Blackburn Tennis Productions: March 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

“Play for Japan” Tennis Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 23, at the Portland Athletic Club

PORTLAND, Oregon (March 21, 2011) — The Portland Athletic Club (PAC), located in the Raleigh Hills district, is hosting a “Play for Japan” tennis fundraiser and potluck luncheon on Wednesday, March 23 from 12:00-2:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person, with all the proceeds going to Mercy Corps to help aid earthquake and tsunami victims in Japan.

This will be a tennis social fundraiser, with active games and drills for any age and skill level. Participants are asked to bring food or drink to share for the potluck portion of the event. PAC would appreciate participants signing up in advance by calling 503-292-2649, or by e-mailing Alyssa Morrison, PAC tennis event coordinator, at alyssa@portlandtennisleague.com. However, walk-ins are welcome.

“This is a way for tennis enthusiasts to help the victims of Japan while playing the sport they love,” said Maureen Harwood, tennis professional at PAC and director of the “Play for Japan” fundraiser. “I hope the tennis community can all come together for a fun event that will generate funds for a country in need.”

Tennis fans that cannot attend the event, but would like to support the cause, are welcome to make a donation through the Portland Athletic Club. Please make checks payable to the Portland Athletic Club. Checks may be sent to 5803 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale, Portland, OR 97221.

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Sunday, March 13, 2011

Coming Soon to Blackburn Tennis Productions and the Portland Athletic Club:

· High School Pre-District Doubles Tournament, April 29-May 1

-Keep your tennis game sharp and check out the competition early for the high school district and state tennis tournaments.

· Men’s 4.5 Hit Group

-Stay tuned: more information on this to come!

· Portland Tennis League’s Spring Session

-Includes Singles Flex, Aces, Mixed Doubles, High Noon Shoot-Out, Women’s and Men’s Doubles, Lil’ Rascals, and all Junior Divisions.

-Register today at www.portlandtennisleague.com, or call the Portland Athletic Club at 503-292-2649.

Blackburn Tennis Students attend Nike “Clash of the Champions”

EUGENE, Oregon (March 9, 2011) – The many students of Anthony Blackburn of Blackburn Tennis Productions (BTP) and head professional at the Portland Athletic Club (PAC), traveled to Eugene, Oregon, yesterday for the Nike “Clash of the Champions,” held at the grand opening of the Matthew Knight Arena on the University of Oregon campus. Phil Knight, CEO of Nike, Inc., financed the construction of this arena in honor of his late son, Matthew. This momentous occastion brought tennis greats Maria Sharapova, Vika Azarenka, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer for an exhibition match, which included women’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s singles.

Blackburn’s tennis clients returned with much to talk about, sharing their wonderful memories with Blackburn and the rest of the Portland Athletic Club. Sharapova and Azarenka ended their tight set with a 7-point tie breaker. Mixed doubles team of Sharapova and Federer topped the team of Azarenka and Nadal 6-4. Nadal came back from a 3-5 deficit to beat Federer 7-5 in the men’s singles match, the final event of the evening. To the crowd’s great surprise, there was a guest appearance by tennis legend John McEnroe, who commentated, filled in as chair umpire, and even played some tennis.

“This event was an outstanding moment for tennis in Oregon,” said Blackburn, who is also the head tennis professional at the Nike World Headquarters. “What a remarkable experience for my students. I can tell it has already increased their passion for the game, as I’m sure it has for the thousands of others who attended.”

Blackburn, who was unable to make the trip to Eugene, enjoyed hearing all the stories from this event, and would love for his students to send him any photos they may have. Photos may be sent to abtennisinfo@gmail.com.

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Johnson, Samkutty Clinch Boy’s and Girl’s Singles Titles in High School Kick-Off Tennis Tournament

Alex Johnson, left, and Jason Nguyen were first and second place finishers in the Boy’s Singles draw. Both are members of the Portland Athletic Club, host of the High School Kick-Off Tennis Tournament.

PORTLAND, Oregon (March 7, 2011) – Alex Johnson and Madeline Samkutty, both 14, captured the Boy’s and Girl’s Singles titles in the High School Kick-Off Tennis Tournament, held at the Portland Athletic Club (PAC) last weekend, March 4-6.

