Kyle Eddins had been a team sports player until three years ago.
When he was 13 years old, his dad, Mark, introduced him to tennis and he discovered he liked the game. And, he realized he had a talent for it.
"My dad loved to play tennis and it became a common interest for us both," Eddins, 16, said. "I had always thought team sports, like baseball and basketball, were the sports I liked best. But as I continued pursuing tennis, I saw I had a knack for it."
Eddins' family lived in Philadelphia about seven years and then about eight more in New Jersey. When tennis entered the picture, Eddins quickly found opportunities lacking in the North.
A trip to Florida over spring break to explore expanding Eddins' tennis training led his family to move here in the summer.
"We came down to check out tennis academies, like Bolletieri's and Saddlebrook, to decide if we should move here," Eddins said. "We really liked Saddlebrook and we made the move."
It didn't take long for Eddins to realize his height of 6 feet 4 could be a serving advantage. Utilizing skills from baseball, Eddins developed a powerful serve.
"I have a pretty big serve and I'm working on my serve-and-volley game," Eddins said. "I like to play an attacking game, and am not really good at sitting back on the baseline. My strength is in my power and quickness, and although it's still shaky, I'm working on the basic techniques."
Eddins competes in as many tournaments as possible but believes one of his weakest areas is his lack of match-play experience. "Tournaments are a great way to learn and I need lots of match play," Eddins said. "I need to learn how to play in different situations and to get practice and experience in those situations. I feel I have the ability and the strokes, but what I need most is experience and practice."
In the last few months, Eddins has worked specifically on gaining more control of his volleys, making his serves more aggressive and practicing the approach game.
"When I'm competing, I try to set up a game plan," Eddins said. "I try to serve to their weakness, then attack. If I get a floater, I'll hit an overhead.
"I seem to play under better control and am more relaxed when I get tired. In the beginning of a match, I'm almost spastic with so much energy. I need to learn to not waste energy but harness it."
After injuring his back about three months ago playing basketball, Eddins looks forward to competing in the 18-and-under division next month.
"I know the 18s will be a tough division and I've got to start winning so my name will get out there," Eddins said. "I'll play the local and super-series tournaments and try to get into some designateds and, hopefully, on to national tournaments. I'm having a lot of close matches now and I just need to close them out."
Eddins' goal is a college tennis scholarship. With the game plan he's developing, time, effort and success on the court, he should reach it.
NET SHOTS: Claire Mitchell Andrews won the girls 10 title and Lantz Martin the boys 12 in the Hot, Hot, Hot Rookie Tournament in Largo. Finalists included Lorraine Saban in the 16, Carol Fraley the 12 and Ashwin Ram the boys 12. ... Organized women's doubles play is Tuesday evenings at Veterans Park in Hudson. Call (727) 869-2101 for details.
SAVE THE DATE: A USA Tennis Developmental Coach Workshop is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Club at Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel. The hands-on workshop will provide instruction and training for effective team practices, assistance in teaching large groups and techniques for utilizing teaching aids. Call workshop leader Jeff Davis at (727) 360-6543.
COMING UP: The Labor Day Championship Super Series for juniors begins Saturday at Cheval Golf and Country Club. Call 813 948-2282 today to enter. ... The inaugural USTA Adult Men's Fall League will play September to October and conclude before the USTA Senior Doubles League. Winners will participate in the spring adult league playoffs. Contact coordinator Norm Ott , (727) 526-7966, or norm.ott@verizon.net
News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 727 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.
