Addvantage 1993 July

The Trade Magazine of Men ant »)*.{} Tennis-Teaching' Professionals

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In Love With The Game.1 ) 1993 Prince Manufacturing. Inc.

vantage® The Trade Magazine of Men and Women Tennis-Teaching Professionals™

Volume 17 — Issue?

The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Gordon Collins

July 1993

On the cover PamShriver joined in a special Across America Tennis Day multicultural clinic held on the White House tennis courts. For complete coverage of Across America Tennis Day, see page 6.

First Vice President Dave Sivertson Vice Presidents Kathy Woods Cliff Drysdale Will Hoag Joe Thompson Secretary/Treasurer Kurt Kamperman Past President Jack Justice WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO Tim Heckler Director of Operations Rich Fanning Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Coordinator of Tennis Allan Henry Teacher Development Communications Shawna Riley Coordinator

SPECIAL SECTION The USFTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism is published as excerpts in each issue of ADDvantage magazine. The pullout chapters bring more education information to members — free of charge. In this issue, Book II — Tennis Business Operations & Management, continues with the conclusion of Chapter 1. The manual includes multiple topics, such as business plans, career development and many other subjects to help tennis professionals maintain the highest level of education.

In this edition...

Book II — Tennis Business Operations & Management Chapter 1 continued Stringing establishes a profitable second income

by Drew Sunderlin

Communications Gayden Cooper Marketing/Business John Tamborello Operations Magazine Coordinator Donna Banse Sports Marketing Karen Unger Coordinator Corporate Services Christl Call Manager Secretary Dale Henry Computer Services and Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Education Coordinator Susan A. Thompson Membership/Education Sharon Schmuck Assistant Membership/Education Karen Mahon Assistant Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Assistant Financial Manager Renee Heckler Bookkeeper Betty Phillips Receptionist Kelly Anthony Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies

6 USPTA's Across America Tennis Day extends its reach with celebrity support 7 Multicultural clinics top expectations 10 USPTA Adult Tennis League offers new benefits USPTA's National Convention 4 National Convention offers education, tennis and fun 14 1993 National Convention registration form 15 1993 hotel registration form 18 1993 USPTA National Championships registration form 19 1993 USPTA National TeamTennis Championships registration form 20 The Asahi Cup golf tournament entry form 21 USPTA/Prince golf entry form

Co-Director of Academies BillTym Advertising/Marketing Phone (713) 97-USPTA Information LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-Law Paul Waldman ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

For information, write World Headquarters One USFTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713) 97-USPTA or fax (713) 978-7780 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time.

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1993. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this magazine is not permitted without written permission from the publisher.

DEPARTMENTS 3 CEO's message USPTA's Across America Tennis DayBuilding a better world for tennis 5 Vice President's message Sports marketing: the future of USPTA 13 Dates that rate 17 Off-court focus Children and tennis a match for teaching pro 22 Ask the professor Strength training requires proper diet and exercise routine 23 Industry action ADDvantage July 1993

1

Italtel Kremlin Cup '93

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By Microdin

Business symposia for all sponsors concurrent with tournament,

November 6-14, 1993 Olympic Stadium, Moscow IBM ATP TOUR

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For advertising,* sponsorship ar ticket information contact: Merrill Chapman at Tel: (212) 808-4750 or Fax:(212)983-6302

CEO's message

USPTA's Across America Tennis Day: Building a better world for tennis Tim Heckler, CEO

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SPTA, like most groups within the tennis industry, is working to get more people playing the sport. But, no event or idea has sparked the collective interest of the millions of potential players.

This is much easier said than done.

Many programs have been developed to encourage people to take up the sport or continue playing the game, and each has its merits. However, many of these activities target the same types of groups at traditional tennis centers throughout the country.

Each year, USPTA reaches more than 150,000 people on Across America Tennis Day. This day, held the second Saturday each May, is the original event that began in 1990 as a way to promote tennis in a broad sense to the American people. The great response to this program is due largely to the involvement of the more than 2,200 professionals who hold free clinics each year at clubs, commercial facilities and tennis centers throughout the United States. The success of this one-day project prompted us to design additional programs to maintain an interest in tennis and to introduce the game to minority groups.

One very special way we are accomplishing this is through the multicultural phase of USPTA's Across America Tennis Day. With this event, USPTA is changing the face of tennis by targeting non-traditional groups with special free clinics, which hold great promise for the future of our sport and our country as a whole. Through these

clinics, we reach out to people who are as different and complex as the land in which we live.

From Guam to Washington, D.C. USPTA professionals, member companies of the Tennis ndustry Association (TIA), and representatives of the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, hosted clinics this spring for minority groups, including American ndians, Special Olympic athletes, Hispanic children, wheelchair players and inner-city youth to name just a few.

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PROGRAMS :; :^^ ^ 'W?l- ^ 'From just 13 clinics in 1991 we increased the scope of this year's program to include 51 clinics in 43 cities from coast to coast.

USPTA, along with nearly 400 members and volunteers, delivered cases of tennis balls, hundreds of racquets and tremendous enthusiasm for tennis to more than 3,300 people in little more than three months time a great accomplishment for any program in our industry.

For the third straight year, we also ended this important phase of Across America Tennis Day on the White House tennis court.

Pam Shriver, an honorary member of our Association and co-chair of the program, graciously gave her time to help teadh the young participants in the special tennis clinic.

The coast-to-coast tour of multicultural clinics helped us to create a link between tennis and non-traditional players, many of whom have gone on to participate in our player retention programs. In fact, this program has brought us full circle toward our goal of increasing the number of tennis players. From the one-day event, we created special clinics to target new players, and we carried this one step further by developing programs to retain player interest and motivation.

Although this year's multicultural segment is over, we already are planning an expanded program for 1994. By using our Minority Affairs Committee network, we plan to hold between 100 and 125 multicultural clinics throughout the country next year, with plans to host as many as 500 programs within three years.

Through Across America Tennis Day and its supplemental programs, USPTA has succeeded in identifying new segments of current and future tennis-playing consumers.

The participation of these groups opens the doors of opportunity for everyone involved in the sport and creates a common bond for all. <o> ADD vantage July 1993

3

National Convention offers education, tennis and fun T

â&#x20AC;˘JK USPTA National Conto participate in the numerous meetings and roundtable discusvention, scheduled for Sept. sions held during the convention.

18-26, guarantees fun and Fun activities, such as the Penn exciting activities for everyone in reception and cookout, golf tourattendance. The convention will naments, the Battle of the Divibe held at the Boca Raton Resort sions and the Battle Bash and Club in Boca Raton, Fla. Extravaganza, will be held during Tennis competition, educational the convention They offer activities, golf tournaments, attendees a chance to meet other nightly parties, a buying show, professionals, and exhibit their zany games and water sports are athletic abilities in sports other just a sample of the activities that than tennis. are available at the convention.

The 1993 Asahi Cup, USPTA's This year, more than 140 hours The 1993 convention offers more than 140 hours of education to attendees. open golf tournament using the of educational opportunities, courses are free to convention and course Callaway system of handicapping, will be including 19 Specialty Courses, a Certificaheld Sept. 24. The tournament offers $5,000 tion Training Course, an exam and more than pre-registrants.