In the Boy’s Finals, Johnson, a member of PAC, defeated fellow PAC member Jason Nguyen, 17, in two sets. On the girl’s side, Samkutty prevailed in a gripping three-set semifinal match against seventeen-year-old Jennifer Kearns en route to the finals, where she topped Arielle Bradford, 18. Fifteen-year-old PAC member David Govshtein was the Boy’s Singles Consolation winner, while Christina Truong, a senior at Benson High School, took the Girl’s Singles Consolation round.

According to tournament coordinator, PAC’s Alyssa Morrison, it was a jam-packed three days of youth tennis with more than 50 high school players from all over the Portland and surrounding areas participating. “I saw some real high caliber tennis matches this past weekend,” tournament coordinator Morrison said. “I look forward to hearing a lot more about these kids as their high school tennis seasons unfold.”

Since this was a non-sanctioned USTA event, coaching was allowed, and many took advantage of the opportunity. As one of the largest pre-season tennis tournaments in the Portland area, this event offered a great preview of the competition that coaches, players, and teams can expect during the upcoming high school tennis season.

“I started this tournament because I wanted to see a large, non-sanctioned USTA event that provided high school kids with an opportunity to play in a high-quality tournament without having to worry about their ranking or position on their high school line-up,” said Blackburn. “I think this tournament provided these kids with a great warm-up for their high school tennis season.”

To acquire the full tournament results, visit www.portlandathleticclub.net/tennis_academy.asp or call the Portland Athletic Club at 503-292-2649.

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The Portland Tennis League’s Winter Flex Singles Division is a “Smashing” Success

PORTLAND, Oregon (March 14^th, 2011) - The Portland Athletic Club, host of The Portland Tennis League (PTL) announces that the Winter Session of its Flex Singles League has been well received, attracting nearly 30 players, both male and female, in almost every skill level, starting with 2.5 and up through 4.5 NTRP ratings. This league has become one of the winter’s most popular and competitive tennis groups, drawing players from all over the Portland, Beaverton, and Vancouver areas.

“This league is perfect for any type of tennis player,” said Anthony Blackburn, head tennis professional at PAC and coordinator of the PTL’s Singles Flex League. “Whether you’re just trying to get back into this sport, or whether you’re looking for some high-level singles competition, the singles flex league accommodates any and all of your tennis-playing needs.”

The PTL is designed to give players of all ages and skill levels an opportunity to play numerous matches in any event. Using a round-robin format, participants get an opportunity to play a different opponent each week for eight solid weeks.

Registration is now open for the Spring Session of the Portland Tennis League. For more information, visit the PTL website, www.portlandtennisleague.com, or call Alyssa Morrison or Anthony Blackburn at the Portland Athletic Club, 503-292-2649.

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Portland Athletic Club’s Junior Academy Tennis Team Travels to Salem for First-Ever Exchange Match

Portland Athletic Club (PAC) Junior Academy tennis players gather around Academy Tennis Professional, Anthony Blackburn (center left), and his assistant Nathan Ramos (center right) on the courts at Willamette University last August. Photo by Cindy Hill.

SALEM, Oregon (August 22, 2010) – The Portland Athletic Club’s (PAC) new Junior Tennis Academy Traveling Team of 15 players traveled to Salem, Oregon on Saturday morning to play a first-ever exchange match against the junior academy players at Salem Tennis and Swim Center (STSC).

It was an all-day affair, starting with the Junior Academy members playing both doubles and singles against the juniors of STSC. After that, PAC’s Academy team drove to Willamette University, where they challenged each other in some more fun competition. They ended their evening by going to a video arcade, eating pizza, and playing a round of bowling before arriving home late in the evening. All participants received their own personalized T-shirt, with a special nickname written on the back, made especially for the trip.

PAC’s Junior Academy tennis teaching professional, Anthony Blackburn, planned, organized, and executed this trip with the help of his assistant, Nathan Ramos. “We had such a great time, and the kids represented PAC tennis very well,” said Blackburn, who intends to make this a regular end-of-the-summer trip for the PAC Junior Academy players. “I am already looking forward to next year.”

Blackburn wishes to send out a special thank you to the chaperones on the trip, Jeff and Kathryn Nuss and Cindy Hill.

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Student Testimonials

"I have been taking lessons with Anthony for almost 9 years now. I started at his group lessons at Nike WHQ and then transitioned to year-round classes at his club. He is knowledgeable about the mechanics of tennis and is good at helping me to develop my own strategies for match play. He asks what my goals are for my game and helps me focus on them (he kicks my butt when I come to class with low energy!) throughout the lesson. All in all, Anthony is an excellent teacher and pro. He brings a huge breadth of knowledge about the game and combines that with in-class drills and exercises to support his lessons."

