Saddlebrook Resort has a well-deserved reputation for staging one of the most—if not, the most—demanding tennis programs on the planet. The underlying philosophy owes much to the training techniques of the legendary Australian Davis Cup coach and notorious taskmaster Harry Hopman. His was a taxing regimen designed at once to improve technique and push the envelope of his charge’s stamina and endurance. That reputation for toughness draws aspiring juniors to its academy and committed adults, the latter attracted to the blend of rigorous workouts and Saddlebrook’s full resort amenities.
Saddlebrook Resort garnered awards for its design when it opened in 1981. The 480-acre layout, 25 miles north of Tampa, places the lodging, restaurants, shops, a lakesize swimming pool, tennis courts, spa, golf clubhouse, and meeting rooms at the center of a halo of golf fairways, condos, and residential neighborhoods. Centralizing all of the major amenities creates what they call a “Walking Village.” Foliage is lush, ponds and lakes dot the property, and birds are abundant, including several endangered species for which this is a refuge and a rookery.
This is hardly the setting you’d expect for the mother of all hard-core tennis camps, but having all those amenities provides relief from the rigors of the daily regimen while its guard gate provides privacy and security—one reason touring pros visit between tournaments to work on their games. Its juniors, both live-in and short term, hope the program will set them on the road to greatness (or at least a college scholarship), while adults come looking to get in shape, test their physical mettle, or perhaps search for a magic elixir to cure, once and for all, the flaws in their game. It is also often true that the adults frequently underestimate the physical demands a program like this makes, and that even though none has ever in his or her life played five hours of tennis a day, they somehow think they are ready for five hours a day of drills.
Although the historical philosophy of the program has to push you to the point that your game breaks down, find what is salvageable in the rubble, and rebuild from there. That said, after my last visit I came away thinking that this approach has mellowed somewhat in recent years. In my early participation in the Hopman program, as it was known then, I remember being chastised for ignoring a feed too wide for me to reach, only to have the next fed wider until I learned that it was crucial to make an attempt even when you thought you had no chance of reaching the balls. I remember, too, the so-called “bucket of ball” drills and “kamikaze” drills that had you scampering right and left and back again until you pleaded exhaustion or the pro was convinced you’d had enough.
My sense is that while the regimen remains demanding, the boot-camp approach has been abandoned. None of the pros on my latest visit adopted an in-your-face drill sergeant’s demeanor (though I was told that if that’s what you want, it is available). Instead, they established key concepts essential to hitting well—early preparation, eyes on the ball, full follow-through—and then ran drills and competitive exercises to put those concepts into practice. Still, there were times when we were grateful for the break afforded by the need to pick up balls.
Although there are exceptions, you typically stay with the same pro throughout your stay (barring his or her days off), so they oversee your progress first-hand. They tailor the work to the abilities of the campers they oversee. Rather than stand in one place and hit picture-perfect strokes, you pretty much have to run for every ball. Like the pros, you’ll do a lot of two-on-one drills, and if your skills permit it live-ball drills and competitive games with the other campers on your court. The process can be exhilarating, demoralizing, or both, but you will come away from this program knowing where you stand with respect to your aerobic conditioning and what you really need to do to take your game to the next level.
If courts alone were the measure of a great tennis resort, then Saddlebrook would rank near the top. It has 45 courts altogether, including hard, clay, red clay, Rebound Ace (the surface formerly used at the Australian Open) and grass, all of which—the grass included—are available to guests. The major complex is near the center of the resort. There is a secondary complex a mile away in Lakeside Village, which is also the site of the 3,000-square-foot fitness center and high-performance complex and where the juniors enrolled in the academy work out. All of the courts are laid out in clusters of two to five separated by an awning-covered patio furnished with chairs and a refrigerated water fountain.
Tennis Staff: Although Harry Hopman, the legendary Australian Davis Cup coach, died in 1985, the organization he built survives. The core group of staff, many longtime Saddlebrook pros, expands and contracts based on how many adults are enrolled in the programs—as many as are needed to keep the student:pro ratio at 4:1 of less.
Tennis Programs: Although the resort itself offers some perfunctory stroke-of-the-day clinics (run by tennis-academy staff), the real reason a tennis player would come here is the Hopman-inspired camps.
Unlike some other dedicated facilities and college-campus programs, Hopman’s does not include any meals in the package, so for other dining you’re left to fend for yourself at the quite good but pricey restaurants at the resort itself or pile into cars for trips beyond the resort. Caveat: The Saddlebrook program can be among the most physically demanding of all the camps, so start a workout regimen weeks before you come down. Bring two pairs of tennis shoes, several changes of clothes (washers and dryers are available in each lodging cluster), a hat, sunblock, two racquets if you have them (broken strings are commonplace), and overgrip.
Off Court
Golf Courses: Saddlebrook has two 18-hole courses, both designed by Arnold Palmer, and an Arnold Palmer Golf Academy. Tee times for any of the following courses can be reserved.
Palmer Course: This course is characterized by open, undulating fairways, and an abundance of lakes, streams and ponds. Par: 71. Length: 5,212-6,469 yards.
Saddlebrook Course: Though flatter than the Palmer course, this one is also tighter, with tree-lined fairways and water on most of its holes. Par: 70. Length: 5,183-6,603 yards.
Spa & Fitness Center: The 7,000-square-foot Spa in the walking village has 12 treatment rooms offering massages, hydrotherapy treatments, and some beauty services; however, it is currently closed. Campers who can still walk at the end of the day are welcome to use the 3,300-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center in Lakeside Village, a 10-minute walk from the Superpool, but it’s rate that anyone does so. It has a full line of Cybex equipment plus treadmills, stair steppers, recumbent bicycles, elliptical trainers, and rubber-encased freeweights all in rooms with views of a swimming pool or volley ball pit. Personal trainers are on hand to help you craft a workout regimen. There is also an adjacent high-performance sports center, which offers specialized training programs often to professional athletes.
The centerpiece of the resort is its half-million-gallon, amoeba-shaped Superpool, said to be the largest in Florida. At 270 feet long, it is vast enough to contain a 25-meter lap pool, water volleyball and water basketball courts, and a diving area. Around it are children’s wading pools and two heated whirlpools. There is another swimming pool near the Sports Village & Fitness Center. Otherwise, recreation run to bike trails around the property and bass fishing in the privately stocked lakes.
Children's programs: The S’Kids Club operates year round providing supervised activities for kids ages 4-12.
Dining: The TD’s Sports Bar has light fare and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dempsey’s Steakhouse is currently closed; however it’s menu prime beef and seafood is available at TD’s Sports Bar. There’s also a pool bar for lunch and poolside cocktails.
Accommodations
There are a total of 790 rooms and suites at Saddlebrook, most of them in 50-unit clusters variously arrayed near the main clubhouse and pool, or out along the golf fairways. Each cluster has an ice machine and washer/dryer. The most basic accommodation is a hotel room with two double beds and a private balcony or patio. The alternatives are one- and two-bedroom suites (which anywhere else would be called condos). These have full kitchens (with coffee makers and dishwashers; most have microwaves, if not you can request one), separate living and dining areas, and one or two bedrooms, each with a full bath. The living room opens onto a patio or balcony. High-speed Internet access is available throughout the resort.