Pre-registering for the National Convention in cash and prizes donated by Asahi. The 40 seminars, will be offered free of charge is easy just complete the registration form USPTA/Prince team scramble, to be held to those members who register by Aug. 17 on page 14 by Aug. 17 and return the form Sept. 21 and the USPTA/Prince spouses and for both the convention and the courses. A and payment to the World Headquarters. friends' golf tournament, to be held Sept. 24, special Spanish module, consisting of four Registering for Specialty Courses and other Specialty Courses, will be available for also offer golf, camaraderie and competition education activities is just as easy, and can Spanish-speaking attendees. for attendees. be accomplished by calling the Membership The USPTA National Convention offers unKeep in mind that all of the requirements Department at (713) 97-USPTA. limited opportunities for networking, educafor the first phase of USPTA's Continuing The hotel registration form on page 15 tion and fun. For more information about the Education Program, ending Dec. 31 can be must be completed by Aug. 18 and returned National Convention or education opportufulfilled by attending one National Convento the Boca Raton Resort and Club. Discount nities, contact the World Headquarters. <o> tion. This fact makes the convention a real travel arrangements can be made through bargain, especially since all of the education USPTA's official travel agency, Superior International Services, by cal ng The 1993 National Convention offers (800) 338-6996. a record number of educational The week-long National Convention courses and activities to members. begins with the USPTA $20,000 National The best part â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all Specialty Courses Championships, presented by Prince, on and the Certification Training Course Sept. 18. The Specialty Courses and are available free of charge to those seminars begin Sept. 19, and the conmembers who pre-register for the vention officially kicks off with the convention and the courses by August Prince welcoming reception on Sept.

17. For a complete listing of education 21 Beginning Sept. 23 the $5,000 opportunities at the convention, refer USPTA National TeamTennis Chamto page 13. To register for a course, call pionships, presented by Ultra Slimthe Membership Department at Fast, will feature exciting division and senior (713) 97-USPTA. competition. Attendees also are encouraged

Convention courses

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ADD vantage July 1993

Vice President's message

Sports marketing: the future of USFIA T

â&#x20AC;˘.he .he tennis profession can be divided into four distinct market areas: managers or owners, tennis professionals, consumers, and the trade industry. In order to influence the tennis community, USPTA must embrace each of these areas and work hard to communicate and educate the people in them about the Association.

The USPTA Public Relations Committee is sending a quarterly newsletter, Contact Point, to club managers and owners throughout the United States. This newsletter contains information about USPTA, its Continuing Education Program, the tennis profession as a whole, and tips on hiring personnel. National board members also have been attending many regional and national conventions of affiliate associations to represent USPTA. USPTA has concentrated on the tennis professional. Members now have access to more benefits (such as the Continuing Education Program, insurance packages and national tournaments) than at any previous time in the history of the Association.

USPTA is involved in many areas within the tennis industry, but consumer awareness seems to be the weakest. How many of your club members know about USPTA? I believe the future of USPTA hinges on greater consumer awareness of the Association.

If every tennis player knew about or was involved with a USPTA program, it would be much easier for the Association to find endorsements through the trade industry,

and we would have a greater impact on the tennis community throughout the United States.

John Locke once said, "The improvement of understanding is for two ends: First, our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver that knowledge to others." One of my goals as a national board member is to give each member the tools and education to become not only a better professional, but also more prosperous.

A sports marketing program guide for Across America Tennis Day was included in the March 1993 issue of ADDvantage magazine. The guide provided information for professionals to use when running events at their clubs or facilities.

In the future, more program guides for USPTA events are planned tor ADDvantage magazine, so every member will have access to the material. By providing the information this way, each professional could get involved by contacting his or her local club, recreation district, development center, and other facilities to initiate a USPTA program. Professionals can duplicate the material, mail the information to players in their specific areas, and thus increase consumer awareness of USPTA. Pros would have access to many types of USPTA programs, round robins, leagues, tournaments, social events, and other ideas, so they may incorporate the events into daily

Joseph Thompson

tennis programs.

The strength of USPTA is equal to the sum of its parts. It is the divisional professionals that make things happen in the field, where programs are tested and refined. There are 10,000 members in USPTA. If just one-third of those members have successful programs that could be shared with one another, USPTA would have a library of events and programs that could be published in the magazine.

It is USPTA's long-range plan to establish a stronger network and delivery system so professionals can benefit, both educationally and financially. Across America Tennis Day, the USPTA Adult Tennis League, and the new club tournament playoff program, Champions of Champions, are just a few of the program ideas produced by the Sports Marketing Committee.

USPTA needs additional ideas that have been tested and proven successful in the field. If you have such a program and would like to share it, please send the information to me at: 29341 Lower Moss Rock Road, Golden, CO 80401 It is exciting to see the Association growing. We have an unbelievable resource of knowledge and understanding of program ideas throughout the United States. That is the first part of the quotation by John Locke, 'increase of knowledge. But remember the second part of the quotation as well, 'to deliver that knowledge to others. o> ADDvantage July 1993

5

USPTA's Across America Tennis Day extends its reach with celebrity support . am Shriver joined more than 2,200 tennis-teaching professionals in answering the call for a healthier America by participating in U.SPTA's Across America Tennis Day on May 8.

From Guam to the nation's capital, tennis professionals introduced or reintroduced the game to 150,000 people in free clinics and social round robins. The successful day marked the fourth annual event.

Shriver and special guests David Watkins, director of White House operations; lleene Watkins, White House volunteer, York Onnen, director of development for the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, and Humberto Costa, president of the Hispanic American Cultural Effort (HACE), celebrated with a multicultural clinic for Hispanic youth at the White House tennis court. USPTA pros Chip King and Frank Hatten hosted the event for nine children, five of whom had participated in a tennis clinic at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Va. David Watkins relayed President Bill Clinton's greetings to the participants and stressed the President's concerns about the importance of physical fitness. He congratu-

lated them on their early start toward a healthy life and encouraged them to continue their interest in tennis.

Shriver, who is cochair with Cliff Drysdale for Across America Tennis Day, said it is important for people to realize they can get a great workout with tennis.

If tennis is going to grow in the next 10 years, it must grow not only in the area of competition, but also as a means of physical fitness, she said.

A free tennis clinic draws a large crowd in the Dominican Republic.

Multicultural clinics break barriers An area of rapid growth for the Across America Tennis Day program is the segment

of multicultural clinics that tour the country from coast to coast. These clinics are held in conjunction with the President's Council.

Since 1991 the multicultural clinics have nearly quadrupled in number, beginning with 13 sites in their inaugural year and 24 sites in their second year. For the multicultural clinics, which bring tennis to groups that otherwise would not have the opportunity to play, 1993 has been an outstanding year.

The White House event was one of 51 multicultural clinics held in 43 cities throughout the nation. The tour began in March with clinics in Agana, Guam, and Milwaukee, and will end in August in Chicago.

'We are getting children, wheelchair athletes, deaf people, older adults, American ndians and many others out on the courts and exposing them to tennis in their communities, Onnen said. This is an investment in the future. We've reached outside the continental United States and think that it's just going to continue to grow.'

Event expands internationally

The nation celebrated Across America Tennis Day with a multicultural clinic at the White House.

6

ADDvantage July 1993

Across America Tennis Day widened its boundaries this year through greater international participation. USPTA invited tennisteaching organizations in Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South

Africa and Spain to host similar programs.

'We hope to coordinate a worldwide effort on behalf of tennis to unite professionals on a single day for the good of the game, Tim Heckler, USPTA CEO, said.

USPTA members living abroad also helped to expand the program internationally. Paco Hernandez, a USPTA professional at Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic, hosted an Across America Tennis Day clinic in his city, benefiting the Ball Boys Foundation.

Multicultural clinics top expectations

Industry supports event The generous support of the tennis industry has helped USPTA's Across America Tennis Day reach new heights and more people. The Tennis Industry Association and its member organizations provide a $20,000 grant, as well as racquets, balls and strings necessary to introduce the lifetime sport to those who have little, if any, opportunity to play.