-Maya Broadfoot
NFL Demand Planning

“I decided to pick up that racquet again after many years without playing tennis. Lucky for me, I found Anthony Blackburn to help me bring back my game. He quickly recognized what worked from my ‘old school’ style and updated my game with important ‘new school’ skills.
He is patient, but firm. He encourages you to improve on your strengths but also makes you work on the weaknesses you would prefer to forget! If you are committed, he will work hard with you to meet your goals. His group classes are fun and fast paced - his private lessons focused and intense. Having Anthony's guidance has helped me love the game of tennis again and I look forward to playing forever!”

-Maria K.

"Anthony Blackburn has been a fantastic pro for me to learn, play and think the game. I started as a 2.5 (beginner) and now I'm on the verge of 4.0 under his tutelage. Not only am I being taught the correct stroke/swing techniques and footwork that works for me, but also how to play smart during a match.
I've received a lot of compliments on my game from friends and opponents, and I've been asked by several opponents to team up to play in tournaments, or to play on their league teams. That, to me, is high praise.
Since I've started taking lessons from Anthony, I've really enjoyed tennis and in turn, tennis has made me a fitter, healtheir, happier person. So a big 'thank-you' to Anthony for my improved game and overall well-being."

-Hoover Li

"If you're interested in improving your tennis game, or just picking up a racquet for the first time, Anthony Blackburn is who you should turn to. I have taken both clinics and semi-private lessons from Anthony for 4 years and have come a long way under his tutelage. He listens to what you want to work on and provides a consistent feedback throughout the lesson. He works you as hard as you want, but will push you to work harder. Anthony encouraged my tennis partner and me to enter more tournaments, and in 2010, we achieved an NTRP ranking of #1 in the 3.5 Combined Women's category in our region. This was a direct result of our semi-private lessons and Anthony working hard with both of us on our game and improving our doubles strategy. He helped us to correct bad habits and strengthened our confidence on the court."

-Rochelle Hart

“I started playing tennis under Anthony's guidance - I knew nothing about the game except for what I had seen on TV. His passion for teaching and watching his students improve is infectious, and he is committed to teaching his students to be solid tennis players. He taught me to play ‘smart’ tennis using technique that is repeatable and consistent under pressure. His lessons and clinics are fun but some serious work.”

-Carlie Nielsen

“Anthony has been a part of my 'tennis' life for over 20 years! I picked the racquet back up when I needed a sport after having children. He has been my inspiration, my coach…and he is my brother! I get no special treatment either! I started out as a 2.5 player. Under his coaching I quickly rose to the 4.0 level. His understanding and knowledge of the game is beyond words. He challenged me to work on my weakness. As a baseline singles player, my game has become an even stronger force to reckon with!
He has an innate ability to provide his students the skill of strategizing for matches. He doesn't just teach you how stroke the ball, he teaches HOW to play a match! I have been around many pros in the city and I can say that what Anthony brings to the court is like no other pro that I have been around. In the words of BTP – ‘Keep Swingin'!”

-Nikki Blackburn

"I have been playing tennis since I was 7 years old. I have been taught by four coaches who were all good, but Anthony is just great. He is hard on me, but always calmly insists on making my serve consistent, groundstrokes steady, and volley game up to high standard. He believes that all parts of my game must be excellent and insists that I have advanced game strategy as well. At 14, I need to work hard and be positive, and Anthony has made me believe that anything is possible, on or off the court."

-Madison Rosen
14 years old

"I was really glad to meet Anthony at my daugher, Collette's, first tennis lesson. While I am not a tennis player, I liked how he interacted with her and encouraged her!

-Mark Peterson

BTP Lesson Time Structure

The time scheduled for each lesson may has some overlap. This time is set for lesson scheduling, payments, picking up tennis balls, addressing any questions and returning student phone calls. If Anthony is not present at the time your lesson is scheduled, please use the time for serve and return and a general warm up. The scheduled lesson time will always be honored. Please realize this time is set for the balance of efficient and effective coaching. Understanding this, allow for 5-10 minutes before and after each lesson if necessary.

