More than 40 years ago, Nick Bollettieri gathered up the young juniors he’d been coaching at the Colony Beach and Tennis Club and relocated them to a patch of farmland in Bradenton, where he established the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Over time, the facility would become famous as the launching pad for a host of world-ranked professional tennis players, among them Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Andre Agassi, and Jim Courier.
Given the Academy’s reputation for producing superstars, it inevitably attracts those who dream of becoming one of them, and in the past the Academy did little to discourage those dreams. It was disparaged as a “factory” that processed huge amounts of raw material looking for the gold of incredible talent. But today, it encourages more reasonable goals. “The Academy used to be about going pro,” says the current tennis director Jimmy Arias, himself an early pupil of Bollettieri’s. “Now it’s about doing at least a few years of college. The main thing is you’re competing against yourself, not against other people.”
The parents who delivered their children into the Bollettieri staff’s hand, eventually spawned a program designed for them. It attracts mainly 3.0-4.0 singles and doubles players looking to improve their strokes, develop some consistency by hitting hundreds of balls, get a good workout, and have fun while doing it. Led by a cheerleading Roger Blackburn—his often repeated mantra is ‘Fired Up’—the five-hour-a-day program is intensive but not exhausting. Blackburn and his solid staff complement their enthusiasm with demonstrations of how to hit the various strokes and personal attention to the issues each of us had. “We want to give you simple tips, one for each stroke,” Blackburn said of their approach. Nowhere is that more evident than in the daily video sessions, shot with Blackburn’s phone on a tripod and larded with appropriate advice. On my last visit, for example, he had four of us each hit more than half a dozen forehands and backhands giving each of us an appropriate—and easily remembered—tip for making it better. “Catch it with your left hand,” he repeated each time I hit a forehand. “Throw your Frisbee” on my backhand. Later in the day, that video showed up on a CoachNow app we’d been asked to download so we could review those tips at home as useful reminders of Blackburn’s advice.
All of this takes place at what is now IMG Academy, a sprawling, 500-acre campus that claims to be the world’s largest sports complex. That scarcely seems like an idle boast, for within its grounds are training facilities for golf, baseball, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and track and field. Like the tennis, these other disciplines attract both aspiring amateurs and professionals with both short term and year-round programs and the option to stay and live on campus. As impressive as all of this is, what appealed to me most as an adult tennis player was the option to stay on campus at The Legacy hotel. Built at a cost of $28 million, the 160-room lodge near the entrance to the sports complex has a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. Bedding down there affords an opportunity to get together with your fellow campers off court, something that had not been easily possible before the hotel’s construction. The rooms are very comfortable, outfitted with a queensize bed, desk, two-person convertible sofa, a Keurig coffee maker, and walk-in shower. The menu at the restaurant, which is just off the lobby, runs to pasta, fish, steak, salads, sandwiches, tacos. There is one communal table framed by tables for two, four, or six and a six-stool bar that serves beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. The hotel and all its amenities round out the camp by adding a social dimension—and a very relaxed one. The tennis has always been good, but now a stay at the IMG Academy feels less like a boot camp and more like a vacation—at least as long as hitting tennis balls for five hours a day is your idea of fun. It is mine.
The adult programs are run by two experienced pros, Roger Blackburn and Jonathan Osuigwe, who are assisted by as many other staff as enrollment demands. Even before you arrive, you’re encouraged to download the CoachNow app. The first communication you’re likely to receive is from the perpetually pumped up Blackburn, who sets the tone for the week with an enthusiastic “Fired Up. Awesome!” soon followed by a welcome to the program and information about when and where to meet.
Court Complex: There are 55 courts at the Academy (33 hard, 18 clay, and 4 indoor).
Court fees: None
Caveat: Don’t underestimate the demands of a full-day program. Anything and everything you can do to get in shape before coming down will help. Make sure the shoes you bring are well broken in and comfortable. The coaches provide water, Gatorade, and towels to help with dehydration on the court.
Off Court
The IMG Academy Tennis Program is in fact one of nine sports offered at this 600-acre Bradenton site, allowing juniors to pursue tennis, baseball, basketball, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, track and field, or performance training while adults can choose among tennis, golf, and performance training.
Spa & Fitness Center: The Legacy Hotel has its own fitness center as well as the Wellness Spa, which offers massages as well as specialized services.
Dining: The Icon Eatery & Bar in the hotel serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and caters to in-room dining while the Icon Loft adds small plates and signature cocktails from 4 pm to midnight. There are also dining options at the Campus Center and the Adult Clubhouse. The hotel’s concierge and desks in the clubhouse and Campus Center all have a long list of local restaurants, complete with driving directions, for those who prefer to dine off-campus.
Accommodations
The Legacy Hotel has 160 rooms as well as such creature comforts as a resort-style pool, Icon Eatery & Bar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a grab-and-go Provisions Bar. Transportation is available to and from the hotel to on-campus programs. Besides the hotel, the Academy has kitchen-equipped villas ranging in size up to three bedrooms. In addition to options on campus, you have a broad choice of places to bed down locally, including several near the Sarasota-Bradenton airport.
Getting there
Seasons: Year-round; however, many adults scale back to a half-day program in summer.
Travel Instructions: The nearest airport is Sarasota Bradenton International (SRQ), 6 miles away.
Wow! This place just gets better and better. This is my third time in the Adult Tennis Program (and third time my son was in the junior program). James Royalty, Roger and the entire team run the entire program like a well oiled machine. They push you when you want to be pushed and let you go at your own pace when you so desire. In addition to all the intense drilling and tennis, you are provided with mental and physical conditioning trainers. If you like tennis and want to improve your game (regardless of your current level) this is the place.
ND
Adult Program Strengths – four or less to one student to teacher ratio, stroke demonstration each morning, meeting Nick Bollettieri, strong emphasis on foot work, technically break down the strokes as needed, 30 minute stretch session prior to beginning drills Junior Camp Strengths – 4 to 1 student to teacher ratio, strong emphasis on foot work, instructors watch and critique during match play, video analysis Adult Camp Weaknesses – would have liked to have option of match play to utilize new skills learned during the week. Not enough indoor courts for all of the students to be used in the event of rain.
