YOUR CAREER PARTNER – AN UPDATE AND A PROMISE TO A CENTURY MORE
HOW TO GROW YOUR LESSON BOOK
RACQUET SPORTS AS A TOOL FOR INCLUSION
THE WOMEN SHOULD STAND BY BEST OF FIVE SETS AT THE MAJORS CERTIFICATION CALENDAR
Your Career Partner – An Update and a Promise
If you’ve felt the energy across our industry, you’re not imagining it. Racquet sports are accelerating at a historic pace. According to the SFIA (Sports Fitness Industry Association), tennis participation in the United States has climbed to 27.3 million players, pickleball has climbed to 24.3 million participants, squash has reached approximately 1.4 million players, padel is exploding globally with over 30 million participants and gaining meaningful traction in the U.S. market with more than 1.1 million players and platform tennis continues its steady performance in its core regions. Tennis and pickleball combined now have larger participation in the United States than golf (SFIA, 2025)!
It’s lasting, structural growth, as 75% of facilities have more than one racquet sport and are expanding. According to the National Golf Foundation, consumers are spending more time at golf facilities with additional amenities like pickleball, tennis and health and wellness offerings. And the demand for trained, credentialed, forward-thinking professionals has never been greater. That puts us, the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, at the center of something very special.
Tennis Is Our Foundation. Five Sports. One Membership.
Tennis remains our foundation. It is our history, our credibility and our anchor. Tennis is the majority of all our backgrounds, but today’s racquet professionals operate in a broader universe and it is greatly expanding because the consumer is demanding it. That’s why our position is clear: Tennis is our core. Five Sports. One Membership. Tennis. Pickleball. Padel. Squash. Platform Tennis. Our professionals are leaders across that portfolio. Facilities are evolving and so must we. The most successful professionals today understand how to build programming across multiple disciplines, while maintaining and enhancing the “customer experience” that defines true expertise. That is exactly what RSPA certification represents.
Growth That Is Measurable
As a mark of our growth, our latest membership survey delivered a powerful signal:
Net Promoter Score (NPS): 81—up from 63 last year
Net Promoter Score is a well-known method of using a single survey question to gauge customer satisfaction with a product or company. In our survey, respondents were asked this question: “How likely are you to recommend our association?” That kind of increase does not happen by chance. It happens because we listened. We adjusted. We executed.
In 2025, we delivered 227 total events, which included certification workshops, 17 Division Conferences and our World Racquets Conference. To help our members move their careers forward, we hosted dozens of webinars focusing on Professional Development and Member Benefits. This is in addition to the local and divisional networking and professional development events that were organized across the U.S.
Based on our 2025 employee engagement survey, the RSPA is proud to be considered a great place to work. We scored a 70% engagement rate, which measures in the top 25% of all US companies (for profit and notfor-profit). The highest ratings of satisfactions were 1) Job Satisfaction, 2) Culture, 3) Organization, 4) Engagement, 5) Teamwork and 6) Trust. Our team understands that everything we do must serve one purpose: elevating your career.
To help serve our members better and provide real value, members now have access to:
• A newly designed website: RSPA.net
• A free, easy-to-navigate resource to post and seek positions, with the redesigned career portal (jobs.RSPA.net). More than 300 employers listed over 700 jobs in 2025.
• An improved healthcare offer with Gallagher.
Dillman, RSPA CEO
• An upgrade to tennisresources.com coming in 2026.
• Our National Headquarters—your professional home, including our training center. We welcome members to visit and leverage our onsite resources.
• New brand partners, including: Völkl Tennis, and our Official Online Retail Partners in Tennis Warehouse, Padel Warehouse and Pickleball Warehouse.
And we look forward to welcoming you to the World Racquets Conference in Dallas, September 20–23.
These initiatives are part of a broader strategy, as our strategic pillars guide every decision:
1. Membership Development & Engagement
2. Partnership Development
3. Brand Strength
4. Value Enhancement
5. Organizational Excellence
Every initiative ties back to one question: How does this elevate our members and enhance their careers?
