Tennis, Anyone?

One of the most innovative tennis programs for players at all levels is offered at The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, Florida. Among the novel teaching methods is the use of a video recorder on the courts, which supplies players with immediate feedback. By viewing two side-by-side screens, they can compare their form with that of a pro or have an instructor evaluate it in slow motion and with close-ups and freeze frames. Nine still, split images can be displayed at once, capturing an entire stroke on screen and in a hard-copy printout. A videotaped lesson can be made into a take-home tape.

There are 21 courts, five of which are reserved for teaching and 10 of which are hydro-courts. This newly patented surface is watered from below, keeping it consistently green and resulting in an even, resilient and comfortabl e court on which to play. Because hydro-courts can be used continuously, downtime is eliminated.

The courts at The Colony are free for guests staying at the resort. Some of the clinics are adult beginner, stroke of the day, doubles strategy, master junior development for ages seven to 18 and the Colony, a fast-paced class for intermediate and advanced players, including a tennis to music warm-up, as well as drills and games. Group lessons are one and one-half to two hours-long and have a ratio of no more than six students to one pro.

Guests are guaranteed at least two hours a day of arranged playing time. They need only visit the registration desk four hours in advance to be assured of a partner who plays on their level. If they cannot be appropriately paired with another guest, one of eight pros will play with them.

The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort, 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228. Tel. 800-282-1138. www.colonybeachresort.com

Spring 1994