It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner, a regular, or if it’s been years since you’ve been on the court, there is always some skill, technique, or strategy that can be improved to bolster both your competitive advantage and enjoyment of the game. As Alan puts it, “the thing I love about working with members at Ford is a universal desire to improve. I’m able to get back to the fundamentals of teaching by introducing drills and refining techniques that make noticeable improvements at all skill levels.”

Each week Ford offers a dynamic group tennis clinic that focuses on improving essential skills, competitive strategy, and personal stamina. However, Alan encourages members to schedule one-on-one lessons so that he is able to provide a personalized lesson that caters to the specific need of each individual.

It’s this type of personalized attention that Kristen Bernstein was seeking 18 months ago when she began taking lessons with Alan. As a beginner, Kristen planned lessons two to three times per week. As she continued to improve she became a fixture on the tennis courts, and has concurrently evolved into what Alan Davies considers, “an ambassador for tennis at The Ford Plantation.”

Alan shared, “It’s been so much fun to watch her get better and better and see the other members of the tennis community welcome her with open arms.” Kristen is now is a regular participant of the tennis socials, playing alongside and completely at home with those who have been playing tennis their entire lives. And thanks to the tight-knit community and camaraderie at Ford, players never have to look very far for a doubles partner, or another single to play against.

Three or four times a year, members join Alan at the tennis courts for a Tennis Social. In order to mix things up, participants play with different doubles partners to enjoy a fun and friendly tennis competition. And it is a social, so cocktails are welcome.

There are three Har-Tru courts available adjacent to the Wellness Complex so there is almost always one available for practice, lesson, or good-natured competition. And for those interested in playing in cooler temps or after the sun goes down early in the winter months, one of the courts is lit. Winter is a perfect time to learn a fun new activity or work on improving a game you’ve enjoyed for years. Lessons with the tennis pro can be scheduled at your convenience, or if you just want some time to practice the techniques Alan is teaching, a ball machine is also available.