Penn Racquet Sports printed special tennis balls for use in the multicultural clinics for the third year. The 7,200 balls featured the seal of the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, and served as special souvenirs for clinic participants.

Prince, Wilson, Head, Pro Kennex, Estusa and Dunlop Slazenger donated racquets, and Ashaway Line & Twine, Head and Prince donated string for the racquets.

Tennis equipment was left at selected multicultural sites for follow-up programs designed to retain player interest and involvement.

Tennis promoted in unique ways ÂŤ6 '

Throughout the nation, tennis professionals volunteered for Across America Tennis Day in several, often unique ways.

Gundars Tilmanis, courtesy of Head Sports, gave a free clinic to more than 130 Across America Tennis Day participants in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Teaching professionals in Chattanooga, Tenn. sponsored free, one-hour clinics at local recreation centers for more than 30 inner-city youngsters. n Flint, Mich, children were treated to a day of tennis clinics and games by USPTA pros. The 40 students were part of the school district's enrichment program and interacted with members from a high school varsity tennis team.

Bob and Marilyn Anderman welcomed more than 50 neighbors and friends into their backyard for free clinics on their private tennis courts in Glenwood, Md. No matter how they showed their support, professionals everywhere gave their time and effort for Across America Tennis Day to make it one of the most successful grassroots tennis events in the industry, o

Pablo Chacon favors tennis at the White House over Saturday morning cartoons.

or Pablo Chacon, May 8 was no ordinary Saturday.

While most youngsters were enthralled

by Saturday morning cartoons, Pablo received instruction from USPTA pros Chip King and Kenny Day in an Across America Tennis Day multicultural clinic at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Va. Pablo was one of nearly 40 children who attended the clinic, held in cooperation with the Hispanic American Cultural Effort (HACE), and one of nine who traveled to the White

House tennis court for an afternoon with Pam Shriver.

The clinics in Arlington, Va., and in the nation's capital were only two of the 51 Across America Tennis Day multicultural clinics that traveled throughout the United States and its territories. From coast to coast, nearly 400 USPTA professionals hosted clinics in 43 cities for more than 3,300 people who normally have little, if any opportunity to play. The supportive response of members helped USPTA and the President's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports surpass the 1993 goal of 40 multicultural clinics.

Each clinic has its own story of success.

Participants and pros both were rewarded by the dedication of individuals and communities.

Humberto Costa, president of HACE, expressed his gratitude for USPTA's involvement in arranging the tennis clinic at the White House.

"This is one of those things that you never think could happen, but it has happened," Costa said.

"Across America Tennis Day is one way of sharing with others who may not have the same opportunity."

USPTA recognizes the host professionals and volunteers who helped make 1993 the most successful year for Across America Tennis Day's multicultural coastto-coast clinics.

Macon, Ga., was one of 51 sites hosting a multicultural clinic.

ADDvantage July 1993

High school students take part in a group lesson from USPTA pros.

A USPTA pro offers advice to a novice player.

Students in Jersey City, N.J., give a tennis salute to Across America Tennis Day.

USPTA pro Julie Heitman gives encouragement to a student at the Fort Myers, Fla., clinic for children in the Exceptional Students Program.

Across America Tennis Day multicultural site Agana, Guam : Arlington, Va. Atlanta Birmingham, Ala. Brookline, Mass.

Charleston, W. Va. Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Columbia, S.C. Denton, Texas Detroit East Palo Alto, Calif.

Fort Myers, Fla. Great Falls, Mont.

Breaking for lunch in Corpus Christ!, Texas.

8

ADDvantage July 1993

Hartsville, S.C. Hawaiian Gardens, Calif.

Honolulu Houston Indianapolis Jersey City, N.J. Kailua Kona, Hawaii Kalamazoo, Mich. : > Kansas City, Mo. 'MSjA Key Biscayne, Fla. fi'WiW; Kingsville, Texas : "; :^ Louistown, Pa. ;-;.HI i^PH/Pj Macon, Ga. Milwaukee Minneapolis

New Orleans New York Oakland, Calif.

Oklahoma City Pasco, Wash.

Peabody, Mass.

Ridgeland, Miss.

San Juan, Trumbuif, Conn.

Tucson, Ariz.

Washington, DC.

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USPTA Adult Tennis League offers new benefits .he USPTA Adult Tennis League is offering new benefits and advantages for tennis pros and players as it enters its second national season.

The league's unique format encourages a social atmosphere during competition, and offers professionals a fun program and an opportunity to increase revenue for both their facilities and themselves.

An improvement in the 1993 season is that Area Directors may earn greater compensation for their efforts. The squad entry fees will remain at the local level to meet local needs, such as providing player awards and Site Director incentives. The recommended squad fee is $140, but tennis professionals may adjust this to allow for other costs in their areas.

Last year, the National League Office received all fees and provided league starter kits, awards, polo shirts for Site Directors, warm-up suits and rebates for Area Directors, and additional rebates to divisions.

All pros are encouraged to get involved and to register their leagues and squads with the national office by completing the form on this page. A league program guide will appear in the next issue of ADDvantage, with all necessary materials for organizing leagues.

To get started, remove the league information sheet on the following page and use it to recruit local tennis pros and players by introducing them to the format. Also, take a moment now to choose when you will hold your seven weeks of play.

The league adapts to local needs based on the player population, the number and location of available facilities and the demands for tennis programming. The program offers one or more leagues in a specific geographical 'Area, which generally is either a city or its suburbs, or an entire county in a rural location.

There can be up to eight squads in a league, with each squad representing a local facility or club. The squads have two doubles teams at each of four NTRP levels, for a total of eight teams. The recommended levels are 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5/5.0.

The format encourages a true 'team spirit' between beginners and advanced players, because both are equally important in earning points for their squad at their own skill levels.

The program's flexibility is ideal for locations with few players, and the multiple formats add versatility. Pros may organize squads with women's doubles, men's doubles, or mixed doubles. They also may

USPTA

Adult Tennis League REGISTRATION FORM

Name.

ADULT TENNIS LEAGUE Street address.

City . State Zip Business phone (_ Home phone ( USPTA member? D yes D no USPTA member #.

Division Do you live or work in or near a city or metropolitan area? Li yes D no City's name .

I would like to participate by being an: D Area Director D Site Director Return to: USPTA World Headquarters, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77O42-5235 • (713) 97-USPTA.

10

ADDvantage July 1993

use USPTA's mixed-level format, which incorporates one women's and one men's doubles team at each of the four NTRP levels.

Each area has an Area Director a USPTA professional who selects the sevenweek period of play between July 1 and December 31 determines the squad and doubles formats; and recruits Site Directors to coordinate squads at local facilities.

Responsibilities for both Area and Site Directors are listed on this page.

Be a part of the fun by registering for the USPTA Adult Tennis League today, o

Area Director responsibilities • Recruit Site Directors to establish squads to play in league.

• Establish league dates, select NTRP levels and determine doubles format.

• Determine compensation to Site Directors (shirt, plaque, rebate, etc.).

• Collect rosters and fees from Site Directors.

• Send copies of rosters and league information (dates, sites, Site Directors, format) to National League Office.

• Make draws and schedules.

• Communicate draws and schedules effectively to Site Directors.

• Receive/solicit weekly results from Site Directors.

• Create weekly results for area and send to Site Directors.

• Provide awards and/or prizes for league players.

Site Director responsibilities • Post league notice with registration blanks.

• Establish NTRP level for players.

• Solicit squad(s) with all levels of players.

• Communicate rules and regulations to players.