A Promise
Let me be clear. This growth is not something we take for granted. The participation numbers are impressive. The momentum is in our favor, but momentum without leadership fades. Today, we all can defend and strengthen our position in the market, protect our industry, elevate professionalism and strengthen our career pathways to ensure that when facilities look for leadership, they look to the RSPA.
I believe that racquet sports professionals sit at the center of the modern facility experience. We drive engagement, high consumer impressions and create community. We mentor the next generation and we influence culture. We create measurable economic impact inside facilities every single day. Everything we do is rooted in one principle: strengthening your future. Together, we will define what leadership in racquet sports looks like for the next decade.
Brian Dillman RSPA CEO
Delivering Real Value for You
NEW OFFICIAL SPONSOR
PREMIUM TENNIS RACQUET, STRING, GRIP,
Jenny Gray, RSPA Vice President
As the Racquet Sports Professional Association approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, it is impossible not to reflect on the remarkable people who have shaped nearly a century of growth, community and excellence. Among the most notable are Bob Stubbs and Fred Ashhurst, our longest-standing living certified members, each celebrating an extraordinary 79 years of service. Their careers span eras of tremendous change, yet their stories, along with the perspectives of our newest certified professionals, reveal something timeless. Dedication, mentorship and passion remain at the heart of our association.
Racquet sports have evolved in countless ways. Equipment, teaching methods and the business of coaching look very different today than they did decades ago. Yet the motivations of our professionals have stayed consistent. For nearly 100 years, personal and professional development, camaraderie and a desire to serve others have defined who we are. Ron Woods, Master Professional,
To a Century More
That spirit of involvement often begins early. Volunteering through your local district or division builds confidence and a sense of belonging, and many longtime members credit their success to saying yes early and often. I can relate. Encouragement from my mentors on the Texas Board in 2003 nudged me to volunteer at the annual Texas Buying Show. That single decision shaped the course of my career and opened doors to opportunities and friendships I never could have imagined. That path led me to a position on the Texas Division Board and the divisional presidency, and eventually to an opportunity to serve on the National Board starting in 2022. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that stepping out of our comfort zones into new opportunities can yield remarkable results.
squash. This shift mirrors the realities of our daily work at clubs, facilities and parks, where professionals now offer programming across multiple racquet sports to better serve members and meet the expectations of managers and owners.
59-year member and national president from 2005 to 2007, captures this perfectly: “I don’t feel that the general membership has changed that much since I first joined. Our members all want to improve their teaching and business skills and maintain camaraderie amongst ourselves.”
For our newer members, the association’s long history can feel both inspiring and intimidating. Jesus Salgado reflects, “Entering my first year as an RSPA member, I initially felt a sense of humility and nervousness. Reaching out for guidance felt intimidating at first, but doing so became one of the most impactful decisions of my career.” Now in his second year, Jesus has become involved through his divisional conference and has already built meaningful connections and networking opportunities. His experience mirrors what so many of us have discovered. When you reach out, the RSPA community reaches back.
Of course, an organization approaching a century of existence has inevitably experienced change. Over the past 99 years, RSPA has adapted alongside the industry, including several name changes that reflect the expanding world of racquet sports. The most recent rebranding in 2024 embraced tennis, pickleball, padel, platform tennis and
Immediate Past President Trish Faulkner, Master Professional and 58-year member, believes the timing of the name change was ideal. “Our name change came at exactly the right time in the industry, and it cemented us as the leaders in the racquet sports certification and education area for our members, general managers and our clients.” I agree wholeheartedly. Tennis may have brought most of us into the industry, but embracing the broader racquet sports community has allowed us to grow our club and facility programs in meaningful ways. Newer professionals are already feeling the positive impact of our most recent rebranding. As Henry Borts, a member for one year, shares, “My first impressions of the RSPA community and its culture exceeded all expectations. The tools at my disposal for professional development and networking are largely responsible for the recent leap in my career.”
Even as the industry evolves, our longest-serving members continue to emphasize the importance of relationships and networking with peers. Ken McAllister, Master Professional, former national vice president and 51-year member, offers simple but powerful advice: “Take advantage of meetings and conferences to share ideas with experienced professionals. The seminars are very good, but the connec-
our association. A highlight of my own career was following in her footsteps as a Master Professional and Alex Gordon Professional of the Year recipient. Her example has set a tone of involvement, tions with other professionals will be far more important.”