Anyone who enrolls in the Saddlebrook International Tennis program is eligible for discounted room rates. By booking tennis and lodging together, you get a deluxe guest room, 5 hours/day of intensive tennis, complimentary court time, daily lunch, and access to the fitness center and spa. One- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens are also available.
Getting there
Seasons: The resort and its Hopman tennis programs operate year-round; however, given the grueling nature of these clinics, you should think twice about coming in summer—unless, of course, you want to work out in hot, humid conditions. Principally for that reason, the camps are generally two to three times larger during the fall, winter, and spring than in summer.
We just completed five days at Saddlebrook Tennis Camp – parents and teenage daughter. We loved it! The pros were energetic, insightful, candid, and effective; and they made the five hours per day on court FUN! Yes, we were sore at night, but the pool and the hot tub helped the muscles rejuvenate. Our tennis game improved significantly in those 5 days. The overall resort facilities are well-maintained. The courts played beautifully, restaurants very good, nature trails interesting, accommodations comfortable. And there is plenty to do in the surrounding area as far as shopping, etc. We will definitely go back and do it again!
ST
Me and my friends had an amazing time at saddlebrook resort. Our tennis coach AJ Stilwell was not only a very skilled tennis professional with tons of energy to teach and attention to detail but also so much fun to practice and learn with! He made teaching so much fun! I highly recommend this tennis resort and coach AJ!
LK
I recently stayed at Saddlebrook for a weekend with my friend and our daughters. My friend and I are 3.5-4.0 tennis players. We both had an amazing experience. My first day I had Miguel as my instructor for the morning session. He gave me excellent tips and taught us with fun drills. The next two days we had Mark as our instructor for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Mark was fabulous. Mark went out of his way to make sure we had competitive players in our group. His drills were fast paced and challenged our skills. We both loved his drills and excellent, practical tips. I had asked to be videotaped and when they were short with instructors who could videotape us (because the camp was full), Mark offered to use our phones to videoptape our play. This is just one example of how accommodating he was to us. We thoroughly enjoyed his company while learning more about how to improve our tennis. We can’t wait to go back next year.
AB
This was the ideal spring break for our family. The tennis program was amazing because it catered to each leveleach person’s level. I played in a group with a pro named Larry. Larry explained things effectively and clearly is skilled and passionate about teaching. He really identified problem areas in each individuals strokes and game, and timed and chose drills so that everyone was working to strengthen shots and improve weaknesses. He was constantly reinforcing what he was teaching and has an unbelievable sense of humor. The hours flew by as I felt myself improving every day. I laughed and enjoyed myself more than I could have imagined, and knew my kids were getting great instruction on a court nearby during the same hours. It was perfect!
NB
This was my third visit to Saddlebrook for the Hopman Tennis Program. Howard runs a great tennis program and the instructors are amazing. We had Michael and Larry as instructors. Both were able in identify weaknesses in our game and provide drills and coaching to improve our game. The 5 hours of tennis was focused on improving our skills and fun at the same time. The rooms are a bit dated but comfortable.
AC
We spent a long weekend here. The tennis was excellent, the instruction was first rate.
ES
First time visitor. Signed up for 2 days of camp mon-tuesday with my daughter who got sick Monday morning. The staff was very understanding and let us make up the lost Monday AM Wednesday morning without any extra charge. It was a problem for them because the threesome I had been drilling and playing points with had 4 scheduled that day. Instead of having a 5-some the whole morning, they set me up and another straggler for a semi-private lesson with the head of instruction (Howard). The session was terrific! He fixed my forehand in about 10 minutes (struggled with it Mon-Tuesday) and then drilled it for the remainder of the morning to lock it in. Very classy, very knowledgable, and most importantly, enthusiastic. Had a terrific time and for someone who is getting back into the game after a couple of decades, just what the doctor ordered. The courts are first-rate and well maintained. Will be returning home feeling a lot better about my game (once I get over the soreness!)
GM
Christmas Week 2017: My husband and I attended 4.5 days of adult tennis camp. It was the best experience we have had at Saddlebrook yet, after many years of visits. The quality and variety of instruction was excellent. Each of us had at least 6 instructors for several hours each. There was a uniformity to the skills and styles they taught, but each had their own way of talking and teaching. So we were able to find the ones that really resonated with us, but also I found that every one of the sessions was informative and sometimes transformative. Howard Moore and his crew worked hard to comprise compatible groups of players. They moved people in and out of groups to keep the levels even and when we found a sympathetic group we were allowed to keep it intact for a couple of days. This made for a lot of fun and trust among us and we learned even more as a tight-knit group. Some sessions were geared to maximize the skills we had, and some were focused on pushing us outside our level and demanding a higher level of performance than I thought I could produce. There were plenty of hours of tennis. The accommodations were good. They are not super luxurious . On the other hand, I worked so hard at tennis camp, that luxurious would have been lost on me. I wanted a good meal next to the pool, a massage and sauna, and a comfortable bed, pleasant surroundings, fun bar scene, cheerful, well-appointed apartment. The apartments are clean, neat, well-equipped and the resort staff helpful and responsive. My opinion is that Saddlebrook is a very excellent combination of lovely landscaped grounds, fabulous pools, good family vacation, good couples getaway with lots to do and a safe haven for singles who want to have a great time, not feel isolated, and play great tennis. I think Saddlebrook has a good formula and they execute it well. My husband and I will return again soon.
DB
Just spent a great week at Saddlebrook. Courts were in excellent condition. Met a few new instructors who were very good. Coupled with the established team like Shawn and Howard, their caliber of coaching is outstanding. Stringing service is improved including a great racquet tech guy. TD’s menu has improved with more variety. And internet service has been greatly improved.
RB
Thr grounds are beautiful and the staff was very cordial. The room was below par for a resort of this quality and cost. It was old and not updated in years. There was NO hot water even though we call ed several times and workmen worked hrs the first night after we had all showered in cool water. BUT the next day after supposedly fixed it –the showers were freezing cold. This is after 5 hrs of tennis drills. We were all very upset . We reported it again at the desk at check out too. I find this totally unacceptable after paying high 5 star prices for this sort of accommodation.Also there was a fish hook stuck in the carpeting and one guest caught his sock on it. We called and a service person came with pliers to try and rip it out of the carpet. Again is this 5 star quality? The pool was great the staff there was super especially Ben. The tennis was fun and organized and a great experience with AJ and Jeff.( who kept us busy interested and excited) These two men worked the 8 of us very hard with drills fun and new tennis experiences. I have been playing every day since this and have used some new skills I learned while there. I thank these two guys for their patience and competent teaching ability. They were excellent players and terrific instructors. The food was pricey but we expected that and there were 4 places to eat so we didn’t need to leave the area.
BF
Rigorous and professional, with long-time staff that seems committed to teaching and making enjoyable the five hours of time on court each day. We have been to many adult tennis camps, and we just returned to this one after five years. The high quality was sustained.