• Complete rosters and send to Area Director.

• Establish level captains (each in charge of two teams).

• Collect fees and send to Area Director.

• Communicate results and other pertinent information to level captains.

• Reserve courts and have tennis balls ready for league matches.

United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc.

USPTA ADULT TENNIS LEAGUE

ADULT TENNIS LEAGUE

Players are sharpening competitive skills and serving excitement n the USPTA Adult Tennis League. Created by the United States Professional Tennis Association, the world's oldest and largest organization of tennis-teaching professionals, this doubles league is expand ng throughout the nation

Various ages and abilities welcome Tennis enthusiasts who are 19 years or older may participate n leagues all across the country â&#x20AC;&#x201D; o n indoor courts in metropolitan areas, or on outdoor courts at city parks or other clubs and facilities Each league is made up of eight squads representing local clubs and organizations with access to tennis facilities. Within each squad, two doubles teams play at each of the four skill levels based on NTRP ratings The recommended levels are 3.0, 3 5, 4 0 and 4.5/5 0

League format has appealing flexibility In addition to the traditional formats, women's doubles, men's doubles and mixed, doubles, the USPTA offers an nnovative format that is ideal for many communities and families. The "mixed level" league is an exciting alternative that consists of one women's doubles team and one men's doubles team at each of the four playing levels This format is terrific for couples who would like to earn points

for the same squad, but play at different ski levels Area Directors, the USPTA pros who coord nate leagues n specific areas, select the seven-week playing seasons from July 1 through December 31 and choose the formats that best meet their communities' needs This flexibility prevents conflicts with existing leagues and allows clubs seeking additional programm ng n the autumn months to adapt the league to fit a niche

All this excitement for less The USPTA Adult Tennis League promotes fun on the court at an affordable price Local squad entry fees may vary depending on costs of court time, clinics or special league events However, each player pays only a smal share of the entry fee

Turn your fall into fun Whether you are a player who has recently moved to a new city, or you want to get back into the game of tennis, the USPTA Adult Tennis League is an exciting opportunity to meet new people and strengthen existing friendships in the spirit of teamwork Make tennis a sport for life and let USPTA show you how Enjoy the friendly rivalry and physical exercise the league offers Contact your pro and find out if your club or facility has the USPTA League If not, or if you are a tennis pro who would like to get involved in this exciting new program, call the World Headquarters at

i

(713) 97-USPTA.

The participants agree that they assume the risk of any injury incurred while taking part in the USPTA Adult Tennis League and that the USPTA and its agents bear no responsibility

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ADD vantage July 1993

11

Long Lasting Playability In Thin Strings Is No Longer A Fantasy O ,." . / • J X

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TopsPin

prince

Synthetic Gut 18 PAYABILITY

Everyone knows that thinner gauge strings are livelier, more playable and provide maximum bite for better control. But thin strings have never held up under hard-hitting performance.

Now, Prince makes another fantasy come true with thin gauge strings that last.

You can improve every player's game with the most playable strings ever from Prince—engineered with Duraflex to keep going long after conventional thin strings have broken.

New Synthetic Gut 18 is the thinnest version of the world's best selling string.

And the first true performance string in the highly playable 18 gauge. New Topspin 16

is the thinnest gauge OT the world's most popular textured string. Players won't believe the spin they'll get! Together, these strings deliver the payability that players have never experienced before.

You'll never gauge a player's performance the same way again. Because now you can put long lasting payability within every player's reach. Thinner gauge strings that last. Only from Prince.

prince In Love With The Game™ ©1993 Prince Manufacturing, Inc

Chapter 1 Stringing establishes a profitable second income

by Drew Sunderlin (chapter continued from last issue)

Advertising stringing services Advertising is an option for pros to consider in an effort to boost business or sales. The amount of time and money allocated to an advertising budget will determine what type of advertising, if any, is selected. Newspaper, radio, club newsletters, business cards, the Yellow Pages, private mailing lists, fliers, in-house promotions, outside promotions, cable and/or network television, and referrals are forms of advertising. There are advantages and disadvantages to each form, which may vary considerably according to the area and audience pros are attempting to reach.

Depending upon the size and market, newspaper advertising may be expensive for a small businessperson. The price of a newspaper ad will depend on the section of the paper in which the ad is located. One idea is to run an ad with reverse print (where the ad is in white lettering on a black background) This may help the ad stand out from the other ads around it, and does not cost any more than standard print.

Radio advertising also can be expensive, but reaches a great number of potential customers. It is a good idea to determine which stations your customers listen to, in order to better pick an advertisement carrier Club newsletters are another way to reach a select group of potential customers. Most people who belong to a club already are interested in tennis and need an incentive to partake of a pro's services. The pro could consider submitting an article to the club newsletter to highlight his/her expertise in racquet stringing. Clip-out coupons may work as an eye-catcher, and upon redemption, may help pros calculate the exact costs of advertising.

Business cards are an inexpensive and cost-effective form of advertising. Every stringer should carry business cards at all times, since one never knows when one will talk to someone who may

need a racquet restrung. An idea is to have some sort of discount printed on the card for first-time customers. This will give them an incentive to visit your shop instead of their regular one. From that point, it is up to the pro to retain that customer Let me share with you an incentive idea. On the back of business cards, have a message imprinted offering 50 percent off to cardholders on their next restringing. Give the card to a player who is not a customer Fill in his name, the expiration date (within a month or less), sign and date the card. When the player redeems the coupon, obtain the player's name, mailing address, phone number and other information that may go on a preferred customer mailing list. If a computer is available in the shop, assign the player a number on the mailing list. If you don't have a computer, create a number Write the customer's computer number on five more business cards. Tell the customer to give the cards to five tennis-playing friends who currently do not come to the shop for restringing. Every time one of the cards is redeemed (you will know by the computer number), the player receives a 10 percent credit toward the next restringing.

Business cards are an inexpensive and cost-effective form of advertising.

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The advantage is that other people are selling your business for you, and you're constantly getting new customers to bolster the mailing list.

The cost of the new customer is a set of string and a bit of time. The payoff is acquiring a new customer for the cost of a business card.

Advertising in the Yellow Pages is expensive, but if done properly (catchy logo) and in the right section of the phone book, it can be very effective. Only time will tell if this form of advertising is cost effective.

CopyrightŠ United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1993.

All rights reserved Reproduction of any portion of this manual is not permitted

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Private mailing lists can be a good form of advertising. The lists are made of previous customers who know the pro, the services offered, and who need the services. Offer these customers a special discount or giveaway, since they have supported the business in the past and you appreciate their patronage. There are many promotions that can be done with private mailing lists â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thinking them up is half the fun.

Fliers and handbills are inexpensive to print and can be an effective form of advertising. To do these correctly, the flier must include the name of the business, services offered, address, phone number, hours of operation, directions to the shop or home, and "the hook," which is the customer's reason to buy now

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In-house promotions can be anything from round-robin tournaments to member guests. Offering free stringing certificates or grips is a good way to get a pro's name in front of many people who can use his or her services. If the pro is not affiliated with a club, check with local city officials to see if outside promotions may be created, such as city-sponsored tournaments, clinics or community day events.

As with all forms and types of advertising, the pro must determine if the cost of obtaining new customers by an advertising method is worth the money spent on the advertising.

Network television may be beyond a pro's advertising budget, but cable television may be an affordable alternative. Most larger cable companies have locally originated commercial capabilities. This means they are able to produce a 30-second or longer commercial in the studio or at a chosen location, and insert the commercial into a regular programming schedule. The commercials may be demographically targeted to the audience that uses a pro's services.

