Addvantage 1989 March

Building the Professional Management Team

The next revolution in tennis, from the people who brought you the first.

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Q Volume 13- Issue 3

The Trade Magazine of Tennis Tea c hing Professionalsn•

March 1989

The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Rod Dulany First Vice President Jack Justice Vice President Gordon Collins Vice President Dave Sivertson Treasurer Kathy Woods Secretary Allan Henry Past President Jim Reffkin

On the cover ...

Because it is the voice of the tennis-teaching profession , USPTA is committed to the formation of strong Professional Management Teams at all facilities . By preparing its members to meet a host of challenges on and off the tennis court , and by providing for an atmosphere of cooperation among owner, manager and teaching professional , US PTA helps ensure a successful Professional Management Team .

CEO Tim Heckier

CONTENTS

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul Waldman NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS · Assistant to the Executive Director Rich Fanning Communications Coordinator Bill Gordon Marketing Coordinator • Dana Stull Public Relations and Magazine Coordinator Becky Senseney Financial Manager Renee Heckler Coordinator of Corporate Services Christi Neumann Computer Services and Club Relations Kathy Buchanan Membership Processing Donna Woodstead General Secretary Laraine Reid Secretary Lori Garrett Membership Services Anne Lepkoske Merchandise Services and Accounting Stephanie Hulbert Director of Certification and Academies George Bacso Co-Director of Academies BiiiTym Advertising/ Marketing Information Phone(813)973-3777

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

For information, write USPTA National Headquarters at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort, P.O. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, Florida 34249, or phone (813) 973-3777.

Office Hours: 9:00-5:30 EDT Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1989. All riQhts reserved.

Reproduction of anY. portion of th1s magazine1is not permitted w1thout written permission from the publisher.

2 Announcements ....................................... 4 Letters .................................................. 6 A Fresh Approach to Player Development

by William R. Jacobson •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 8 New Members ....................................... 10 President Rod Dulany's Message ......................

Save Money with Penn's Quarterly Discount Program Ask the Professor

by Dr. Jack Groppel .....................................•

From the Desk of USTA

12 18

20 Upcoming Events. ·................................... 22 Dates That Rate . ..................... ·................ 25 Shaping Tomorrow's Professionals ................. 26 Industry Action ...................................... 28 CEO Tim Heckler's Message ........................ 32

by Rachel Ingber ................................................

Working Together with the College Coach AKeyElementinHelpingYourTennis Student Choose the Right School

by Rod Dulany, President

Each year, high school players and their parents approach teaching professionals for advice on colleges. Sometimes they bring a list of schools which meet their financial , geographical and academic needs, yet they want your opinion on where the student will best fit into the tennis curriculum . At other times, tennis and the possibility of a tennis scholarship are foremost in their minds, and you're asked to recommend schools where they'll have the best chance of playing.

This is a big responsibility and yet another area in which you are expected to know all the answersl answers to questions such as: Who is the coach? What is he like? How does he operate? How many players are on the team? How many actually play?

You .need to be able to answer these kinds of questions. You need to be able to present an accurate picture of the college and its coach . Your input will play a big part in this very important decision-making process. We have a chance to point these young people in the right direction and nurture them through their college career.

There are many fine institutions out there Division I, II, Ill , NAIA, junior colleges- and we can help them make the right choice.

To do this successfully, however, requires total cooperation between the teaching profess ional and the college coach. Such a relationship is of advantage to everyone concerned , and it is up to you and the coach to mold it. We need to meet, ask questions and realize the positive results that a close working relationship can bring. Collaboration is important not only in the search of a college, but also in providing necessary support for these young players once they have made a decision.

The tennis professional naturally has certain obligations to the coach . During the selection process, you must be completely honest in your appraisal of your ~tudent's ability to play at a prescribed level. Regardless of your gratitude toward the student and his/her family for tneir loyalty, you will do an 2

injustice to everyone involved if you offer an exaggerated or inaccurate evaluation. If the coach winds up wasting a scholarship because you misrepresented the player, you won 't be able to go back to that coach even if you do have the right player.

You should do everything you can to help the coach evaluate the player. Submit the player's future tournament schedule. Hopefully, the coach will get to see him/her play.

Another option is to make a video. This is a little more expensive, but it should inspire additional interest. Keep it short, 10-15 minutes, and include a complete synopsis of all the strokes.

The coach, in turn, is responsible for providing an accurate account of the college 's program . The coach should give you a copy of the team schedule and let you know the status of the existing player roster as well as news on incoming freshmen . You need to know the team's practice methods and how many players are carried on the traveling squad. In addition, the coach has an obliga-

tion to let you know of plans by other players to leave the school.

Coaches need to be truthful and timely in their relationship with the teaching professional and student. If a coach does not feel that the incoming player can become a productive part of the team, then the coach should come right out and say it. This gives the student time to pursue other options.

However, if there is interest, the coach should keep up a correspondence with the professional , student and parents. The coach should review the video, set aside time to see the student in tournament play and even try to arrange a trip to the school.

This requires time, but it is necessary in providing the family with the most information from which to make the right decision.

Once a decision has been made, the cooperative efforts of the teaching professional and the coach can help direct the player on a productive path. An open line of communication should be established from the start with decisions of method and regularity. Goals can be set, evaluation assessments can be exchanged , and problems can be discussed freely.

The professional and the coach need to talk before and after summer vacation, specifically to discuss training goals, equipment needs, tournament schedule, etc. If the college is on a tight budget, perhaps the professional can help get the player on a free list through a local representative . What types of tournaments should the student play in? Has he/she had a long, hard season and now need time off from competition?

Can the professional provide a summer job that is within NCAA rules but which enables the student to play tournaments? With this type of communication, we know we are doing everything we can on behalf of the young player.

Perhaps it is time for USPTA, ITCA and USTA to get together and put on "College Night" forums to help answer the questions that are so critical in putting the right juniors in the right schools for the right reasons. •H

Tennis Professionals

US PTA EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS

THE RIGHT TENNIS.TEACHER FOR THE RIGHT JOB The role of the tennis-teaching professional is ever-changip.g. Now comes a new breed of professional, who, due to the evolving business side of tennis, must be prepared to handle a variety of challenges off the court as well as on.

It is critical that clubs hire the right tennis professionals for their needs and that, in turn, tennis professionals find employment with the right clubs, thus ensuring the formation of sound Professional Management Teams.

These needs are simultane,ously served by the USPT A Employment Listings, the most compreh:_ensive and up-to-date source for job market information in the industry. Through this hi-weekly job listing service, clubs gain access to hundreds

of certified USPTA Professionals who are specifically interested in job openings. These tennis teachers are uniquely qualified to serve clubs, communities and schools in a truly professional manner. Employers know that the label"USPTA Professional" is a guarantee of honesty, integrity and quality and that these teaching professionals have had their knowledge and abilities thoroughly examined.

In turn, teaching professionals receive the most

f:;:e~! ~!~~~na~i~u~:i:~~e ~:cil¥~:; jot~~e~~ USPTA's vast penetration of this market, there is h 1 t h. c • 1 t c now ere e se alistings eac mg pro1ess10na more current of available jobs.can urn 10r

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WHO SHOULD SUBSCRIBE TO USPTA EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS?

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Both USPTA Professionals and USPTA Corporate Member Clubs. USPTA Employment Listings puts tennis professionals in touch with a wide variety of quality openings, such as coach, pro shop manager, head professional, assistant professional and club manager. And it is a proven means by which clubs can advertise their job open-

ings with top teaching professionals from around the country.

USPTA has a reputation for helping clubs find the right tennis professionals and vice versa. Subscribe today to USPTA Employment Listings and get a head start on the employer-employee market.

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As a USPTA member, please register me for a 6-month subscription to the USPTA Employment Listings (12 issues).

Enclosed is my check for $12. My membership number is _ __

D

Please list my club's job opening in the next three issues of the USPTA Employment Listings. There will be no charge, since I am a USPTA member. My membership number is *

D

Please list my club's job opening in the USPTA Employment Listings. Enclosed is my check for $30 to cover the next three issues.* . *If you are placing an ad, please send a complete typewritten description (no more than 75 words) of the job opening.

Mailing dates are the 15th and 30th of every month. In order to meet these deadlines, ads must be received at USPTA National Headquarters at least five (5) working days prior to the mailing dates. Phone orders will not be accepted.

Please make checks payable to USPT A and send to: Employment Listings, USPTA National

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

MillORlAN Jack Hollander, 54, of Moline, Illinois, died January 27, 1989 afte~ a long illness.

A member of the United States Professional Tennis Association since 1971 , Jack dedicated his life to tennis. In 1970 he opened the Quint-City Racket Club in Bettendorf and in 1973 he managed the South Lake Tennis Club in Merriville, Indiana. A few years later he managed and was part-owner of the Souttl Park Tennis Club in Moline.

He will be missed.

USPTA NATIONAL SIIIINAR CONTEST Following are the rules and information for the USPTA National Seminar Contest. Last year we had fifteen of the seventeen Divisions participating and this year we again encourage all Divisions to get involved.

• Eligibility: All USPTA members are eligible except: 1) current National Executive Committee members, 2) seminarians from a National USPTA Convention in the past five years.

• Contents: Subject matter must be relevant to tennis and/or be useful to USPTA members. Also, subject matter must be presented in a classroom setting.

• Scoring: The contest will be scored in the following manner: 1) 5 points for content, 2) 5 points for creativity and uniqueness, 3) 5 points for quality of presentation.

• Length: The seminar must be a minimum of 5 minutes long and a maximum of , 10 minutes long.

• Outline: A typed outline should be distributed to the judges before the presentation commences. Please bring three copies.

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• Judging: On the Division level, judges will be provided by the National Headquarter Representative or by an individual appointed by the Divisional President.

• Divisional Contest: A two hour time block should be allocated at the Divisional Convention or Semi-Annual Meeting. The event should be well publicized to the General Membership to assure success.

Also, entry forms should be included in the Divisional mailer and videotaping of all seminars is highly recommended .

• Entry Fee for the National Contest: Entry fee is $200, payable to the National Headquarters of USPTA. This fee should be paid by the Divisional Treasury.

For more information about participating in USPTA's annual Seminar Contest, please contact your Division President or call Gordon Collins at (408) 395-7116.

MEMBERSIDP STICKERS ALL THE SAME Every member, no matter what rating , will be receiving or might have already received a black membership renewal sticker for the front of their membership card . It is now policy that Mylars (membership stickers) will all be the same until further notice.

DON'T FORGET TO SUBMIT YOUR MEIIBER PROFILE SURVEY The US PTA National Headquarters would like to thank all of the members who participated in the 1988 Member Profile Survey.

The response has been excellent, and we would like to encourage those of you who have not sent in your questionnaire to do so.

This marketing survey enables USPTA to compile critical data related to membership demographics in an effort to determine the profile of the membership. This information will help us to represent you in the most appropriate manner.

It's not too late to submit your questionnaire.

This is your opportunity to receive a complimentary copy of USPTA's newest publication How To Hire A Tennis Professional. The book is a valuable tool to employers of the tennis business and teaching professionals looking to advance their careers.

