El Conquistador Tennis

10/13/2026

All junior tennis programs are canceled due to rain today. You may do a makeup day on a day you don't normally attend but please email [email protected] to RSVP and check availability. Thank you!

09/30/2026

The Climb

As tennis players, one of the biggest struggles we can face is playing an opponent that can effectively pull us out of our game.

Many times this will come in the form of someone who hits slower than we are used to, but it does boil down to our opponent's ability to change the pace at which we are playing in order to keep us off balance.

The frustrations mount, we lose some easy points, and then suddenly we find ourselves try to climb through this slog of a match where our head has completely left us. Facing the mountain we've made, we then will often begin to press, going for winners that we will never make and often increasing our unforced errors.

In these moments, we have to find something to build on. Instead of trying to earn back the points you've already lost (which is impossible), we need to focus on the construction ahead. Build some points, move your opponent, and try to return back to the game you have played countless times.

Climbing the mountain we made is a very daunting proposition. But if we try to tackle it using the tools we know rather than a crawl we've never done, we just might reach the summit.

Benjamin

09/24/2026

Turn.
By Chip Tidd

You've heard it countless times right? Let's remember 3 of the main reasons that make turning a foundational mechanical principle in tennis. Power, accuracy and recovery.

Getting your shoulders and hips perpendicular to the net during your unit turn, allows you to store potential energy in your core and swing, for ALL shots. You then release the kinetic chain that drives momentum through the ball upon contact by transferring your weight having a long swing path. You can't do this or it is very limited if you are facing the net. Maintaining a sideways stance improves shot directional control too, by creating a natural hallway for the stroke to travel with the maximum range of motion forward, on both ground strokes and volleys. It also disguises your intent, making it far more difficult for opponents to read whether you are going crosscourt or down the line.

When we talk about turning, 45 degrees to the net is not turning, this is still half open. You have to be fully perpendicular, 90 degrees, to the net. Additionally, establishing a proper sideways position before contact drastically enhances footwork recovery because you are more balanced throughout the entire shot. There is less of a chance of leaning over and reaching, which is much more common when you are open or square to the net. By being balanced during the finish of the shot, you can immediately move into your recovery position and get ready for the next one. Power, accuracy, recovery. Turn!

09/21/2026

Last day to sign up for Fall In-House Leagues - Call 520-544-1780

09/17/2026

Tonight's Wednesday co-ed 3.5 and above clinic has been cancelled due to lightning.

We hope to see you all next week!

09/15/2026

We are also cancelling the Ladies Clinic at 6:30pm due to weather. Hopefully we can start next week!

09/15/2026

Academy is canceled this evening. Please, if you can, do a makeup on a day you did not sign up for. Please RSVP to do the makeup by email or calling the shop at 520-544-1780

08/08/2026

07/24/2026

Stop Trusting Your Partner

By Chip Tidd

I've noticed this a lot lately in doubles where the player at the baseline watches their net partner go for the ball, and then either the net player can't reach it or they pull back because it will be a bad shot, and then the base-liner looks goofy and surprised as they are not ready and miss the shot. Stop assuming your partner will hit it just because they are moving for it!

Trust me, you want them to go for the ball! That net player needs to be moving for the ball on contact, then deciding if they can get the ball while in transit, and then bailing out if they don't have a good shot. You want this to be automatic whenever possible. This results in better court coverage, better poaches and more offensive opportunities. So having said that, it's the baseline player's fault if they aren't ready to still hit the ball even if their partner is going for it. Get ready, assume they won't hit it and play a high percentage shot.

07/17/2026

The adult LADY'S CLINIC and Jr CAMP are canceled for tonight. Camp players that played will have credit for the next session or be credited if not attending another session this summer.