The very best type of advertising is word of mouth or referral. A referred customer is already sold on a pro's service before they even walk through the door The cost of advertising for this type of customer is at, or near, zero. If a business is built around service, these types of customers will be plentiful. Just keep in mind that bad news always travels faster than good news. If a customer is not satisfied or is treated badly, they will not hesitate

to speak negatively about the pro, which could be detrimental to business. However, if a business is built around service and customers are treated with respect and genuine concern for their improvement, word-of-mouth advertising will snowball quickly As with all forms and types of advertising, the pro must determine if the cost of obtaining new customers by an advertising method is worth the money spent on the advertising.

Customer service How a pro handles customers can make or break a business. Learning to recognize the impact a pro's work will have on a customer's game is paramount to the success of a business.

One unfortunate side effect for many tennis players is the development of tendinitis, either in the form of tennis elbow or bursitis. Tennis elbow usually is not a direct result of playing tennis, but is compounded by the actions that tennis strokes put on the arm. However it is contracted, it is a painful and sometimes serious problem if it leads to a tennis player quitting the game.

The professional stringer can have a leading role in alleviating much of the pain experienced by a person suffering from tennis elbow This can be done by asking the proper questions when stringing a customer's racquet. One standard question that should be asked is: Do you suffer from tendinitis in the wrist, shoulder or elbow? If the answer is "yes," further questioning is in order How long have you had this problem? What are you doing to alleviate the pain? Do you ice down after playing? Have you seen a doctor for the pain?

These general questions give you an idea about what, if anything, the customer has been doing to take care of the problem. If nothing less, you are showing the customer a sincere interest in his or her physical well-being.

More specific questions should follow On what stroke does the arm hurt the most? Do you think you hit high, low, or toward the 3 or 9 o'clock positions on the racquet face? Does the racquet tend to twist in your hand upon off-center hits?

Do you find yourself working extra hard to get the ball over the net? These questions give pros valuable information that is vital to selecting the proper string and tension and customizing the customer's frame to his or her specific needs.

The question regarding where the customer hits the ball on the racquet face relates to customizing the center of percussion (the sweet spot) on the next string job. Too many players use frames that are too light for them. Lightweight frames outsell light-medium and medium weight frames on a ratio greater than three to one. A light racquet often can be ineffective for ball control and power due to very little mass moving through the ball and its resultant vibration through the frame. This translates into shock waves being felt throughout the arm. The more mass a racquet has, the more powerful and stable it becomes.

If the customer tends to hit high on the racquet face, applying lead tape on the frame at the 12 o'clock position will move the sweet spot higher Applying lead tape at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions will give the racquet more torsional stability In essence, wherever you apply lead tape on the racquet frame, the sweet spot will gravitate toward that respective area. Eight inches of standard one-half-inch lead tape will add 3-5 grams of weight to the racquet. To move the sweet spot higher on the racquet face, as well as increase the frame's stability, apply lead tape around the 10 to 11 and 1 to 2 o'clock positions.

It is a good idea to cut the strip of tape in half lengthwise and place it equally alongside the protruding grommets inside the frame (photo No. 1).

That way, when the racquet has to be restrung, the lead tape never has to be disturbed.

To make a racquet feel heavier without increasing the gram weight very much, try adding lead tape to the top and butt of the racquet. This method polarizes the weight without changing the balance of the frame. The swing weight is another factor in customizing the weight and balance of a frame. Swing weight is a measurement that takes into account the weight and balance of a racquet; it is maximized when the weight is added at opposite poles and is minimized when applied in the middle. Frames with a greater swing weight feel heavier, are less maneuverable, but generate more power Swing weight can be calculated roughly in the shop by multiplying the gram weight of the racquet by the distance in centimeters from the balance point to the butt cap.

A player should use the heaviest racquet that he or she can swing comfortably Keep in mind when adding lead tape to a racquet, that the conversion ratio from grams to ounces is 28 grams = 1 ounce.

Too many players with tendinitis automatically look for a lighter frame. Often, this will worsen

Photo No. 1. Note the position of lead tape around the 10 to 11 and 1 to 2 o'clock positions the inflammation and pain. Encourage clients to experiment with lead tape first, before opting for a new racquet.

If a customer suffers from tendinitis, suggest a larger grip. Years ago, it was suggested that if customers were suffering from tennis elbow or some related injury, they should reduce their grip size. This has been proven wrong. In actuality, a player should compete with the largest grip size he or she can hold comfortably The more surface area the hand is able to contact around the circumference of the grip, the more stable the gripA helpful method of alleviating some tennis elb<5w pain for people who need to have their grip built up, is to install a "cushion grip" over the top of the existing one. Cushion grips give more when compressed than ordinary leather grips. Although the grip may feel big at first, it will feel quite comfortable after a short time. Please note that these "cushion grips" are not to be confused with some companies' "cushion grip systems," which are a combination of flexible pallets under cushion grips. These cushion grip systems also are very good for absorbing much of the vibration in the frames of the stiffer widebodies. The same rule applies for this type of grip when measuring customers' hands. If a hand measures 4 1/2 inches, recommend a 4 5/8 inch grip. The hand easily can accommodate the extra 1/8 inch, and the arm will feel better because the muscles in the fingers do not have to hold the grip so tightly in order to be secure.

The third adjustment a professional stringer can make to a customer's racquet is to suggest various strings and tensions to help reduce the pain a client feels in his or her arm from ball impact. All too often, stringers don't ask enough questions 15

about this very important facet of the stringing profession. A good stringer can make an inexpensive racquet play like a great one, just as easily as he or she can make a top-of-the-line frame play like junk. It's all in how the racquet is strung. That same stringer can make a difference in the racquet of a person suffering from tennis elbow, or he/she can do that customer a tremendous disservice by neglecting to ask important questions. By not asking the right questions, a stringer can inflict greater pain or more damage to the arm by choosing the wrong string and installing it at an improper tension.

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The first thing to check when a person complains of elbow problems is the type of racquet he or she uses. The thicker widebody frames are not conducive to alleviating elbow problems, since their increased stiffness tends to be far less forgiving on off-center hits than their more flexible counterparts. If a customer with one of these frames is not interested in trying a new, more flexible frame, the stringer must suggest a string and tension that will help the player Thinner strings have greater resiliency than thicker ones.

The 16, l6L, 17 or 17L gauge strings will absorb more shock, due to their higher resiliency, and would be a beginning point from which to select an appropriate string. If the player is not a peren-

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A good stringer can make an inexpensive racquet play like a great one

nial string breaker, the thinner 16L, 17 or 17L strings could be chosen. If the player does break strings frequently, the thicker 16-gauge should be considered. Going to an even thicker string, like a 15 or 15L, would decrease the breakage, but would not address the problem. Unfortunately, the player must sacrifice some durability for increased playability If the customer can afford the cost of natural gut, there is no better string to recommend for resiliency and playability A very viable alternative to natural gut is a hybrid using l6-gauge mains of natural gut and 16- or 17-gauge crosses of either coreless or thin core synthetics. If cost is a factor, coreless strings, or strings with a very small center core, have the greatest resiliency among the synthetics and "feel softer" on the arm. The drawback to these strings is that they tend to not hold tension as well as the larger center core strings, and most aren't as durable; however, since comfort and resiliency is the chief concern, these types of strings definitely fit the bill.

Suggest to the customer that he or she have this type of string installed at a lower tension (start 3-4 pounds below the middle of the recommended tension range) The reason for this is twofold.