The World Racquet Conference (WRC) is another constant in our association. Each year, the WRC brings bigger and better education and networking opportunities, and we are already looking forward to the 2026 WRC, which will be held in Dallas, Texas, from Sept. 20 to 23. One constant at these conferences is Avis Murray, Master Professional and 55-year member. Avis has attended nearly every WRC since 1982. She believes, “Being together in-person with your colleagues and attending the great education sessions, and especially networking, makes you feel excited to be where you are.” Her consistent attendance is a testament to her belief in
positivity and excellence.
As we look toward RSPA’s 100th birthday, the reflections of longtime members remind us of what truly defines this association. For Jack Michalko, Southwest executive director, former national vice president and 57-year member, “The RSPA has been a way of life for me.” As a 25-year member, I could not agree more. Across generations, the message is clear. While the racquet sports industry continues to evolve, the values that unite us—excellence, learning and community remain as strong today as they were in 1927.
How to Grow Your Lesson Book as the New Pro at a Club
Stepping into a new role as a teaching professional at a club can feel daunting. You may have the skills and credentials, but none of that matters if members do not yet know you, trust you or feel comfortable booking time on your court. Growing your lesson book is not about aggressive marketing. It is about visibility, connection and delivering clear value from day one.
The most successful club pros focus first on becoming a familiar, approachable presence. In the first 30 to 60 days, simply being seen matters. Spend time on court during peak hours, introduce yourself to players, learn names quickly and take an interest in matches happening around you. A genuine compliment on a well-struck shot goes a long way. The goal is not to sell lessons immediately, but to stop being “the new pro” and start being “our pro.”
Once members recognize you, make it easy for them to say yes. Many players hesitate to book private lessons right away, so offering low-barrier entry points is critical. Short complimentary stroke evaluations, small group introductory clinics, cardio tennis sessions or free doubles strategy hours invite participation without pressure. These experiences build comfort and curiosity and often lead naturally to private instruction.
When you do get that first lesson, retention becomes far more important than marketing. A strong first session sets the tone for everything that follows. Ask players what they want before you begin, focus on one or two key improvements rather than overwhelming them and make sure they feel a tangible
difference quickly. End each lesson with a clear takeaway and a suggested next step. Whenever possible, rebook before the player leaves the court.
Group programming is another powerful growth tool. Well-structured clinics allow you to scale your time while building your reputation across multiple members at once. Weekly level-based clinics, doubles tactics sessions, morning groups or junior-adult combination classes all create energy and community. Often, private lessons follow group participation, not the other way around.
Behind the scenes, club staff can be invaluable allies. Front desk teams, trainers and managers are often the first people members speak to when they have questions. Building strong relationships by learning names, expressing appreciation and keeping staff informed about your offerings increases the likelihood they will recommend you and introduce you to new members naturally.
It is equally powerful when members trust other members. With permission, highlight success stories, recognize improvements and celebrate milestones. When players see progress being acknowledged, they want to be part of it. Pairing newer players with regulars in clinics also accelerates trust and engagement.
Consistent communication ties everything together. You do not need elaborate marketing campaigns. A simple weekly or biweekly email outlining upcoming clinics, available lesson slots and one useful tip keeps you top of mind.
Geoff Browne | RSPA Member
Clear sign-up systems and well-placed flyers around the club reinforce your visibility. Above all, aim to be known as the pro who solves problems. Players do not simply want to hit balls. They want to win more matches. Lessons that focus on match-play patterns, doubles positioning, serve and first-ball execution and smart decision-making resonate deeply. When players see results, your lesson book grows on its own.
Referrals will come naturally when members are happy, but do not be afraid to ask in a low-pressure way. A simple comment about being available to help friends or partners who want to improve is often enough.
Finally, remember that building a full lesson book is a long game. The pros who succeed consistently show up on time, bring energy to every session, treat beginners with respect and remain positive and professional in every circumstance. Over time, consistency builds trust, and trust becomes demand for clinics and lessons.
