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Impact tennis training program at Quail Ridge

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BY ERIC HORCHY

THE SUNCOAST NEWS

Published: November 7, 2008

Updated: 11/07/2008 12:11 pm

SPRING HILL - As it is in any sport, natural ability only takes one so far. Advice and assistance from an outside and more experienced voice is what can transform good into great, or simply average into competitive for the weekend warrior.

That's what Brent Wellman offers four days a week to players of all ages at the Quail Ridge Country Club, in Spring Hill.

Wellman, a United States Professional Tennis Association tennis pro and former Division I and Division II college coach, is now in his fourth year running the club's Impact Tennis Training program.

The primary players working on their games are some of the top and up-and-coming youths around the area, but Wellman is willing to train anyone looking to improve while using the same full range of techniques for all.

"The philosophy is, 'there's no different strokes for the age of the folks,'" he said, referring to idea that techniques should be taught repetitiously to all in the same manner.

A typical session consists of a full range of warm ups, drilling, cardio, stroke training and ball striking and an array of agility exercises designed for getting to specific shots.

Beyond play on the court, Wellman said he works to help his kids achieve in other areas as well.

"We create a positive atmosphere and we're about making kids better, not just as players, but by building the discipline it takes to be successful in life," he said.
Wellman is aware of the opportunities available to some of his students, such as the prospect of college scholorships, and works to help them reach that goal. Players like River Ridge High School sophomores Tijana Subotic and Nicola Wellman both played on last year's regional playoff team and are prime examples of those with next-level potential.

Subotic's younger sister, Tamara, has been in Wellman's program for a month now and said the training has been noticeable in USTA matches she has played since.

"I can get to a lot more from my opponents," she said. "I get to slices better and I'm able to be more flexible and lunge more."

Anyone who has ever stepped foot on a court with racquet in hand can attest to the sport's demanding physical nature in regards to quickness, coordination and endurance, and Wellman strives to implement all aspects into his program.

Players will run laps, jump rope and maneuver footwork ladders, among other endurance and agility drills, in addition to on-court competition.
Wellman utilizes supplemental equipment like the Playmate Slam ball machine, which can fire precision shots up to 120 miles per hour at virtually any angle with any spin, to allow players to work consistently on individual strokes.

The coach believes in teaching his students to aid each other along the way, regardless of skill level.

"No matter how good you are, you're not too good to help somebody that's starting or behind you," he said.

Above all, Wellman believes that players can only get out of the sport what they put into it through effort and practice.

"We're not trying to sell tennis as some quick, easy sport to play," he said.

"We're going to bring you along, but there are no miracles in becoming a Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal."

"I'm all for kids playing tennis even if it's not highly competitive. But I think our difference is we want to make you as good as you want to be."

The Impact Tennis Training program will be held 4 - 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 4 - 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Players can pay $11 per hour or get package deals of 10 hours for $100, 15 hours for $135 and 20 hours for $170.

For more information contact Brent Wellman at 727-919-2011 or at www.brentwellman.com>.

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