If you have any questions pertaining to the member profile survey or the new publication , the staff at the National Headquarters will be happy to assist you .

NATIONAL MIN'S TENTATIVE RANKINGS TO BE MAILED The .tentative rankings for 1988 will be forwarded to all who participated in a National Championship Tournament last year . If you have participated in any of these events and have not received this tentative ranking by March 1, please contact the National Headquarter's Rankings Department at (813) 973-3777.

INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is holding their annual National Men 's 35 Indoor Championship on May 2024, 1989 at the Town and Country Racquet Club in St. Louis, Missouri. This tournament draws players from all over the country, including Hawaii. Those interested in participating or attending should call Jim Riley, Tournament Director, at (314) 997-3444.

MIDWEST DmSION AWARDS PRESENTED This year's USPTA Midwest Division Convention was held during January in Schaumburg, Illinois.

The winners of the 1988 awards were as follows: Rookie of the Year, Jeff Stassen; Fay Tooley Award , Gary Bodenmiller; Nancy Mickler Award , Sylvia Gothard; Coach of the Year, Mike Woody; Open Player of the Year, Chriss Schaefer; 35 and Over Player of the Year, Joe Lyden; 45 and Over Player of the

Year, Lou Graves; Indiana Pro of the Year, Mike Owens; Illinois Pro of the Year, Jim Wolavka; Michigan Pro of the Year, Jorge Capestany and Tom Gray; Ohio Pro of the Year, Jim Davis; Wisconsin Pro of the Year, Dave Saxe; Midwest Pro of the Year, Kirk Anderson .

Officers inducted for 1989 were as follows: Immediate Past President, Don Martin; President, Mike. Hurley; Regional Vice President, Kirk Anderson ; Second Vice President, Mike Owens;Third Vice President, John Weil ; Secretary, Jim Davis; Treasurer, Tom Gray.

MASTER PRO APPLICANTS MUST PRI¡REGISTER USPTA members who wish to apply for the Master Professional Classification in 1989 must pre-register with the National Headquarters first. This can be done by either calling the National Headquarters at (813) 973-3777 or submitting your name, address and telephone number in writing to the National Headquarters at P.O. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, FL 34249.

Match Mate ''COACH'' Has Changed My Program I have owned my COACH for over two years and still find it superior to any other machine on the market. Not only do I personally practice with the COACH, I use it in my ladies team clinics and junior tennis academy, "Tennis Tech. " Utilizing a ball machine is something rny pupils would not allow me to do before I owned my Match Mate COACH. They resented being sent to the ball machine court because my pneumatic machine was not only inconsistent, it could not stand up to the Florida sun.

That has all changed since I brought in the COACH. Due to its accuracy and flexibility I use it as an additional ball feeder which saves me the additional labor costs. Now my pupils look forward to their specific drills and work outs with the COACH. And I have expanded the COACH 's use to a family membership program ,

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Tony Fernandez USPTA " Professional of the Year" Florida Division

Tony Fernandez USPTA " Professional of the Year" Florida Division Director of Tennis Tech Academy NTRP Rater and District President USPTA

Call today for more information on "The Coach " and our other quality products and the name of your local distributor.

Call Toll Free (1-800) 251-6716

For More Information Contact , CROWN MANUFACTURING 24807 Tibbetts Avenue, Valencia, CA 91355 • In Calif. (8051 257-7714

5

LeHers Certlflcation

George, thanks again and you are truly an asset to the US PTA and the game of tennis.

Dear Tim, Just a short note to express my personal thoughts concerning the USPTA. Last August, I took my test in Vienna, Virginia from Ted Meyer, and I received my acceptance material in September.

Before join ing the USPTA, as a young ten nis instructor teaching at various junior tenn is camps and ranches, I did not realize the importance of being a USPTA Certified Professional. After taking the test and reading about all of the benefits associated with membership, I now realize that the teaching profess ion needs the USPTA to provide leadership and progress.

I am proud of my membership, and I hope to become more involved in the USPTAand the USTA as a volunteer in the Wash ington, D.C. area.

Thanks USPTA! John E. Robinson Middle Atlantic Division

Education

Game 'Russin Florida Division

Dear George, 1 just wanted to drop you a short note to offer a big thanks for all your help with the testing and presenting a seminar at our USPTA Southern Divis ion Convention (November, 1988). This was our best c?nvention in quite a few years ¡and I certa1nly appreciate your efforts to make it as successful as it proved to be . The time, effort and enthusiasm you put into the testing program continues to astound me each time I have the opportunity to work with you . I hope you will continue to enjoy it for a long time- you would be a hard act to follow.

Best wishes for your continued success -we are glad to have you a little bit closer to the South. Thanks again.

Randy Stephens President, Southern Division

Dear George (Bacso) , 1 want to personally take the time to compliment you on conducting a truly fantastic session of the USPTA Tennis Teachers Course held at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort.

The course you conducted was the best financial investment I have ever made regarding tennis. I wish I had been wise enough to take it earlier. When I registered to attend the course, I had no idea I would learn more than I had ever hoped for .

I know that without the instruction you provided, and the vast amount of f3Xperience you passed on to we students, I would have not been able to pass the test. Others who attended the class share my feelings .

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Dear Mr. George Bacso, Thank you so much for enrolling me late in the Certification Training Course that you held in California. Although it was really exhausting , I really learned a lot from you and your literature. Without a doubt you are the most knowledgeable tennis professional in the world and I appreciate you sharing your information with me.

Thanks again for all your time and efforts. I am putting your information and techniques to work.

Michael Presby Northern California Division

Dear George, Just a short note to thank you for running such an informative and energetic tennis certification training course. I do not understand how you retain such enthusiasm, but am happy that I was the recipient of it.

I intend to apply your techniques and ¡ become more involved in the tennis scene in this area. If you ever have the occasion to be in the Seattle area, please look me up.

George S. Phillips Pacific Northwest Division

Schools Program Dear Mr. Heckler, I received the USPTA check for my work with the USTA Schools Program in Salt Lake City, Utah. Thank you .

I get a lot of personal satisfaction from my involvement in the Schools Program and National Junior Tennis League (NJTL). I am pleased with my professional trade association 's support of these entry level tennis programs.

Kathryn Jones Intermountain Division USPTA ADDvantage welcomes letters to the editor concerning issues of interest to the membership and the tennis industry, as well as commentary on articles published. Please address correspondence to: Letters To The Editor, USPTA ADDvantage, PO Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, FL 34249. If you are a USPTA member, please include your member number and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and length. Letters received, whether published or unpublished, cannot be returned.

US PTA PUBLICATIONS

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~ Tennis: A Professional Guide

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Please make checks payable to USPTA and mail to:

USPTA • P. 0. BOX 7077 • WESLEY CHAPEL, FL 34249 (813) 973-3777 • FAX (813) 973-1647

A Fresh Approach to Measuring and Monitoring a

by William R. Jacobson

Most coaches and players measure

William R. Jacobson pioneered the use of computers to c hart and analyze tennis matches. His system has been used by several Grand Slam champions, including Chris Evert and Stefan Edberg, by Stanford University NCAA Championship Teams and by several Davis Cup and Federation Cup Teams.

Jacobson has published or given talks on over 1 00 subjects relating to charting and analysis, player development and player scouting, performing under pressure and Sport Science. His company, Computennis, is an affiliate member of the USPTA.

8

improvement by rankings. As w[ll be discussed here later, most ranking systems are crude at best and a misleading measure of tennis capabilities. They give little indication as to potential. Moreover, the variety of ranking systems a good player must compete under - ATP, Grand Prix, WITA, Prize Money, national, collegiate, regional , junior -adds to the confusion .

Thanks to the evolution of sport science, there is a new and exciting tool to measure and monitor player improvement - the Personal Improvement Chart (PIC). Much like a golf handicapping system , PIC measures the quality of a player's game over a period of time, irrespective of the ranking system the player falls under.

With PIC's, improvement is measured not by wins and losses, but by how much of the match the player controls, and how he or she controls points.

The consequences for player development are very significant: 1. A player's progress can be monitored independently through the maze of different ranking systems.

2. The effect of changes in strategy and stroke selection can be more accurately monitored and evaluated.

3. Various coaching techniques, and the effect of sport science applications such as physical training , biomechanics, nutrition, mental training, etc., can be more accurately measured, monitored and evaluated.

4. By studying PIC's of successful players and groups of . players over several years, it is possible to understand the development process and guide players of all levels better.

5. By seeing more clearly what works and what doesn 't a player can set more meaningful goals and grow more rapidly. This personal control over one's career has been found in numerous studies to greatly reduce stress.

To explain this fresh approach to player development, let us: a) review the only current measure of development, the ranking systems, then ; b) explain the PIC, and ; c) discuss some of the practical applications of this exciting new concept.

The Confusion of Rankings Computer ranking systems are unnecessary at the top of the game or division. For example , personal seedings of the top eight players at Wimbledon in the pre-compute era (before 1970) were probably as accurate or more so than the current computer rankings. • For several reasons, ran kings play a more critical role for the vast majority of players who are not at the pinnacle of tennis: 1. Ran kings determine eligibility for admission to and selection for events.

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Figure 1. PIC statistics of John McEnroe versus those of Mats Wilander at the 1988 French Open .

Plaver Development Player's Improvement

2.

Ran kings have an effect of the attitude, self-image and, hence, performance of every player.

3. As a result, rankings affect earnings and , at the grassroots level, whether people even play tennis.

The ATP computer ranking system for men professionals, mirrored by the WITA system, illustrates some of the problems and ¡ imperfections inherent in ranking systems.

The ATP system is "points" based . A player earns a certain number of points depending on the sanctioned or approved tournament, the prize money, the number of rounds won , and bonus points for beating a seed. A player's total points are decided by a factor related , but not identical, to the number of tournaments played, and this relative number of "average " points is used for rank:ihg .

A few well-known examples illustrate that these ran kings, however useful to administer the game, bear little relationship to the quality or ability of a player at a particular time . For example, at the 1988 French Open , John McEnro_e was playing some of the best tennis in the world, yet he was not seeded . McEnroe was eliminated early by the top seed , Ivan Lend I, who, drained by the match, was beaten in the next round, leaving the tournament title open to the steadiest player, Mats Wilander.

Figure 1 PIC match-control statistics show the absolute level of play in the French Open of the unseeded McEnroe versus that of the eventual winner, Wilander. The difference was not lost on the ordinary spectator.

Another example of the inaccuracy of ran kings is in Andre Agassi rising to No. 4 on the ATP computer in 1988 despite having beaten only one of the world 's top 12 players, Henri LeConte. Agassi 's PIC data confirm that, while he had improved, his performance level stood significantly below his actual ranking .

The ranking system is more mislea'ding at lower levels. As entry into a tournament is controlled through wild cards offered by

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Figure 2. PIC of Jeff Tarango, currently the highest-ranked amateur in the world (No. 96 on the ATP computer) in six matches charted at Stanford University, May 1, 1987, to April 2, 1988.

agents or tournament organizers, players so favored have the opportunity for points while many equally competent players do not.