RP
The biggest strength for me was my coach Jeff Axen. He was an excellent coach. Great listener, great drills and great feedback on what I could work on. I have had other coaches and he filled all my needs at the tennis camp. Thoroughly the best coach for me. The rooms were spacious and were comfortable, the only weakness was that our room didn’t have any hot water for showers. They did come and fix it the first day however by the last day we had cold water again.
CF
This is my 3rd time at Saddlebrook; I go back because it is the best tennis instruction around. I live in Maryland and look forward to my trip to Saddlebrook every year. My friends and I are already talking about plans to go back next year. Howard runs a great program. Larry is one of the best instructors we have ever had. My friends and I are excited to start playing once we get home, so we can use all that we learned over the 3 full days of tennis instruciton we had. If I have to give a negative, it has nothing to do with with the tennis program, but the variety of food options. We like staying at the resort and a few more food options would be nice. Best bang for the buck around !!!
AM
Eight of us players participated in the two day instruction. Larry did a great job with the video review. AJ And Jeff where our instructors for the two days and let us through grueling drills. The courts we took instruction on where in excellent shape. The resort, does need some updating. Our Accommodations, while spacious, head operational issues. For instance hot water with inconsistent. The staff on the property did an excellent job and we also enjoyed the food we had in the restaurant in the bar. I would highly recommend this resort for serious tennis players.
DL
Overall good tennis program – areas of improvement – allow for a mix of 3 hr programs. Your older tennis players need more time to recover. More focus on video before and after a few lessons. Objective is to find technical weaknesses – recommend improvements – spend time instilling the new changes – then video tape to see if the changes have been learnt. This is also good for review when we get back home.
SB
Strengths are personal attention and instruction. Weakness was the speed of food service.
CY
Had an excellent 2-day tennis camp at Saddlebrook recently, my 2nd visit. Anyone who loves the sport, wants to work on his/her game or just get to hit a lot of balls, will not be disappointed with the tennis experience delivered by the team at Saddlebrook and Howard Moore, in particular. The program runs like a well oiled machine but there is as much personal attention as you request. At the opening of each session there is a stroke demonstration that consistently includes detail and nuance that those looking to develop their game can work on incorporating right away. While the style of instruction varies between instructors, each was very knowledgeable and capable of quickly identifying ways to improve stroke mechanics and game tactics. While I loved my time on the court which surpasses any other tennis programs I have attended, what I appreciate most is the welcoming hospitality and service. When making my reservation, I was connected with Howard Moore (the program director) and described the experience I was looking for myself and 15 year old son who is a beginner. Upon arriving the following week, Howard had a plan in place for my son and checked in on both of us frequently to see how it was going. Any request we had was met with a desire to be accommodating and ensure we had an enjoyable experience that delivered what we were hoping to get out of the trip. Each instructor we worked with also took a personal interest in my son’s development and were not simply going through the motions. Noting my son’s preparation for a high school tennis team tryout, we were paired with Larry for a 1 hour session which was the most densely packed hour of practical tennis instruction I have ever had. It was a complete review of all strokes full of tips that I have taken away for future practice. We can’t wait to go back.
JM
My group of 4 just finished up 2 days of 5 hour instruction at Saddlebrook. Howard runs a great program. He is present all day making sure everyone has a great experience. We had a different pro each day. Both Juan and Mark quickly assessed our strengths/weaknesses and taught us skills to improve placement, net play and serves. We have already booked our trip for next year. We had no complaints about the rooms – very clean, beautiful views and customer service great throughout the resort.
PP
This is an amazing program! Eight of us (USTA 3.5/4.0) traveled to Wesley Chapel to attend the Hopman Tennis Academy and were absolutely blown away by the quality of instruction and care given to our group. Howard Moore and his team (AJ, Tye and Tyler) took a great deal of care in understanding our goals and tailored a tennis program that was technically challenging, entertaining and impactful to all who attended. From the morning stretch to the daily tennis instruction to evening meals, Howard is a hands-on manager who engaged our group and participated throughout our stay with level of customer service comparable to what I have received at the Ritz Carlton. The technical program focused on the whole game and pushed each of us to become better players by the end of our stay. If you love tennis, and are serious about improving, I would highly recommend this top-shelf program.
EJ
Great facilities, the instruction is second to none, high-intensity workout and there is no waste of time. Camp Director, Howard Moore is always around ready to help you. Saddlebrook Resort/ Hopman Tennis Rocks!!!!!!!
AS
Saddlebrook Tennis Resort is the best place to improve your game in a few days. With morning and afternoon sessions, never more than a one to four ratio (teacher to students), and an emphasis on “it takes a court to improve a player” attitude, the opportunity to improve your tennis is guaranteed. I am especially fond of the teaching pro Larry – he works you hard while giving you great mnemonic phrases which help you remember his advice long after the lesson is over.
JS
I was part of a four person group that was at Saddlebrook in early February for three days. It was my second time at the resort in the last three years. Our group had a terrific experience. We played five hours a day for two days and three hours on the third day. Phillip was with us each day and he provided terriffic instruction and his enthusiasm and positive energy were evident from the first minute through the thirteenth hour of play. I also received great advice on stringing from the Zach and Peter in the pro shop and they restrung my racquet for me on the spot. We were sad to leave and looking forward to a return in the near future.
RG
Great instructors especially Bentley and Jeff!
FL
Saddlebrook’s strengths are its first-rate staff and facilities for tennis, as well as its outstanding food and lodging, spa, pool, and friendly and courteous resort staff. Our tennis instructor Jeffrey Axen was especially helpful and knowledgeable, stressing the basics, groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, as well as slices, dropshots and swinging volleys. Tai, a top expert, roamed the courts giving individualized attention to each participant. Both Jeff and Tai gave me many tips to help me improve my game, plus pointing out my strength—my serve and showing how I could improve that as well. Program is also well paced, enabling me to complete the 5-hour daily program without getting wrecked. Got a great massage and really enjoyed the spa facilities.
GF
This is my second year at the Hopman Tennis facility at Saddlebrook. Howard Moore has been running this top notch program for over 30 years and his commitment and dedication shows. The pros are wonderful and the instruction is great. I plan on returning to Hopman next Spring and look forward to making this an annual tradition…highly recommend!
TC
This was our second annual ladies tennis weekend at Saddlebrook in January 2018 The entire staff and Howard are amazing. Mark was our instructor and he couldn’t have been more enthusiastic. Howard goes above and beyond to make sure you are absolutely having the best time. The spa is amazing – closed on Mondays. We will definitely be back again next year!
TB
Saddlebrook Tennis and Fitness departments are 5-star in terms of high quality training, pros, facilities, and everything a tennis enthusiast of any level could need. I frequently train at Saddlebrook because it is simply the best! Thanks again for a great week!
TG
The Hopman Tennis Program at the Saddlebrook Resort and Spa is designed to unleash the best out of you, and push you to your absolute limit. Just like any school or business depends on leadership and professionalism, the same goes for the Hopman Tennis Camp. Howard Moore was able to create a program in which any student was treated and taught the exact same way as a professional tennis player. Him and his staff are capable of delivering the best teaching techniques which bring progress and improvement to anyone’s level. This camp really boosted my confidence on the tennis court. I really recommend this tennis program to anyone who think of tennis as being an important part of their life!!!
