The Adult Program at The Drysdale Tennis School was founded in the spring of 2009 and is designed to accommodate a variety of skills and tennis objectives; from the serious league campaigners to first time players we have a program for everyone. Since we opened we have been awarded a number of accolades including

Featured in Huffington Post Travel 2012
#2 Tennis Camp in the Country, Tennis Resorts Online, April 2011
Top 50 Tennis Resorts in the Country, Tennis Resorts Online, April 2011
#10 Tennis Resort in the Country, TENNIS Magazine, November 2010
#2 Tennis Resort for Families, TENNIS Magazine, November 2010

The Drysdale Tennis School has eight red clay courts, six hard courts and two indoor courts and is complemented by the Stratton Sports Center which includes a 15,000 sq ft recreation space, weights, stretching room, cardio machines, hot tub, swimming pool, steam room and locker rooms. All facilities are available for use as part of your tennis vacation or stay at Stratton Mountain Resort.

Pro Staff

Andrew Decker, Director of Tennis

Andrew has been working on Stratton seasonally since 2009 when CDT first came to the resort and has now returned as the year round Director of Tennis.  Currently certified at the highest PTR coaching level, Decker comes to Stratton Mountain from teaching positions he held at Middlebury Racquet Club in Connecticut, and Weymouth Club and Cedardale Health and Fitness in the Boston metropolitan area.  All three clubs have recently been recognized as USTA New England Clubs of the Year.

Billy Simmers, Head Professional

Billy Simmers has amassed a lifetime of experience in tennis and is a huge asset to the Drysdale Tennis School. Billy's background is as extensive as it can be in tennis, having been involved in the industry for the past 30 years, during this time Billy has worked alongside tennis legends such as John Newcombe, Cliff Drysdale, and Nick Bollettieri. His experience in players ranges from young beginners to professional players; Billy is also a wealth of information about Stratton and the surrounding area. Along with being certified by, Billy is also the Vermont State Rep for the USPTA.

In the summer Andrew and Billy are joined by a fantastic staff of international and local pros. You can find them on the courts teaching; watch them during exhibitions, and socialize with them during the Friday Night Mixers and Saturday dinners.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am a beginner player, am I good enough for the school?

Most players are nervous before joining a group class. Don't worry, as long as you've been on a court before we can work with the skills you already have and build on them to develop your confidence and improve your play. If you are a beginner player or haven't played in a while then we suggest that you try to hit once or twice the week before you come to begin getting your timing in order.

I'm an advanced player, is it worthwhile for me to attend the school?

All players regardless of skill have areas they can improve, our aim is to use your natural style combined with our coaching and professional expertise to improve all areas of your game, be it technical, strokes, match play or strategy. For the more advanced players drills are tailored to emphasize spin, speed, and depth as well as match play and live ball drills with other advanced players and the pro's.

How do I know that I will be placed in a group appropriate with my skill level?

All guests are asked their ability level upon making their reservation. We ask for information such as a USTA rating (3.5, 4.0 etc. if applicable), playing history and/or years of private instruction in order to try and match guests with players of a similar ability level. In addition to this we evaluate all players on the court during the warm ups and clinics. Once we begin each clinic if it is obvious that there are mismatches in a group then we are able to adjust groups as we see fit. If you have questions or concerns about your court assignment please make sure to talk to one of the pro's so that we can ensure your tennis experience is a memorable one. It's in ours as well as your best interests to have evenly matched groupings.

How tough are the programs physically?

Our 2 ½ hour camp clinics are designed to push you! In fact many players have come off the court stating they hit more balls and ran more than most 3 hr and longer sessions at other programs. However we're not here to break you down, the soft clay courts and the cooler summer climate in Vermont ensure that your energy levels and enthusiasm stay high. For the hard core that wants it we aim to please and can provide intensive private lessons in the afternoon or before the morning clinics.

What should I pack for tennis?

Proper tennis attire and footwear are required. Make sure to bring a comfortable broken-in pair of tennis shoes. Sunscreen and a hat or visor is a must! There are drinking fountains available close to the courts and we suggest bringing your own personal water bottle to ensure that you stay hydrated. We also recommend more than one racquet in case you break a string. We provide stringing services in our pro shop as well as a full line of Wilson rackets that are available to demo. If you have any apparel needs during your stay our fully stocked pro shop is on hand.

Can I take private lessons?

Private lessons can be scheduled either before the morning clinics or in the afternoon. Reservations can be made prior to arrival by calling 802 297 4236. Players are also welcome and encouraged to join in any of our other summer classes including cardio tennis, evening clinics and our Friday Night Round Robin.