KK
The best tennis camp I’ve ever attended. The instructors are top tier and if you’re an advanced player, be prepared to be pushed hard. Very well organized program and great setting. Because it’s part of one of the best training academies in the world, there’s access to a great PT clinic to keep you moving through blisters, whirlpool baths, etc. Cannot say enough good things, I did the three day clinic, should have done the five day. Will be back.
RK
fantastic instruction, but not for the faint of heart… they will work you hard… but, in doing so, they will get you to be your best…. the coaches were fantastic (Jimmy, Roger, Enrique and Kimberly)
JG
My wife and kids enjoy tennis very much, they play regularly but I am only a beginner. You may imagine I wasn’t very sure to take a week to go for vacation to a tennis academy. I just finished that week at the IMG Bollettieri tennis academy. ” OMG” I couldn’t be happier that we came here! This place is first class. The adult program was such a fun experience, Jimmy and Roger are just plain great! The program runs smoothly, they r always trying to help and are very pleasant to be around. My two kids were also very happy and looking forward to come back. We met new friends and enjoy drills and matches together. The coaches r experienced and they want to help you improved. We stayed in a two bedroom suite at the adult lodge, very comfortable. Food is good, not great but you can always find something decent to eat. I will highly recommend this place to anybody who wants to improve their tennis and have a fun experience. Just be prepare they work you hard, but its worth it . Definitively coming back again and will recommend to all my friends. Thank you Jimmy and Roger!!!
BH
Visited the bolleterri , img academy May 2014. Wonderful facility! It was great to play on clay courts everyday. jimmy Royalty leads the way here and has a terrific energetic friendly staff for the adult program. They had everything running smoothly, open to modifying routines. I will definitely be back and bringing friends along.
LM
I was a first-time student for a 2-day program at Bollettieri this past weekend and had such a wonderful time with Jimmy, Enrique and Cooni and the other coaches. They were terrific and I never thought I could make such improvements in my game in the span of 2 days! Everyone was was so friendly and knowledgable…tremendous fun!
JG
I had the time of my life at IMG, Jimmy, Enrique, and the other staff did a terrific job. 5+ hrs per day of tennis is hard core and a physical challenge. At IMG the focus is on tennis. I came there to work on my backhand and I particularly appreciated that Jimmy and Enrique went out of there way to tailor the training towards my goals. OUTSTANDING! I’ll be back
SH
It took a while to decide on where to go for a tennis vacation, but making the decision to go to IMG was the best decision. The pros were all very friendly, patient, and supportive – always giving positive feedback. Not to say they took it easy on us. The drills were challenging, but extremely fun. I highly recommend going if you want to improve your game. The only complaint that I had was the lunch that is included may be a little too healthy.
RO
If you want to improve your tennis game, I can’t imagine there is a better place than the IMG Academy/Bollettieri Tennis. I have just returned from a 3-day camp, and the improvements in my game are beyond my expectations. First, the instructors were all world-class (Jimmy, Roger, Enrique in particular). They were not only true professionals, but very friendly and made sure we all had a good time beyond the instruction. Second, they didn’t pound us with information. I think that with some tennis instruction, pros will give you too much to think about, and you wind up leaving more frustrated and dejected. Here, they gave just the right amount of tips/instruction along with the repetition. Third, this was all about tennis, which is exactly what I wanted. This camp isn’t for the person who just wants to sit around and hear about tennis. You get out of it what you put into it, and the more you work, the better you get. Finally, the camp is the right mix of instruction, drills, playing. I also really enjoyed getting to know the other people in the camp. A real treat was meeting Nick Bollettieri himself. When I looked up during a match and saw him watching me play, I promptly double faulted! He was a class act, as you might expect. I will be back to the IMG Academy soon, and if someone else can find a better place to improve their game, I’ll find it very hard to believe. Thanks for a great camp, Jimmy, Roger, and Enrique! Fire it up!
RK
We found IMG’s adult academy to be the best we’ve yet attended. The staff was friendly, engaging and quick to discern individual player weaknesses and areas for improvement, relaying corrections in a helpful and easily understood way. The drills conducted throughout the day were grueling, but confidence instilling. You knew more about your game at the end of the day, and you felt it. We loved the inimitable Roger, who ‘fired it up’ all day long, as well as the softspoken Enrique and the Island Mon Jonathon, all of whom assisted the chief catherder Jimmy Royalty, head of adult tennis. We have Vandermeer and Stan Smith’s camps under our belts so far and while each has its merits and plusses, IMG/Bollettieri was the best yet. I captain nine USTA teams and will highly recommend IMG to my players.
AG
I had a fantastic experience at IMG. I was only able to attend for three days, and I did not want to leave – I look forward to returning for longer! The instruction is amazing – I really improved in the short time I was there. Nick Bollettieri spoke with us, as did Brad Gilbert and Michael Chan. We also had a special clinic with the “serve doctor”. The instructors work you HARD but are really positive. Rodger, Jimmy, Carlos and Ricky – thank you!!! You go for the tennis – not the accomodations or food (the accomodations are totally fine – clean and basic, the food could really be improved) – but as long as that is what you are looking for, I can’t recommend the place more. There is a spa and I had a really great (desperately needed)sports massage. I should also add that I am a single woman and felt completely comfortable…the program attracts players serious about improving their game, and there were other solo travelers, couples, families,friends.
ML
I am a former Division III college and 4.0 USTA league tennis player who was looking to get away from my work and daily life for a week. I have always wanted to travel alone and wanted to get back into tennis after stepping away from the game for 2 years, so I decided to combine the two. After almost a year of researching the tennis resorts listed on this site over and over again before making a decision, I kept coming back to IMG. Nothing else even came close to fitting my criteria. I knew that I wanted to work hard and come out of the experience feeling good about myself and feeling as though I got my money’s worth. There was no doubt that IMG was the only answer for me if I wanted to go on a TRUE tennis vacation. It definitely exceeded my expectations. The staff was incredible. They are so friendly and great at reading people that I immediately felt at home because they understood who I was both as a player and a person. It was the best instruction I have ever received in over 20 years of playing. IMG’s philosophy is to look at every player as an individual, and within the time frame they have you, they don’t try to change your game like most pros do, but they try to enhance your game using the tools you already have. This is a much more effective strategy. I truly believe that as adult players, we already are who we are and can only make improvements to the game we’ve already developed. I left IMG after 6 days of playing feeling more confident in who I am as a player with a ton of new skills. I would recommend this program for players of all levels. If you are serious about wanting to improve your game and want to have fun doing it, believe me — you absolutely do not want to spend your money going anywhere else. Most places try to tire you out to make you feel like you got a good work out, but the staff at IMG takes your investment as seriously as you do and truly respects the time you are taking to be there with them. It was worth every penny to me.
