Stints at Academies: Pro/Con

kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
I'd like to discuss the idea of spending a few weeks at an academy, as a change in one's form of training. I believe this can be really helpful, but would like others' opinions (especially people that have done so.) Note I'm looking for COMPETITIVE academies, not the "weekend retreats" type options.
My thoughts so far:

Pro:
-Exposure to different coaching perspectives (Provided they are actually coaching, rather than just a ball machine that compliments your form.)
-Exposure to new players (again, assuming players are serious/competitive and want to dramatically improve)
-Quick way to improve conditioning/fitness (Depends a little on the coaching, but several hours of tennis plus conditioning work is almost certainly going to help you)

Con:
-Some have big names, but you won't get to work with those coaches/players (Essentially you're paying for a brand and getting what you could at home.
-You could be with good players, but might not get the coaching attention that they do.
-Making a major change is difficult in a few weeks.
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
You'll be playing against guys 5-8 years younger than you if you play with the juniors training there, or much older adults which will be a waste of time really.
This all depends on which academy you choose, the bigger the name/place the better the options and they'll have a place where they can stick you so you can get you money and time worth. Which places were you thinking of?
 

kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
You'll be playing against guys 5-8 years younger than you if you play with the juniors training there, or much older adults which will be a waste of time really.
This all depends on which academy you choose, the bigger the name/place the better the options and they'll have a place where they can stick you so you can get you money and time worth. Which places were you thinking of?

I'd been looking at Van Der Meer, but I'm open to options.
 

snvplayer

Hall of Fame
Do you have a specific goal or time frame in mind? Not many adults training at tennis academies other than in the tennis camps.
 

tennis_balla

Hall of Fame
I'd been looking at Van Der Meer, but I'm open to options.

I doubt they could accommodate you at 23, meaning that you will not be training with players your age.

If you go to a place like Bollettieri they can no problem but I don't think you'd get much value for your money that can be spent locally. If there is a top division 1 school in your area I'd talk to the coach. Either he'll have a program or can direct you to someone who does. It's an option.
 
D

Deleted member 23235

Guest
I doubt they could accommodate you at 23, meaning that you will not be training with players your age.

If you go to a place like Bollettieri they can no problem but I don't think you'd get much value for your money that can be spent locally. If there is a top division 1 school in your area I'd talk to the coach. Either he'll have a program or can direct you to someone who does. It's an option.
when i was in my late 20's i was looking at doing the same thing... but given the money i'd be paying (commuting to an academy, housing, camp, etc...), i came to the same conclusion, that'd i'd be better off with a combination of local hitting partners (d1) and coaches.
the only way i'd do it now, is if it a destination vac,... ie. camp is also near the beach or otherwise somewhere i'd want to be anyway.
 

kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
when i was in my late 20's i was looking at doing the same thing... but given the money i'd be paying (commuting to an academy, housing, camp, etc...), i came to the same conclusion, that'd i'd be better off with a combination of local hitting partners (d1) and coaches.
the only way i'd do it now, is if it a destination vac,... ie. camp is also near the beach or otherwise somewhere i'd want to be anyway.
They've assured me that they could accommodate me, it's just more a question of figuring out meals, etc (From what they've said, there's "pro" housing available, but I'm in charge of my own meals.) Being at the beach for two weeks isn't a bad deal.
 

Moz

Hall of Fame
The main problem is trying to make major technical changes in that environment when you have so many other new things to adapt to. But making major changes at my age was always going to be a problem!
 
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kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
I'm really most interested in the conditioning and mental game/strategy gains I'll get from the competition, rather than major technical changes.
 
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