Thus, the choice of tournament or circuit has as much or more influence on a player's ranking as his or her ability.

At the college level, the points system is taken to another level of abstraction. Points correspond with where a player plays on a team. Thus, a win against a No. 6 player will earn only a fraction of the points against the same player at a different time of the season, at No. 1 or 2. This essentially puts the player's ranking in the hands of his or her coach .

Perhaps the fairest computer ranking system is the one Ron Fisher designed for USTA It weighs a player's wins and losses in all sanctioned matches in relation to all other players' wins and losses, assigning due weight to different tournaments. Yet, even with this system, the smarter players and ¡ their parents have figured ways to take advantage.

Summarizing the ranking confusion in relation to player development: 1. Developing players have to pass through a maze of different computer ranking systems, which can help or hurt their game as much as their actual tennis ability.

2. While some of these systems may serve the administrative aspects of tennis very well, the ranking system itself can stunt or accelerate a player's growth. At best, it is an accurate measure of development.

The Personal Improvement Chart (PIC) The PIC provides a bottom-line measurement of the quality of a player's game over a period of time . We have defined this statistic as a player's overall "Aggressive Margin, " or "Match Control." A typical player's PIC may appear as follows: See Figure 2.

(Continued on page 14.)

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"NEW MEMBERS"

A hearty welcome to the new USPTA members who have fulfilled all requirements for membership from December 1, 1988 to January 31, 1989. The following is a list of those members, their member sponsors and their divisions.

NEW MEMBERS

CALIFORNIA Michael J. Birnbaum Jamie T. Blatman· Larry V. Cave Ronald A Clark Stephen T. Collins William G. Dunkle Terry Ehlers Steven C. Glass Cheryl D. Gunlock Donald E. Hays Tracy J. Hyman Gabriel B. Jacob Jim Martinez Desi McBride John R. McCampbeiJ Robert L. Mitchell Charles A Moore Larry C. Mulvania Michael R. Murphy Mauricio Sousse Kenneth R. Wyant Michael W. Yeoman EASTERN Thomas Burhoe Christopher Casanova Linga E. Denis Dennis J. DeRome Jonathan R. Klein John M. Koller Lisa M. Millard Paul A Moczarski Lew E. Wolfe FLORIDA Andrew S. Cambridge Allegra P. Cesare Richard A Comyns Rick Fowler Jim G. Gilbert James H. Huber Charles M. Jenks David A MacBurnie Giorgio I. Mascagni Paul H. Mast David S. Rouse Robert L. Schweid Michelle R. Sniffen Kenn S. Terry, Jr. Robert H. Traylor Michael R. Wright Nicholas H. Zimmer HAWAII Kyle Y. Kaneshir.o Denise R. Komula

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SPONSORS

E. Barr A Foster E. Adams R.Rabago W. Sanchez G. Druckman T. Olmstead P. Xanthos D. Dantzer W. Scott, Jr P. Burwash J. Roberts T. Ludeke P. Xanthos H. Lloyd C. Davis S. Stanton J. Bennett M. McGuire M. Hirtler T. Wright W. Sanchez

G. Misra G. Tarangioli E. Ellis R. McNichols P. Willenbrock L. Katz R. LaDue D. Sylva P. Willenbrock

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11

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A Fresh Approach (continued)

40~--------------~------------------------------¡

How PIC Curves are Developed

37.9

The data for a PIC is gathered by a qualified analyst charting the match . Certain key numbers from the match - winners, forced and unforced errors of each player, points won and lost, age, sex, ranking group - are fed into another computer program, which develops each player's PIC. These are two essential components of a player's PIC statistics for a match . Together they provide an overall measure of how much of the match each player controlled.

1.

The aggressive component is measured by " points won forcing " data - the player's outright winners plus errors forced during a match .

2.

The error component- those points given up freely - is measured by the player's "unforced errors" data.

Ol

c

30

31 .5

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~

27 .6

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20

(/)

c

'6

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?ft.

10

OL-----~------~----~------~----~------._--~~

These two components are shown separately below from data from the same six matches used in Figure 2 for Jeff Tarango.

Note that data is expressed as a percentage of all points played in a match. See Figure 3.

Note how this player improved the aggressive side of his game, a prerequisite for entering the professional ranks. This improvement is significant irrespective of the outcome of his matches. In fact, he lost two of the six matches.

The same player's " unforced error rate " (unforced errors as a percentage of all points) is shown in the next figure . Generally, a player improves when his or her unforced errors decline, but this statistic must be

3

2

Match**

4

5

6

7

Figure 3. Percentage of points won forcing by Jeff Tarango over six matches, May 1, 1987, to April 2, 1988.

viewed in relation to the points won forcing .

See Figure 4.

Note that apart from the drop in unforced errors after the first match (26.5% to 19.3% in the second). the changes in unforced errors for this player were minor (from as low as 14.1% to as high as 1 9.6%). 1nterestingly, while th is player's aggressive game improved significantly by the development of more forcing weapons (see Figure 3), there

was no significant increase in unforced errors.

Thus, when the two components (Figures 3 and 4) were combined to measure "overall match control " (marg in of forcing shots won minus unforced errrors), this player's PIC (Figure 2) showed significant improvement.

Interestingly, this improvement wasn 't reflected in the rankings until several months later.

Model PIC's 0~--------------------------------------------------~

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2

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2

3

4

5

6

7

Figure 4. Percentage of unforced errors by Jeff Tarango in six matches, May 1, 1987, to April 2, 1988.

14

An individual 's PIC can be superimposed on a model PIC that the player and his or her coach have chosen as their improvement goal: See Figure 5.

Yet another way to represent PIC data is to show overall averages for large numbers of players. This data would appear as follows: See Figure 6.

Another interesting application of this group data is to measure whether top juniors in the area are improving from year to year; whether one junior program is better than another; whether the standard of college tennis has improved from one time period to another.

The research ramifications presented by PIC statistics are seemingly endless. As the data can be mathematically verified for each match (the points won by a player equal his or her own points won forcing ¡ plus the

30~----------------------------------------------~

opponent's unforced errors). the data itself is very precise and objective. Moreover, as data is now available from thousands of matches, on different surfaces, for all levels of play, it is a fertile field for looking at tennis in a new way.

20 Average PIC curve for college bound women in the USA

Practical Application .

It should be emphasized that the PIC curve is not intended as a substitute for rankings. Rankings perform a specific and critical function in the administration of tennis and by necessity are much simpler than PIC curves used for player development.

The following are typical examples of how PIC curves can be of use to players (the names are fictitious) : 1.

2.

Sandra is a nationaiJy ranked 14-yearold . She wants to play on a top college • team. Her PIC curve superimposed on those of top juniors gives her an idea of how much she needs to improve. Her coach and parents can help her plan a specific program and monitor the progress.

10 Individual Girl's Data

0

-10~----~------~------_.------~------~------~----~

Age

12

14

Steve is aclub player who wants to play Volvo leagues in a stronger group. He is charted over several matches, and his PIC curve shows a need for much more

improvement than he had realized . He decides to try four different programs - fitness , nutrition, mental imaging and

30

Professional 20

0

u

Advanced 10

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u

m

Intermediate

2

cu

Q:; >

18

20

22

24

Figure 5. Individual girl maps her personal improvement on average college-bound women 's PIC curves.

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16

0

0

Club -1 0

Fig ure 6. Using PIC statistics to measure the general level of your game, where do you fit in? Group data wi ll vary by age , sex, court surface and playing abilities.

coaching - to raise the level of his game. After a three-week session with these programs, he is charted to monitor his improvement.

3. Charlie is a bright college student with tennis ability who wants to try out for the professional ranks. His PIC evaluation suggests it may take him several years and thousands of dollars to even break in . He decides not to pursue tennis as seriously.

4. Ann has had three coaches over the past 12 years. She likes them all , but can 't decide which one can help her improve the most. She decides to review her PIC charts before and after a session of lessons with each coach .

5 . Heidi was a 16-year-old whiz kid ranked 25th in the world after only one year on the circuit. Now 19 years old , she has dropped to 102nd and is about to quit the game. Her PIC report gives her pointers on how to improve her game , and she bounces back with a vengeance.

6. Henry is ranked 700th on the ATP computer. Players he beat easily in college are making it into Grand Slam events. His PIC confirms he can still play with the best. Instead of quitting, he and his advisors focus on how to reorganH ize his schedule and training .

15

@

Maybe you think all w1debody racket designs are similar.

Maybe it's time you found out more.

The Profile- the first patented racket design to put stiffness where stiffness counts.

It's been on the market less than a year, yet it's already spawned dozens of imitations- none of which begins to approach the remarkable power and playability that caused Fortune Magazine to rank Wilson Profile as one of the year's top twelve new products.

In fact, not since the introduction of oversize rackets twelve years ago has the game of tennis seen such a dramatic technological breakthrough.

Profile's Simply put, Profile puts Patented stiffness where stiffness counts ~~=~T~-:_:~: -at the throat of the racket.

It's here you'll find Profile's "Putting Stiffness revolutionary Dual-Tapered Where Beam design- a fully-patented Stiffness Counts'' and fully-tested Profile exclusive.

It's here you'll find Profile's amazing source of power, control, and vibration dampening.

All of which brings us to one simple fact.

No matter how similar other widebody rackets look as compared to the Profile, none are a match for Profile's playability.

None.

Stiffness For Power

The Profile's patented Dual-Tapered Beam design delivers remarkable power over virtually the entire racket face.

As measured by the coefficient of restitution (a ball's return speed after racket contact), Profile exhibits not only an extremely quick transfer of power, but effective distribution of energy over the entire hitting surface.

Translated into plain English, that means the Profile boasts a significantly larger sweet spot- some 25% larger than other leading 110" rackets.

Which gives Profile an added dimension of power, unmatched by any other racket on the market today.

#1 In Vibration Dampening

According to 1988 lab tests performed by MIT for World Tennis, Profile tests #1 for superior vibration dampening quality.

The tests, designed to measure a racket's absorption of vibration energy before reaching the hand, gave Profile the highest rating over 50 other widebody and conventional rackets tested.

Today, Profile continues this dominance. In study after study. In lab after lab. In playtest after playtest.

Rave Reviews It's one thing when a manufacturer lays claim to the No. 1 racket. It's another when an independent survey overwhelmingly confirms the claim.

World Tennis 1988-WIDEBODY RANKINGS Wilson Profile #1 in Test after Test!

TEST

Matched Flex Time

Yet for all its awesome power, Profile delivers superb control due to its unique "matched flex time."

On conven- .

A tional rackets, after the ball makes conTime: tact, a racket will flex A. Prior to Contact or bend backwardseven after the ball B. Moment has already left the of Contact strings. The result is C. After a diminished transfer Contact of energy and loss of Conventional Racket control.

• · With Profile, the flex pattern of the racket is matched to the time the ball is on the strings. · So Profile recovers with the ball, allowing positive energies to steer the ball for maximum control.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

8.

7.