PD
Jimmy, Roger, and Rick were amazing instructors and helped me a lot with my tennis game and it was fun! The clinic runs smoothly and is very demanding. I can’t wait to go back!!
MP
I just finished a three day adult program at IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis – it was fantastic! This program was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. The coaching is exceptional, the staff is extremely nice and genuinely cares about your performance and improvement. I have not been to other tennis resorts, but i don’t need to look further. I am definitely going back again. MG
TW
If you like tennis you will love IMG. Coach Roger gets you fired up!!!!
AF
great teaching, specially if you get the chance to have Nick Bollettieri give you some time. The staff of the Adult Tennis program were excellent, Roger, a lifer, Rick, and Jimmy Royalty, who was the head of the program, did an amazing job to connect, integrate and coach personally. I would highly recommend the IMG/Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Only one drawback….the food could be optimized. Easy location to fly in and out of, and a huge campus to take part in other sports like Golf too. Go, play and become a better player!!!
RB
If you want to work on your tennis game, this is the place to go. A tennis boot camp. Great instruction. Personalized attention. I go about once a year to work on my game and it’s well worth it. Always a great tennis experience!
SB
Focus is on intense, punctual, lively and fun practice. Facility also provides great opportunity to watch very skilled junior players practice. Healthful meals. Players attending should have main goal of improving their tennis skills since it is not a resort setting and rooms are small.
SS
Fantastic experience a definite must for a tennis player of any level. There are no bad things everything is outstanding
CS
Great week! Roger and Jimmy are very smart, knowledgeable, and perceptive. Very helpful demonstrations, then drills to work on what was demonstrated. Matches, everyone was videoed, met very nice people who were there from all over the world. My sons and I had a 2-bedroom suite, which was very nice: lv rm, dining table, full kitchen and breakfast area, plus 2 very nice bedrooms and 2 baths. Right next to pool and well-earned hot tub.
PB
Did a three day session in February. Terrific! Great instruction, hit thousands of balls, got a great workout and came home with a much improved game and game attitude. A big shout out to Jimmy (Director ), Roger and Martin!
PR
AMAZING! I just finished 3 days at an IMG Adult Tennis Camp which included a surprise visit and group lesson by Nick Bollettieiri. The facility is fantastic and the coaching staff is both professional and skilled. I initially thought my game would be changed and was nervous the camp would do more harm than good – NOT SO! The tennis pros made minor corrections which only improved my game. In 3 days, I perfected my fundamentals and technique, serve and return skills, mental and physical conditioning, my net play and strategy which was my favorite part of the camp. The tennis pros know exactly how far to push you out of your comfort zone without breaking you – this is good for those of us who are older. I would recommend this camp for anyone, especially as a team outing. This is my 2nd time attending and both times I left having met wonderful people from all over the world as well as feeling like I improved my game!
CS
This is the place to go for unparalleled tennis instruction and atmosphere. My wife and I attended adult tennis camp. Our experience included stretching, drills, demonstrations, video analysis and instruction. Our instructors, Jimmy, Roger, and Enrique were outstanding: knowledgeable, professional, motivating, and fun to be around. Our daughter attended junior camp at the same time. The accommodations food, and spa are all very nice, but the real reason to go to IMG is the world class instruction and the opportunity to train alongside the world’s best athletes. Where else can you go to be on a court next to top tennis stars and the next generation of top players?
CH
I’ve gone to a couple of a number of tennis camps in California and I also to Saddlebook once, but I’ve been to Bollettieri 4 times now. That should say something right there. I often refer to this place as Disneyland for fitness. Staff and students all seem supremely happy to be there and it definitely enhances the experience. Pretty much any major sport you can think of is represented here. The tennis program itself is just phenomenal, but you really do need to be in well above average physical shape to endure the program. It’s great to meet players from all over the world, but typically it’s been South Americans mixed in with some Europeans and Japanese. What I like is that everyone is serious about tennis. It’s not that they are not social, it’s that the social aspect is not primary. They are there to learn, test their conditioning and skills, and improve. The instructors are mostly great. I’ve run across a few that are either too green or don’t offer as much instruction as I’d like. The courts are excellent and well maintained. The food is above average but nothing to write home about. The massages I received there (Jared mostly, but also Jean-Pierre) were literally life-changing. I didn’t realize how great a massage could be. By great, I don’t mean relaxing and soothing because deep tissue massages are not super pleasant, but I felt so much better waking up the next day after a massage versus days I didn’t get one. The grounds are so much fun to walk around. You can watch promising juniors play, as well as former and current pros. My last visit, I bumped into Kei Nishikori in the lobby and also saw him practice. A number of other pros were there as well and as long as you are respectful, no one really cares if you walk around and watch anyone. Last visit, I talked to one of the Vasek Pospisil’s trainers for about an hour. You may not have heard of him, but he’s on his way up! I plan to keep going, at least on a yearly basis. My last visit was actually the best as they seem to be shaking up their program and rejuvenating it, even though it was already great. On all my visits, we had anywhere from a brief to a long visit with Nick, where we had a chance to get some input from him on our strokes. It was such a delight to spend time with one of my heroes. If you want a serious tennis program that tests your limits, this is the only place to go. I’ve talked to many people over the years that have traveled great distances to get there and all of them seem more than satisfied they made the trip.
JV
meet real people, real coaches, real attention. YES more absolute NO less. example?; new group arrivés..Coach Roger calls us (11 new ones, 8 nationalitys) by name after 5 minutes, and man that feels good. Lessons improved by 2014. Good warmingup, good demo’s, good mental lessons, very good specials as Servedoctor, Food/nutrician advicer etc.. I attended courses for 20 day-parts, I’m a man and live in The Netherlands and my tennisage descended 10 years because this nice stay at IMG in Bradenton, and as it was my second time at the Academy my tennisage is now 38, and I love it. It enriches you daily from 8am sharp till 3:30pm. I enjoyed all the drills, sometimes hard but thanks to the hard line and motivation and high fives I became 38.