First, lower tensions are easier on the arm because the strings cup the ball more and return more kinetic energy to the shot than strings at higher tensions. The stiffer the frame, the lower on the tension scale the stringer should go, because stiffer racquets are less forgiving, but allow the strings to interact more with the ball. That is why stiffer racquets yield more power Normally, the rule is to string tighter for control, looser for power, but we are looking for more comfort in this case, so we must deal with an increase in power to minimize the shock on the arm. It is important that the customer knows that he or she might see a change in control due to the lower tension, but his or her arm will feel better Secondly, the thinner the string, the tighter it will string up. In other words, a 15L string at 60 pounds of tension will be nearly equivalent to a 16-gauge version of the same string at 58 pounds.

This is because thinner strings have a lower coefficient of friction when installed in a racquet.

The thinner strings encounter less friction going around the 180 degree turns in the stringing pattern and rub less on their neighbors when being woven.

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If a customer has a racquet previously strung at the higher range of the recommended tension, inform him or her of the marked change in the •way the racquet feels and plays. This is important, because people are more apt to accept change if they have been forewarned. If a customer has a conventional cross-section frame or a more flexible widebody, recommend thinner strings and lower tensions, but possibly not as low as the stiffer models.

Keep good records of each customer's name, address, telephone number, date, string tension and type of string used, to be able to continue to customize the frame with each visit. Make sure the customer knows about this record, because he or she will feel special and this solidifies that you are the only stringer who cares about his or her game and health.

Vibration dampeners come in all shapes and sizes, but have only one function they reduce the amount of vibration in the sweet spot of the string bed. They do not reduce the amount of vibration in the frame. It is the vibration in the frame that is felt throughout the' arm of a person suffering from tennis elbow Actually, to be more specific, there are two types of shock felt in the arm, the initial one when the ball hits the frame, and the residual shock when the frame is trying to recover its original shape. It is the initial shock that jolts the arm. The more it can be reduced, the better the racquet is going to feel in the player's hand. Steady advances are being made in this field. Manufacturers like Prince (Vortex), Head (Trisys 150) and Dunlop (Revelation), to name a few makes and models, already have begun tackling this problem.

How to string — an overview This is a general overview on how to string one type of racquet. For more detailed information and instructions for stringing all types of racquets, contact the United States Racquet Stringers Association.

Situation A customer hands you his Prince CTS Approach 90 with broken strings and asks you to restring it.

or major) and noting the location of the string break, ask him how many times a week he plays and if he suffers from any type of tendinitis. Find out if he likes to hit the ball hard, or is he more of a control player Is he a baseliner or an all-court player? Find out if he likes to hit with spin, or does he prefer to hit flat. Has he ever received a NTRP rating?

Keep good records of each customer's name, address, telephone number, date, string tension and type of string used, to be able to continue to customize the frame with each visit.

While inspecting the frame for cracks, you noticed his strings broke approximately 1 inch below the tip of the frame on a center main string. Ask him if he remembers the type of shot he was hitting when he broke his strings. Finally, ask him if he likes his strings tight or loose.

The reason for the questions is not only to establish a profile of the player, but also to establish a rapport between you and the customer Since the customer did not request a specific string and tension, the question on his preference for a tight or loose racquet helps determine what he perceives as "good stringing."

The customer says he likes his racquets strung fairly tight. Since this is an ambiguous answer, you must pry for a more definite answer At this point, identify the type of string that is in the racquet and ask him if he was satisfied with its performance. You notice, for example, that his racquet was strung with a Kevlar hybrid at the upper end of the recommended tension range.

He stated he would like to get more power in his shots. Your analysis of this customer's play by his responses is: •

He is basically a baseline hitter

•

He does not suffer from any kind of tendinitis.

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He hits with a fair amount of spin on his forehand only, but nothing excessive.

•

He broke his strings within two weeks of his last stringing job while extending for a forehand.

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He likes to swing fast at the ball and has a 4.0 NTRP rating.

Solution Introduce yourself, ask the customer's name and how he heard about you^r shop. While inspecting his racquet for cracks in the frame (either hairline

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Now you are ready to recommend a type of string that will be more resilient than the Kevlar hybrid in the racquet. This definitely will give him more power You recommend either a 15L- or 16-gauge string in either a coreless or multifilament with a center core construction. Explain to him the differences between these two string types and their respective advantages and disadvantages.

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You also noticed the strings broke within 2 inches of the frame, which normally indicates a bad grommet. During your frame inspection, you noticed many broken or cracked grommets and recommend he have a new pair of grommet strips installed before restringing. If the strips are not installed, he is taking a risk of having the same breakage problem recur The difference is that the breakage will occur sooner because the two types of strings you are recommending have a lower tensile strength than the Kevlar main strings that were in the racquet.

Remove the old grommet strips from the frame by pushing the grommets out with your fingers until the strip pops away far enough, so it can be grabbed and lifted off the frame.

The customer agrees to have the grommet strips replaced and wants you to recommend a type of string. After careful analysis of the above information, you decide on a l6-gauge multifilament with a center core strung 2 pounds below mid-range on the recommended tension scale supplied by the manufacturer The reason you are going below the mid-range in tension is because 16 gauge strings can be strung tighter than 15L (thinner strings provide a lower coefficient of friction) and you want to provide more of a pocket in the string plane, from which the ball may trampoline, to satisfy the customer's increased power request. You don't want to go too low in tension because of his use of spin. If the tension is too low, the strings will shift too much during play Also, inform the customer that his particular frame is relatively stiff and performs better for most people at slightly lower tensions.

At this point, write the customer's name, address, phone number and the date he would like his racquet. It is very important to get this information, because you will keep a stringing log as well as add him to your preferred customer mailing

list. The racquet tag should list exactly what services you plan to perform on the frame, including the type of string and tension. Give him a claim stub, or one of your business cards, which states his racquet manufacturer and model, grip size, date promised and your phone number Now you are ready to begin servicing your customer's racquet. First, the old strings must be cut out of the frame. Do not use a razor blade or knife to remove the old strings, instead take diagonal cutters and follow one of two methods for string removal. You can begin either in the middle of the stringing pattern and cut the center main string and then the middle cross string, alternating mains and crosses in a circular pattern until all strings are cut; or begin in the middle of the stringing pattern and cut the center main and cross simultaneously, alternating diagonally toward 8 and 2 o'clock respectively At the completion of this process, remove all the scrap pieces of string from the frame and discard them. Check the frame again for cracks. As the frame relaxes after the strings are removed, hairline cracks often are more noticeable.

Customers often ask if they should cut the strings out of a frame immediately after it breaks. Unlike aluminum, composite and graphite racquets do not tend to become misshapen by applying uneven stress to the frame with a broken string, but it is recommended that you equalize the stress in the racquet. For example, if 3LM broke, 3RM should be clipped. It is a good idea for players to leave the strings in the frame for the stringer to examine. Many times the stringer can determine if the breakage was due to a bad grommet or defective string. Without the strings remaining in the frame, this is extremely difficult to determine.

Remove the old grommet strips from the frame by pushing the grommets out with your fingers until the strip pops away far enough, so it can be grabbed and lifted off the frame. If some of the grommets are flared, not allowing you to pull them through the frame, cut them inside of the frame with either diagonal cutters or a utility knife. Diagonal cutters are preferred. If using a utility knife, be careful not to scratch the frame.

Once the grommet strips are removed, install new ones in the reverse fashion.

When stringing racquets, you will encounter many frames with only a few broken or cracked grommets. On these frames, you may utilize plastic tubing instead of replacing the entire

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Photo No. 2: Frame is centered,-lying flat, and the vise and hold-down clamps are secured tightly. grommet strip. Cut a length of tubing long enough to fit inside the broken or cracked grommet, allowing a 1/8 inch to be exposed below the end of the grommet. Any more than 1/8 inch will most likely result in too much string dampening, as well as the possibility of the plastic tubing breaking and "buzzing" on the string as the string oscillates during ball impact.

