Summer Crest Tennis & Pickleball
Top level instruction for players of all levels and ages. Summer camps,
private lessons and clinics are available year round, weather permitting. Play challenging singles or doubles matches with other members. Our head pro Danny Castro and his team have decades of experience and success.
private lessons and clinics are available year round, weather permitting. Play challenging singles or doubles matches with other members. Our head pro Danny Castro and his team have decades of experience and success.
Tennis & Pickleball For The Entire Family
A Club Where Everyone Is Welcome!
News Flash - Late Winter 2025:
A COURT RESURFACING project is now underway.
or consider becoming a sponsor.
News Flash - Late Winter 2025:
A COURT RESURFACING project is now underway.
or consider becoming a sponsor.
An Affordable Club
Our membership dues are very reasonable considering the facilities offered. As far as tennis and pickleball venues go, this is considered the best bargain in Middle Tennessee!
Membership dues are annual and include the entire family. Membership runs from April 1st through March 31st of each year.
You can sign up HERE
Scroll Down to see Danny's Tips
Scroll Down to see Danny's Tips
On the Courts
On the Courts
Meet Danny's youngest student. He is four and a half years old.
Danny's Tennis Tips
Danny's Tennis Tips
An explanation of grips:
Advantages and disadvantages of each grip for tennis and pickleball players
Advantages and disadvantages of each grip for tennis and pickleball players
How you hold your racquet or paddle influences the angle of the face where you meet the ball in relationship to your body, and especially, what happens when the impact between the ball and racquet/paddle occurs.
The three basic grips – Continental, Eastern, and Western (Semi-Western is a variation) – all have pros and cons and the one you should use is dependent upon the desired shot you intend to hit, such as volley for more underspin or a topspin drive with more power.
The Continental Grip: originating on the soft clay courts of Europe and perfected by grass court players, this grip gives you an “open face” for underspin and is ideal for low shots. It is the same for both forehand and backhand and this is its biggest advantage – recommended for net shots, serves, and overheads in tennis and for all strokes in pickleball, especially for beginners and intermediate players. This grip is awkward when hitting high balls from the back court, especially in tennis, and is not ideal to generate power or topspin.
The Eastern Grip: originated in the eastern U.S. on courts that provided a waist-high bounce and it calls for a minor change between forehand and backhand positions. The vertical racquet/paddle face for hand support, ease of generating power, and its overall comfort, especially for beginners, are the advantages. The grip change for backhand strokes usually requires a quarter turn in a counterclockwise direction (for right-handed players) and is not the ideal grip to hit low balls with underspin.
The Western Grip: the opposite extreme of the Continental grip, the Western grip originated on the high bouncing cement courts of California is suited to balls hit above waist height and is primarily used in tennis and not recommended for pickleball. This grip is used for exaggerated topspin and contact is made in front rather than alongside the body. Since the hand is basically under the racquet to close the face, it is extremely awkward to open the face for underspin, and this is the main problem with this grip. The major grip change from forehand to backhand position is another disadvantage of the Western grip.
The Semi-Western Grip: this grip is a less extreme variation of the Western grip and a mid-point between the Eastern and Western grips. Used by most advanced tennis players on forehand groundstrokes and now pickleball players as well who want to generate topspin and power from the back of the court. It is still a difficult grip for low shots where underspin is desired (volleys and slices) and requires a grip change to the backhand position.
All in all, I’d recommend pickleball players to use the Continental and/or the Eastern grips because of their versatilities and little grip change required to move from forehand to backhand and vice-versa and tennis players to use the Semi-Western or Easter grips for groundstrokes and the Continental grip for volleys and serves.
Danny's Tip - Grips for Tennis & Pickleball Players
Danny's Tip - Grips for Tennis & Pickleball Players
Danny's Tip - The 3 Types of Volleys
In a previous tip, I addressed proper technique on volleys regarding backswing (or lack thereof) and attacking the ball with the legs rather than stretching and reaching when making contact with the ball. In today’s tip, I will talk about the 3 types of volleys regarding what to do at contact and how much power or pace you should apply to each volley.
1. Absorb pace – you should absorb pace or send the ball back with less speed than what you received when faced with low and slow balls that drop below the level of the net at contact. In order to absorb pace you should relax the wrist to slightly open up the face of the racquet and have NO follow-through – simply let the ball hit the strings. This will generate more underspin, which is necessary to make the ball go over the net.
2. Match the pace – you should match the pace or send the ball back with the same speed that you received when faced with low or just above the net balls that are coming with fairly good speed towards you. For this particular volley, you will keep your wrist locked and slightly open the racquet face for low balls or lock the wrist and keep the racquet face flat for balls just above the net. Your follow-through will consist of an extension of the arm towards the target.