RANKING

Overall Playability . .. . . . . .. . .. #1 Power Play Test . .. . .... . .... . #1 Power Lab Test . .. . .......... #1 Stiffness Play Test .. . ..... . . . #1 Stiffness Lab Test . . . . . ..... . . #1 Stability Play Test . . . .. . . . .. .. #1 Stability Lab Test ....... ... . .. #1

Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson Wilson

Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile Profile

Source: "World Tennis" , Nov. '88

According to comparisons of 12 leading widebody rackets as reviewed by World Tennis in November 1988, Profile clearly out-tested and out-performed the competition.

Yet, the only true test comes in playing Profile for yourself.

Hands down, you won't find a more powerful, more controllable racket.

Because, the more you play Profile, the more you'll find out there isn't a racket that compares.

UJ~on~

Celelffating 75 years as Brarui of the Pros

"ASK THE PROFESSOR"

The Latest in Tennis Technologr

by Dr. Jack Gropp el

a. I am aware that you have been involved in various forms of tennis equipment research. Would you please shed' some light on some of the more recent research findings relative to tennis equipment?

A. There is extensive research in the professional and popular literature that has been conducted on tennis equipment. Most companies have organized highly sophisticated research and development laboratories for examining variation in product design and how any variations will both affect the outcome of a performance and protect the athlete from excessive shock and /or vibrations. The functional requirements of tennis equipment are obviously important but there seems to be a lack of understanding about how some products are developed and what specific implications are derived from various innovations that actually affect performance and/or the player.

Over the last decade, engineering studies have examined tenn is ball design and function , racquet flexibility, string type and tension, in addition to shoe design, support and performance. Relative to the studies conducted on tennis balls, it was found that certain brands rebound significantly higher than others both when the balls were new and throughout numerous rebound trials. All of the balls studied were found to wear out at about the same rate and, once they were removed from the pressurized can , it took about 173 hours for a significant loss in rebound height to occur . Interestingly enough , all of the brands tested rebounded higher after 800 impacts than they did when they were just auf of the can . This was 18

obviously attributed to a decrease in the aerodynam ics associated with the loss of nap after use. ¡ Racquet research has increased dramatically over the past few years. With the proliferation of various materials (eg. graphite, boron , kevlar, ceramics) and with the varying dimensions of racquet heads (eg . the new wide body racquet) , scientists are again

Dr. Jack Groppel is the Director of Player Development for Harry Hopman/Saddlebrook International Tenn is and the Director of Sports and Health Development for Saddlebrook Resort. He is a USPTA Master Professional and the 1987 USPTANational Proof the Year. The author of over 1 50 articles about biomechanics, fitness and nutrition, he is Instructional Editor for Tennis magazine.

Dr. Groppel is also the Chairperson of the USPTA Advisory Committee on Sport Science and Sports Medicine and he is a Sport Science Advisor to the USTA Player Development Program.

conducting studies to examine the effects of these designs on performance. Some of the findings of these studies seem intuitive but can be easily summarized. For example, it was found that a higher rebound velocity would occur from a racquet with a stiff shaft, since there would be no energy loss by the ball in deforming the shaft. When the shaft is flexible, it seems that the ball expends energy in bending the shaft and this energy is not transferred back to the ball. In determining what causes one racquet to be stiffer than another, it seems to be not so much the materials used in its construction as it is the racquet's shape. As a rule , the smoother the transition from the widest part of the racquet hit to the handle, the more likely it is to be stiff. Materials used to make the racquet do have some effect, however. For example, the more graphite found in a racquet, the stiffer the racquet has usually been found to be. As for metal racquets, stiffness is more dependent on design than on materials.

One piece of aluminum is about as strong as another piece of aluminum. Some alum inum alloys are stronger than others but they are not stiffer in relation to how they would react to impact by a ball. The shape and crosssection of the metal actually determines the racquet's stiffness. As a rule , the bulkier the tubing or metal extrusion , the stiffer the racquet.

With regard to the oversized racquet, much research has been conducted to examine the difference in impact related to this increase racquet head size . Regardless of the racquet head size, however, one concept will always hold true: When a ball hits in the center of percussion of the racquet face , the net force to the hand, following impact, will be negligible. However, when a ball hits off-center o'n the

racquet face , the racquet tends to twist. Th is twisting effect could have severe effects on the shot and cause serious strain to the forearm . The oversized racquets have been able to decrease this twisting effect by increasing the size of the racquet head. In Howard Head 's 1976 U.S. Patent, it was found that by making a racquet 20 percent wider, the twisting potential was reduced by almost 40 percent. Besides reducing the twisting effect, it increases the effective hitting zone of the racquet face by as much as 400 percent. Some studies have shown that oversized racquets are more able to absorb the vibrations produced by off-center impacts, both toward the sides and the ends of the racquet's face.

When studying variations in string tension , th e more recent research re lates that lower string tensions produce a trampol ine effect that store some of the energy in the string at impact and return it to the ball , increasing the rebound velocity. Another explanation might be that the more energy that is maintained in the stri ngs, the greater the · effect on ball rebound velocity, providing the ti me of ball contact with the string matches the time of stri ng deflection in repositioning .

It has also been noted that higher string tensions seems to be related to increased ball control. One possible explanation is that the increased trampol ine effect occu ri ng at lower string tensions allows the ball to stay on th e racquet face longer. Therefore , when a ball hits off center on the racquet face (as most are ), the racquet has more time to rotate in reaction to impact and send the ball off in an errant direction.

...more recent research relates that lower string tensions produce a trampoline effed that store some of the energy in the string at impad and return it to the ball. ..

Another area of concern in tennis equ ipment is the selection of different racquet sizes per individual. Until the mid 1970's, only one standard size tennis racquet was available on the market. Newer racquets have been manufactured in various sizes, lengths and composition for junior, beginning and advanced players. There is little question that children , for example, cannot use a racquet intended for someone who is physically developed to an adult's stage. In fact, it has been determined that an 18-kg adult male 's arm weighs approximately 4.5 kilograms. If he swings a 375 -gram racquet,

the ratio of arm weight to racquet weight is 12. If a child weighing 36 kilograms (with one arm weighing 1.8 kilograms) swings the same racquet, the ratio of arm weight to racquet weight is 4.8. Assuming that the weight of the arm indicates the arm 's composition (basically, bone, muscle, vascular tissue , nerve tissue and.connective tissue),

Man ufadurers have attempted to address the problem of racquet size by developing junior racquets ... the adult has a ratio almost three times that of the child , simply to support the racquet. If you assume that the ratio of bone and muscle in an adult is proportionally similar to the child , inferring that the ch ild has one third of the adult muscle tissue to create force to accelerate the racquet, then it can be suggested that the idea of arm /racquet

ratio might be a consideration in selecting a tennis racquet.

The popular and scientific literature has called for an improvement in the methods of racquet selection . Manufacturers have attempted to address the problem of racquet size by developing junior racquets and a great deal of progress has been made. It seems that there is still much more research needed to examine methods of tennis racquet selection based on one 's physical abilities and requ irements.

Relative to future research it seems that there is still much to learn about tennis racquet design and performance. The string plane may be one of the last frontiers of study, but that alone will not necessarily offer more to our knowledge base. For example , an understanding of how diagonal string ing affects ball velocity is important, but more important would be how the interaction of string deflection, ball compression , racquet deflection, and grip size and firmness affect performance and how these variables affect .o the tennis player.

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Send me more info about the USRS6.

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"FROM THE DESK OF USTA''

USTA Player Development Program

Where Does The Teachin b y Rachel Ingber

S o you want to become involved in the USTA Player Development Program . Now the big question arises - how? According to Ron Woods , Director of the Player Development Program, there are numerous possibilities, but the first step is to determine what your expertise is. "Assess what you are able to do and what you would like to do," he suggests. "Take a good hard look at your capabilities, skills and interests and see what part of the program makes the mo~t sense for you ."

20

If your interest and strengths lie in recreational tennis and you enjoy being in front of a crowd, consider getting involved in introducing youngsters to the sport through assemblies in the USTA Schools Program. Or, if you work in a public park and would like to expand programming for kids, find out about initiating a USTA National Junior Tennis League Program. Remember, the first goal of the USTA Player Development Program is to attract more players to tennis and keep them playing.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, if you are a high level coach and enjoy working with extremely talented athletes, share your skills as a coach of top junior players and help them reach their maximum potential.

"My message to you is that there is a place in the Player Development scheme for everyone and we need people with all d ifferent talents to make this program a true success," said Woods. ¡ Once you have determined in what area you want to volunteer, get started in your hometown through your USTA Section. " Many times coaches tell me they want to work on the national level," said Woods, " but that isn 't how it works nine times out of ten. " By working locally, in the Section and region , and by doing good work , Woods says it will not take long before you are asked to move up to the national level. "We 're looking for people that are doers and achievers and have been successful ," he explained . "You need breadth of background and experience at the local level to move to other levels," he added . " Plugging in at the elementary level can be very beneficial ," says Woods. "You are being exposed to a lot of youngsters who are potential cand idates for private instruction and clinics. This is the base, from which our champions will grow."

The second goal for Player Development, helping talented youngsters reach the ir greatest potential , provides opportunities for teaching professionals interested in the next level of player development at local excel lence programs. "These programs are essential to the success of developing elite players," explained Lew Brewer, administrator of USTA Train ing Centers. "This is where the youngsters with talent and poten tial will begin to develop their skills in a more serious manner," he said . Most youngsters will be between 11 and 18 years of age.

Many of these players could be eligible for selection to the USTA's new Zone Team Championships (replacing National12 's), to area training centers and other events inc luding training camps. The USTA plan is for every community to eventually have at

Professional Fit In? least one local excellence program whether public or private.

Guidelines will be available shortly for developing the training regimen at the excellence programs which will include optimum scheduling , coaching r9-tios, the number of kids per court, train ing hours on and off the court and the types of training to be done.

The actual design of the programs will be handled locally. "We want these programs to be funded and run through local efforts, • working with your community tennis association , and we want as many kids as possible to be able to participate," Brewer said. " Local excellence programs cross the line between recreational tennis and elite training. The US"'[A wants to work with local communities in this transitional area," said Brewer, " but we don 't want to interfere with the programs they may already have in place. Tt)e USTA will rely heavily on the local comm Llh ity and your extensive involvement to make these programs fully functional," he added. If you need information on the USTA in your town , contact the USTA at 609452-2580.

Beyond local excellence programs are area training centers. Approximately 100 centers will be established across the

country. Each center will be used for training a select group of the 20 most promising young players within a given geographic area. Ideally, each center will be located with a half-day's drive of almost every young player in the continental U.S. "Typically, the training center programs could operate once or twice a week for three five-week periods during a year, " explained Brewer, adding, "the exact programs will be geared to the needs and conditions of each individual location ." The area training centers will be scheduled and operated to supplement private and local community excellence training programs, not to replace them.