Greg ‘Moose’ DeMoustes | RSPA Member, CRSE, RSPA, PTR, PPR, LSA
Racquet Sports as a Tool for Inclusion: How Coaches Shape Access & Belonging
Tennis has always been more than a sport. At its best, it is a vehicle for confidence, connection and community. Yet for many individuals and families, access still feels out of reach, not because of interest or ability but because of barriers embedded in facilities, programming and leadership.
As racquet sports professionals, we sit at the center of this reality. Coaches are often the first point of contact, the cultural gatekeepers and the most consistent presence in a player’s journey. That makes inclusion not a “nice to have” but a professional responsibility and a defining opportunity for the racquets industry moving forward.
Inclusion Is Not a Trend — It’s a Foundation
Inclusion is often treated as a program or initiative, but in practice it is a mindset. It shows up in who feels welcome when they walk onto a court, who sees themselves represented in leadership and whether programs are designed with flexibility rather than assumptions.
Through my work across nonprofit organizations, municipal partnerships, adaptive tennis initiatives and industry
collaboration, I have seen that inclusion is not about lowering standards. It is about widening the door. When racquet sport environments are intentionally inclusive, participation grows, retention improves and communities strengthen.
For our industry, inclusion is also a sustainability issue. If we want tennis to thrive for the next generation, we must reach beyond traditional pipelines and invest in coaches who can serve diverse populations with empathy, professionalism and purpose.
The Coach’s Role in Shaping Belonging
Coaches do far more than teach technique. We shape culture and lives.
A welcoming environment starts with small but powerful actions, language that invites rather than intimidates, programming that meets players where they are and a willingness to adapt rather than exclude. For new players, especially those from underserved communities or nontraditional backgrounds, feeling like they belong often determines whether they return after their first session.
RSPA professionals are uniquely positioned here. As certified leaders, RSPA coaches carry both technical credibility and ethical responsibility. We model professionalism not only in instruction but also in how we listen, support, advocate and show up.
In my experience, the most successful programs are built by coaches who see themselves as community partners, not just instructors. They understand that trust is built long before a forehand improves.
Adaptive Tennis: Expanding What’s Possible
Adaptive tennis deserves special attention because it challenges outdated ideas about who the sport is for.
Working alongside adaptive programs has reinforced an important truth: accessibility is innovation. Adaptive tennis does not limit the sport. It expands it. When coaches are trained and empowered to work with athletes of all abilities, tennis becomes a platform for dignity, independence and achievement.
RSPA’s role in educating and supporting coaches in adaptive pathways is critical. The more professionals who feel confident teaching adaptive tennis, the more inclusive the entire industry becomes. This is not a niche. It is a growth opportunity that aligns directly with the core values of tennis. Access is not just about courts. It is about opportunity.
Underserved Communities and Access to Opportunity
Many communities face barriers related to cost, transportation, awareness and historical exclusion. Through partnerships with municipalities, schools and nonprofits, tennis professionals can help
bridge those gaps. I have seen underutilized spaces transformed into thriving community hubs, and I have seen how consistent coaching presence builds long-term engagement.
When programs are designed intentionally, with scholarships, entry-level pathways and culturally aware coaching, tennis becomes a source of stability and pride. These efforts require planning, patience and partnership, but the return is significant. They create stronger communities and a broader, more resilient player base.
Why Inclusion Matters for the Industry’s Future
The racquets industry is at an inflection point. Participation numbers alone do not tell the full story. Retention, coach sustainability and leadership development matter just as much.
Inclusive environments keep players engaged longer. They create pathways for future coaches, officials and administrators. They also attract partners, funders and municipalities that increasingly
prioritize community impact.
Coaches who embrace inclusion are better prepared to lead in today’s tennis landscape. They communicate more effectively, adapt more readily and build programs that last.
RSPA Coaches as Leaders in Inclusion
RSPA has long stood for professionalism, education and leadership. Inclusion aligns naturally with that mission.
By supporting continuing education, adaptive training and community-focused programming, RSPA empowers coaches to lead with both confidence and competence. Inclusion is not separate from excellence. It is an expression of it.
When RSPA professionals commit to inclusive practices, they strengthen the credibility of the entire industry. They
demonstrate that tennis is not exclusive by design but intentional in its welcome.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Inclusion does not require perfection. It requires commitment, awareness and a willingness to adapt, learn and lead.