3. Create pace – you should create pace or send the ball back with more speed than you received when given slow and high (above the waist) balls at the net. This is the one time you can “swing” into the stroke by snaping your wrist in order to create racquet head speed. These seemingly easy volleys can be tricky because players tend to take the racquet too far back with the hands and consequently open the racquet face and the result oftentimes is a volley that goes out (deep). Remember: you still want very little backswing here. The key is to not open up the palm of your hand upward prior to making contact with the ball – keep the wrist still and only “snap” as you prepare to make contact.
Which volley should you hit? It depends on the height and speed of the incoming ball.
Master your skills at the net by practicing all 3 types of volleys!!
Danny's Tip - cold weather play
Tennis and Pickleball can be played in cold weather. But read Danny's tips before going out in the cold to play!
Danny's Tip - cold weather play
Tennis and Pickleball can be played in cold weather. But read Danny's tips before going out in the cold to play!
Tennis is a sport played predominantly outdoors, but tennis can be played outside until the temperature drops below zero. The same can be said for pickleball.
What can you do to play tennis or pickleball in the cold weather?
First, make sure you dress appropriately. Using several layers of clothes is a great idea, as you can “unpeel” as you get warmer.
Second, accessories like gloves and sunglasses will keep your hands and eyes warm.
Third, dedicate more time to the warm-up to prevent injuries.
Fourth, adjust your game to the cold – shots with underspin (slice) will be more effective in the cold weather.
Here are the most important things to remember when playing tennis in cold weather:
Try to keep the ball low, because the ball will not have the bounce you are used to when playing tennis in the summer. That way you will earn more control over the ball.
Try to customize your serves while playing. In the cold, slice serves are better than kick ones.
Dress warmly, but wear more thin layers of clothing because your body needs protection while playing.
Do not underestimate the importance of warming up and exercising, you will get hurt easily and your playing will not be on a high level. Warm-up well before the match or training set.
For more intformation about playing in cold weather check out this link.
https://mytennishq.com/how-to-play-tennis-in-cold-weather/
Tennis is a sport played predominantly outdoors, but tennis can be played outside until the temperature drops below zero. The same can be said for pickleball.
What can you do to play tennis or pickleball in the cold weather?
First, make sure you dress appropriately. Using several layers of clothes is a great idea, as you can “unpeel” as you get warmer.
Second, accessories like gloves and sunglasses will keep your hands and eyes warm.
Third, dedicate more time to the warm-up to prevent injuries.
Fourth, adjust your game to the cold – shots with underspin (slice) will be more effective in the cold weather.
Here are the most important things to remember when playing tennis in cold weather:
Try to keep the ball low, because the ball will not have the bounce you are used to when playing tennis in the summer. That way you will earn more control over the ball.
Try to customize your serves while playing. In the cold, slice serves are better than kick ones.
Dress warmly, but wear more thin layers of clothing because your body needs protection while playing.
Do not underestimate the importance of warming up and exercising, you will get hurt easily and your playing will not be on a high level. Warm-up well before the match or training set.
For more intformation about playing in cold weather check out this link.
https://mytennishq.com/how-to-play-tennis-in-cold-weather/
Danny's Volley Tip
Danny's Volley Tip
Volley Technique:
When it comes to volleys, I often see club (recreational) players use a prolonged backswing and miss too many “easy” volleys. The biggest misconception about volleys is that the harder you hit or spike the ball, the better. In fact, just the opposite is true: the less you do with your upper body, the better your technique will be and you will become more consistent with the stroke.
Here are three important tips to improve your volleys:
1. Use your legs – I like to tell students that they should “attack” the ball with the legs first, especially on slow incoming balls. Momentum with your legs is vital for a well executed volley and that starts with a powerful first step towards the ball.
2. Shorten your backswing: once you build momentum with your legs, your upper body won’t have to do as much to generate power. Use a short, abbreviated backswing that does not go past your shoulders as you prepare to make contact with the ball. A good visual aid is to think that your back is pressed against a wall and if you take your racquet back too far (past your shoulders) you will hit the wall behind you. You can even practice this next time you are on the court by having your doubles partner or a friend feed some balls to you while you have your back against the fence. If you take your racquet back past your shoulders, you know because your racquet will inevitably hit the fence.
3. Hit short, angled volleys: most players like to hit deep volleys to push their opponents behind the baseline but that invites them to hit lobs as a way to defend against a deep volley. Short and angled volleys can be much more effective in putting the ball away and will prevent you from getting lobbed every time you hit a deep volley. It is much more difficult for your opponent to hit a good lob while moving forward to chase a short volley. Practice short, angled volleys by aligning your racquet face towards your target and using a short follow thru.