Area training centers are currently in a pilot stage. Five centers will operate in diverse areas of the country between now and May. These centers will allow the USTA to experiment with a curriculum and format for the training, as well as to develop final procedures for the selection of athletes for the area training centers. Over the summer, the pilot phase will be studied and adjust- · ments will be made. Following the U.S. Open the first one-third of the area training centers will be selected, with the secondthird selected after January 1, 1990 and the final third to be implemented after the

Before you get involved in the USTA Schools Program , USTA National Junior Tennis League or with a USTA Short Tennis program , there are a few questions you should ask yourself. Beginn ing with the entry level, do you .

• Enjoy introducing tennis to youngsters while they are in school , after school or in the neighborhood park?

• Enjoy helping physical education teachers learn how to teach tennis to large groups?

• Enjoy coordinating intramural programs after school perhaps between elementary schools or junior high schools in your town? (This idea can also be translated between parks or clubs.)

• Consider yourself a forward thinker, with your sites set on the future rather than immediate payoffs?

• Have loads of patience and enthusiasm?

• Have creative ideas for keeping lots of kids active on a few courts?

• Want to contribute your skills to recreational programs outside of your club?

• Want to take on a leadership 1role in the tennis programming for your town?

• Enjoy seeing your name in the newspaper and your face on television?

summer tournaments that year. "As you can see , not every Section will have an area training center in the pilot phase, but every Section will have area training centers in the first phase, " said Brewer.

Area training center coaches will need a proven track record of working with talented players and helping them to develop, a demonstrated commitment to junior tennis and to youngsters who have gone on to play at very high levels and be a certified teaching professional. Scouts will work as a team , drawing on each scout's individual skills to provide a blend of experience in spotting talented players. Coaching experience will be very important, along with experience in junior tennis (including junior ranking committee person, sectional endorser or. other comparable position).

As you become involved in these local activities, you will not only be helping develop the stars of tomorrow, but will have opportunities to participate in Sectional and regional events. "We will be conducting regional training camps involving the best !<ids in a geographic area, " said Woods, "and our national coaches will be calling on outstanding coaches in each area to assist at these events."

Other opportunities include coaching at training weekends or mini-camps for Sectionally-ranked players heading off to national tournaments. In many cases, you would also be asked to travel with the players to the event. The same is true for Sectional or Intersectional Teams and young standouts heading to the twelve Zonals.

Finally, for coaches who have demonstrated outstanding capabilities in their hometowns and Sections, there will be a few short-term appointments to work at Regional Training Centers with the absolutely superb players who are trying to achieve the top goal in Player Development of winning the U.S. Open and other Grand Slam events.

"It's an exciting time in American tenn is, " concluded Wood , "with numerous possibilities for you to join in shaping the future of the game. Find your area of expertise and help the USTA in taking care of tomorrow." n

21

Upcoming Events In

lMJ

onvention Dates IRSA, the Association of Quality Clubs Convention - March 1-5, 1989 - Reno, NV. USPTA Pacific Northwest Division Convention - March 3-5 , 1989 - Mill Creek (Seattle), WA. USPTA Northern California Division Convention - March 10-13, 1 989 - Carmel Valley, CA. United States Tennis Association (USTA) Annual Meeting - March 25-April 1, 1989 Maui, HI. USPTA Intermountain Division ConventionApril 7-9, 1989 - Copper Mountain, CO. USPTA Southwest Division Convention April 27-30, 1989 - Phoenix, AZ. USPTA Hawaii Division Convention - April 28-30, 1989 - Honolu'lu, HI.

HAWAU

USPTA Midwest Division Educational Clinic - March 3-4, 1989 - Stouffer Hotel- Battle Creek, MI. US PTA Southwest Division ChampionshipsApril 27-30, 1989 - Ahwatukee Racquet Club - Ahwatukee, AZ. ·

USPTA Northern California Division Coaches Clinic - March 11 , 1989 - Carmel Valley Inn -Carmel, CA.

USPTA California Division Pro/Am Tournament - May 12-14, 1989 - Upland Tennis Club.

USPTA Midwest Division Educational Clinic -April2, 1989- Deercreek Courts- Highland Park, IL.

USPTA Florida Division Grand Prix CircuitMay 20-22, 1989- Naples Bath & TennisNaples, FL.

Northern New England High School Coaches Clinic -April 9, 1989 - Wedgewood Tennis/ Fitness - Montpelier, VT.

USPTA New England Division TournamentJuly 14-16, 1989 - Yale University - New Haven, CT. USPTA Eastern Division Tournament - August 8, 1989 National Tennis Center Flushing, NY.

Southern New England High School Coaches Clinic - April 15-16, 1989 -University Court Storrs, CT.

US PTA Middle Atlantic Division Tournament - August 17-20, 1989 - Harbor Tower Apartments- Portsmouth , VA

~ ournaments

~ USPTA Midwest Division $5,000

Mens Indoor Tennis Circuit March 1-5, 1989 - Lakeshore Centre Chicago, IL.

Lipton International Players Championships (LIPC) - March 20-April 2, 1989 - Key Biscayne, FL. United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) International Tennis Teachers Championships in conjunction with LiptonMarch 27 -April 2, 1989- Key Biscayne , FL.

ivision Clinics

USPTA Midwest Division Educational Clinic - March 3-4, 1989 - Manitowoc YMCA Manitowoc, WI.

USPTA Missouri Valley Division Tournament - August 18-20, 1989 - Four Seasons Lodge and Country Club - Lake of the Ozarks, MO. USPTA Florida Grand Prix Circuit -August 19-21 , 1989 - Gleneagles Country Club Delray Beach , FL. USPTA New England Division Tournament -September 8-1 0, 1989 - Point Judith Country Club- Narragansette, Rl.

lfil ther Events ~

National Participation Day - April 1-2, 1989.

USTA Tune Up -April 9, 1989 -Manhattan Beach - California Division.

USPTA Grass Courts - April 14-16, 1989 PGA West La Quinta- California Division.

Texas Tennis Day- April15, 1989- 12 Major Cities in Texas.

USTA Tune Up- April 29, 1989- Dana Hills Tennis Club- California Division .

USTA Tune Up- August 23, 1989 - Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA. USTA Tune Up - November 5, 1989 Manhattan Beach - California Division.

US PTA California Division Pro/ Am Tournament- October 11 -1 3, 1989 -Costa Mesa, CA. USPTA Southern Division Tournament- November 3-5 , 1989 - Raleigh Racquet Club - Raleigh, NC.

USPTA California Division Pro/Am Tournament - April 7-9, 1 989 USPTA Florida Division Grand Prix CircuitApril 22-24, 1989 - Sawgrass Racket Club -Jacksonville, FL. These dates and sites are the revised schedule of important events to be held in 1989. These dates are tentative and subject to change without · notice to the USPTA National Headquarters. For more information on any of these events please contact the Division implied.

22

USPfA Gift Shoppe Order Fonn SHIP TO (Please print clearly) NAME __~~~==~=r-==~=====n~-----------------------------------------------ADDRESS (No P.O. BOxes as all orders are sh1ppeo UPS) APT.# ____________________

CITY -----------------------------------SfATE-------------- ZIP - - - - - - - - - - - - - DAYTIME PHONE ( ) ----=-----.,..--------,.--------- USPTA Membership# - - - - - - - - - We will call you only if we have a question concerning your order.

METHOD OF PAYMENT- Be sure to allow for Shipping, Handling & Insurance _Check _Money Order Amount Enclosed$ --:-:-:-:-:-=------=-~==:-7:=-------=-==-=------------0r Charge My Account With _MASTERCARD _VISA Name Of Cardholder Signature Of Cardhold7 e_r_______________________________ Date ____________________ CHARGECARDACCOUNTNUMBER __~~--~~--~~~~~-------------------------Expiration Date: MO. / _ _ _YR Mastercard Interbank No. ______

QUAN. ITEM# *101 *102 *103 *104 *105 ~106

-

...

*107 *108 *109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117

DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Ladies' Signet Ring, 10K Master Professional Ring, 10K, Black Onyx Coach of the Year, 10K, Topaz Member's Ring, 10K, Emerald Player of the Year, 10K, Ruby Division President, 10K, Amethyst Men's Signet Ring, 10K Professional of the Year, 10K, Blue Sapphire Ladies' Signet Ring, 10K, with .25 Cubic Zirconia Master Professional Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Black Onyx Coach of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plage), Topaz Member's Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Emerald Player of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Ruby Division President Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Amethyst Member's Money Clip, (Gold Plate), with USPTA Emblem Professional of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Blue Sapphire USPTA Tackette (Gold Plate)

265.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 225.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00 35.00 55.00 12.00

TOTAL AMOUNT FLORIDA RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE (See chart below)

TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER *For Ordering USPTA Rings: Item# Initials to be engraved ____ Designated year ______ As all of these rings are custom made, please be certain as to ring size , exact initials and designated year to be engraved .

If uncertain as to ring size , call or write USPTA Gift Shoppe at the address below for ring size template or contact a local jeweler.

Shipping Information:

We usually ship orders within 3 days of receipt of order. For custom orders, allow 4-6 weeks.

We prefer to ship via UPS and need your street address and Apartment number for UPS delivery. Items ordered together might NOT necessarily be shipped together.

SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE If Your Order Totals Please Remit

$ 50.00 or under $50.01 to $100.00 $100.01 to $150.00 $150.01 to $199.99 $200.00 & OVER _UPS 2nd DAY AIR add $3.00 to above

$4.95 $6.95 $7.95 $8.95 $9.95

Please make checks and money orders payable to: USPTA GIFT SHOPPE 269 Southeast 5th Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33483 (407) 278-0545

See merchandise on back cover. Items 110 - 117 not shown.

Take uo JJJe

Your Club... cHALLENGE

Women's Doubles

he Plymouth Women's Doubles Challenge is the ultimate chance for you and your club to show that your women members have what it takes in doubles tennis!

The Plymouth Challenge takes place in eight American markets, Detroit, Chicago, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Miami/ Boca Raton, Houston, Atlanta, Boston, and if your club is within a 200 mile radius of each market, then you and your members are eligible! Regional Winners will advance on to an all-expense paid trip to New York City to attend the 1989 U.S. Open, and will compete in the Plymouth Challenge finals. The grand prizes are four exciting brand new 1990 PLYMOUTH SUNDANCE CARS!

T

UniTED AIRLinES

The contest is for everyone, and consists of two levels of play. First flight participants should hold a combined NTRP rating of 7. 5 to 10. 0, and second flight participants hold a combined NTRP rating of 5.0 to 7.5.

But the best part of the Plymouth Women's Doubles Challenge is that YOU can be a winner too ... of cash! Doubles teams pay a $30.00 entry fee- of which you retain $20.00! So there's no reason for you not to involve your women members today!

Caii1-800-PLAY4FU(N) today to learn more about how you and your club can be ¡winners in the Plymouth Women's Doubles Challenge!

..

Ultl

The Voice of the Tennis Teaching Profession

Ask Mr. Foster Travel¡ ...,11lu I~'"'

You Can Expect The World Of Us~

Dates That Rate The following dates and sites are the revised schedule of USPTA educational events to be held in 1989. T.hese dates are slightly different from those that appeared in the last issue due to last minute additions. For further information, contact the Education Department at the USPTA National Headquarters, {813) 973-3777.