DL
My 13 year old son and I were thrilled with our trip to IMG. Nick Bollettieri gave my son a lesson, and, combined with the top-of the line daily training in their junior tennis program, with Coaches Artem, Ryan, Soren and Juan, my son was really motivated to improve his game! For my Adult Tennis program, many kudos to Jimmy Royalty for his smooth operation. Everything, from our half hour warm up, to the stroke-specific drills, was flawless. If I could, I would move in to the Academy and become a permanent student! (And my son would adore being there, too!)
KS
very intense…really push you to be the best you can be….Instruction customized to the individual and your level. Great insights. Had a 3 day camp that really got be zoned in and focused on my weaknesses
JM
Great Boot Camp ….Certainly on my bucket List…Great Teachers …great attitude ….exceptional Tennis facilities…Accommodations very good …The food could be improved ( menu vs cafeteria style) Also a recommend a organized post tennis social with your team mates and a team picture etc ….There is quite a bond with the mates that go through the 3 or 5 day program…I did not like the idea of newcomers coming in half way or half day during our session…
CB
IMG is by far the most knowledgeable, attentive, and physically demanding tennis facility I have ever experienced. Direct, easy flight for a quick getaway. My husband attended the golf session while I was on the tennis courts by noon. We stayed just a few minutes away at the Ritz Carlton, however there are accommodations on site. Very individualized program which allowed private time each day to address specific issues and goals. Very positive educational experience!
KT
Great program!
GC
IMG Academy Bollettieri Adult Tennis Program was excellent. I was pleasantly greeted by the staff and I felt like I was at home. Jimmie, Roger and Beau gave me instructions and encouragement that made my visit memorable. I appreciate their honestly in evaluating my game. I was able to play at a steady pace and not feel like I was in boot camp. I would definitely recommend it to my friends who are 60 and older.
MG
Best tennis instruction available.
DB
Great tennis. Great instruction. wonderful place.
AW
I was very worried that I would not be able to handle the five-day adult program. It is advertised as a fairly intense session. I must admit that I was very surprised to find the program intense, but statisfying, exhilerating and exhausting, after five full days on the courts. Make no mistake, this camp is for serious players who want to focus on their game. If you want a menu of different activities in your tennis camp vacaation, I would choose another camp. Instruction was excellent and the coaches were very informative and motivational. I learned alot that I hope to be able to apply to my tennis game. The down side was that we had a couple of afternoons where it rained and it required us to go inside where all 16 adults were packed onto one court for drills. That was rough. The rooms are basic. This is not the Ritz-Carlton or the Marriott. The villas or lodges were clean and comfortable, except that the foam pillows on my bed kept me up all night. Despite that, I highly recommend staying on the academy’s campus and have a rental car handy. Lots of great restaurants available within a 10-15 minute drive, as well as in Sarasota if you want to venture farther afield. There is no doubt that I would return again to this program in the future and I’m already thinking of how I will do that next year.
MJ
Just finished (12/28/12) a three-day core adult tennis program at IMG, my second visit. Strengths: Detailed instruction. Disappointed to find long-time head teaching pro “Roger” vacationing, I nevertheless learned alot from Rene and Jesse. Wholesome, healthy lunches included in registration fee. Opportunities to apply newly learned skills by playing doubles at the end of each teaching session (morning and afternoon). Weaknesses: Morning Stretching, deficient both times I’ve visited. The first time, the leader covered so many stretches so quickly that I feared injuring myself. This second time, the leader demonstrated numerous stretches but didn’t provide adequate feedback that would enable students to learn them. I found the 30 minutes allotted for morning stretching better spent stretching on my own. Videotaping: the pros videotaped me but then said I’d have to pay extra to obtain the results. For what I paid for the core program, I found this request unreasonable and penny-wise, pound-foolish on IMG’s part. Registration/marketing: In my experience, one has to work hard to register for tennis programs at IMG. Telephone inquiries left on voicemail weren’t returned. Similarly, a registration form I emailed to IMG was ignored until I fortuitously reached a manager in another department who volunteered to help me. If IMG would work a bit harder to encourage registrations, it would increase enrollment in its adult tennis programs. My particular program, occurring at “prime time” between Christmas and New Year’s, was undersubscribed.
BH
I went for the first time, staying at a resort in Sarasota. I went for 3 days. What I really liked was the professional instruction. Roger (one of the coaches) is upbeat and very good. A lot of the instruction I learned, I used this summer. I won a tournament and also beat a very good doubles team. I’m more consistent and understand my strokes better – and I’ve been playing for over 40 years. One big difference between Bollettieri and other camps is the junior program. I got a lot of energy and inspiration seeing the juniors play. It definitely psyched me up. Also, the camp isn’t just for tennis. At the lunch room I saw the coaches for the football camp, saw some golfers, and basketball players (I heard they were college or NBA D league players). That was all cool and further psyched me up to play hard. Next time I go, I think I’ll do tennis in the morning and a workout program in the afternoon.
RR
It’s a great camp, best courts and wonderful coaches! You can really improve your strokes, and of course, your game. You want to stay for ever!!! Not a cheap place, but it’s worthy.
JV
IMG is a very structured and well run program that is a unique experience for the amatuer athelite. If you want to whip both your self and tennis game to peak performance,this is the place to come. It is not a resort in the traditional sense, rather it is a destination for people who truly want to focus on athletics. That said, players of all talent levels can have a great experience at IMG
AA
Went for a 3 hour clinic. It was adequate but very expensive. Probably would not go back.
LB
My experience here was a positive one—the facilities are top notch and the coaching was excellent. I will definitely return.
GG
I had an absolute blast at my week at tennis camp. The instructors were awesome, the players were challenging, the pace of the lessons was great, the lunch was phenomenal. I would have loved to stay a few weeks instead of just one but will definitely come back again and highly recommend it to any tennis player. You will leave more fit than you were when you arrived no matter how often you play or how fit you are. I also made a few friends during my stay which only made the experience better.
RW
Bollettieri has first-rate instruction for the serious adult tennis player seeking to improve his/her game. I have stayed there three times so clearly I felt it was worth the time and money. The greatest weakness of IMG (as well as the other adult camps I have attended) is the absence of strategy and shot selection instruction. Too much technique and not enough mental work. Even if the powers that be don’t believe there is time for this type of instruction, they can offer it where rain forces everyone off the courts.