DG
The tennisteam takes good care of everybody and is helpful. You learn everyday somesthing more and make progress, small classes so you get a lot of attention. Well kept courts.
EB
My husband and I just came back from a 5days adult tennis camp last week. It was our first time in Saddlebrook but sure won’t be the last! Saddlebrook is a huge complex, numerous tennis courts, beautiful grounds and golf courses all around. The pool lies at the center of the resort, immense, with two whirlpool baths aside. The room we had was oldish style but very clean and comfortable. The few restaurants where good, lots of fresh salads and healthy meals. We came for the tennis camp and it completely filled our expectations: small groups (1-4pers per coach), excellent and thorough teaching, very knowledgable and committed coaches teaching to all levels of players. The five hours where intense but so much fun and interesting that it passed quickly, never painfully due to the great variety of drills and plays dispensed by coaches. We had the great pleasure (honor) to spend time with Howard Moore, the head coach who’s love for tennis teaching is compelling and inspiring. I spent most of the week with Larry, my husband with Phil and we were both very satisfied by their approach to lead us into the game, the understanding of tactics as well as technique itself. Thank you fondly to all the staff of Hopman program!!!
TR
I went to the Saddlebrook Resort with my husband and another couple for the Hopman tennis program. The only weakness with the tennis program is the resort accommodations. The rooms are outdated probably 30-40 years old. The property was very large and beautiful. They have a large pool for families and an adult pool. To use the adult pool you need to walk over to the regular pool just for towels. There is zero service at the adult pool let alone even something to eat. The main pool has a poolside cafe and bar but no service walking around. However, the purpose of our trip was for the Tennis. The tennis program is EXCELLENT. Howard the director looked to make sure we were happy. I must add the first day I was placed with two players weaker than me and nobody thought to change me out. . I spoke with Howard and the last two days were challenging and extremely beneficial. I had a different pro all three days. The first day was with a weaker group, The second day was Bentley who was excellent and the third day Bentley was not there so Howard worked with me. I had 4:1 day one. 4:1 half day second day and the afternoon session was 2:1 and the same the third day. They worked on improving our strokes, our game technique, placement, worked on “modern tennis” and much more. The 5 hours a day was perfect. The entire staff there just aims to please. I would definitely revisit for amazing tennis.
MR
If you love tennis, and you are serious about wanting to improve, then Daddlebrook in literally Tennis Heaven. There are 47 Har-Tru courts, and instruction (5 hours a day) is superb. The Director, Howard Moore, is tireless, and hands-on, dedicated to meeting players’ individual needs, at all levels. Instructors are all experienced , well trained, and enthusiastic. People come from all over the world to be part of this program, and are often repeat visitors. Guests stay in comfortable suites, a short walk to the courts. It is only a 25 minute limo ride to the Tampa airport. Restaurants are available at the resort or nearby. I have been to Saddlebrook once or twice a year since 2007, and I would not go anywhere else.
CT
I have been to several tennis resorts and camps and I liked Saddlebrook a lot. The hotel is a little tired but more than adequate and the rooms are inexpensive compared to “fancier” resorts. The tennis is great. The only variable is the teaching, which is true of any place where you are assigned to a pro. Like most places it is best for the 3-0 player or the 4-5 player. If you are 3-5 or 4-0 you may get put with a 3-0 level group which can be demoralizing. I happened to have great pro and a great group and it was terrific. I would go again tomorrow because there is so much to learn.
CH
Wonderful resort. Howard Moore and the pros made our group of 12 (on my wife’s 40th birthday) feel incredibly welcome. The level of instruction was spot on. The faculties were amazing with plenty to do poolside and short drive to Tampa for great restaurants. Howard has a super positive outlook that gets you excited to play. We were all exhausted by the end of the day but pleasently so. Can’t say enough wonderful things. Will definitely be coming back!
CB
The tennis camp had instructors who made the day a lot of fun. I felt I came away with good feedback to help my game. Would certainly love to do it again!
MS
Saddlebrook’s adult tennis instruction program led by Howard Moore is phenomenal. Howard is very “hands on” leading daily calisthenics, jumping in to offer one on one instruction, & ensuring guests are fully satisfied with their experience. One of the program’s strengths is working with the same pro through out our entire stay (other than if they have a scheduled day off) which enables them to really understand & work with our specific needs. Phil was committed & focused on working with us to bring our game to a higher level- while having a great sense of humor. Saddlebrook Resort offers great amenities including a lovely spa to pamper your aching body, a very nice pool, & very good restaurants. While the accommodations are spacious & clean, they are somewhat dated. I will definitely be looking forward to a return visit to Saddlebrook.
CK
Our community took a group to Saddlebrook for a tennis clinic and I have to say it was a great day. Sean was our instructor and gave us excellent drills that really honed particular skills. All the details were included, towels, drinks, and even a tee shirt. I would highly recommend this resort if you are interested in getting great tennis tips that will really help you on the court. Lunch was poolside and was also excellent. Service was great and the meals were all fabulous.
MH
My wife says I’m hard to buy for, this bday she got it right! I spent four days at Saddlebrook and had a great time. The instruction was spot on. People are friendly and helpful. Accommodations spacious and inviting. I have played golf here before and enjoyed it but did not this time as they wore my butt out. I will be back.
YI
What an experience… We took our 11 yo son to a 5 day tennis camp during spring break.This place is a tennis haven for developing players. A lot of history of previous champs and new ones like Zverevs and Isner. The detail to young players is second to none. I cannot tell you enough about the staff. Alvaro is the best, I wish we had a coach like him where we live, such an enthusiasm to grow players and teach them right techniques… Howard is doing a phenomenal job running the school. We cannot wait to go back….
EH
I attended the Saddlebrook tennis camp for 5 days in July 2017 and loved it. I like to be challenged and the Saddlebrook Camp did not disappoint. I was most interested in working on my physical conditioning so I appreciate that they pushed me physically. Every article of clothing I wore, including sneakers, was drenched in sweat. I lost weight, gained muscle, and have motivation to work on my diet and exercise at home. Technique flaws that I was making, unbeknowest to me, were pointed out. I have a deeper understanding of proper tennis technique, even though I was already a student of the game. Off the courts, the huge pool is great. I want to go back.
NB
Excellent tennis program, best tennis instructors. You will be working hard and you will improve your tennis level. Recommend the 5 days package. Howard Moore and Shawn McGee are managing this tennis camp better than ever. I have been coming here for the last 30 years and I love it.