Certific:atton Training Courses March 3 March 4 March 9 March 11 March 13 March 17 March 19 March 25 April 5 April 14 April 16 April 22 April 29 May 12 May 14 May 16 May 20.

May 2'1 May 27 June 17 June 17 June 23 June 24 July 9 July 22 July 29 July 29 July 30 August 6 August 18 August 19 August 20 September 10 September 23 September 25 October 21 November 17 November 18 November 19 December 16

Palm Coast, FL Malibu, CA Cincinnati, OH Detroit, Ml Carmel Valley, CA Miami, FL Tampa, FL Niceville, FL Copper Mount., CO Bradenton, FL La Jolla, CA Chicago, IL Tampa, FL Orlando, FL Cleveland, OH Tyler, TX Wilmington , DE Vienna, VA Nashville, TN New Braunfels, TX New Haven, CT Ponte Vedra, FL Nashville, TN Murrieta, CA Monroeville, PA Nashville, TN Flushing, NY Vienna, VA Denver, CO Destin, FL Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA Murrieta, CA Boca Raton , FL Chicago, IL Tampa, FL Tampa, FL Columbus, OH Los Gatos, CA Tampa, FL

Tennis Teacher's Courses March 16-18 April 19-21 April 26-28

Tampa, FL Chicago, IL Tampa, FL

May 18-20 May 24-26 June 21 -23 July 26-28 August 16-1 8 October 18-20 November 16-1 8 December 13-1 5

Vienna, VA Nashville, TN Nashville, TN Nashville, TN Nashville, TN Tampa, FL Los Gatos, CA Tampa, FL

Exams/UPgrades March 3-4 March 4-5 March 5-6 March 9-10 March 11-12 March 13 March 13-14 March 14 March 17-18 March 17-18 March 19-20 March 19-20 March 25-26 April 5-6 April 9-10 April 11 April 14-15 April 16-17 April 16-17 April 22-23 April 24 April 27-30 April 28 April 29-30 May 7-8 May 8 May 9 May 12-13 May 14-15 May 16-17 May 19-20 May 20-21 May 21-22 May 27-28 June 2-3 June 4-5 June 13

Palm Coast, FL Malibu, CA Mill Creek, WA Cincinnati, OH Detroit, Ml Redlands, CA Carmel Valley, CA Flushing, NY Miami, FL Minneapolis, MN New Braunfels, TX Tampa, FL Niceville, FL Copper Mount. , CO Oklahoma City, OK Flushing, NY Bradenton, FL Birmingham, AL La Jolla, CA Chicago, IL Fresno, CA Phoenix, AZ Kahuku , HI Tampa, FL St. Louis, MO Woodland Hills, CA Flushing, NY Orlando, FL Cleveland, OH Tyler, TX Stowe, VT Wilmington , DE Vienna, VA Nashville, TN Portland, OR Denver, CO Flushing, NY

June 17-18 June 17-18 June 23-24 June 24-25 July 9-10 July 10 July 14-15 July 14-15 July 17 July 19 July 22-23 July 29-30 July 29-30 July 30-31 August 6-7 August 8 August 18-1 9 August 19-20 August 20-21 August 20-21 September 10 September 10-11 September 11 September 23-24 September 25-26 October 7-8 October 9 October 10 October 21-22 October 22 October 30 November 3-4 November 5-6 November 12-13 November 13 November 14 November 17-1 8 November 18-19 November 18-19 November 19-20 December 1-2 December 2-3 December 10-11 December 12 December 16-17 December 18-19 December 27

New Braunfels, TX New Haven, CT Ponte Vedra, FL Nashville, TN Murrieta, CA Red lands, CA Minneapolis, MN Orlando, FL Chicago, IL Carmichael , CA Monroeville, PA Flushing, NY Nashville, TN Vienna, VA Denver, CO Princeton, NJ â&#x20AC;˘ Destin, FL Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA Montgomery, TX Vienna, VA Murrieta, CA Woodland Hills, CA Boca Raton, FL Chicago, IL Ft. Washington, PA San Francisco, CA Flushing, NY Tampa, FL Detroit. Ml La Jolla, CA Bellevue, WA Salt Lake City, UT Houston, TX Redlands, CA Flushing, NY Tampa, FL Columbus, OH Farmington , CT Los Gatos, CA Minneapolis, MN Columbia, MO Las Vegas, NV Flushing, NY Tampa, FL Denver, CO Crystal River, FL

25

Sha

â&#x20AC;˘

1n

Wlleke Vrolijks from Amsterdam and Ed Luck of Reed Creek, NC, both approaching graduation from the Professional Tennis Management (PTM) program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Ml, are interweaving their love for tennis with their desire to attain a baccalaureate degree in marketing.

The PTM program w,as initially developed by the United States Professional Tennis Association and Ferris State University to train students to meet the increasing need for skilled tennis professionals in the industry.

Now, more than ever, students are encouraged to join Ferris' PTM program, the first of its kind in the United States, because of the newly established Norm Rautiola Scholarship Fund.

"Ferris has come a long way, and is now known as number one in the nation in professional tennis management training," said Norm Rautiola, president of Nartron Corporation in Reed City, MI. Rautiola recently supplemented an earlier donation to the program with a $25,000 contribution for a $5,000 annual PTM scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded to incoming students based on recommendations by US PTA professionals, grade point average , playing ability and experience in the tennis industry.

"For the past ten years, Norm has supported unique and outstanding educational programs at Ferris State," said Scott Schultz, coordinator of the PTM program and manager of the University's indoor Racquet and Fitness Club. " His goal is for the program to be the nation's leader in preparing students for careers in tennis."

"The most important thing that the tennis industry can do to ensure long-term growth is to entice high caliber men and women to pursue careers in tennis," stressed Schultz.

"The creation of this scholarship fund will enhance our efforts to attract outstanding students to the Ferris PTM program ."

PTM graduates are qualified for top-entry positions upon completing the requirements for a bachelor of science degree in marketing. The program encourages excellence in the sport of tennis and provides students

26

Tomorrow's

with a solid marketing and business background.

The students involved in the PTM program soon realize that tennis is hard work.

"You learn about all the organization required for lessons and managing a pro shop," said Luck, who learned of the program in a tennis magazine. "Students are trained to be professional, and the industry needs professionals. " Vrolijks, who read of the Ferris PTM program in an international tennis publication, has already experienced being the head professional at a club in Amsterdam, but wanted more than being just a coach . "I already know what it is like to teach , now I am learning the business and getting a

regular marketing degree."

The Ferris State University professional tennis program did not develop overnight. In 1985 Sc.hultz contaced Tim Heckler, Chief Executive Officer of USPTA. "USPTA was cautious at first about endorsing and backing the program, " said Schultz.

"They wanted to be sure that Ferris had the proper facilities, necessary staff and the expertise to run a successful program .

Heckler visited the campus and was satisfied that we met the qualifications."

The program was officially approved in June of 1986, and began in September to produce tennis professionals who Schultz terms as "assets to the industry."

Opportunities for the tennis-teaching pro-

Norm Rautio Ia (left), president of Nartron Corporation in Reed City, Ml , recently pledged $5,000 per year for five years to create a scholarship fund for PTM students at Ferris State University. The Rautiola Scholarship will enhance the University's efforts to attract outstanding students to the unique Ferris program which prepares students for careers in tennis, according to Scott Schultz (right), Ferris PTM program director.

Professionals fessional are increasing every day in athletic clubs, sales, club management, coaching and other recreational areas. In addition, graduates can use their marketing degree for employment in business outside the tenn is profession. ''There is a market for PTM grads because as incomes increase, people have more time and more money to invest in clubs," said Luck.

"There are a few things I am thinking of doing after graduation," said Vrolijks. "I'll either go to graduate school for a degree in international marketing, or see what my marketing degree gives me."

Luck's plans are to go into the tennis business.

Both Luck and Vrolijks have given up the idea of playing on the professional circuit.

"Everyone dreams of playing professional, but it is ' very competitive; you have to be mean and very good," said Luck. "I just wasn 't mean enough and I had other interests." " I'm too old to play pro, " said Vrolijks. ''There 's lots of vicious competition and I'm not comfortable in that position. No one wants to be your fr iend, they want to beat you ."

The Ferris PTM program is not designed to make the individual a professional player or a member of the University's tennis team, although Luck has just accepted the assistant coach ing position and Vrolijks is a team member. The option of turning professional or trying out for the team is the student's choice.

The PTM program includes courses in data processing , management, marketing sales, accounting , law, retail merchandising and other business coUJses. The on-campus racquet facility and pro shop also help to distinguish Ferris' program.

Ferris PTM students are required to participate in workshops and seminars presented by US PTA specialists. One of the workshops held in January cente'red on teaching techniques and was instructed by Peter Daub, memb¡er of the USPTA edu-

Peter Daub (right), US PTA professional and member of the USPTA Education Committee, recently presented a workshop on teaching techniques at Ferris. Here he is shown with tow PTM students Will eke Vrolijks (center) and Ed Luck. Ferris' unique program trains students to meet the industry's increasing need for skilled tennis professionals.

cational committee and Regional Vice President of the Middle States Division.

"The Ferris PTM program is producing good teachers in the industry, which produces better tennis players ¡around the country," said Daub. " I was also there to see how FSU 's PTM program can be used to pilot other programs around the country."

Students benefit from the workshops by applying what they learn in the classroom to real life situations in the work world. "The workshops are very interesting, very intense, " said Vrolijks . "If you can do what they teach you here, you can do it anywhere."

A strong asset of the four-year program is the three ten-week internships with tennis professionals, which enhance skills and provide the student with on-the-job experi-

ence and personal contacts in the tennis world.

Arranged by Ferris and USPTA, placements are made throughout the country.

Luck served his internships at various facilities around the Southeast. Vrolijks was exempt from her internships because of her teaching experience developed in Amsterdam.

During the last term of the sen ior year, PTM students take the United States Professional Tennis Certification Test. A testing course is conducted to aid students in preparing for the four-part exam.

"The PTM program is a big help in the preparation for the test, because we receive constant exposure to all aspects gf the tennis world," said Luck.

Another major asset of the program is the Professional Tennis Student Association on campus. Both Luck and Vrolijks are members. The PTSA is a group that gives students a definite voice in how the program is run . There are four committees in the association: education, fundraising, social and tournament. Each committee has specific jobs. Vrolijks is involved in the social section , which assists in organizing informal and formal events for the PTM program.

Upon graduating, Luck and Vrolijks will be a new type of tennis professional , utilizing not only the PTM degree but also their training throughout the internships and workshops with US PTA experts. Tennis employers will have the opportunity to hire students who not only love the game, but know the business thoroughly.

Ferris State University is recognized as a state and national leader in health, technological and professional career oriented education. Over 11 ,700 students attend the School's seven academic units that offer more than 130 educational programs.

USPTA professionals who are interested in recommending their students for the Rautiola Scholarship should contact Scott Schultz at the Ferris Racquet and Fitness Club, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307, or call (616) 592-2212.

