The Jensen Zone: Getting the Most Out of Your Tennis Camp Experience

March 12, 2015 | By Luke Jensen
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It is time to thaw out from the winter freeze and start planning ahead for a summer tennis camp for your little tennis champs. Attending a tennis camp can be one of the best experiences a young player has in their lifetime.

When I was 14-years-old, I went to a Nick Bollettieri tennis camp in Wisconsin. Then, at the age of 15, I was given a great summer opportunity to travel with Tennis Europe and play tournaments in a bunch of European countries. I competed at all levels of players and played on red clay for the very first time.

I found that the tennis camp and tournament experience helped lay the foundation for the person I am today. Even after all of these years, I still have lasting friendships and memories as a young teenager exploring a new world through the game of tennis.

When you are looking into tennis camps for your tennis champs, my advice would be to find the right balance of tennis and social growth for your child. I have seen so many high-end tennis camps that offer a positive range of tennis experiences. I would check out the reviews from previous campers. Look into the number of players on court per instructor. I found a more personal experience was beneficial to the camper. A good number is six players on court per instructor, but eight players can be a manageable number. Anything over that is too much standing around between balls hit.

I am also a big fan of camps that have more than just tennis. I have worked at camps with fishing, boating and a great balance of fun. A former WTA top 10 player, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy has a Virginia mountain tennis experience that is amazing! You never wanted to leave and the coaching was first-class. I caught a ton of trout on the trip.

There is a massive amount of tennis and other activities out there if you do your homework to find the right fit. You will be amazed at just how much your little tennis star improves and is inspired by a new tennis experience. I recommend teaming with a buddy and sharing the camp experience. It will give them some individual confidence and self-esteem to be on their own. I recently ran into my tennis camp buddy Jeff "Cowboy" Slaggert and we had some great laughs about our summer tennis camp some 30 years after the experience.

Look at all your options and believe me, the tennis camp is a massive winner that can be a life-long game changer for every little tennis champion!


Luke Jensen

Raised in Ludington , Mich., Luke Jensen’s resume includes 10 ATP Tour doubles titles and singles/doubles victories against Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Ivan Lendl, John McEnroe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Connors, Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, Jim Courier, Patrick Rafter, Michael Stitch. Jensen and his brother, Murphy, won the 1993 French Open doubles title. He was also a member of the US Davis Cup Teams that reaches the finals in 1991 and won in 1992. His ambidextrous play, including his ability to serve the ball with either hand at 130 mph, earned him the nickname “Dual Hand Luke.” Luke is currently director of racquet sports at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.. He may be reached by phone at (315) 403-0752 or e-mail lukejensen84@yahoo.com.

 

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