Every coach can take meaningful steps, including listening to their community, seeking education, partnering with local organizations and reflecting on how their programs serve a broader audience. Together, these actions shape the future of tennis.
As professionals, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure the sport reflects the diversity, resilience and potential of the communities it serves. When we do this, we do not just grow the game. We strengthen it. And that is how tennis becomes not just a sport but a true tool for inclusion and belonging.
THE WINDSCREEN BUILT FOR BETTER PLAY
BUILT FOR COMPETITIVE PLAY
From wind control during match play to long-term UV durability, Aer-Flo Sports windscreens are engineered specifically for tennis and pickleball environments. Our systems improve visibility, reduce distractions, and maintain a professional court appearance season after season.
Consistent Play Conditions: Reduce wind interference for more accurate ball tracking.
Professional Court Aesthetics: Clean, uniform appearance for events or tournaments.
Long-Term ROI: Fade-resistant materials built for heavy daily use. AerFloSports.com DISTRIBUTED BY THE
The Women Should Stand by Best of Five Sets at the Majors
Steve Flink, International Tennis Hall of Fame
As the 2026 Australian Open concluded majestically with Carlos Alcaraz establishing himself as the youngest male player ever to complete a career Grand Slam a day after Elena Rybakina captured the women’s singles crown in style, tournament director Craig Tiley proclaimed that he believed it was time to consider a sea change for the female competitors. Tiley—widely revered by the players for his sterling tennis mind—stunned many longtime observers of the sport by putting on the table of discussion the notion of the women switching from best of three set contests to best of five in the latter stages of the major in Melbourne— perhaps as early as next year.
He said, “It’s something we should put on the agenda and start talking to the players about, because there were some [women’s] matches in those last rounds this year that would have been fascinating had they been three out of five sets. We should look at the last few matches—the quarters and the semis and the finals—and make the women’s side best of five. I don’t know if the players would want to do it or not, but it is something we need to consider on the women’s side.”
One reason Tiley was inspired about exploring this possibility was the fact that fans were so exuberant about
the two enthralling five-set Australian Open semifinals played by the men, with Alcaraz fending off Alexander Zverev and ten-time champion Novak Djokovic upending two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner. Also uppermost on Tiley’s mind, apparently, was Rybakina’s rescue mission from 0-3 down in the final set of her stirring three-set, final-round victory over Aryna Sabalenka. Tiley is envisioning a brave new world for the Australian Open with the women performing under the same scoring guidelines as the men down the homestretch of the tournament, and flourishing. He believes tennis fans would rejoice at the prospect of the women potentially playing best of five. Even longtime followers of the game too easily forget that the best-of-five format for women has been put to the test before. At the U.S. Championships— the forerunner for the U.S. Open—the female players did play best-of-five set matches in the early years of the event. From 1891-1901, they went with best of three up until the finals, but switched to best of five for these ‘Challenge Round” matches. Five times in that span, those contests were settled in the full five sets. But the prevailing view back then among
amateur players and officials was that the women were better off competing in best of three set clashes, and so best of five was abandoned.
But nearly a century later, as the game exploded with popularity and the women players turned into another breed of athlete altogether, the best-offive format was revisited. Starting in 1984 and continuing through 1998 at the Virginia Slims and Chase Championships held indoors at the fabled Madison Square Garden in New York, the women experimented once more with best-offive set finals. That initial year, the sport’s esteemed pace setters Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert fittingly collided in the final, with Navratilova victorious 6-3, 7-5, 6-1.
Many of the finals in that 15-year stretch were decided in three or four sets. But a few featuring some of the game’s most charismatic players did go the distance. In 1990, the dynamic left-hander Monica Seles was pushed to the hilt by the topspin artistry of Gabriela Sabatini. Seles outperformed Sabatini in a dandy
6-4, 5-7, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. Six years later, the redoubtable Steffi Graf was victorious in another five-set, final-round skirmish at the Garden, defeating the 16-year-old Swiss stylist Martina Hingis 6-3, 4-6, 6-0, 4-6, 6–0.