Mount the frame in the stringing machine, making sure the frame is centered, lying flat, and the vise and hold-down clamps are secured tightly (photo No. 2). Most strings do not have to be prestretched and there are varying opinions on its effectiveness. However, if the manufacturer recommends the process â&#x20AC;&#x201D; do it. To pre-stretch, unravel the length of string from its coil, making sure to not kink it. Place the length of string around a pole or smooth, secure object and put both ends of the string in parallel jaw pliers. Pull firmly, but not too hard, until you feel the string stretch. Hold this for 10 seconds and then relax.

Repeat this step and you are finished pre-stretchSet the tension gauge to 55 pounds and measure 9 feet of string from a 36-foot coil for the short side of the mains. Two-piece stringing sometimes is suggested by manufacturers to lessen stress and preserve a frame's integrity In this case, one-

piece stringing is recommended. Start at the throat of the racquet and thread the 9 feet of short length from 1RT (right of the throat) to 1RH (right of the head) On open-throat racquets such as this one, if there are 2-, 6-, or 10-grommet holes (inside the "Y") at the bottom of the throat piece, you will start to string at the center bottom. If the racquet had 4, 8 or 12 holes inside the "Y" at the bottom of the throat piece, or did not have a split shaft, you would start at the center of the head.

Take a business card and fold it lengthwise. As you begin to clamp the newly installed string as close to the frame as possible next to 1RT, slip the business card around the string so that the clamp actually clamps the card, as well as the string. This will ensure a very secure grip on the anchor clamp when pulling the first main string.

Thread the long length of string through 1LT and 1LH. Insert the long length of string into the tensioning head clamp and pull tension. Slide the left side, main-string clamp along the glide bar and position it as close to the frame as possible (do not pinch the string inside the grommet) Clamp that string and release the tension on the tensioning head. Insert the end of the long string into 2LH and then through 2LT Put the string into the tensioning head clamp.

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Before you pull tension, place a piece of felt, cloth or a business card between the shaft of the throat and the string (photo No, 3). This protects the string from rubbing against the shaft of the racquet, which could lead to either premature string breakage or marring the finish of the racquet. Pull tension. Remove the clamp that is holding the long length of string by 1LH and slide it down the glide bar and clamp it to the string you just pulled by 2LT

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Now swing the racquet around so that you can take the short side of string that is threaded through 1RH. Place this string into the tensioning clamp. Pull tension. Release the original anchor clamp (the one with the business card still attached), remove the card and slide the clamp along the glide bar of the stringing machine until you can clamp it near the frame at 1RH. Thread the string through 2RH and 2RT Pull tension on 2RM (right main) following the same procedure that you did for 2LM. Continue pulling tension on the rest of the main strings alternating from right to left. In other words, install 3RM, 3LM, 4LM, 4RM, and so on until you get to the seventh main on both sides.

This method of stringing is required now by all major frame manufacturers. A strung racquet endures between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds of force.

By alternately stringing the mains, you are balancing the stress that builds on the frame during stringing. Sometimes you will discover that grommets (especially new ones) have a tendency to pop or pull out as you are applying tension to the string which passes through it. If the grommet moves too much, the string will rub against the exposed frame and breakage or string damage could occur This grommet movement is especially prevalent to the shoulder areas (2, 4, 8, and

10 o'clock) It is a good idea to hold in the grommet strip with your thumb as you apply tension.

After you are finished clamping off 6LM and 6RM, skip 7LT and 7RT and thread the seventh main string into 8LT and 8RT Skip 7LH and 7RH and thread through 8LH and 8RH. Pull tension on each of these strings as before and clamp off You should now have a short piece of string protruding from 8RH and a long piece of string protruding from 8LH. You now are ready to install the cross strings. Take the long length of string that is protruding from 8LH, cut a diagonal point on the end of it with your diagonal cutters, and insert it into 7LH. It is a good idea at this time, with more roughtextured string, to take a piece of wax (available at any hobby store) and rub both sides of the main strings, as well as the rest of the length of the unused string, to help alleviate some of the friction burn that can occur when weaving. Take the end of the string that you just passed through 7LH and begin weaving it over and under each main string until you come to 7KH. Weave on a diagonal (photo No. 4) to avoid friction. Thread the end through 7RH. With a blunt-tipped awl or your finger (if the string is not too rough) pull down toward the throat the woven first cross string (IX) and, at the same time with your other hand, pull the remainder of the length through 7RH. A straight, perpendicular pull on a cross string can prematurely notch the main strings.

Photo No. 4: Weave on a diagonal to avoid friction.

Do not pull tension yet on IX. Take the short piece of string from 8RH and clip the end of it diagonally with your diagonal cutters so that it comes to a thin point. Thread this string through 5RH (5RM already passes through this hole) and tie two half-hitches around 5RM. Never pull ten-

sion on the tie-off knot with the machine's tensioner It is best to use a pair of parallel jaw pliers and just make the knot snug on an angle toward the frame. If you are unsure how to tie this knot, remember O U T (over, under and through) Do not cut off the remaining length of string.

In this racquet, no two strings share the same hole except the tie-offs. Thread the long length of string through 9RH and weave 2X over and under, with the main strings exactly opposite from the way you wove IX. In some racquets (not this one), a cross string is required to share a hole with a main string or to lie side-by-side on the outer rim of the frame. It is important to keep these shared strings from crossing each other A crossover exposes raised string to scrapes and bumps during play Exit through 9LH and pull the remainder of the string through just as you did IX, except leave about 2 feet of string outside the frame where IX exited and 2X began. Straighten IX with your fingers and then pull tension on it.

The reason you straighten the strings before pulling tension is to ensure a straight pull with minimum friction. Leave the cla,mp on 7LM and install the cross string clamp on IX (photo No. 5).

Clamp IX. Remove the clamp from 7LM and set up the left side of your machine for cross string clamping. Weave 3X. Pull tension on 2X and so on until you have installed all the crosses. After tension has been pulled on 18X, clamp off as close to the frame as possible and insert the end into 10LT, which already is occupied by l6X. Tie two half-hitches onto 16X with the aid of parallel jaw pliers. Do not cut excess string yet.

Examine the completed string job, making sure there are no misweaves, no strings crossing one another on the outside of the frame, and that the shape of the frame is intact. When you are satisfied that all is well, straighten the main and cross strings so that they form near perfect rectangles. This assures not only a neat string job, but also will allow the strings to interact with the ball more efficiently Now you may cut the excess string off the tie-off knots with your diagonal cutters. Leave 1/4 inch between the knot and the end of the string. The reason for not cutting the excess string when tying off a knot is if a mistake is found in the pattern or weave, the string job may be salvaged by untying the knot. This is a more advanced move and requires a great deal of skill and patience. The alternative is to cut out the strings and start over

Photo No. 5.' Leave clamp on outside main and install cross string clamp on IX. Remove the frame from the machine's vise and wipe off the excess wax that was used to help reduce friction during stringing. Examine the frame for accuracy in stringing, as well as marks from the stringing machine. Once you are satisfied, place a self-adhesive sticker on the inside of the racquet shaft to identify the type of string used, tension, date and shop information. These stickers can be made by a local print shop.