Thank you and Respectfully-

Pro Rate : Junior Development Through Private Tennis Instruction

Any type of tennis lesson should be supported by private instruction. BTP has helped junior tennis players excel quickly and efficiently using the Pro Rate system. The values of private instruction include:

1. Focus on inner competition

2. Develop your comfort level

3. Boost confidence

4. Enhance instructor/student communication

5. Motivation over embarrassment

6. Dictate or customize lesson focusing on where improvement is needed.

The Pro Rate system includes the basic teaching aids:

1. Eyes-on (visual)

2. Mind-on (video and print reference material)

3. Hands-on (demonstration and execution)

4. Ears-on (listening and understanding)

Understanding how to learn is as important to reach your tennis goals, as it is to experience. "The Game of a Lifetime."

Important Dates to Remember in 2011

* Mon., Jan 3: All Classes Resume
* Mon., Jan 17: All Lessons are Canceled- MLK Holiday
* Mon., March 21-27: All Lessons are Canceled- Spring Break

* Mon., May 2: Nike Tennis Lessons Begin

* Mon., May 30: All Lessons are Canceled- Memorial Day

* Mon., July 4: All Lessons are Canceled- Holiday

* Mon., Sept 5: All Lessons are Canceled- Labor Day

* Fri., Sept 30: All Nike Lessons End

* Wed., Oct 12: All Lessons are Canceled- Personal Day

* Wed., Nov 23: No Lessons after 3pm

* Thur., Nov 24: All Lessons are Canceled- Thanksgiving

* Fri., Nov 25: All Lessons are Canceled

* Mon., Dec 19-Dec. 31, 2011: All Lessons are Canceled- Holiday Break

* Mon., Jan 2, 2012: All Classes Resume

Cancellation Policy

Private Lessons: Normal lesson fees will be charged to students who don't call to cancel or reschedule missed lessons at least the day prior to their scheduled lesson time.

Group Lessons: A series of lessons consists of one class per week, for ten weeks. Students are required to pay for their series in full on the first class of each new session. A prepaid lesson will be deducted if the students does not notify the instructor of his/her absence at least six hours prior to their scheduled class time. "No Show" lessons cannot be made up at a later date. Emergency cancellations are at the discretion of the instructor.

Lessons available for make up cannot be done at your regularly scheduled class time. Lessons must be made up within the same ten-week session. If you will be attending a class as a "make up lesson", you must notify your instructor at least 24 hours in advance of attending the make up class. Your instructor will call you only if you cannot attend that "make up" class.

Any lessons canceled due to inclement weather, holidays or instructor's absence will not need to be made up. Your current session will be extended to account for these cancellations.

Important: If you have been absent from a lesson, please call 503.292.2649 on the day you will be returning to class to confirm that your lesson will be held. Also, a message will be left for the students at 877.365.4521 (ext. 3) if a class has been cancelled.

Lessons For Life : Non-Profit

With the increased rates of high school drop-outs, drugs and alcohol and teen pregnancies, President Anthony Blackburn created Lessons For Life. Lessons for Life is a grass roots, non-profit developmental program to provide tennis and build a foundation using the game of tennis, for at-risk youth. In addition to gaining skills on the tennis court, Lessons for Life will provide life long skills such as learning to participate in a structured environment, sharing, sportsmanship, self confidence and cultural awareness.

Donations, funding and additional information please contact Anthony at lessons4life@blackburntennis.com

Monday, March 21, 2011

“Play for Japan” Tennis Fundraiser on Wednesday, March 23, at the Portland Athletic Club

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Coming Soon to Blackburn Tennis Productions and the Portland Athletic Club:

Blackburn Tennis Students attend Nike “Clash of the Champions”

Johnson, Samkutty Clinch Boy’s and Girl’s Singles Titles in High School Kick-Off Tennis Tournament

The Portland Tennis League’s Winter Flex Singles Division is a “Smashing” Success

Portland Athletic Club’s Junior Academy Tennis Team Travels to Salem for First-Ever Exchange Match

Anthony Blackburn-Tennis Pro

BTP Offerings

Philosophy

BTP Contact Info...

BTP Hours of Operation

Student Testimonials

Blog Archive

BTP Lesson Time Structure

Junior Academy Program Schedule

Junior Academy Program Schedule

Pro Rate : Junior Development Through Private Tennis Instruction

BTP Time Share Tennis Lessons

Important Dates to Remember in 2011

Cancellation Policy

Lessons For Life : Non-Profit

More Blackburn Tennis Links

" Where People Who Play Tennis, Become Tennis Players "