage, or take a nap and get ready for the evening. Or, you can go off-Ranch for some golf or whatever. (But really, you don't need to leave the ranch all week.)

One week I was the only camper there. Another week I was with about 20 other campers. The other weeks the number of campers ranged from 3 to 12. Personally, I feel the smaller the number of campers, the better instruction you get. The flip side is the larger the number the better chance you have of getting a good competitive match at 4:30 (if you still have the energy).

There are a mix of hard and Har-Tru courts. You can take instruction on whichever you prefer.

That's all that pops into my head. Questions?

 

[Geezer Guy]

Oh yeah - to see what others have said about Newk's, go to http://www.tennisresortsonline.com/trofiles/Newcombe.cfm

 

[Japanese Maple]

Geezer Guy-what other camps have you been to-any others that you liked?

 

[Geezer Guy]

Bollettieri for 2 half-day sessions.
Country Club Hotel & Spa for a weekend session.
Port Royal Racquet Club for two extended weekend sessions.
Sea Pines for a half-day session.
Kiawah Island Resort for a weekend session.

A number of other places where I just dropped in for the "stroke-of-the-day" type of thing.

I suppose my second-favorite was Bollettieri's. The tennis facilities were nice, but the cost covers ONLY the tennis. The pro's were knowledgable, but I didn't get the feeling they really cared if I picked up what they were teaching or not. It might have been better if I'd been there longer. When I'm back in that area, I'd like to try out Saddlebrook next time.

 

[iamtennisking]

chris evert!

 

[all3ofus]

I'll post a bit, and if you have questions just ask and I'll elaborate. I've been to Newk's for 5 years in a row now. Each year I've gone in Oct, Nov or Dec and attended a week-long (Sun - Fri) session.

The weather has almost always been pleasant. I only remember rain during 1 half of 1 day in the entire 5 weeks. (They have covered courts if it rains.) Sometimes it's cool in the mornings, and sometimes it's hot in the afternoon, and sometimes the Texas wind can be gusty. I'd say a good 75% of the time the weather is darn near perfect.

All meals are included in the cost. You get 3 buffet-style meals a day. Hot food at every meal - not just ceral and cold sandwiches. The food is hearty and filling and very good. Not gourmet. Good home-style cooking with a nice variety of selections.

There are several selections of accomodations to choose from. The type of accomodation will effect your price. There are courtside condo-units that can sleep from 1 to 6 people, and there are some smaller bungalo homes that can sleep 1 - 4 people. You can go solo, or you can double-up with a buddy or spouse. Staying alone costs more, of course. Most of the units are owned by the ranch, but some units are privately owned and rented. There can be a fairly wide range in "niceness" of the furnishings. You might be staying in a unit with furniture from the 90's and a big bulky TV, and your neighbor might be staying in a place with brand new furniture and a flat screen TV. It's all neat and tidy and clean, but some units are better than others. It's fine - but it's not the Ritz.

And finally - the most important part: Tennis Instruction. There are never more than 4 campers and a pro on a court. You'll get 5 1/2 hours of instruction Monday - Thursday. Each day has a different aspect of the game highlighted. Serves are worked on every day for a brief time. The tennis instruction includes the usual mix of cooperative drills, competitive drills, and point play. The pro's do a great job of keeping things moving and lively. You will not get bored. ESPECIALLY if you're there for a week that has a smaller number of campers, they'll really work with you personally to get the kinks out of those ugly strokes. If you're willing, they'll work with you long and hard to implement the "textbook" style strokes. If you want to keep your old strokes and just work on consistency, that's fine too.

The pro's do a good job of getting to know every person. The pro's are lively and funny. They eat every meal with the campers. They hang out in the bar with the campers after supper. They really put in a LONG day but are always happy and up-beat. If you want to work privately with a Pro after hours, they are available for that. I have not done that personally - I don't know if there's an extra charge, or you just buy them a beer at night and call it good. I have been to a lot of different tennis camps and resorts. I can tell you that without a doubt the Pro's at Newk's are the most fun and seem to REALLY care about improving your game.

Tennis instruction ends at 4:30, and supper is served at 7 PM. During that break you have free access to the courts for additional match play, you can hit the pool or the whirlpool to relax, get a massage, or take a nap and get ready for the evening. Or, you can go off-Ranch for some golf or whatever. (But really, you don't need to leave the ranch all week.)

One week I was the only camper there. Another week I was with about 20 other campers. The other weeks the number of campers ranged from 3 to 12. Personally, I feel the smaller the number of campers, the better instruction you get. The flip side is the larger the number the better chance you have of getting a good competitive match at 4:30 (if you still have the energy).

There are a mix of hard and Har-Tru courts. You can take instruction on whichever you prefer.

That's all that pops into my head. Questions?

Excellent review Geezer Guy, just what I was looking for. I am planning on attending 4/13 -18 and was just curious. What about friday? Did you leave on friday or did you stay until sat? Anyways, thanks again your insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[Geezer Guy]

You arrive Sunday afternoon, have a meet & greet with the Pro's and the other guests over cocktails, eat supper, and then head out to the courts for a hit-around. It's nothing serious, purely social. Some people take drinks to the courts with them.

Mon - Thur is as I described above.

Friday after breakfast you hit the courts again for a review of the week and some match play. Following that is lunch at noon. The checkout deadline is 2 PM. (You have time to shower & pack before you take off.)

 

[all3ofus]

You arrive Sunday afternoon, have a meet & greet with the Pro's and the other guests over cocktails, eat supper, and then head out to the courts for a hit-around. It's nothing serious, purely social. Some people take drinks to the courts with them.

Mon - Thur is as I described above.

Friday after breakfast you hit the courts again for a review of the week and some match play. Following that is lunch at noon. The checkout deadline is 2 PM. (You have time to shower & pack before you take off.)

Thank You!! I can't wait to go

 

[TenS_Ace]

I've been to NEWKS 5 times in the past 3 years...this is a NO MISS place...everything what GeezerGuy says and more! The friendships that come out of it are immeasurable!

 

[all3ofus]

To Geezer guy and TenS ace which airport did you guys fly into? I saw that there were two. San Antonio and Austin. And if either of you don't mind, did you fly in and stay the night on saturday, or just flew in on sunday morning and caught a cab to newks on sunday morning? Thanks, marvin

 

[Geezer Guy]

I've always flown into San Antonio on Sunday afternoon, rented a car, and driven to Newk's.

I know New Braunfels is located almost exactly between Austin and San Antonio, so I'm open to flying into Austin, but I've just always been able to get better flights from Kansas City to San Antonio. Also, I know that the SA airport is on the North side of SA, so it's a short easy drive to Newk's. I don't know where the Austin airport is. The week-long program doesn't start until about 6 PM Sunday, so there's no need to get there early. (But if you do get there early, there's plenty in the area to keep you busy.)

 

[TenS_Ace]

I've used both airports all depending on the best seat sale available.Nice side trip from Newk's is to go to the SanMarco's outlet shopping centers! First couple times I used MAPQUEST and still got turned around,(there was some construction,they didn't take into account)...the 45 minute trip from the airport took about an hour and a half!! now it is a no brainer. So if you have a GPS use that or rent one with the car...or just ask the reservation people for a really really detailed account on how to get there...but that only applies to the first time!!...what a beautiful area that is!! Good Luck and have a GREAT TIME!!