About
CC Tennis is more than a lesson or clinic or source of sports knowledge. We aim to provide instruction and guidance in all areas of tennis, physical and mental. We encourage beginners to adopt a new sport that will last them a lifetime. Most importantly, CC Tennis provides positive encouragement and structure for kids and aims to solidify the community through social tennis.
Creighton Blanchard has been the Director of Tennis at Club Continental since February of 2013. He is USPTA certified teaching professional and has been coaching for over 9 years and playing the sport for 16 years. He played junior tennis at the state and national level with substantial success as well as clinching two state titles in tennis for Bolles here in Jacksonville, Florida. He played 3 years for the University of Alabama and reached a national doubles ranking of 34 in the country his sophomore year. His modern approach and dynamic training exercises learned through training at UA has allowed citizens of the Orange Park community to take their games to the next level. He specializes in doubles strategy, efficient movement and modern technique.
I enjoy teaching people correct fundamentals and giving them a clear roadmap to success on the tennis court. I am very grateful to work with clients who are motivated to improve and willing to do the hard work to get there. I have never had a client I wasn't able to help in some way. I specialize in junior tournament tennis and my true passion is helping kids in high school earn scholarships to play tennis all over the country. I have several kids each year that receive scholarhships to D1, D2 and D3 athletic programs. I also enjoy helping novice and veterans alike in reducing their bad habits so that no free points are given away. I also like to keep it fun and light with plenty of laughs to keep the environment stress free.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I will ask them about their previous experience, their goals for improvement and other sports related experience to discover what level of coordination they have. Depending on the level and their goals, I'll construct a progression that will teach them a new concept in the beginning, build confidence in the middle and challenge them at the end.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a double major Bachelor's degree in Finance and Economics which helps me in my organization and business skills. I have a 7 year old son and twin sisters that I coach so I know how to relate to kids as well as find ways to motivate different types of personalities. I trained under Louis Ballantyne as a junior and then Bo Hodge, Billy Pate and George Husack in college at the University of Alabama. I have worked with pros on the pro tour as a hitting partner for doubles and singles.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do.
Creighton Blanchard Rates
Member
Guest (Jr)
Guest Adult
Half Hour
35
40
45
Hour
60
65
70
Half package
150
170
190
Hour Package
275
300
325
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching as a teenager to make extra money. I worked with young kids and kids 16 and under that wanted to be tournament ready. This progressed to hitting lessons with adults and working 25 hours a week in the summer camps. I got my UPSTA at 19 years old and have been teaching private lessons and clinics ever since. I would work 8 hour days during the summers in college to save money up for the year. After college, I immediately got a teaching pro job at the prestigious North River Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa AL. I then taught their for almost a year before coming to Jacksonville and becoming the youngest Tennis Director in the state of Florida at the age of 23. I have been building the program at Club Continental ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with both genders and all ages. I have clinics for kids as young as 3 and I work with several clients who are in their 80's. My specialty is juniors 12 to 18 who want to get a college scholarship.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
On April 20th, we had a Pro Doubles Exhibition to showcase proper exciting doubles and offer a fun social event for members of Club Continental and their guests. Adam Hoffman (assistant pro) and myself played Miguel Chacon (head pro) and Gary Forhan. The match ended up going to three set for an exciting tiebreak finish. The food and drinks provided by the club were great and everybody had a great time.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
It is important to have a good foundation froma technique standpoint. One bad coach can cause years of bad habits so it is important that the pro you choose has a highly skilled technical background. You also want a pro that is in shape and can push you to your limits.
You also want to a coach that can change his style according to the client and always has your best interest at heart.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your performance goals? (specific shots & technique)
What your result-based goals? (1 st place finish or making high school team)
What is your budget?
How much time are you willing to allocate towards your tennis career improvement?
If you learn better by writing, bring a pen and notepad to the lesson. Write down 3 important points frome ach lesson to helo you learn.