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They played baseball but instead of bats, they used tennis rackets.

Instead of running bases, they had three chances to get the ball over the net.

When they succeeded, they went to the back of the line. When they didn’t, they ran to the other end of the court where they hoped to catch another player’s ball, allowing them to return to the other side.

Call it a game of tennis baseball. It’s fun, but it also has a point.

To make the youngsters better at tennis.

Twenty Manatee Middle School students got the opportunity to spend some of their summer vacation learning to play tennis and improve their skills at a summer camp sponsored by The Player’s Club, which is located in Lely Estates. Manatee Middle School Principal Scholastica Choi arranges the camp for students who have improved academically over the previous year.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Jean Charles, who will be a freshman at Lely High School this fall. “I get to spend time with my friends instead of staying home and being bored. Plus, they work with you one-on-one to improve your skills.”

This is the first year the camp has been held at The Player’s Club at Lely Resort. For years, the camp was held at Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club. Denny Rager, director of tennis at The Player’s Club, said he was approached by Choi about taking over the camp this year.

“She needed a place to host the students,” he said. “I have played tennis all of my life. It was a great avenue for me. It is something they can grow with and be challenged by. It is something they can play all of their lives.”

The tennis professionals sponsored 10 students for the two-week camp. They sent an e-mail out to members asking for help to sponsor other students.

“The cost per student is $140 for two weeks,” said Jennifer MacAlister, one of the tennis professionals. “It is normally $140 per week, but we are volunteering our services for one of the weeks.”

Another 10 students were able to come to the camp through member sponsorship.

“Our members were really behind our efforts,” said Rager.

Manatee Middle School provided the food and transportation for the students.

The Manatee Middle School students arrive each morning and work on their skills. After lunch, they get some time to swim in the pool at The Player’s Club before playing more tennis in the afternoon. Students were at the camp from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for two weeks.

“I want them to experience something they would not be able to experience normally,” MacAlister said. “They are exposed to a different sport and a different lifestyle. Sometimes we forget not everyone sees this Naples.”

Eighth-grader Angy Vasquez said she was having a good time.

“It is really fun. We get to learn from professional tennis players,” she said, adding that she has improved her skills over the past two weeks. “I am learning what I do wrong and how to improve.”

For more information, contact the Player’s Club at (239) 298-5781.