Students at the Vineyard Youth Tennis Center got a chance to work with a master on Tuesday, when famed tennis coach Nick Bollettieri visited for the afternoon. Mr. Bollettieri, who has coached 10 number one players, including Andre Agassi, the Williams sisters and Maria Sharapova, spent time with the high school tennis teams as well as the younger tennis center players who are just beginning competition. He later took part in a question-and-answer session with parents and players.
“We’ve always tried to get him here,” tennis center director Scott Smith said. Mr. Smith worked with Mr. Bollettieri in the 1980s. He invited the coach to stop by during a trip to the Manchester Club in Boston.
“First of all, thanks for letting me come,” Mr. Bollettieri said, adding that he was impressed by the youth tennis center facility. “I’ve already put my application in to be in your system,” he joked.
“The main thing to understand is that tennis is a sport for a lifetime,” Mr. Bollettieri told the high school students. At 83 years old, Mr. Bollettieri proved this point just by being on the court.
During his time with the students, Mr. Bollettieri tailored his teaching to each age group, tapping into the already-honed competitive drive of the older players while stressing the importance of having fun to the younger students. In all sessions, however, he stressed the importance of technique. To that effect, he had brought a teaching tool that resembled a magic wand with a tennis ball stuck through its core. The ball slid up and down along the rod, or at least it would if the player was using the right form when hitting or serving.
“Not bad,” he said to high school sophomore Zak Danz after Zak “served” with the tennis tool. “I can see that he over hits.” Zak served again, controlling his speed this time.
“Remember, power is good if you control it,” Mr. Bollettieri said. Remember, he added later, when I’m yelling at you, I love you. “It’s when I’m quiet that you should be worried.”
Mr. Bollettieri also told the high schoolers not to enter a match merely planning to “try their best.”
“You go out to be a winner,” he said. “That attitude doesn’t make you a winner, but it gives you a chance.”
He set high school senior Sam Potter and tennis center pro Michael Halisky to the task of playing tennis within the doubles alley. The pair completed 24 consecutive hits.
Island kids under 18 take lessons for free at the Vineyard Youth Tennis Center. Mr. Bollettieri told the Gazette he was impressed by the facilities and programs.
“For these boys and girls to have this, it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “They’re here for a lot more than just tennis. Life lessons, character development, [learning] the importance of education.”
The tennis center was founded thanks to a gift from an anonymous donor. Mr. Bollettieri applauded the endeavor.
After the high schoolers finished, the Future Stars group came in for their session. Later, the tennis center’s travel team would step in. Mr. Bolletieri asked one Future Stars player what she would tell him if she were applying for a job with him.
“I like playing tennis, and I’m good at it,” she said, not missing a beat. Mr. Bollettieri’s face lit up.
“Good answer!” he said.
He asked others to try the practice device. Cam Napior stepped forward and swung the rod confidently. The tennis ball easily flipped to the far end.
“That was excellent,” Mr. Bollettieri said. “That to me is a beautiful swing.”
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