0

27

INDUSTRY ACTION IRSA REI EASES MARKET STUDY On July 20, 1988 the number of Americans 35 to 59 years of age surpassed, for the first time, the number of Americans aged 18 to 34 , according to the U.S. Bureau of the Census.

The implications of this demographic shift for the health and racquet club industry, which has long considered young adults (ages 18-34) as its primary market, are far reaching . In order to help clubs market to a maturing population , IRSA, the Association of Quality Clubs has released a new study entitled The Forty Plus Market: How to Capture and Keep Full-Life Members. The publication reveals that among those who are age 40 and over: • 43 percent currently have a regular program of exercise in which they exercise three or more times for at least 20 minutes nearly every week; • 70 percent are more concerned about their health now than they were a few years ago; • 28 percent thought that the only people who went to health clubs were those who were already fit and muscular; • 36 percent said that they would feel out of place and very self-conscious if they went into a club; • 60 percent said that they would be more likely to join a club if they could pay only for the times they came in and used the facility.

Given that a club 's membership dues are acceptable to the respondent, other characteristics wh ich would positively affect one's decision to join a club, and the percentage of respondents for whom this is true, were as follows: • hospital affiliation (59%) ; • initial screening and testing program run by medically-certified staff (55%) ; • the option to exercise with same sex (53%); • ongoing stress management program (48%) ; • certified consulting dietician or nutritionist available (46%) ; • availability of a support group for people who want to lose weight (46%) ; , • instructors close to their own age (37%); • social activities, such as field trips and other group activities (35%) ;

28

The U.S. Bureau of the Census estimates that the 40+ market will -continue to grow by more than 11 percent over the next five · years, the study reports.

The 51-page publication includes chapters on "Evaluating the 40+ Market,"" Keys to Success With the 40+," and "Designing Marketing Messages and Strategies." The publication is available through IRSA, 132 Brookline Avenue , Boston, MA02215; (617) 236-1500. The cost is $90 for non-members and $45 for members of the association.

IRSA is a trade association of 1,500 forprofit racquet and health clubs worldwide.

BUICK AMATEUR MIXED DOUBLES CLASSIC Be on the look out for the champion of the Buick Amateur Mixed Doubles Classic which will be held during March in Dallas, Texas. Will it be Bill Cantrell and Genevieve King of Tampa, Florida or Louis McKee and Janet McCutcheon of Wyzata, Minnesota?

The championship is the culmination of the Buick Amateur Mixed Doubles Classic which began in May 1988 at more than 1,800 local sites where more than 10,000 teams entered. Players advanced from local play to regional , then sectional tournaments before qualifying for the 16-team draws at either the Eastern final stage at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort near Tampa, Florida or the Western final played at LaCosta Hotel and Spa in Carlsbad, California.

The tournament is run in conjunction with Buick National Tennis Month and presented

by Tennis Magazine. This year's Buick Amateur Mixed Doubles Classic is about to begin in April with local tournaments con cluding in July. National Tennis Month in 1989 will be June. For more information, call 1-800-344-4469 or in Connecticut call 373-7151 (see page 11 ).

USTA/USPTA GRANTS AWARDED PRINCETON, NJ- Nineteen USPTA professionals have been selected as recipients of 1988 United States Tennis Association (USTA)/ USPTA Schools Program Grants.

The grants are awarded to USPTA pro-

fessionals who have demonstrated outstanding support of junior tennis in their communities, schools and parks. This is the third year the USPTA has set aside funds for these grants.

"As the USTA Schools Program continues to expand , we 're reaching millions of new players," said Larry Tabak, USTA Schools Program Administrator. "The support of USPTA professionals is essential. Hundreds of professionals have made an investment in the future of tennis by getting involved in the USTA Schools Program , and this grant program is a superb way of recognizing their contribution ."

USPTA professionals selected were: Dino Bondallian (Waikoloa, HI), John Byron (Phoenix, AZ), Tracy Epstein (Akron , OH), Mike Fisher (St. Louis, MO). Rick Grisham (Broken Arrow , OK), Kelly Gunterman (Stratton Mountain , VT), Henry Harris (Natchez, MS), Darelyn Holliday (Easley, SC), H. Lee Jenn ings (Kerrville , TX), Kathryn Jones (Salt Lake City, UT), Patricia Ann Kirch (Kennewick, WA), Joe Long (Albuquerque, NM), Lucie Macherowski (Pembroke"Pines, FL). Jim Murphy (St. Cloud , MN). Denis Ouilligan (Tampa, FL) , John Trinchitella (Cullman , AL), Ruth Turner (Portland, OR), Mike Van Zutphen (Phoenix, AZ), and Herman Washington (Ciamton , AL).

NATIONAL COACHES SURVEY RESULTS ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The Sport Psychology Institute has recently compiled and analyzed data collected from over 2,000 coaches surveyed over the past year.

The purpose of the survey was to determine the amount the mental game plays in today's competitive sports world and the specific sport psychology train ing methods used.

The data has been assembled into a summary of results wh ich explains the answers to each question with the use of graphics and text.

The Sport Psychology Institute was developed in 1987 by a group of continuing edu cators and professionals who identified a need for a series of services to accelerate the dissemination of information from sport psychologists and related professionals direc tly to coaches and their su·pport

systems. The purpose of the Institute is to give coaches information to help their athletes perform beyond apparent capabilities.

One of the more surprising findings revealed that 87 percent of all coaches teach , or some of their players use visualization .

Visualization or imagery is the act of mental practice where an athlete mentally rehearses successful sport performances.

According to Executive Director Anver Suleiman, "This survey was long overdue .

We now understand the extent to which coaches appreciate the role of the mental side of athletics. Their understanding and use of specific mental training techniques still seems somewhat limited though ."

In the survey, coaches were asked if they needed more information on sport psychology. Eighty-three percent expressed a positive interest in a newsletter and 65 percent expressed interest in attending a national conference. Both of these activities are underway at the Sport Psychology Institute.

For more information on the survey or the Institute's other activities, write or call John Sikes at 109 58th Avenue, St. Petersburg, Florida 33706 I (813) 367-6675.

USTA ANNOUNCES

start-up costs and are not renewable .

Contact: Henry Cox, Coordinator, Adult Recreational Tennis, USTA, 707 Alexander Road , Princeton, NJ 08540. (No deadline.)

Senior Tennis Seed Grants: Available to assist new and/or existing recreational tennis programs for senior populations. Grants are for first year programs only. Contact: Henry Talbert, Director, Amateur Tennis, USTA, 1212Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. (No deadline.)

USTA National Junior Tennis League (USTA/ NJTL) Seed Grants: Awarded to communities organizing new USTA/NJTL chapters. Contact: Beth Brainard, Coordinator USTA/NJTL Program Development, USTA, 707 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540.

Applications must be returned by April 1, 1989.

USTA/NJTL Special Project Grants: Available to established USTA/NJTL chapters to effect expansion to new sites or new participant populations. Contact Beth Brainard .

Application deadline is April1, 1989.

FERRIS HOLDS PTM WORKSHOP BIG RAPIDS, Ml- Jill Workman, Executive Director for the United States Racquet Stringing Association , recently conducted a two-

day Racquet Repair Workshop for professional tennis management students at Ferris State University.

The USRSA official updated students on the latest technology available to tennis retailers, and supervised students in stringing racquets. Stringing machines used for the workshop were supplied by Ektelon and Winn Manufacturing Company.

"The Ferris PTM program is very important to the future of the tennis industry because it has the potential to raise the sophistication level of the industry," said Workman , who has conducted the workshop for three consecutive years.

The program , the only one of its kind in the United States, was developed jointly by Ferris and the United States Professional Tennis Association to meet the increased industry need for skilled tennis professionals. The unique program leads to a baccalaureate degree in marketing through the Ferris School of Business.

PTM students study such subjects as racquet repair, tennis-teaching techniques and tournament administration in preparation for employment within the tennis profession or in other related recreational jobs, according to Scott Schultz, PTM program director.

Started in the fall of 1986, the PTM program also requires three 10-week internships_ with tennis professionals at facilities located throughout the nation.

1989 GRANTS AVAILABLE PRINCETON, NJ - The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is pleased to announce the availability of grants and scholarships to foster the growth of recreational tennis.

"The USTA is devoted to the promotion and development of recreational tennis and recreatienal tennis players of every age, ability and disability," said Sean Sloane, USTA Director of Recreational Tennis. "The grants are an excellent means of helping to bring the lifetime sport of tennis to everyone ."

Grants available from the USTA include: USTA Seed Money Grants: Awarded on a one-time basis to assist community tennis associations and recreation departments initiate or expand their tennis activities for youths and adults. Grants range from $200 to $1 ,000. Applications must be submitted

by April 1, 1989. Contact: Randy Hester, Coordinator of Junior Recreational Tennis, USTA, 707 Alexander Road , Princeton, NJ 08540.

Starter Grants for the Disabled: Awarded on a one-time basis to help community tennis associations, recreation departments and clubs initiate or expand their tennis activities for either mentally or physically disabled athletes. Contact: Randy Hester.

Applications must be submitted by April 1, 1989.

Adult Recreational Tennis Development Grants: Awarded to aid organization~ initiating recreational tennis programming geared specifically to adults. Funds are granted for

Jill Workman is shown with Scott Schultz (right), Ferris PTM program director. Workman provided an update on the latest technology available to tennis retailers and supervised students in stringing racquets.

29

INDUSTRYACTION(continued)

CMAAELECTS NEWOmCERS HONOLULU, HI - Edward Hoffman, CCM (Certified Club Manager), General Manager of Racine Country Club in Racine, WI was elected President of Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) at its 62nd Annual Conference in Honolulu , Hawaii.

Edward L. Hoffman is the newly elected President of CMAA.

Hoffman joined CMAA in 1961 and was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1983. He served as Secretary-Treasurer in 1987 and Vice President in 1988. During his affiliation with the professional Association , Hoffman has been actively involved with var ious committees, some of which include Budget and Finance, Chapter Relations, Public Allied and International Relations, Executive Referral Service and Insurance.

Hoffman will serve a one-year term as Presi dent of CMAA and will continue to work with members and allied associations to develop and promote high standards of professsionalism in private club management.

Kenneth W. Brown, CCM , General Manager of the Indianapolis Athletic Club in Indianapolis, IN was elected the Vice President of CMAA. Brown jo ined CMAA in 1966 and was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1984. In 1988 he served as Secretary-Treasurer. Prior to his national involvement, he served in several Chapter offices including President of two chapters.

He will serve a one-year term 1 as Vice President.

James D. Pearce, CCM , Manager of the Dallas Club in Dallas, TX was elected 30

Secretary-Treasurer of CMAA. Pearce joined the Association in 1959. Since joining the Association , he has held numerous chapter offices including President of four chapters.