RD
Let me just start off by saying that Saddlebrook Resort is the best tennis vacation I have taken in my life!!!! It all started from the moment I booked my reservation. I spoke with a very polite and knowledgeable gentleman named Giancarlo. He helped me set up everything on my reservation from room and tennis, all the way down to the transportation I needed to and from the resort. He will help you book the best and most affordable package that fits you perfectly. I had spoken to other people in the reservations department but none of them had the same “touch” as Mr. Giancarlo did. If you need to book a reservation don’t waste your time and ASK FOR HIM DIRECTLY! When I arrived at the resort, everyone was very pleasant and polite. At the front desk I was greeted by Ms. Katie who made the whole check-in process simple and very informative. She gave me all the information on where I should report in the morning for the tennis, and what other amenities the resort had to offer. From there I went up to my room, that by the way had everything I had requested (Thanks to Mr. Giancarlo again) and even had a personal note from the Hopman Staff and basket of fresh fruit! The next day I started, what I consider the best tennis training I have received in my life. During my stay I had either Coach Ty or Coach Phil everyday. Coach Ty is very knowledgeable and helped me fixed little thing in my game that made a huge difference at the end. Coach Phil is also very knowledgeable, but with him you receive an extra personal trainer that pushes you on, and like he tell you on the court, makes you “MOVE YOUR BUTT”!! A special thanks to both of them for making this experience so good and memorable. Request them as your coaches and you will not be disappointed! At the resort, I also had the pleasure to meet the Tennis Director, Mr. Howard Moore. Just a little warning on him, he can sometimes sound a little “too excited” but if you really do listen to him you will learn a lot and he does genuinely cares about the tennis experience you are receiving at the resort. Again a special thanks to Giancarlo, Katie, Ty, Phil, and Howard for making this experience so enjoyable. Overall I could not ask for a better tennis vacation!
RC
Saddlebrook Tennis is an incredibly well structured program. The organization of the instructional groups, ability to coordinate instruction for multiple levels of play, and staffing were excellent. Camp was run on Har-Tru courts, which was an excellent amenity over hard courts. Healthy snacks, water, and Gatorade were available court side at all times. My personal experience showed an instructor (Howard) with the ability to diversify lessons to accommodate multiple levels of play within the same group. My husband was moved between groups during our two day stay because his level of play was higher than he initially reported. His instructor was able to note that, report it back to the office, and have him properly assigned for his next camp session. The kid’s program (non-tennis) is fine, but quite unstructured. The kids do not have a set agenda, so parents do not know where to find them during the day without asking the pool desk. On a VERY strong note, if your child is the only child in camp on a given day, she/he will be allowed to dictate his/her own schedule (or you can suggest) and will receive one-on-one attention without an increase in price. Food options on-site are limited, and the main restaurant is very expensive. The food was quite good, however. There were a variety of kid’s options on a separate kid menu.
SA
Outstanding tennis coaching. My family and I were at Saddlebrook in April. The coaching was fantastic ( special thanks to Larry) and the atmosphere was exciting due to the Fed Cup match that was due to take place the following week. A highly recommended holiday for tennis fans.
DN
Outstanding tennis instruction in a great setting. Disciplined, hardworking and committed pros who work hard with you in small groups 2-3 for 5 hours a day. A great way to improve your game and they do it with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. A good place for for young children to either start playing the game or continue if they are already playing. Strengths – Nested in a resort setting and lots of green space – Very high quality instruction – Excellent tennis facilities ( clay courts) – Accommodation in condos with full kitchens – Well managed Weaknesses – None noted. We are repeat visitors
AG
The camp was fantastic with focused instruction and variety in the drills. The weather was so nice and I had so much fun my body sort of broke down a bit towards the end of the week. Lots of liquids were provided each day to stay hydrated and the spa at the resort was enjoyable so that helped. My best advice based on my experience is to pace yourself and mix in match play or rally sessions to apply what you’ve learned. There were many drills but I not much match play on my part, mostly due to poor planning on my part. Tennis is not an afterthought around these parts…45 well-maintained courts with friendly instruction. Beautiful weather and surroundings. The video instruction was a useful tool and was very effective. It’s opt-in so be sure to request it when you get there.
CS
I just finished a long tennis weekend. It was a beautiful place and we had great instructions. Howard Moore was a real Pro and I would love to return next year.
MB
Howard Moore was an exceptional coach. He made oour trip educational and memorable!!!
SS
We had a fantastic time at Saddlebrook. Howard was the best pro! Great personality and excellent instruction. We played a variety of surfaces and learned multiple new techniques.
GR
I was part of a clinic where Tai was the professional leading my group and he was outstanding. Just the right amount of technical discussion combined with hitting. I highly recommend him!
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732 Reviews on “Saddlebrook Resort”
We just completed five days at Saddlebrook Tennis Camp – parents and teenage daughter. We loved it! The pros were energetic, insightful, candid, and effective; and they made the five hours per day on court FUN! Yes, we were sore at night, but the pool and the hot tub helped the muscles rejuvenate. Our tennis game improved significantly in those 5 days. The overall resort facilities are well-maintained. The courts played beautifully, restaurants very good, nature trails interesting, accommodations comfortable. And there is plenty to do in the surrounding area as far as shopping, etc. We will definitely go back and do it again!
Me and my friends had an amazing time at saddlebrook resort. Our tennis coach AJ Stilwell was not only a very skilled tennis professional with tons of energy to teach and attention to detail but also so much fun to practice and learn with! He made teaching so much fun! I highly recommend this tennis resort and coach AJ!
I recently stayed at Saddlebrook for a weekend with my friend and our daughters. My friend and I are 3.5-4.0 tennis players. We both had an amazing experience. My first day I had Miguel as my instructor for the morning session. He gave me excellent tips and taught us with fun drills. The next two days we had Mark as our instructor for both the morning and afternoon sessions. Mark was fabulous. Mark went out of his way to make sure we had competitive players in our group. His drills were fast paced and challenged our skills. We both loved his drills and excellent, practical tips. I had asked to be videotaped and when they were short with instructors who could videotape us (because the camp was full), Mark offered to use our phones to videoptape our play. This is just one example of how accommodating he was to us. We thoroughly enjoyed his company while learning more about how to improve our tennis. We can’t wait to go back next year.
This was the ideal spring break for our family. The tennis program was amazing because it catered to each leveleach person’s level. I played in a group with a pro named Larry. Larry explained things effectively and clearly is skilled and passionate about teaching. He really identified problem areas in each individuals strokes and game, and timed and chose drills so that everyone was working to strengthen shots and improve weaknesses. He was constantly reinforcing what he was teaching and has an unbelievable sense of humor. The hours flew by as I felt myself improving every day. I laughed and enjoyed myself more than I could have imagined, and knew my kids were getting great instruction on a court nearby during the same hours. It was perfect!
This was my third visit to Saddlebrook for the Hopman Tennis Program. Howard runs a great tennis program and the instructors are amazing. We had Michael and Larry as instructors. Both were able in identify weaknesses in our game and provide drills and coaching to improve our game. The 5 hours of tennis was focused on improving our skills and fun at the same time. The rooms are a bit dated but comfortable.
We spent a long weekend here. The tennis was excellent, the instruction was first rate.
First time visitor. Signed up for 2 days of camp mon-tuesday with my daughter who got sick Monday morning. The staff was very understanding and let us make up the lost Monday AM Wednesday morning without any extra charge. It was a problem for them because the threesome I had been drilling and playing points with had 4 scheduled that day. Instead of having a 5-some the whole morning, they set me up and another straggler for a semi-private lesson with the head of instruction (Howard). The session was terrific! He fixed my forehand in about 10 minutes (struggled with it Mon-Tuesday) and then drilled it for the remainder of the morning to lock it in. Very classy, very knowledgable, and most importantly, enthusiastic. Had a terrific time and for someone who is getting back into the game after a couple of decades, just what the doctor ordered. The courts are first-rate and well maintained. Will be returning home feeling a lot better about my game (once I get over the soreness!)