Doubles Positioning
Option A: one back, one front
Back player has one task: keep ball away from the other net player by hitting crosscourt shots or lobbing over the net player.
Front player has two tasks: OFFENSE and DEFENSE (you MUST know when to play either – proper positioning). Start on DEFENSE when your partner is RECEIVING the serve. Start on OFFENSE when you partner is SERVING.
During the point you should be on DEFENSE when your partner is about to hit the ball from the back and move to the T if you see the other net player moving to hit a volley – if you partner hits the ball away from the net player you should then move to OFFENSE and be ready to ATTACK only if you think you can hit a volley.
If Option A is not working, go to Option B where both players are back.
DANNY'S Doubles Positioning TIP
DANNY'S Doubles Positioning TIP
DANNY'S 5 Strategies for Doubles
DANNY'S 5 Strategies for Doubles
5 Strategies for Doubles
Most club players spend their time on the courts playing doubles. Here are 5 important strategies to incorporate to your doubles game:
1. If opposition stays back on baseline, move in to volley position as soon as you can (doubles is most often won by the team that captures the net).
2. When you are close to the net, use short and angled volleys (if you volley deep, more likely you will get lobbed – short volleys are more effective).
3. When you are at the net and the ball is deep on the opponent’s side, “move in” to distract and be ready to attack – you want to build forward momentum before executing the volley.
4. When you are at the net and the ball is behind you to your partner, “move back” towards the service line, facing the opponent diagonally across the net – that is a defensive position to cover your half of the court.
5. When you and your partner are both together at the net or back at the baseline and the ball comes down the middle, the crosscourt player from where the ball was hit, should cover the middle.
Dynamic Warm-up Before Playing (Not the traditional static stretching)
We all know the importance of warming-up before setting foot on the court in order to avoid injuries. While traditional static stretching (stretch-and-hold) helps with flexibility, it isn’t a warm-up in itself. The solution is a dynamic warm-up that will accomplish the following:
+ Increase body temperature allowing muscles to work more efficiently.
+ Get the heart and lungs ready for vigorous activity.
+ Stretch muscles actively, preparing them for the forces experienced during tennis.
+ Ingrain proper movement patterns and the coordination needed in tennis.
+ Wake up the nervous system and get the brain talking with the muscles.
+ Get the heart and lungs ready for vigorous activity.
+ Stretch muscles actively, preparing them for the forces experienced during tennis.
+ Ingrain proper movement patterns and the coordination needed in tennis.
+ Wake up the nervous system and get the brain talking with the muscles.
Here are five exercises that you can incorporate into your next warm-up routine:
1. Jumping rope – 1 minute. Jumping rope will increase your speed, agility, balance, and coordination. If you don’t own a jump rope, jogging in place while performing arm circles is another way to add cardio and shoulder movement to your warm-up routine.
2. Jumping jacks. Jumping jacks can help you prepare for the range of motions that you perform in tennis while also increasing your heart rate and building endurance. Start off with two sets of 15.
3. Shadowing. For two to three minutes, mimic the motions and movements you usually perform in a tennis game. Practice forehands, backhands, volleys, service motions, and overheads to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the game.
4. Knee lifts. Tennis requires rigorous full-body movement. While standing in place, raise your arms to hip level and lift your knees to touch them. Perform two sets of knee lifts for 15 to 30 seconds at a time.
5. Mini-tennis. Before you can take powerful swings from the baseline, you should practice them on a smaller scale. Starting at the center of the service line—also called the “T”—rally with another player, keeping the tennis ball within the service boxes. Mini-tennis helps you get in the groove of your groundstrokes and volleys without expending too much energy right away.
Danny's Warm-up Tips
Danny's Warm-up Tips
Split Step – The Foundation of Good Footwork
As a tennis coach, I see many players spending a lot of their time working on their strokes but not nearly as much time and effort on the footwork aspect of their game. One of the best ways to improve your game is to improve the way you move on the court. Good footwork starts with a proper and well-timed split step.
What is the split step?
The tennis split step is the hop players take before moving to the shot that was hit to them. The split step allows players to be more prepared to move in any direction and react faster to shots coming their way. The reason it helps players move better is because at the moment of landing, their legs are bent and loaded and will act as springs to impulse them in the direction of the ball. A good split step demands proper timing in relation to when the opposing player makes contact with the ball; mistimed split steps will make a player look slow and sluggish on the court.
Below is a quick video describing how and when to execute the split step. Notice how far apart (slightly wider than his shoulders) his feet are when he lands on the ground. You can easily practice the split step by yourself or with a friend next time you are out on the court.
