Coach Larry Campton spreads love for tennis through inventive teaching methods

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"Me and my brother used to walk into the park and play tennis," said Campton, whose brother passed away nine years ago. "I never took a tennis lesson in my life. I just got better by reading books, watching tennis on TV, and going to the park, hitting against the backboard."

Campton’s inventive coaching setup is a hallmark of his unconventional approach. Using a net he acquired from Beloit College—originally used for shot put and discus—he transformed his 24' by 28' garage into a practice area.

"I put the net up, and then I put a blanket behind it," he explained. "My students hit the ball as hard as they can into the blanket, and I've got three or four 30-gallon drums sitting there to catch the balls."

His drills are equally unique, no matter the setting. One favorite sees him hitting a forehand, a between-the-legs shot and a behind-the-back shot against a wall, over and over, in that order. For his students, he might have them practice their aim by hitting through a gate or over a fence—always toward a target.

"Tennis to me is all rhythm," Campton said of his philosophy. 'The more rhythm you get, the better you're going to be. I tell all the people I've taught that tennis is all between the ears. 'I can,' not 'I can't.'" That can-do mentality extends to his coaching, typified by his ability to teach the game just as well inside or outside the lines of a regulation tennis court.

A lifelong fan of the sport, Campton visited New York to attend the 1996 US Open, his only time on an airplane. He watched three of that year's champions play: Pete Sampras, Steffi Graf and the Bryan brothers, who won the junior doubles title. Memories of his trip to America's Grand Slam continue to inspire him as he teaches future generations to love of tennis.