Here's what others have had to say about Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman).
"An excellent experience for tennis. We had gone there basically to work on our young children's game. One is a highly ranked junior and the other an early player. Both had gone to IMG several times before. When we first arrived, it was a Sunday and place looked quiet. I was concerned especially when starting the next day, there weren't many children in the camp as it was not during any holiday.
They got my older son involved in the academy (full-timer) program and the younger child basically got one instructor per two kids. They easily noticed the deficiencies in their game and spent an inordinate amount of time in helping them correct these all within their regular format.(without having to pay for a lot of private lessons). I could not get this much valuable instruction in such a short time in our local area and at IMG, it's only through a lot of private lessons do we get this.
The accomodations here are nice and reasonably priced. The personal interest that the director, Howard Moore, takes in helping people with their game, especially young kids is unmatched anywhere else we have ever been. It would be hard to go anywhere else at this point for our future tennis camps. Also, the setting is beautiful with a nice golf course and people very friendly. Also, my kids got to see James Blake and John Izner play."—R.S., Adv., October 2009
"I went to Saddlebrook for a week-long camp and if I didn't have another year of highschool to finish I'd move there forever! Saddlebrook is my version of heaven."—C.S., Adv. Int., June 2008
"Just returned to the UK from Saddlebrook Resort where my daughter participated in the Hopman programme for a week. the quality of coaching is superb. attention to detail is truly amazing, you can see why Alvaro Betancur and his team are so highly reguarded in Tennis.
We were met on a Sunday at the Hopman office by Howard Moore and staff and wizzed around the resort in a golfcart to show my daughter where she had to attend(Lakeside)the following morning. Howard then suggested to us that to acclimatise quickly that she should join the afternoons guest camp to have a hit. After spending a couple of hours drilling with Bow we sat back and watched the camp, the level of tennis groups varied considerably unlike the coaching which was of a realy high standard, players were encouraged, explained to and shown continually how to improve.
The Hopman programme exceeded our expectations and was something else Alvaro and team are so positive that you can see it rubbing off on the players and pro's alike."—R.H., Adv., May 2008
"This was the best vacation I have ever been on. Nona Waugh and Howard Moore made the experience even better. They always greeted me and did anything possible to help me have a great time. The drills were excellent and I was always sweating. The camp was well organized and the pros were excellent. I took a private lesson with someone who has worked with someone who coached top 100 players. I feel that my skill while playing here has doubled. I came down here thinking about how all my friends were better than me. I left thinking about how I can beat them now. I only went for a week this year. Next year I hope to go for at least two!!!"—P.M., Adv., March 2008
"The staff at Saddlebrook was phenominal. Although they were not familiar with our son's playing ability they continued to find the right spot for him to be challenged, even if it required one-on-one with pros. Staff was easy to approach, and more than willing to accomodate individual requests, they bent over backwards.
Alvaro Betancur,(this guy is AMAZING! a tru Professional of of tennis pros, with specificity of a surgeon) the Director of Coaching for Sddlebrook, hit privately with our son for over 1 hour. He was able to disect his game in minutes, paying attention-to-detail to the smallest aspects of form, positioning, mental development, just to mention a few. He gave specific valuable advice to improve his game. Our son has competed extensively in the Southeast, but we were exposed to an entirely higher level of intensity.
They have seen the best, and coached the best, it was a pleasure to watch this level of instruction. Weather you are a novice adult/child or advanced player the staff at Saddlebrook can help you or your child. Howard Moore, the director organizes the daily scheduling of 80 or more players and over 20 coaches with military precision. I was impressed, looks like it would be just as much fun to work there as being a guest."—J.B., Adv., March 2008
"Just wanted to say this was a fantastic experience for my son. The pros were first class and kept him included in everthing. He loved the accomodation and the friends he met. Definately going back next year."—C.M., Low Int., November 2007
Saddlebrook Tennis uses the intensive training methods developed by founder and legendary Australian Davis Cup coach Harry Hopman. Hopman died in 1985 but his methodology survives in programs for juniors and adults. It all takes place at Saddlebrook Resort, a 480-acre golf and tennis resort 25 miles north of Tampa, Florida. Activity centers around a "Walking Village" at the core containg a 250,000-gallon free-form swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and part of the complex of 45 courts, representing all the major playing surfaces: hard, clay, red clay, grass, and Rebound Ace.
There are two aspects to the Saddelbrook program for juniors: a year-round live-in academy (grades 7-12) that combines intensive tennis training with academic studies in the Saddlebrook Academy, and a program of 5-day camps offered year-round. The latter draw the largest number of participants over school holidays and in summer. Either way campers stay in condominium suites and dine together.
Season: Year-round
Ages: 9-18
Rates and Reservations
A five-day package for juniors ages 9-18 includes 6 nights supervised, shared accommodations in condo suites, 3 meals daily, 5 days instruction (maximum 4:1 ratio), access to the fitness center access, match play, local tournament arrangements (if available), and transportation to and from Tampa International Airport.
Jan. 1-Dec. 11, 2010
Junior Camps: $1,395 per 6-day/5-night session