In order to achieve success as tennis player, you must have a great sense of balance. That balance is part technique and part philosophy for us. We are looking to provide exceptional tennis development opportunities to kids and adults, beginners and national-level players throughout the Willamette Valley. We offer summer tennis camps, year-round clinics, private and group lessons, and other special events.
Our focus is on developing physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced and well-rounded tennis players and people.
Physical: We train the body to perform the physical tasks required for tennis, as well as our muscles to be in condition so as to give us confidence in their ability to perform in any given situation.
Mental: We focus on creating a cleared mind that enables us to excel in the moment. A clear mind focuses on simple tasks (see the ball) during strenuous situations (point play), enabling the well-trained body to perform at its highest potential.
Emotional: We strive to manage and accept our emotions but not to be controlled by them. When we are frustrated, we accept our frustration, and release ourselves to move beyond our emotions towards our goal. Emotions remind us that we are alive, and when embraced and focused, are powerful tools.
Early Preparation, balance, and relaxation are the core principles of Balance Tennis. These principles are applicable to every stroke on the tennis court as well as in real life.
Early Preparation: Preparation is your initial response to the ball, and involves both the upper and lower body, your hands as well as your feet.
Balance: Balance is part of effective ball-striking and begins with your initial reaction to the ball and continues through your finish. Good balance is established through a strong first move. The feet, knees, and racquet do the work of adjusting to balls within and outside the strike zone. Good balance is the key to power, control, and recovery after shots. In life, balance is also important for development, health, and happiness.
Relaxation: A smooth and naturally excellerated swing is a product of good preparation and balance. The concept is to put your body in a position to let the racquet do most of the work, while engaging only the necessary muscles. A relaxed motion engages both the upper and lower body. Essential to a relaxed stroke is a clear understanding of early preparation and balance.
Who We Are
Ben Belletto
Head Men's Tennis Coach
Linfield College
503.883.2414
bbellett@linfield.edu
Ben Belletto began coaching at Linfield College after a highly successful coaching career in Southern California, where he was head men’s tennis coach at Whittier College and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges for a combined 12 seasons.
The majority of Belletto’s 12-year coaching span in the greater-Los Angeles area came at Pomona-Pitzer. From 2003 until 2013, his teams were ranked for seven consecutive seasons among the top NCAA Division III programs. At Pomona-Pitzer, Belletto twice guided the Hens to appearances in the NCAA Championships and his teams boasted an ITA Academic All-America in every season from 2006 until 2013.
His career accomplishments have included the ITA West Region Men’s Coach of the Year award in 2011, 16 ITA All-America selections, 50 ITA Academic All-Americans, 29 all-conference awards and five straight Top 20 national team finishes.
More recently, Belletto led the Whittier men’s and women’s programs, elevating both to rankings among the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Top 30.
From 2004-2015, Coach Belletto led the Nike Tennis Camp in Santa Cruz, overseeing a successful summer camp program for kids and adults. He went on to establish a similar summer camp program at Whittier, Pomona-Pitzer, and Linfield colleges.
In addition to NCAA tournament coaching experience, Coach Belletto is well-connected within the Division III tennis community, having served as a national and regional ranking chairperson for the past eight years. Belletto resides in McMinnville with his wife Katie, sons Max and Miles, dog Buckwheat and cat Mr. Peepers.