Fitness programs at the Academy

Under the guidance of Brice Chevalier — a certified personal trainer as well as an experienced tennis instructor — the Santa Cruz High-Performance Tennis Academy offers personalized programs for players or parents interested in customized tennis and fitness training. These programs go far beyond individual tennis lessons and workouts. Brice’s extensive background in fitness and nutrition allow him to create a complete program for Academy players.

In order to be successful at the tournament level and to play competitively in college, Academy players learn about and participate in strength and conditioning activities along with tennis instruction. Beyond conditioning on the court, Brice brings those players who are serious about conditioning to nearby Cabrillo Fitness to work out — so Academy players continue to train even on rainy days.

Strength and conditioning activities

At the Academy, players work on the following tennis-specific fitness drills, similar to activities used by professional tennis players:

  • Warm-up exercises
  • Plyometrics drills (type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements)
  • Unique footwork and speed drills
  • Core drills (for the abdominals and back)
  • Weight training
  • Cardiovascular drills

To truly get in outstanding shape and to work at avoiding repetitive injuries, the Academy also offers the following cross-training activities:

  • Swimming
  • Stretching
  • Yoga
  • Running

Personalized conditioning and rehab

Brice understands anatomy, especially in regards to the muscles used by tennis players who train using Modern Technique. He adapts the players’ workouts according to individual needs. His fitness expertise is sought after by non-tennis athletes as well. If you are interested in getting started with an individualized, goal-oriented fitness program, contact Brice.

Brice has worked with sports physicians on the rehab of injured tennis players and on modifying strokes, improving strength, and allowing players to get back playing soon. For example, a top youth player was supposed to have surgery and after reviewing his condition with a local sports physician, Brice changed his stroke patterns and set up an exercise program — and the player was able to return to playing tournaments and now plays for the UC Santa Cruz Men’s tennis team.

"I believe conditioning brings confidence, mental toughness, and clearer thinking on the court."— Brice Chevalier, Director of the Santa Cruz High-Performance Tennis Academy

Workouts at Cabrillo Fitness

  • 2 racquetball courts, 2 squash courts
  • 50-foot heated swimming pool
  • New Selectorized equipment and free weights
  • 30-minute Strength Training Circuit
  • Cardio machines: Cross trainers, treadmills, bikes, and more
  • Outside spa and poolside steam room