What if it rains?

We move indoors and adjust our schedule to fit as many as possible in the best possible environment. We have two indoor courts for the adult schools use should it rain so even a torrential downpour won't dampen your game.

What is there to do after my tennis is finished for the day?

A huge variety of activities are on offer once you put the racket down. Stratton Mountain Resort is a hub in summer for hiking, biking, swimming in our pool or nearby lakes and rivers, gondola rides, and any number of other outdoor activities. For sore muscles take a relaxing massage at the Stratton Sports Center. The nearby town of Manchester offers fantastic outlets for shopping and more. Or you can just relax, for an extensive list of off-court activities.

What options are there for my children?

The Drysdale Tennis School is a great place for a family vacation. If your children are interested then you can enroll them in our junior tennis camp program where we take players of all levels from beginners through experienced. Camp options range from half and full day to weekly programs. Outside of tennis there are plenty of fun family friendly activities.

Where exactly is Stratton Mountain Resort and do I need a car?

Stratton Mountain Resort is approx four hours from NYC, 2 ¾ from Boston, and 1 ½ hrs from Albany Intl Airport, for complete travel details. Private transport is recommended for getting you to and from Stratton Mountain Resort as well as being great for day trips and off mountain excursions. Once you have arrived everything you'll need on mountain including, dining, lodging, and the Drysdale Tennis School is located within walking distance.

Testimonials

"Two great teaching pros. The clinics and private lesson really improved my game The drills for my serve is making my serve much better. The instruction that I received is continuing to improve my ground game. I loved it!"—J.M., Low Int., June 2011

"I thought the coaching staff at my daily clinics were very very good. They really concentrated on the individual and made great attempts to help improve each one's game. They gave me a lot to think about and work on until I return. I definitely want to come back and have those great teachers again,"—B.S., Adv. Int., June 2011

"It was fantastic. Instruction was very personal and thoughtful; really helped my game and my son's. We a already looking forward to going back. Thanks to Scott, Billy, Joe-Bob and Joe!"—D.A., Adv., June 2011

"My friend and I enjoyed a great weekend at Stratton. The pros there were very friendly and accommodating. After noticing that our group in the morning was not strong enough for us, we were moved, without our asking, into our own group. Worked very hard and had a lot of fun!"—S.V., Adv., June 2011

"Great tennis getaway! Intense, however not bootcamp style, clinics. My pro absolutely pushed me, but there was a thoughtful purpose to every drill. On the first day the levels of players were broad, the pros did a good job keeping things moving but I still wanted to be pushed a little more. Scott was amazing in accommodating me and I did not even have to ask. I ended up spending the rest of the weekend with one pro, Joe, with Scott checking in. I walked away with some good changes to my game, and had time to grove the changes while I was there. Entire staff was fun and helpful. Stop by the mixer on Friday night, the locals are fun and some will drop into the clinics and cardio tennis. You can get as much, or as little tennis as you want. A beautiful drive from Manhattan. I'm already looking to book my next weekend!"—C.B., Adv., June 2011

"Please be early, so you can enjoy Stratton, especially Cliff Drysdale's Tennis School, in full and depart as late as possible to take it all in. Fantastic place to learn tennis!!!! Great trainers!!!!"—R.H., Low Int., June 2011

"very well run camp: good pace, valuable insight, great recaps and focused on what would be most important to bring our game to the next level"—D.B., Int., June 2011

"Fantastic doubles intruction for my usta team. Great strategy tips, that are easy to remember and apply."—K.H., Adv. Int., May 2011

"The biggest strength was the pros' knowledge of doubles strategy. Finally, I was instructed to play as a partner, and not as one of two singles players who happened to be playing on the court together. Their emphasis on communication, smart shot placement, and variety of shots, really captured what I have always considered to be the essence of doubles. Also, the pros took an interest in the individual players and gave insightful advice on many aspects of the game."—B.G., Adv., May 2011

"I attended a one day clinic with 4 friends. We had morning and afternoon instruction from Scott. Our plan was to play some doubles with Scott observing, then have him comment on flaws he perceived in our games. Scott is an excellent teacher. Everyone in our group felt this clinic was very helpful. Scott gave us general information which applied to all of us, as well as individual instructions which I found very helpful. We attended in the winter, thus used the indoor courts. The facility is very nice. Everyone I met was helpful and kind. We all had a great day."—M.G., Int., March 2011

Testimonials taken from Tennis Resorts Online for further reviews please check out Tennis Resorts Online.

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