RF
All the instructors are excellent players and very professional. They attract good players and work you hard. You always get the time you paid for and more. You can watch top pros and juniors working out on the courts nearby. The accommodations are good and the food is healthy. Its a bit more expensive than other tennis camps I’ve attended.
SR
My wife and I have gone to several tennis programs and had a great time good pool ,bar and food and beach but when it come to tennis, we found that the teaching staff and instruction at IMG Bollettieri is the most helpful for our game. We go other tennis programs and are disappointed then go back to IMG and have a great time , it is height energy intense . If you are beginner they are very patient if you are a pro you better get ready to be pushed to the limit.
CD
The drills were tough and near the end of the program I started to get more strategy and play analysis. I went by myself and made a friend which was nice, because otherwise the groups and couples there were pretty closed off. The workouts were great & I definitely went home feeling as if I had raised my physical level.
TW
Wow. Just returned from the 5 day pro max experience and I feel great about my game, although my feet, hands and legs are sore. Very organized and great instruction. The day begins with a light warm up for 20 minutes and then about 20 minutes of stretching led by the IPI staff, I felt this was very beneficial. Drills were demanding and tough but I never felt like I was just running through the motions to finish. I highly recommend this program for the serious player; I am a nationally ranked adult player and thought this was a perfect balance of drills, playing and relaxation. Be prepared for several shirts a day and at least a couple pair of shoes.
JM
This is the “real deal”. My son has been to Saddlebrook and Macci’s, they don’t compare. They specialize in mental conditioing – he made the biggest leap this summer after 2 weeks at IMG. It looks like he will be able to play as a college player now.
RG
IMG Bollettieri Tennis facility in Bradenton has its strengths and weaknesses. It is nice that the tennis is independant from everything else. There is a sense that everything revolves around the tennis. The program is very professional but I felt they could have worked the adults a bit harder. I wanted more tennis and less talking. Maybe, they make it easier for the adults so as not to overdo it. I don’t know. I just felt that I could have played alot more intensely. Therefore, mental note: you do not need to overdo it with a big breakfast.
RW
Strengths: Bollettieri Tennis Academy is tennis bootcamp. They made me run and hit more than I thought was possible. I am in good shape but I was dead each day and needed the massage therapist immediately (excellent Aveda spa). The instruction really is top-notch. There were no mindless drills. There was ample feedback although with one instructor, there was a definite language barrier. The food was great! Weaknesses: I felt there should have been more discussion of strategy and game theory as opposed to just form and mechanics. I was there for five days so there was ample opportunity to have such discussions. Also, I thought the stretching & strength training sessions were mediocre and there should have been more warm-up before hitting. The video/mental game option was pretty poor.
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208 Reviews on “IMG Academy”
Wow! This place just gets better and better. This is my third time in the Adult Tennis Program (and third time my son was in the junior program). James Royalty, Roger and the entire team run the entire program like a well oiled machine. They push you when you want to be pushed and let you go at your own pace when you so desire. In addition to all the intense drilling and tennis, you are provided with mental and physical conditioning trainers. If you like tennis and want to improve your game (regardless of your current level) this is the place.
Adult Program Strengths – four or less to one student to teacher ratio, stroke demonstration each morning, meeting Nick Bollettieri, strong emphasis on foot work, technically break down the strokes as needed, 30 minute stretch session prior to beginning drills Junior Camp Strengths – 4 to 1 student to teacher ratio, strong emphasis on foot work, instructors watch and critique during match play, video analysis Adult Camp Weaknesses – would have liked to have option of match play to utilize new skills learned during the week. Not enough indoor courts for all of the students to be used in the event of rain.
The best tennis camp I’ve ever attended. The instructors are top tier and if you’re an advanced player, be prepared to be pushed hard. Very well organized program and great setting. Because it’s part of one of the best training academies in the world, there’s access to a great PT clinic to keep you moving through blisters, whirlpool baths, etc. Cannot say enough good things, I did the three day clinic, should have done the five day. Will be back.
fantastic instruction, but not for the faint of heart… they will work you hard… but, in doing so, they will get you to be your best…. the coaches were fantastic (Jimmy, Roger, Enrique and Kimberly)
My wife and kids enjoy tennis very much, they play regularly but I am only a beginner. You may imagine I wasn’t very sure to take a week to go for vacation to a tennis academy. I just finished that week at the IMG Bollettieri tennis academy. ” OMG” I couldn’t be happier that we came here! This place is first class.
The adult program was such a fun experience, Jimmy and Roger are just plain great! The program runs smoothly, they r always trying to help and are very pleasant to be around. My two kids were also very happy and looking forward to come back. We met new friends and enjoy drills and matches together. The coaches r experienced and they want to help you improved.
We stayed in a two bedroom suite at the adult lodge, very comfortable. Food is good, not great but you can always find something decent to eat.
I will highly recommend this place to anybody who wants to improve their tennis and have a fun experience. Just be prepare they work you hard, but its worth it . Definitively coming back again and will recommend to all my friends. Thank you Jimmy and Roger!!!
Visited the bolleterri , img academy May 2014. Wonderful facility! It was great to play on clay courts everyday. jimmy Royalty leads the way here and has a terrific energetic friendly staff for the adult program. They had everything running smoothly, open to modifying routines. I will definitely be back and bringing friends along.
I was a first-time student for a 2-day program at Bollettieri this past weekend and had such a wonderful time with Jimmy, Enrique and Cooni and the other coaches. They were terrific and I never thought I could make such improvements in my game in the span of 2 days! Everyone was was so friendly and knowledgable…tremendous fun!
I had the time of my life at IMG, Jimmy, Enrique, and the other staff did a terrific job. 5+ hrs per day of tennis is hard core and a physical challenge. At IMG the focus is on tennis. I came there to work on my backhand and I particularly appreciated that Jimmy and Enrique went out of there way to tailor the training towards my goals. OUTSTANDING! I’ll be back
It took a while to decide on where to go for a tennis vacation, but making the decision to go to IMG was the best decision. The pros were all very friendly, patient, and supportive – always giving positive feedback. Not to say they took it easy on us. The drills were challenging, but extremely fun. I highly recommend going if you want to improve your game. The only complaint that I had was the lunch that is included may be a little too healthy.