That confrontation raised a lot of eyebrows. Hingis was in the middle of her teens and not as durable physically as she would later become. Graf was 27 and had always been a consummate professional ready to battle unswervingly for hours on end to win a big match, but the fact remained that she, too, was ailing.
Both players suffered considerably during this pendulum- swinging showdown in New York. Hingis was hindered by severe cramps while Graf was hampered by a sore back and a bad left knee. Although Graf played some scintillating tennis to win the third and fifth sets without dropping a game, the fact remained that was she far from one hundred percent physically. Hingis, meanwhile, seemed sorely compromised by the demands of best-of-five sets, which contributed to her cramping. They still put on a good show, but the prevailing view was that the best-of-five format was detrimental to both players, and not in the best interests of the spectators either. Interestingly, the men tried to move in the opposite direction back in the 1970’s. Both Roland Garros and the U.S. Open—perhaps looking to lessen the workload of the players and wanting to find out if the public preferred shorter early round contests—experimented with best-of-three-set matches for the male players. The French Open went with best of three from 1973-75 in the first two rounds, shifting to best of five the rest of the way. The U.S. Open elected to have the men play best of three sets across the first three rounds from 1975-78, returning to best of five over the last four rounds.
Neither the players nor the public were very receptive. The powers that be realized it made no sense to have different rules for different stages of the tournament, and most of the leading male players believed the majors should stick with tradition and stay with best of five across the board.
Will the best women players in the sport now embrace best of five in the latter stages of a major? I doubt it.
After Tiley sent shock waves out into the tennis ecosystem by deliberately making his views public, in short order a number of top women players were asked how they felt about it. Most of them were not enamored about the idea. Six-time major singles champion Iga Swiatek was intrigued yet unsure, thinking that the longer matches might favor her. Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Amanda Anisimova said, “I feel like that would be a crazy idea for us.” Others were more nuanced with their views, open to the possibility but not necessarily endorsing it.
The view here is that the women should reject Tiley’s well-intentioned vwillingness to take what might be an excessively audacious step. They have always flourished in best-of-three set competition. The men have long known how
to pace themselves at the Grand Slam championships, understanding what it takes to recover from a rigorous five-set match swiftly, showing up for their next encounter rested and ready. The women would need to grow accustomed to a set of competitive circumstances this generation has never known.
They should refuse to go against the grain of tradition. It seems to me that women’s tennis must preserve a system that suits them beautifully. As tennis authorities have said repeatedly over the years, “Never change a winning game.”
CERTIFICATION CALENDAR PREVIEW
APRIL 2026
MAY 2026
*Check Certification Calendars on RSPA.net for the most up-to-date information
APRIL
NO.1 BALL ON TOUR
OFFICIAL BALL OF RSPA TENNIS COACHING
RECYCLABLE PAPER LID MADE FROM 30% RECYCLED PLASTIC
Improving Warm Up in Pickleball
As a longtime tennis player of 60 years and an RSPA Elite Professional who recently began teaching pickleball, I dislike the typical warmup used in the sport. It reinforces the stereotype that pickleball is a game for older adults who can barely move.
Ninety-nine percent of the warmups I observe last fewer than five minutes and consist only of light dinking, when there are many more complexities to pickleball than that. No other shots are hit. It is no surprise that injuries spiked when the pickleball boom began, because players were not warming up properly and preparing themselves for more variables in a game or match.
I have been advocating for a
pickleball warmup that closely resembles a traditional tennis warmup:
• Two players stand behind the kitchen line and hit volleys
• Then practice overheads while their opponents hit drives, resets and lobs for about five minutes
• The players then switch positions and repeat the drill
• All players should then stand on the baseline to practice serves from both sides, just as they would in tennis or platform tennis, along with returns of serve.
Warming up with practicing the serve is most important, as I have rarely seen pickleball players
Ron Pinsky, RSPA Member
practice their serves and returns before starting a game or match. It is best to warm up by hitting all your shots while also scouting your opponents’ tendencies and style of play instead of only dinking and starting the game without much information.
For example, with a more dynamic warmup, you can learn:
• Are they left-handed or right-handed?
• Are they short or tall?
• Do they hit with heavy spin?