Additionally, he has chaired several committees including Audit, Bylaws, Ethics and Grievances and Scho'larships. He will serve a one-year term as Secretary-Treasurer of CMAA. Randall A Gudanowski, CCM , General Manager of Franklin Lake Indian Trail Club, Inc. in Franklin Lakes, NJ was elected to the Board of Directors of CMAA. Gudanowski joined CMAA in 1975. During his tenure , he has served on various committees includ ing Research and Publications, Conference and was a candidate for National Director in 1987 and 1988. He will serve a t.hree-year term as a National Director of CMAA. Richard Kolasa, CCM , General Manager of Skyline Country Club in Tucson , AZ was re-elected to the Board of Directors of CMAA. Kolasa joined CMAA in 1968 and was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1987. During his tenure , he has served on various committees including Private Club Planning Task Force , Bylaws and Conference . He has also been active on the chapter level holding such offices as Secretary-Treasurer and President of two chapters. He will serve a three-year term as a National Director of CMAA. Norman J. Spitzig, Jr. , CCM , General Manager of Fort Wayne Country Club in Fort Wayne , IN was elected to the Board of Directors of CMAA. Spitzig joined CMAA in 1976. During his tenure , he has served on several committees including Credentials, Conference and Textbook. He is also a contributing author of Club Management Operations and author of Perspectives on Club Management. Spitzig will serve a three -year term as a National Director of CMAA.

PBIANHUAL MEETING HELD The Turtle Bay Hilton and Country Club, in Kahuku , Oahu was the site of the Peter Burwash International Annual Meeting and Banquet. PBI is one of the largest international tennis management companies in the world and is directed by USPTA Master Professional Peter Burwash.

The event brought together all of PBI 's tennis professionals from their various sites from around the world to update knowledge, upgrade skills, share ideas and discuss the directions and goals of the company.

The awards banquet marked the conclusion of the week long event. Awards went to: USPTA member Clark Corey, Tennis Director, Pan Pacific Singapore, Pro of the Year; Carl Gavine, Tennis Director, Coccoloba Resort, Most Improved Professional ; USPTA member Paul Albares, Tennis Director Hilton International Guam, Rookie of the Year. The site of the year award went to the Marriott's Desert Springs Hotel and Spa in Palm Desert, California. 1988 " Friend of the Year " recipient, Paul Casey, Vice President of Hospitality Continental , was acknowledged with a standing ovation.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Steve Boyle, General Manager of the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel , and President of the Hawaii Hotel Association .

DOMINO'S PIZZA TEAMTENNIS DELIVERS FlrrH PROFESSIONAL SEASON CHICAGO, IL - Eight returning teams will vie for $400,000 in prize money when the DOMINO'S PIZZA TEAMTENNIS professional league serves up its fifth season July 11 -August 12, 1989. Joining two-time defending champion Charlotte Heat are , the Fresno Sun-Nets, Los Angeles Strings, New Jersey Stars, Portland Panthers , Sacramento Capitals, San Antonio Racquets and the South Florida Breakers.

Official applications are now being accepted for positions on the eight professional teams. Team players will be selected in a league draft in mid-April. Players must enter

by April?. For an appl ication , players should contact IIana S. Kloss , Vice President, DOMINO 'S PIZZA TEAMTENNIS , 6311 Gross Point Road , Niles, IL 60648-3997 , (312) 647 -0505.

"We 're happy to have all eight teams back," says Billie Jean King, Chief Executive Officer. "These are promoters who share my vision for tennis as an entertaining team sport and who want to bring more tennis into their communities."

King said she has spoken with numerous cities interested in obtaining a team , and is open to expansion in 1990 .

More than 100 ,000 spectators attended league matches last season in addition to a national, regional and local cable audience including FNN /SCOREand Madison Square Garden . On August 7, 1988, a sold-out crowd of 5,000 fans at Julian J. Clark Stad ium in Charlotte, NC, cheered the Heat

on to victory over the New Jersey Stars 2722 in the Championship match. The Heat was led by female MVP and top money winner Elna Reinach ($34 ,750) and Charlotte's own Tim Wilkison .

DOMINO'S PIZZA TEAMTENNIS is sponsored by Domino's Pizza, Inc., the world's largest pizza delivery company. Official sponsors include Tretorn shoes for a second year, and PRO PENN tennis balls, the official ball for five consecutive years.

PATRICIA J. FREEBODY NAMED PRESIDENT OF TEAMTENNIS CHICAGO, IL -

Patricia J. Freebody has been named President of U.S. Teamtennis, Inc. and Recreational Teamtennis, Inc. based in Niles, Illinois. Freeboay will oversee the .

Domino's Pizza Teamtennis recreational and professional tennis leagues.

Free body joins Teamtennis from Chicago's Mid-Town Tennis Club where she served as general manager for nine years. She is currently president of the USTA's Western Tennis Associ9tion . ''I'm looking forward to my new challenges and responsibilities at Teamtennis," says Freebody. "In a short time, this company, along with Domino's Pizza, has played a signifid1nt role in providing more opportunities for people to play tennis. We plan to continue our commitment to the recreational tennis player throughout the country. We believe that Domino's Pizza Teamtennis is a fun, social and competitive way to enjoy the sport.

In announcing Freebody's appointment, Chief Executive Officer Billie Jean King, said, "We are thrilled to have someone as qualified and respected as Pat to direct the future of our company. We have a solid foundation, an excellent staff and a great product. " In addition , IIana S. Kloss has been promoted to Vice President of Teamtennis, Inc., from Executive Director, and will be responsible for the administration of the professional league and the marketing plans for the company. Kloss has been involved with Teamtennis since its inception in 1981 and was instrumental in launching the Domino's Pizza Teamtennis recreational league in 1985.

Currently, more than 80 ,000 recreational players of all ages and skill levels have participated in co-ed leagues in more than 800 cities across the country. The $400 ,000 eight team professional league season will be conducted July 11 -August 12, 1989.

IS YOUR TENNIS FACILITY AN AWARD WINNER? The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is looking for a few good facilities ... tennis facilities that is. The 1989 USTA Tennis Facility Awards Program will recognize public tennis facilities which are outstanding in design and construction . The awards encourage excellence in future installation and/or renovation of existing tennis facilities.

To qualify, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a parks and recreation department, an educational institution, or an industrial complex. Four categories of awards have been established to recognize tennis facilities of varying size .

The categories are: Small tennis centers, 4-1 0 courts; Large tennis centers, 11 or more courts; Large tennis centers with

spectator seating capacity (permanent or temporary) of at least 1 ,000; Tournament tennis centers with permanent stadium seating (minimum capacity of 3,000) and outer courts.

If your facility meets the above qualifications, let the USTA know all about it! In addition to national recognition, facility owners will be presented with a wall plaque, a large lexan sign and a complimentary oneyear membership in the USTA. Award certificates will also be available to park and recreation departments, schools or corporations as well as to professionals responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the winning facilities .

Applications are available through all USTA section and district offices or by writing to: USTA Facility Awards Program, 707 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. All applications must be postmarked by May 5, 1989.

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31

Improving Your Tennis Facility US PTA contributes greater communications among members of the Professional Management Team

by Tim Heckler, CEO

The business of running a modern tennis facility is particularly challenging, as it requires extensive coordination among clup owner, manager and teaching professional.

The combined efforts of these members of the Professional Management Team will always determine the fate of a tennis facility.

Recognizing this, USPTA long ago began taking steps to strengthen its segment of the Professional Management Team . Foremost was the educating of tennis teachers in all areas of the profession to prepare them for challenges off the court as well as on .

Another was to establish a separate membership category for corporate clubs, giving them access to member benefits such as USPTA publications, $1 million employee liability insurance coverage and extensive educational opportunities. USPTA Club Membership serves not only to inform, but also to create a better understanding and appreciation of the functions of the teaching professional.

And US PTA went one step further with the establishment of the USPTA Club Relations Program, an informational link for clubs seeking to hire qualified teaching professionals and for teaching professionals in search of quality job openings. This included the creation of the USPTA Employment Listings, a bi-weekly newsletter advertising teaching professional openings around the country. It is of benefit both to teaching professionals and club owners and/or managers in search of teaching professionals.

More recently, USPTAhelped simplify the process of hiring teaching professionals by publishing the first employment assistance book of its kind. How to Hire a Tennis Professional outlines 10 important steps in the selection process, which is of considerable value tO--prqspective employers and employees. The book also contains a large

32

assortment of guidelines and business forms to help teaching professionals in the negotiation of their own contract or their assistant's contract. It also ¡helps teaching professionals, club owners and managers maintaining day-to-day employee evaluations and controls.

How to Hire a Tennis Professional was in response to an all-too-frequently asked question of club owners and managers: How do I go about hiring the right teaching professional for my facility? Due to its thoroughness, this book is of value to all teaching professionals seeking employment and is an absolute must for each and every US PTA member. Complimentary copies have been sent to all IRSA tennis facilities and CMAA club managers. USPTA members can obtain a free copy of the book simply by filling out and mailing in the USPTA Member Profile Survey sent to you in December.

Additional copies can be purchased from USPTA National Headquarters at a nominal cost.

The health of the Professional Management Team will be a much-discussed topic at this month 's IRSA International Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nevada, where USPTA will again be represented with its own booth. We welcome additional ideas for strengthening this coalition of club owner, manager, and tennis-teaching professional.

For USPTA, it is a matter of vital interest.

Being the trade association of men 's and women 's teaching pr.ofessionals means we owe a commitment to strong Professional Management Teams at all tennis facilities.

By preparing our members for challenges on and off the court, and by providing for an atmosphere of cooperation and understanding among club owners, managers and teaching professionals, we have taken an important step in that direction. ~li

~egendary­

WarryWopman ... ''The Greatest Coach Ever."

Tennis Magazine. December 1986 Of the 21 Davis Cup teams captained by Harry Hopman. 16 of them won the trophy sought by every tennis playing nation.

His proven training methods were the basis of his tennis camp which attracted players and coaches from over 95 countries. His tradition has continued at Harry Hopman/Saddlebrook International Tennis. His drills. techniques and strategies are all part of our on-going program which welcomes adults and juniors of all ability levels from beginners to touring professionals. The renowned Harry Hopman tennis program features year-round daily clinics. five hours of intensive instruction with never more than four players per court and instructor. Overseen by Mrs. Harry Hopman. Tommy Thompson (Head Professional) and Howard Moore (Camp Director) head the staff of experienced Harry Hopman instructors including Alvaro Betancur and Roland Jaeger. Dr. Jack Groppel directs high-tech physical and mental conditioning.

We hope to welcome you to the USPTA Headquarters. where the Home Court Advantages are yours: • • • •

37 tennis .courts 10% Commission or discount @n packages 10% OFF Hopman/Saddlebrook daily clinics Group Rates & Scholarship Awards for Hopman/Saddlebrook tennis • Complimentary accommodations. tennis and spa for members accompanying groups of four or more.

• 60% or more OFF airfare on Eastern and Delta AND You earn 10 CHANCES to win a TRIP 1D WIMBLEDON

Call today~· and take advantage of us! Toll-Free: 1-800-237-7519; in Florida. 1-800-282-4654

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iUSPlrA® UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC.

at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort Wesley Chapel, FL 34249

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PAID Perm it No. 3887 Tampa, FL