If you want to improve your tennis game, I can’t imagine there is a better place than the IMG Academy/Bollettieri Tennis. I have just returned from a 3-day camp, and the improvements in my game are beyond my expectations. First, the instructors were all world-class (Jimmy, Roger, Enrique in particular). They were not only true professionals, but very friendly and made sure we all had a good time beyond the instruction. Second, they didn’t pound us with information. I think that with some tennis instruction, pros will give you too much to think about, and you wind up leaving more frustrated and dejected. Here, they gave just the right amount of tips/instruction along with the repetition. Third, this was all about tennis, which is exactly what I wanted. This camp isn’t for the person who just wants to sit around and hear about tennis. You get out of it what you put into it, and the more you work, the better you get. Finally, the camp is the right mix of instruction, drills, playing. I also really enjoyed getting to know the other people in the camp. A real treat was meeting Nick Bollettieri himself. When I looked up during a match and saw him watching me play, I promptly double faulted! He was a class act, as you might expect. I will be back to the IMG Academy soon, and if someone else can find a better place to improve their game, I’ll find it very hard to believe. Thanks for a great camp, Jimmy, Roger, and Enrique! Fire it up!
We found IMG’s adult academy to be the best we’ve yet attended. The staff was friendly, engaging and quick to discern individual player weaknesses and areas for improvement, relaying corrections in a helpful and easily understood way. The drills conducted throughout the day were grueling, but confidence instilling. You knew more about your game at the end of the day, and you felt it. We loved the inimitable Roger, who ‘fired it up’ all day long, as well as the softspoken Enrique and the Island Mon Jonathon, all of whom assisted the chief catherder Jimmy Royalty, head of adult tennis. We have Vandermeer and Stan Smith’s camps under our belts so far and while each has its merits and plusses, IMG/Bollettieri was the best yet. I captain nine USTA teams and will highly recommend IMG to my players.
I had a fantastic experience at IMG. I was only able to attend for three days, and I did not want to leave – I look forward to returning for longer! The instruction is amazing – I really improved in the short time I was there. Nick Bollettieri spoke with us, as did Brad Gilbert and Michael Chan. We also had a special clinic with the “serve doctor”. The instructors work you HARD but are really positive. Rodger, Jimmy, Carlos and Ricky – thank you!!! You go for the tennis – not the accomodations or food (the accomodations are totally fine – clean and basic, the food could really be improved) – but as long as that is what you are looking for, I can’t recommend the place more. There is a spa and I had a really great (desperately needed)sports massage. I should also add that I am a single woman and felt completely comfortable…the program attracts players serious about improving their game, and there were other solo travelers, couples, families,friends.
I am a former Division III college and 4.0 USTA league tennis player who was looking to get away from my work and daily life for a week. I have always wanted to travel alone and wanted to get back into tennis after stepping away from the game for 2 years, so I decided to combine the two.
After almost a year of researching the tennis resorts listed on this site over and over again before making a decision, I kept coming back to IMG. Nothing else even came close to fitting my criteria. I knew that I wanted to work hard and come out of the experience feeling good about myself and feeling as though I got my money’s worth. There was no doubt that IMG was the only answer for me if I wanted to go on a TRUE tennis vacation. It definitely exceeded my expectations. The staff was incredible. They are so friendly and great at reading people that I immediately felt at home because they understood who I was both as a player and a person. It was the best instruction I have ever received in over 20 years of playing. IMG’s philosophy is to look at every player as an individual, and within the time frame they have you, they don’t try to change your game like most pros do, but they try to enhance your game using the tools you already have. This is a much more effective strategy. I truly believe that as adult players, we already are who we are and can only make improvements to the game we’ve already developed. I left IMG after 6 days of playing feeling more confident in who I am as a player with a ton of new skills.
I would recommend this program for players of all levels. If you are serious about wanting to improve your game and want to have fun doing it, believe me — you absolutely do not want to spend your money going anywhere else. Most places try to tire you out to make you feel like you got a good work out, but the staff at IMG takes your investment as seriously as you do and truly respects the time you are taking to be there with them. It was worth every penny to me.
Jimmy, Roger, and Rick were amazing instructors and helped me a lot with my tennis game and it was fun! The clinic runs smoothly and is very demanding. I can’t wait to go back!!
I just finished a three day adult program at IMG Academy Bollettieri Tennis – it was fantastic! This program was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. The coaching is exceptional, the staff is extremely nice and genuinely cares about your performance and improvement. I have not been to other tennis resorts, but i don’t need to look further. I am definitely going back again. MG
If you like tennis you will love IMG. Coach Roger gets you fired up!!!!
great teaching, specially if you get the chance to have Nick Bollettieri give you some time. The staff of the Adult Tennis program were excellent, Roger, a lifer, Rick, and Jimmy Royalty, who was the head of the program, did an amazing job to connect, integrate and coach personally. I would highly recommend the IMG/Bollettieri Tennis Academy. Only one drawback….the food could be optimized. Easy location to fly in and out of, and a huge campus to take part in other sports like Golf too. Go, play and become a better player!!!
If you want to work on your tennis game, this is the place to go. A tennis boot camp. Great instruction. Personalized attention. I go about once a year to work on my game and it’s well worth it. Always a great tennis experience!
Focus is on intense, punctual, lively and fun practice. Facility also provides great opportunity to watch very skilled junior players practice. Healthful meals. Players attending should have main goal of improving their tennis skills since it is not a resort setting and rooms are small.
Fantastic experience a definite must for a tennis player of any level. There are no bad things everything is outstanding
Great week! Roger and Jimmy are very smart, knowledgeable, and perceptive. Very helpful demonstrations, then drills to work on what was demonstrated. Matches, everyone was videoed, met very nice people who were there from all over the world. My sons and I had a 2-bedroom suite, which was very nice: lv rm, dining table, full kitchen and breakfast area, plus 2 very nice bedrooms and 2 baths. Right next to pool and well-earned hot tub.
Did a three day session in February. Terrific! Great instruction, hit thousands of balls, got a great workout and came home with a much improved game and game attitude. A big shout out to Jimmy (Director ), Roger and Martin!