By replicating the thorough tennis approach to warming up, pickleball players will be truly ready to play with only a light sweat and they’ll be more prepared to have fun.
PADDLES
PICKLEBALLS
PORTABLE NETS NET POSTS
BALL CARTS BACKPACKS
P PADDLE GRIPS
BALL PICK-UPS
COURT LINES
BALL MACHINES
WINDSCREENS
COURT PAINT
COURT BENCHES
LED COURT LIGHTING
There’s More to Platform!
Ichatted with the RSPA’s head platform tennis coach developer, Mike Cochrane, to learn about his experience spearheading the platform tennis certification pathway and the value that he sees in obtaining a certification in this sport.
Some history on the sport—in 1928, on the hunt for an outdoor winter sport close to home, Jimmy Cogswell and Fessenden Blanchard built an elevated multi-purpose wooden platform for deck tennis, which allowed for insulation and heating equipment. Enhancements, such as adding the fenced lining in 1929, lighting in 1930 and changes to ball color specification in 1963, have led to what the sport is today! And Mike grew up in the same city where platform tennis was born, so it seemed inevitable that the sport would be a part of his life in the years to come. He took up the sport in his teenage years, playing in tournaments such as the Chicago Charities APTA Grand Prix, and eventually joined our association to achieve an Elite level of certification in tennis and platform tennis, along with a professional level of certification in pickleball. In 2018, John Embree, the USPTA’s CEO at the time, had invited him to be a speaker at one of our national conferences. It was then that he requested Mike to spearhead the development of a platform tennis certification for the association.
Our inaugural certification workshop took place on Dec. 18, 2019 in Paoli, Pa. Since then, we have had 427 members get certified in the sport and we are seeing growth with more scheduled workshops every year. We’ve had more than a 190% increase in members who either applied for the certification as a new member or
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President. Mark Faber
First Vice President Kevin Theos
Vice Presidents ..Molly Card-Beckmann, Jenny Gray, Milos Vasovic, Mel McRee and Scott Burton
Immediate Past President Trish Faulkner
CEO & Contributing Editor Brian Dillman Legal Counsel George Parnell
added it as a sport to their existing membership. Mike has created a smooth and unintimidating barrier of entry, emphasizing that if you have experience in just about any racquet sport, platform tennis would be an excellent addition to your toolbox.
The certification is a oneday, five-hour workshop. The coach developer emphasizes the seven unique shots in platform tennis: backhand volley, controlled drive, push overhead, deck lob, serve return and first volley. Learning positioning is a crucial part of the experience, explained Mike, as it’s different than in tennis, where in doubles, each partner covers 50% of the court. In platform, each partner covers a third, leaving a third open. During the testing portion of the workshops, applicants will show their feeding capabilities, how they teach the usage of screens and a presentation of a private and group lesson.
While the Midwest, Northeast and New England are the hotspots for the sport, you can also find courts in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia (where the Peachtree Invitational is hosted), South Carolina and Virginia! Mike said he would like to see the sport expand into more public facilities so that it’s more accessible, as platform tennis has a bit of a stigma of being a country club sport. The APTA, American Platform Tennis Association, has done a great job of providing grants to clubs and facilities to be able to grow the sport and build more courts across the country, he says.
“This sport makes you a much more well-rounded professional. Clubs and facilities are hiring a director of racquets, not a director of (enter one racquets sport here)
ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE
Linda Gordon | RSPA Director of Membership
anymore,” Mike said.
Mike has, and continues to, put a lot of careful thought into the overall certification and learning outcomes that pathway applicants achieve, so whether you are someone already teaching the sport, the RSPA is the place to start. And as a member, you receive 25% off all products through Master Athletics!
Reach out to the membership or certification team here at our national headquarters with any questions about the sport itself or how to get started in becoming a platform tennis certified professional! If you are already certified and interested in becoming a coach developer, facilitating workshops for the RSPA to get some extra bit of income, just reach out to your division’s executive director for more information. The passion that Mike has for the sport shone through the phone, and there is a reason that he has made a career out of coaching and promoting the sport! Visit RSPA.net, give us a call at 407-634-3050, option 2, or email membership@rspa.net to get started.