Christmas Week 2017: My husband and I attended 4.5 days of adult tennis camp. It was the best experience we have had at Saddlebrook yet, after many years of visits. The quality and variety of instruction was excellent. Each of us had at least 6 instructors for several hours each. There was a uniformity to the skills and styles they taught, but each had their own way of talking and teaching. So we were able to find the ones that really resonated with us, but also I found that every one of the sessions was informative and sometimes transformative. Howard Moore and his crew worked hard to comprise compatible groups of players. They moved people in and out of groups to keep the levels even and when we found a sympathetic group we were allowed to keep it intact for a couple of days. This made for a lot of fun and trust among us and we learned even more as a tight-knit group. Some sessions were geared to maximize the skills we had, and some were focused on pushing us outside our level and demanding a higher level of performance than I thought I could produce. There were plenty of hours of tennis. The accommodations were good. They are not super luxurious . On the other hand, I worked so hard at tennis camp, that luxurious would have been lost on me. I wanted a good meal next to the pool, a massage and sauna, and a comfortable bed, pleasant surroundings, fun bar scene, cheerful, well-appointed apartment. The apartments are clean, neat, well-equipped and the resort staff helpful and responsive. My opinion is that Saddlebrook is a very excellent combination of lovely landscaped grounds, fabulous pools, good family vacation, good couples getaway with lots to do and a safe haven for singles who want to have a great time, not feel isolated, and play great tennis. I think Saddlebrook has a good formula and they execute it well. My husband and I will return again soon.
Just spent a great week at Saddlebrook. Courts were in excellent condition. Met a few new instructors who were very good. Coupled with the established team like Shawn and Howard, their caliber of coaching is outstanding. Stringing service is improved including a great racquet tech guy. TD’s menu has improved with more variety. And internet service has been greatly improved.
Thr grounds are beautiful and the staff was very cordial. The room was below par for a resort of this quality and cost. It was old and not updated in years. There was NO hot water even though we call ed several times and workmen worked hrs the first night after we had all showered in cool water. BUT the next day after supposedly fixed it –the showers were freezing cold. This is after 5 hrs of tennis drills. We were all very upset . We reported it again at the desk at check out too. I find this totally unacceptable after paying high 5 star prices for this sort of accommodation.Also there was a fish hook stuck in the carpeting and one guest caught his sock on it. We called and a service person came with pliers to try and rip it out of the carpet. Again is this 5 star quality? The pool was great the staff there was super especially Ben. The tennis was fun and organized and a great experience with AJ and Jeff.( who kept us busy interested and excited) These two men worked the 8 of us very hard with drills fun and new tennis experiences. I have been playing every day since this and have used some new skills I learned while there. I thank these two guys for their patience and competent teaching ability. They were excellent players and terrific instructors. The food was pricey but we expected that and there were 4 places to eat so we didn’t need to leave the area.
Rigorous and professional, with long-time staff that seems committed to teaching and making enjoyable the five hours of time on court each day. We have been to many adult tennis camps, and we just returned to this one after five years. The high quality was sustained.
The biggest strength for me was my coach Jeff Axen. He was an excellent coach. Great listener, great drills and great feedback on what I could work on. I have had other coaches and he filled all my needs at the tennis camp. Thoroughly the best coach for me. The rooms were spacious and were comfortable, the only weakness was that our room didn’t have any hot water for showers. They did come and fix it the first day however by the last day we had cold water again.
This is my 3rd time at Saddlebrook; I go back because it is the best tennis instruction around. I live in Maryland and look forward to my trip to Saddlebrook every year. My friends and I are already talking about plans to go back next year. Howard runs a great program. Larry is one of the best instructors we have ever had. My friends and I are excited to start playing once we get home, so we can use all that we learned over the 3 full days of tennis instruciton we had. If I have to give a negative, it has nothing to do with with the tennis program, but the variety of food options. We like staying at the resort and a few more food options would be nice. Best bang for the buck around !!!
Eight of us players participated in the two day instruction. Larry did a great job with the video review. AJ And Jeff where our instructors for the two days and let us through grueling drills. The courts we took instruction on where in excellent shape. The resort, does need some updating. Our Accommodations, while spacious, head operational issues. For instance hot water with inconsistent. The staff on the property did an excellent job and we also enjoyed the food we had in the restaurant in the bar. I would highly recommend this resort for serious tennis players.
Overall good tennis program – areas of improvement – allow for a mix of 3 hr programs. Your older tennis players need more time to recover. More focus on video before and after a few lessons. Objective is to find technical weaknesses – recommend improvements – spend time instilling the new changes – then video tape to see if the changes have been learnt. This is also good for review when we get back home.
Strengths are personal attention and instruction. Weakness was the speed of food service.
Had an excellent 2-day tennis camp at Saddlebrook recently, my 2nd visit. Anyone who loves the sport, wants to work on his/her game or just get to hit a lot of balls, will not be disappointed with the tennis experience delivered by the team at Saddlebrook and Howard Moore, in particular. The program runs like a well oiled machine but there is as much personal attention as you request. At the opening of each session there is a stroke demonstration that consistently includes detail and nuance that those looking to develop their game can work on incorporating right away. While the style of instruction varies between instructors, each was very knowledgeable and capable of quickly identifying ways to improve stroke mechanics and game tactics. While I loved my time on the court which surpasses any other tennis programs I have attended, what I appreciate most is the welcoming hospitality and service. When making my reservation, I was connected with Howard Moore (the program director) and described the experience I was looking for myself and 15 year old son who is a beginner. Upon arriving the following week, Howard had a plan in place for my son and checked in on both of us frequently to see how it was going. Any request we had was met with a desire to be accommodating and ensure we had an enjoyable experience that delivered what we were hoping to get out of the trip. Each instructor we worked with also took a personal interest in my son’s development and were not simply going through the motions. Noting my son’s preparation for a high school tennis team tryout, we were paired with Larry for a 1 hour session which was the most densely packed hour of practical tennis instruction I have ever had. It was a complete review of all strokes full of tips that I have taken away for future practice. We can’t wait to go back.
My group of 4 just finished up 2 days of 5 hour instruction at Saddlebrook. Howard runs a great program. He is present all day making sure everyone has a great experience. We had a different pro each day. Both Juan and Mark quickly assessed our strengths/weaknesses and taught us skills to improve placement, net play and serves. We have already booked our trip for next year. We had no complaints about the rooms – very clean, beautiful views and customer service great throughout the resort.
This is an amazing program! Eight of us (USTA 3.5/4.0) traveled to Wesley Chapel to attend the Hopman Tennis Academy and were absolutely blown away by the quality of instruction and care given to our group. Howard Moore and his team (AJ, Tye and Tyler) took a great deal of care in understanding our goals and tailored a tennis program that was technically challenging, entertaining and impactful to all who attended. From the morning stretch to the daily tennis instruction to evening meals, Howard is a hands-on manager who engaged our group and participated throughout our stay with level of customer service comparable to what I have received at the Ritz Carlton. The technical program focused on the whole game and pushed each of us to become better players by the end of our stay. If you love tennis, and are serious about improving, I would highly recommend this top-shelf program.