AMAZING! I just finished 3 days at an IMG Adult Tennis Camp which included a surprise visit and group lesson by Nick Bollettieiri. The facility is fantastic and the coaching staff is both professional and skilled. I initially thought my game would be changed and was nervous the camp would do more harm than good – NOT SO! The tennis pros made minor corrections which only improved my game. In 3 days, I perfected my fundamentals and technique, serve and return skills, mental and physical conditioning, my net play and strategy which was my favorite part of the camp. The tennis pros know exactly how far to push you out of your comfort zone without breaking you – this is good for those of us who are older. I would recommend this camp for anyone, especially as a team outing. This is my 2nd time attending and both times I left having met wonderful people from all over the world as well as feeling like I improved my game!
This is the place to go for unparalleled tennis instruction and atmosphere. My wife and I attended adult tennis camp. Our experience included stretching, drills, demonstrations, video analysis and instruction. Our instructors, Jimmy, Roger, and Enrique were outstanding: knowledgeable, professional, motivating, and fun to be around. Our daughter attended junior camp at the same time. The accommodations food, and spa are all very nice, but the real reason to go to IMG is the world class instruction and the opportunity to train alongside the world’s best athletes. Where else can you go to be on a court next to top tennis stars and the next generation of top players?
I’ve gone to a couple of a number of tennis camps in California and I also to Saddlebook once, but I’ve been to Bollettieri 4 times now. That should say something right there.
I often refer to this place as Disneyland for fitness. Staff and students all seem supremely happy to be there and it definitely enhances the experience. Pretty much any major sport you can think of is represented here.
The tennis program itself is just phenomenal, but you really do need to be in well above average physical shape to endure the program. It’s great to meet players from all over the world, but typically it’s been South Americans mixed in with some Europeans and Japanese. What I like is that everyone is serious about tennis. It’s not that they are not social, it’s that the social aspect is not primary. They are there to learn, test their conditioning and skills, and improve. The instructors are mostly great. I’ve run across a few that are either too green or don’t offer as much instruction as I’d like. The courts are excellent and well maintained.
The food is above average but nothing to write home about. The massages I received there (Jared mostly, but also Jean-Pierre) were literally life-changing. I didn’t realize how great a massage could be. By great, I don’t mean relaxing and soothing because deep tissue massages are not super pleasant, but I felt so much better waking up the next day after a massage versus days I didn’t get one.
The grounds are so much fun to walk around. You can watch promising juniors play, as well as former and current pros. My last visit, I bumped into Kei Nishikori in the lobby and also saw him practice. A number of other pros were there as well and as long as you are respectful, no one really cares if you walk around and watch anyone. Last visit, I talked to one of the Vasek Pospisil’s trainers for about an hour. You may not have heard of him, but he’s on his way up!
I plan to keep going, at least on a yearly basis. My last visit was actually the best as they seem to be shaking up their program and rejuvenating it, even though it was already great. On all my visits, we had anywhere from a brief to a long visit with Nick, where we had a chance to get some input from him on our strokes. It was such a delight to spend time with one of my heroes.
If you want a serious tennis program that tests your limits, this is the only place to go. I’ve talked to many people over the years that have traveled great distances to get there and all of them seem more than satisfied they made the trip.
meet real people, real coaches, real attention. YES more absolute NO less. example?; new group arrivés..Coach Roger calls us (11 new ones, 8 nationalitys) by name after 5 minutes, and man that feels good.
Lessons improved by 2014. Good warmingup, good demo’s, good mental lessons, very good specials as Servedoctor, Food/nutrician advicer etc..
I attended courses for 20 day-parts, I’m a man and live in The Netherlands and my tennisage descended 10 years because this nice stay at IMG in Bradenton, and as it was my second time at the Academy my tennisage is now 38, and I love it.
It enriches you daily from 8am sharp till 3:30pm. I enjoyed all the drills, sometimes hard but thanks to the hard line and motivation and high fives I became 38.
My 13 year old son and I were thrilled with our trip to IMG. Nick Bollettieri gave my son a lesson, and, combined with the top-of the line daily training in their junior tennis program, with Coaches Artem, Ryan, Soren and Juan, my son was really motivated to improve his game! For my Adult Tennis program, many kudos to Jimmy Royalty for his smooth operation. Everything, from our half hour warm up, to the stroke-specific drills, was flawless. If I could, I would move in to the Academy and become a permanent student! (And my son would adore being there, too!)
very intense…really push you to be the best you can be….Instruction customized to the individual and your level. Great insights. Had a 3 day camp that really got be zoned in and focused on my weaknesses
Great Boot Camp ….Certainly on my bucket List…Great Teachers …great attitude ….exceptional Tennis facilities…Accommodations very good …The food could be improved ( menu vs cafeteria style) Also a recommend a organized post tennis social with your team mates and a team picture etc ….There is quite a bond with the mates that go through the 3 or 5 day program…I did not like the idea of newcomers coming in half way or half day during our session…
IMG is by far the most knowledgeable, attentive, and physically demanding tennis facility I have ever experienced. Direct, easy flight for a quick getaway. My husband attended the golf session while I was on the tennis courts by noon. We stayed just a few minutes away at the Ritz Carlton, however there are accommodations on site. Very individualized program which allowed private time each day to address specific issues and goals. Very positive educational experience!
Great program!
IMG Academy Bollettieri Adult Tennis Program was excellent. I was pleasantly greeted by the staff and I felt like I was at home. Jimmie, Roger and Beau gave me instructions and encouragement that made my visit memorable. I appreciate their honestly in evaluating my game. I was able to play at a steady pace and not feel like I was in boot camp. I would definitely recommend it to my friends who are 60 and older.
Best tennis instruction available.
Great tennis. Great instruction. wonderful place.
I was very worried that I would not be able to handle the five-day adult program. It is advertised as a fairly intense session. I must admit that I was very surprised to find the program intense, but statisfying, exhilerating and exhausting, after five full days on the courts. Make no mistake, this camp is for serious players who want to focus on their game. If you want a menu of different activities in your tennis camp vacaation, I would choose another camp.
Instruction was excellent and the coaches were very informative and motivational. I learned alot that I hope to be able to apply to my tennis game. The down side was that we had a couple of afternoons where it rained and it required us to go inside where all 16 adults were packed onto one court for drills. That was rough.
