For nearly 20 years, Bill Glaves and his team of trainers have worked with both the young and old to sharpen their tennis skills at Kluge Tennis Ranch.

Glaves purchased four acres on a small side street off Kluge Road in 1995 and began building the complex one court at a time. Today, the facility features six courts with courtside bleachers. Ranch instructors teach players of all ages and skill sets, including players in their late 70s. Glaves said he encourages anyone to get involved if they are interested in the sport.

"I don't believe in natural athleticism in any fashion," Glaves said. "Maybe your numbers are better than others, but if you work extra hard you will be rewarded with good play."

Glaves, who began teaching the sport when he was 17, has four decades of coaching experience including years with Davis Cup and Wimbledon players. He also coached players at Vanderbilt University, West Point and University of Houston.

Aside from Glaves, the ranch has 10 additional contract instructors who teach camps and give private lessons that can be catered to the player's scheduling needs.

"What sets us apart is our coaching team," said Donald Stein, head pro coach at the ranch with eight years of coaching under his belt.

Programs, camps and classes are offered year-round, and the ranch also coordinates a variety of leagues that players can be placed into upon request. Glaves said even though private lessons are a popular choice among his patrons, group sessions are necessary to improve a player's skill set.

Glaves said he is wrapping up an improvement project that will add more canopies for shade at the stadium seating areas adjacent to three of the courts.