Great facilities, the instruction is second to none, high-intensity workout and there is no waste of time. Camp Director, Howard Moore is always around ready to help you. Saddlebrook Resort/ Hopman Tennis Rocks!!!!!!!
Saddlebrook Tennis Resort is the best place to improve your game in a few days. With morning and afternoon sessions, never more than a one to four ratio (teacher to students), and an emphasis on “it takes a court to improve a player” attitude, the opportunity to improve your tennis is guaranteed. I am especially fond of the teaching pro Larry – he works you hard while giving you great mnemonic phrases which help you remember his advice long after the lesson is over.
I was part of a four person group that was at Saddlebrook in early February for three days. It was my second time at the resort in the last three years. Our group had a terrific experience. We played five hours a day for two days and three hours on the third day. Phillip was with us each day and he provided terriffic instruction and his enthusiasm and positive energy were evident from the first minute through the thirteenth hour of play. I also received great advice on stringing from the Zach and Peter in the pro shop and they restrung my racquet for me on the spot. We were sad to leave and looking forward to a return in the near future.
Great instructors especially Bentley and Jeff!
Saddlebrook’s strengths are its first-rate staff and facilities for tennis, as well as its outstanding food and lodging, spa, pool, and friendly and courteous resort staff. Our tennis instructor Jeffrey Axen was especially helpful and knowledgeable, stressing the basics, groundstrokes, volleys, and serves, as well as slices, dropshots and swinging volleys. Tai, a top expert, roamed the courts giving individualized attention to each participant. Both Jeff and Tai gave me many tips to help me improve my game, plus pointing out my strength—my serve and showing how I could improve that as well. Program is also well paced, enabling me to complete the 5-hour daily program without getting wrecked. Got a great massage and really enjoyed the spa facilities.
This is my second year at the Hopman Tennis facility at Saddlebrook. Howard Moore has been running this top notch program for over 30 years and his commitment and dedication shows. The pros are wonderful and the instruction is great. I plan on returning to Hopman next Spring and look forward to making this an annual tradition…highly recommend!
This was our second annual ladies tennis weekend at Saddlebrook in January 2018 The entire staff and Howard are amazing. Mark was our instructor and he couldn’t have been more enthusiastic. Howard goes above and beyond to make sure you are absolutely having the best time. The spa is amazing – closed on Mondays. We will definitely be back again next year!
Saddlebrook Tennis and Fitness departments are 5-star in terms of high quality training, pros, facilities, and everything a tennis enthusiast of any level could need. I frequently train at Saddlebrook because it is simply the best! Thanks again for a great week!
The Hopman Tennis Program at the Saddlebrook Resort and Spa is designed to unleash the best out of you, and push you to your absolute limit. Just like any school or business depends on leadership and professionalism, the same goes for the Hopman Tennis Camp. Howard Moore was able to create a program in which any student was treated and taught the exact same way as a professional tennis player. Him and his staff are capable of delivering the best teaching techniques which bring progress and improvement to anyone’s level. This camp really boosted my confidence on the tennis court. I really recommend this tennis program to anyone who think of tennis as being an important part of their life!!!
The tennisteam takes good care of everybody and is helpful. You learn everyday somesthing more and make progress, small classes so you get a lot of attention. Well kept courts.
My husband and I just came back from a 5days adult tennis camp last week. It was our first time in Saddlebrook but sure won’t be the last! Saddlebrook is a huge complex, numerous tennis courts, beautiful grounds and golf courses all around. The pool lies at the center of the resort, immense, with two whirlpool baths aside. The room we had was oldish style but very clean and comfortable. The few restaurants where good, lots of fresh salads and healthy meals. We came for the tennis camp and it completely filled our expectations: small groups (1-4pers per coach), excellent and thorough teaching, very knowledgable and committed coaches teaching to all levels of players. The five hours where intense but so much fun and interesting that it passed quickly, never painfully due to the great variety of drills and plays dispensed by coaches. We had the great pleasure (honor) to spend time with Howard Moore, the head coach who’s love for tennis teaching is compelling and inspiring. I spent most of the week with Larry, my husband with Phil and we were both very satisfied by their approach to lead us into the game, the understanding of tactics as well as technique itself. Thank you fondly to all the staff of Hopman program!!!
I went to the Saddlebrook Resort with my husband and another couple for the Hopman tennis program. The only weakness with the tennis program is the resort accommodations. The rooms are outdated probably 30-40 years old. The property was very large and beautiful. They have a large pool for families and an adult pool. To use the adult pool you need to walk over to the regular pool just for towels. There is zero service at the adult pool let alone even something to eat. The main pool has a poolside cafe and bar but no service walking around. However, the purpose of our trip was for the Tennis. The tennis program is EXCELLENT. Howard the director looked to make sure we were happy. I must add the first day I was placed with two players weaker than me and nobody thought to change me out. . I spoke with Howard and the last two days were challenging and extremely beneficial. I had a different pro all three days. The first day was with a weaker group, The second day was Bentley who was excellent and the third day Bentley was not there so Howard worked with me. I had 4:1 day one. 4:1 half day second day and the afternoon session was 2:1 and the same the third day. They worked on improving our strokes, our game technique, placement, worked on “modern tennis” and much more. The 5 hours a day was perfect. The entire staff there just aims to please. I would definitely revisit for amazing tennis.
If you love tennis, and you are serious about wanting to improve, then Daddlebrook in literally Tennis Heaven. There are 47 Har-Tru courts, and instruction (5 hours a day) is superb. The Director, Howard Moore, is tireless, and hands-on, dedicated to meeting players’ individual needs, at all levels. Instructors are all experienced , well trained, and enthusiastic. People come from all over the world to be part of this program, and are often repeat visitors. Guests stay in comfortable suites, a short walk to the courts. It is only a 25 minute limo ride to the Tampa airport. Restaurants are available at the resort or nearby. I have been to Saddlebrook once or twice a year since 2007, and I would not go anywhere else.
I have been to several tennis resorts and camps and I liked Saddlebrook a lot. The hotel is a little tired but more than adequate and the rooms are inexpensive compared to “fancier” resorts. The tennis is great. The only variable is the teaching, which is true of any place where you are assigned to a pro. Like most places it is best for the 3-0 player or the 4-5 player. If you are 3-5 or 4-0 you may get put with a 3-0 level group which can be demoralizing. I happened to have great pro and a great group and it was terrific. I would go again tomorrow because there is so much to learn.
Wonderful resort. Howard Moore and the pros made our group of 12 (on my wife’s 40th birthday) feel incredibly welcome. The level of instruction was spot on. The faculties were amazing with plenty to do poolside and short drive to Tampa for great restaurants. Howard has a super positive outlook that gets you excited to play. We were all exhausted by the end of the day but pleasently so. Can’t say enough wonderful things. Will definitely be coming back!
The tennis camp had instructors who made the day a lot of fun. I felt I came away with good feedback to help my game. Would certainly love to do it again!