Danny's Footwork Tip
Danny's Footwork Tip
Danny's Swinging Volley Tip
Danny's Swinging Volley Tip
Mid Court Swinging Volley
MADE POPULAR BY the likes of Andre Agassi and the Williams sisters, the swinging volley is a common stroke in the modern game. Although labelled a volley by definition because the ball is struck before it hits the ground, technically the shot is similar to a groundstroke.
Many coaches consider the swinging volley difficult and best reserved for advanced players, but I think with focused practice, intermediate players can also learn when to best hit the shot and how to execute it correctly.
The best time to hit a swinging volley is when the trajectory of the opponent’s recovery shot is too low to hit an overhead and too high to hit a regular volley with control. Imagine the opponent in poor court position and their ball softly floating towards you, a ball that would otherwise land between the service and base lines. This describes a perfect ball to hit out of the air as a swinging volley.
Here's a video of Serena practicing swinging volleys.
Danny's Re-stringing Tip
Danny's Re-stringing Tip
How Often Should I Re-string My Racquet?
Your strings can impact your performance as much as the racquet you use. If you think of your racquet as your car and the strings as your engine, you would have a re-stringing schedule just like you would have an oil change maintenance schedule for your car.
The old rule of thumb has always been to re-string your tennis racquet as many times a year as you play in one week. This model doesn't take into account players who are playing less than once a week.
Here's a baseline guide with suggested number of times you should re-string your racquet within a year based on how often you play:
Casual play (once or less a month): once per year
Occasional (2-4 times per month): once per year
Frequent (twice week): two times per year
Avid (3+ times a week) three times per year
Danny's Confidence Building Tip
Danny's Confidence Building Tip
3 Ways to Build Confidence on the Court
Confidence on the court is an absolute must because it separates the good from the great, and the elite from everyone else. Here are 3 practical ways to build confidence:
1. Make a list of all the times you have succeeded on the court (i.e. best wins, practices, etc.). Confidence is all about what you focus on, so start focusing on all your successes. Tennis players are often critical of themselves, but it’s really important to focus on their success lists. The physical list will help you recognize all the times you’ve succeeded, hit new milestones, or exceeded expectations. It will help you remember that you are a talented athlete, especially during uncertain or unfamiliar situations.
2. Improve your body language before games and practices. Find out what confidence looks like to you (everyone is different) and use that body language before and during practices and matches. Keep your head held high with a focused look on your face and, as a result, you will look more confident while feeling more confident. Make sure you have consistent serve and return routines (see last month's tip).
3. Visualize yourself succeeding. Create a vivid image in your head by using all 5 senses and imagine lots of details. Don’t just visualize winning – visualize the whole process of the match like warming-up, spinning for serve, serving, swinging aggressively on your groundstrokes, moving quickly and efficiently, etc. Visualize all these things in a positive way and it’ll help you succeed in your matches. You can use this tool throughout your life to visualize success in other aspects of your life as well!
Scroll down for more of Danny's Tips
Danny's Rituals Tip
Create Rituals
Every player should have a serve and a return ritual. Rituals keep our minds occupied and prevent us from having mental distractions. At the end of each point, most pro players will shift their racquets to their non-dominant hand in order to relax the dominant arm.
Singles players walk slowly to the back of the court, reach for their towels and proceed to the baseline (doubles players will usually meet near the baseline, give each other a high-five, talk strategy and move to their spots).
You will also notice that players will continue on with a particular pattern of movements, such as selecting the ball that is going to the pocket, adjusting wrist bands, bouncing the ball a few times and, of course, making sure your underwear is ready for action, if you’re Rafa.
The idea is to get mentally ready for the next point by following the same routine, regardless of the outcome of the point you just played. Make it your own, just keep it consistent.
Danny's Tip about Pressure
“Why don’t I play the same way in a match
as I do in practice or when taking a lesson?”
This is the question I get asked the most by students of all levels and ages and perhaps you struggle with that as well. The short answer is: pressure!
When a student comes for a lesson, the focus is on a particular task, such as engaging the wrist for more topspin or bending the knees to get under the ball and hit with more height. Whatever the task may be, the student is engaged and thinking about “how” to do something, without thinking too much about the outcome, i.e. “I need to hit this ball in” or “If I miss this shot my partner is going to be mad at me.”
When playing in a competitive setting we unconsciously shift our mindset to outcome based and as a result we get tentative and forget what the task is, resulting in more added pressure before we hit each shot.
In order to maintain good form, focus on the task, and the outcome will take care of itself. You will be more relaxed when you play and will get better results!