The rooms are basic. This is not the Ritz-Carlton or the Marriott. The villas or lodges were clean and comfortable, except that the foam pillows on my bed kept me up all night. Despite that, I highly recommend staying on the academy’s campus and have a rental car handy. Lots of great restaurants available within a 10-15 minute drive, as well as in Sarasota if you want to venture farther afield. There is no doubt that I would return again to this program in the future and I’m already thinking of how I will do that next year.
Just finished (12/28/12) a three-day core adult tennis program at IMG, my second visit. Strengths: Detailed instruction. Disappointed to find long-time head teaching pro “Roger” vacationing, I nevertheless learned alot from Rene and Jesse. Wholesome, healthy lunches included in registration fee. Opportunities to apply newly learned skills by playing doubles at the end of each teaching session (morning and afternoon).
Weaknesses: Morning Stretching, deficient both times I’ve visited. The first time, the leader covered so many stretches so quickly that I feared injuring myself. This second time, the leader demonstrated numerous stretches but didn’t provide adequate feedback that would enable students to learn them. I found the 30 minutes allotted for morning stretching better spent stretching on my own.
Videotaping: the pros videotaped me but then said I’d have to pay extra to obtain the results. For what I paid for the core program, I found this request unreasonable and penny-wise, pound-foolish on IMG’s part.
Registration/marketing: In my experience, one has to work hard to register for tennis programs at IMG. Telephone inquiries left on voicemail weren’t returned. Similarly, a registration form I emailed to IMG was ignored until I fortuitously reached a manager in another department who volunteered to help me. If IMG would work a bit harder to encourage registrations, it would increase enrollment in its adult tennis programs. My particular program, occurring at “prime time” between Christmas and New Year’s, was undersubscribed.
I went for the first time, staying at a resort in Sarasota. I went for 3 days. What I really liked was the professional instruction. Roger (one of the coaches) is upbeat and very good. A lot of the instruction I learned, I used this summer. I won a tournament and also beat a very good doubles team. I’m more consistent and understand my strokes better – and I’ve been playing for over 40 years.
One big difference between Bollettieri and other camps is the junior program. I got a lot of energy and inspiration seeing the juniors play. It definitely psyched me up. Also, the camp isn’t just for tennis. At the lunch room I saw the coaches for the football camp, saw some golfers, and basketball players (I heard they were college or NBA D league players). That was all cool and further psyched me up to play hard. Next time I go, I think I’ll do tennis in the morning and a workout program in the afternoon.
It’s a great camp, best courts and wonderful coaches! You can really improve your strokes, and of course, your game. You want to stay for ever!!! Not a cheap place, but it’s worthy.
IMG is a very structured and well run program that is a unique experience for the amatuer athelite. If you want to whip both your self and tennis game to peak performance,this is the place to come. It is not a resort in the traditional sense, rather it is a destination for people who truly want to focus on athletics. That said, players of all talent levels can have a great experience at IMG
Went for a 3 hour clinic. It was adequate but very expensive. Probably would not go back.
My experience here was a positive one—the facilities are top notch and the coaching was excellent. I will definitely return.
I had an absolute blast at my week at tennis camp. The instructors were awesome, the players were challenging, the pace of the lessons was great, the lunch was phenomenal. I would have loved to stay a few weeks instead of just one but will definitely come back again and highly recommend it to any tennis player. You will leave more fit than you were when you arrived no matter how often you play or how fit you are. I also made a few friends during my stay which only made the experience better.
Bollettieri has first-rate instruction for the serious adult tennis player seeking to improve his/her game. I have stayed there three times so clearly I felt it was worth the time and money. The greatest weakness of IMG (as well as the other adult camps I have attended) is the absence of strategy and shot selection instruction. Too much technique and not enough mental work. Even if the powers that be don’t believe there is time for this type of instruction, they can offer it where rain forces everyone off the courts.
All the instructors are excellent players and very professional. They attract good players and work you hard. You always get the time you paid for and more. You can watch top pros and juniors working out on the courts nearby. The accommodations are good and the food is healthy. Its a bit more expensive than other tennis camps I’ve attended.
My wife and I have gone to several tennis programs and had a great time good pool ,bar and food and beach but when it come to tennis, we found that the teaching staff and instruction at IMG Bollettieri is the most helpful for our game. We go other tennis programs and are disappointed then go back to IMG and have a great time , it is height energy intense . If you are beginner they are very patient if you are a pro you better get ready to be pushed to the limit.
The drills were tough and near the end of the program I started to get more strategy and play analysis. I went by myself and made a friend which was nice, because otherwise the groups and couples there were pretty closed off. The workouts were great & I definitely went home feeling as if I had raised my physical level.
Wow. Just returned from the 5 day pro max experience and I feel great about my game, although my feet, hands and legs are sore. Very organized and great instruction. The day begins with a light warm up for 20 minutes and then about 20 minutes of stretching led by the IPI staff, I felt this was very beneficial.
Drills were demanding and tough but I never felt like I was just running through the motions to finish. I highly recommend this program for the serious player; I am a nationally ranked adult player and thought this was a perfect balance of drills, playing and relaxation. Be prepared for several shirts a day and at least a couple pair of shoes.
This is the “real deal”. My son has been to Saddlebrook and Macci’s, they don’t compare. They specialize in mental conditioing – he made the biggest leap this summer after 2 weeks at IMG. It looks like he will be able to play as a college player now.
IMG Bollettieri Tennis facility in Bradenton has its strengths and weaknesses. It is nice that the tennis is independant from everything else. There is a sense that everything revolves around the tennis. The program is very professional but I felt they could have worked the adults a bit harder. I wanted more tennis and less talking. Maybe, they make it easier for the adults so as not to overdo it. I don’t know. I just felt that I could have played alot more intensely. Therefore, mental note: you do not need to overdo it with a big breakfast.
Strengths: Bollettieri Tennis Academy is tennis bootcamp. They made me run and hit more than I thought was possible. I am in good shape but I was dead each day and needed the massage therapist immediately (excellent Aveda spa). The instruction really is top-notch. There were no mindless drills. There was ample feedback although with one instructor, there was a definite language barrier. The food was great!
Weaknesses: I felt there should have been more discussion of strategy and game theory as opposed to just form and mechanics. I was there for five days so there was ample opportunity to have such discussions. Also, I thought the stretching & strength training sessions were mediocre and there should have been more warm-up before hitting. The video/mental game option was pretty poor.