Saddlebrook’s adult tennis instruction program led by Howard Moore is phenomenal. Howard is very “hands on” leading daily calisthenics, jumping in to offer one on one instruction, & ensuring guests are fully satisfied with their experience. One of the program’s strengths is working with the same pro through out our entire stay (other than if they have a scheduled day off) which enables them to really understand & work with our specific needs. Phil was committed & focused on working with us to bring our game to a higher level- while having a great sense of humor. Saddlebrook Resort offers great amenities including a lovely spa to pamper your aching body, a very nice pool, & very good restaurants. While the accommodations are spacious & clean, they are somewhat dated. I will definitely be looking forward to a return visit to Saddlebrook.
Our community took a group to Saddlebrook for a tennis clinic and I have to say it was a great day. Sean was our instructor and gave us excellent drills that really honed particular skills. All the details were included, towels, drinks, and even a tee shirt. I would highly recommend this resort if you are interested in getting great tennis tips that will really help you on the court. Lunch was poolside and was also excellent. Service was great and the meals were all fabulous.
My wife says I’m hard to buy for, this bday she got it right! I spent four days at Saddlebrook and had a great time. The instruction was spot on. People are friendly and helpful. Accommodations spacious and inviting. I have played golf here before and enjoyed it but did not this time as they wore my butt out. I will be back.
What an experience… We took our 11 yo son to a 5 day tennis camp during spring break.This place is a tennis haven for developing players. A lot of history of previous champs and new ones like Zverevs and Isner. The detail to young players is second to none. I cannot tell you enough about the staff. Alvaro is the best, I wish we had a coach like him where we live, such an enthusiasm to grow players and teach them right techniques… Howard is doing a phenomenal job running the school. We cannot wait to go back….
I attended the Saddlebrook tennis camp for 5 days in July 2017 and loved it. I like to be challenged and the Saddlebrook Camp did not disappoint. I was most interested in working on my physical conditioning so I appreciate that they pushed me physically. Every article of clothing I wore, including sneakers, was drenched in sweat. I lost weight, gained muscle, and have motivation to work on my diet and exercise at home. Technique flaws that I was making, unbeknowest to me, were pointed out. I have a deeper understanding of proper tennis technique, even though I was already a student of the game. Off the courts, the huge pool is great. I want to go back.
Excellent tennis program, best tennis instructors. You will be working hard and you will improve your tennis level. Recommend the 5 days package. Howard Moore and Shawn McGee are managing this tennis camp better than ever. I have been coming here for the last 30 years and I love it.
Let me just start off by saying that Saddlebrook Resort is the best tennis vacation I have taken in my life!!!! It all started from the moment I booked my reservation. I spoke with a very polite and knowledgeable gentleman named Giancarlo. He helped me set up everything on my reservation from room and tennis, all the way down to the transportation I needed to and from the resort. He will help you book the best and most affordable package that fits you perfectly. I had spoken to other people in the reservations department but none of them had the same “touch” as Mr. Giancarlo did. If you need to book a reservation don’t waste your time and ASK FOR HIM DIRECTLY! When I arrived at the resort, everyone was very pleasant and polite. At the front desk I was greeted by Ms. Katie who made the whole check-in process simple and very informative. She gave me all the information on where I should report in the morning for the tennis, and what other amenities the resort had to offer. From there I went up to my room, that by the way had everything I had requested (Thanks to Mr. Giancarlo again) and even had a personal note from the Hopman Staff and basket of fresh fruit! The next day I started, what I consider the best tennis training I have received in my life. During my stay I had either Coach Ty or Coach Phil everyday. Coach Ty is very knowledgeable and helped me fixed little thing in my game that made a huge difference at the end. Coach Phil is also very knowledgeable, but with him you receive an extra personal trainer that pushes you on, and like he tell you on the court, makes you “MOVE YOUR BUTT”!! A special thanks to both of them for making this experience so good and memorable. Request them as your coaches and you will not be disappointed! At the resort, I also had the pleasure to meet the Tennis Director, Mr. Howard Moore. Just a little warning on him, he can sometimes sound a little “too excited” but if you really do listen to him you will learn a lot and he does genuinely cares about the tennis experience you are receiving at the resort. Again a special thanks to Giancarlo, Katie, Ty, Phil, and Howard for making this experience so enjoyable. Overall I could not ask for a better tennis vacation!
Saddlebrook Tennis is an incredibly well structured program. The organization of the instructional groups, ability to coordinate instruction for multiple levels of play, and staffing were excellent. Camp was run on Har-Tru courts, which was an excellent amenity over hard courts. Healthy snacks, water, and Gatorade were available court side at all times. My personal experience showed an instructor (Howard) with the ability to diversify lessons to accommodate multiple levels of play within the same group. My husband was moved between groups during our two day stay because his level of play was higher than he initially reported. His instructor was able to note that, report it back to the office, and have him properly assigned for his next camp session. The kid’s program (non-tennis) is fine, but quite unstructured. The kids do not have a set agenda, so parents do not know where to find them during the day without asking the pool desk. On a VERY strong note, if your child is the only child in camp on a given day, she/he will be allowed to dictate his/her own schedule (or you can suggest) and will receive one-on-one attention without an increase in price. Food options on-site are limited, and the main restaurant is very expensive. The food was quite good, however. There were a variety of kid’s options on a separate kid menu.
Outstanding tennis coaching. My family and I were at Saddlebrook in April. The coaching was fantastic ( special thanks to Larry) and the atmosphere was exciting due to the Fed Cup match that was due to take place the following week. A highly recommended holiday for tennis fans.
Outstanding tennis instruction in a great setting. Disciplined, hardworking and committed pros who work hard with you in small groups 2-3 for 5 hours a day. A great way to improve your game and they do it with enthusiasm and a sense of humor. A good place for for young children to either start playing the game or continue if they are already playing. Strengths – Nested in a resort setting and lots of green space – Very high quality instruction – Excellent tennis facilities ( clay courts) – Accommodation in condos with full kitchens – Well managed Weaknesses – None noted. We are repeat visitors
The camp was fantastic with focused instruction and variety in the drills. The weather was so nice and I had so much fun my body sort of broke down a bit towards the end of the week. Lots of liquids were provided each day to stay hydrated and the spa at the resort was enjoyable so that helped. My best advice based on my experience is to pace yourself and mix in match play or rally sessions to apply what you’ve learned. There were many drills but I not much match play on my part, mostly due to poor planning on my part. Tennis is not an afterthought around these parts…45 well-maintained courts with friendly instruction. Beautiful weather and surroundings. The video instruction was a useful tool and was very effective. It’s opt-in so be sure to request it when you get there.
I just finished a long tennis weekend. It was a beautiful place and we had great instructions. Howard Moore was a real Pro and I would love to return next year.
Howard Moore was an exceptional coach. He made oour trip educational and memorable!!!
We had a fantastic time at Saddlebrook. Howard was the best pro! Great personality and excellent instruction. We played a variety of surfaces and learned multiple new techniques.
I was part of a clinic where Tai was the professional leading my group and he was outstanding. Just the right amount of technical discussion combined with hitting. I highly recommend him!