How to replace a racquet grip There are many types of grips on the market and the method outlined here covers the majority of them. A true professional stringer must be capable of servicing customer's grip requests. The tools and aids needed for this follow

Grip tools •

Double-sided tape (available at hardware and home centers)

•

Finishing tape (available through any grip supplier)

•

No. 3 tacks (available at any hardware store)

•

Single-edged razor blades

• Scissors •

Fine rasp or coarse sandpaper block

•

Fine sandpaper

•

Cloth tape measure

•

Small, flat-head screwdriver (used for prying out staples and tacks)

•

2-inch-wide masking tape

•

1/2-inch or 3/4-inch strapping tape

Before replacing a grip, take the customer's grip measurement. One method is to have the cus21

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tomer hold the grip of the racquet in his or her playing hand and take the index finger of the non-playing hand and lay it between the pad of the thumb and middle finger of the playing hand (photo No. 6). The customer's index finger should fit just between those two reference points. If it won't fit, the grip is too small. If there is space left after inserting a finger, the grip is too big.

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Photo No. 6: The customer's index finger should fit just between the thumb pad and middle finger A more accurate method is to measure the customer's grip size from the center crease on the palm of his or her playing hand to the tip of the ring finger The measurement should be made on the inside of the ring finger (the side toward the middle finger) This accurately measures the customer's hand to within a l6th of an inch.

If the customer is suffering from any form of tendinitis, recommend that he or she play with as large a grip size as can be held comfortably in his or her hand. The reasoning is that the hand is displaced over a greater surface area, yielding a larger coefficient of friction between the hand and the grip. This will stabilize the racquet in his or her hand, providing a greater resistance to torque on off-center hits.

Remove the old grip by taking off the old finishing tape at the top of the grip and removing the tack or staple (if there is one) from the grip itself Unravel the grip and remove any staple or tack at the butt cap. Make sure the handle is intact. If the racquet has a foam injected handle, examine it for cracks or broken sections. Depressions may be found in the handle from either a material defect, or from loose or missing fillers, which are used to close holes where weights were installed by the manufacturer The stringer may try to either correct the problem through the use of epoxies or fillers, or may opt to return the frame to the

manufacturer for repair, depending on the stringer's expertise in re-gripping. In either case, make sure the customer is informed of the problem and the course of action taken or recommended to rectify the situation. Don't send a customer's racquet to a manufacturer for repair without his or her permission, since it usually takes at least 10 working days for a manufacturer to repair and return it. The customer must be informed so he or she can make other arrangements for a racquet.

The use of double-sided tape always is recommended when installing a new grip. The exception to the rule is when the grip comes with a self-adhesive backing. Tacks or staples should be used on leather grips, as well as synthetic ones when securing the grip to the butt cap. If doublesided tape is used and the grip is wrapped tightly at the beginning, tacks normally are not necessary, but the use of a staple gun is good insurance.

If a customer likes to hang the heel of his or her hand off the end of the butt cap, it is necessary to use double-sided tape and tacks to keep the grip from slipping off the end of the butt cap. These types of players also are prone to breaking the foam grip underneath the butt cap, or pulling the butt cap off the foam handle.

If a player complains that the butt cap comes off continually, there is a solution besides changing racquet grip habits. Remove the butt cap and lay a strip of double-sided tape down one side of the handle's vertical plate around the butt cap and up the handle's other vertical plate. Remove the top protective sheet from the double-sided tape. Install the butt cap and secure it with four No. 3 tacks, or use a tacking gun made for tennis, like the Duo-Fast model No. LTN-834A. Then install the replacement grip.

If the customer still manages to work the butt cap loose, cut strips from 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch strapping tape, and apply it down one vertical plate, around the butt cap (this time you are going over the butt cap) and up the other vertical plate. Then follow the same procedure going down the top horizontal plate, around the butt cap and up the lower horizontal plate. This is not as aesthetically pleasing, because the racquet's logo will be concealed on the butt cap, but it works.

If no preparatory work to the handle pallets or butt cap is necessary, use the following procedure for installing the new grip. Place a strip of double-sided tape, cut to fit, from approximately 1/8

of an inch from the end of the butt cap to the top of the handle on one of the vertical plates. Do the same for the opposite side. Remove the protective sheet from the top of the double-sided tape.

Almost all grips today are skived (one or both edges are shaved or pared at a diagonal angle) One end of the grip is cut to a thinner point than the other end. Take the thinner end of the grip and with the butt cap pointing away from the stringer, lay the grip on a vertical plate right up to the end of the butt cap, but not overhanging it (photo No. 7). The excess grip should be pointing to the right. Begin wrapping the grip firmly around the butt cap, making sure the starting point is covered neatly with the first wrap. Then, continue wrapping the grip in the same direction, overlapping the previous wrap just enough that the skived edge allows the grip to remain flat (photo No. 8). If it's overlapped too much, a ridge will develop. Don't overlap the grip edge if it is burnished (a skived edge that is heat-treated so that the edge curls under), doing so will produce a lumpy feel. Some overlap always is needed, otherwise the 'grip will unravel during play

Photo No. 7: Start the grip on a vertical plate and wrap to the right, being careful not to overhang the end of the butt cap.

When you finish wrapping the grip near the top of the handle, cut the excess grip to a fine point with either a pair of scissors or a single-edged razor blade (photo No. 9). This will allow the grip to have a nice, neat, finished appearance. Take finishing tape (available from most tennis suppliers) and neatly cover the rough cut on the end of the grip. "if you're installing a leather grip and would like to ensure that it stays secure, start by securing the end of the grip with a No. 3 tack, as well as double-sided tape. Place the tack approximately 1/4 inch from the end of the butt cap. Wrap and cut as described previously, and secure the grip end with a No. 3 tack at the top of the handle.

Cover the tack and rough edges with finishing tape. It is imperative to make sure the first wrap with the grip completely covers the tack used to start the grip. If it doesn't, the tack will be exposed and can cut the customer's hand.

Building up and reducing a grip also are requested of a professional stringer It is important to learn what can and cannot be done to a racquet handle to keep from violating the manufacturer's warranty Building up the grip is not the problem, but taking it down can be. Building up a grip is relatively simple. There are kits available on the market today that simplify the process, but with a little experimentation, a very professional job

Photo No. 8: Overlap the grip just enough so the skived edge allows the grip to remain flat

Photo No. 9: Cut the excess grip off to a point with either a pair of scissors or a single-edged razor blade

23

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can be achieved with just masking tape. It is a good idea not to build up a racquet grip with tape more than 1/4 of an inch. Keep in mind that when building up or taking down a grip, the weight and balance of the frame will be changed slightly Usually this is indiscernible, but occasionally a customer feels a gram or two difference in weight and complains to the stringer Deal with these customers as diplomatically as possible.

Learning to string properly is paramount to the success of a business, as is learning the proper marketing procedures The use of 2-inch-wide masking tape to increase the size of a handle will do a nice job Take a cloth tape measure and measure the circumference of the grip at 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches from the end of the handle. Write the measurement, remove the grip and measure the handle in the same spot as when the grip was on the handle.

Write that number The difference between the two numbers tells how much thickness the grip will add when reinstalled or replaced with one of similar make.

from Prince, have special pallets that are not designed to be altered that way Instead, the racquet must be returned to Prince to have it change the pallets to a different size. Other racquets have such hard pallets that shaving them is not only difficult, but stringers usually end with a misshapen grip. Foam-injected pallets can be reduced, but only about 1/16 of an inch is recommended. Wooden pallets are the easiest to re-size, but unfortunately, they are not very common on the market. Plastic pallets cannot be reduced, except by replacing the pallets with a smaller size.

Most manufacturers provide these pallets.

Shaving a racquet handle too much can lead to breakage problems. Always try to err on the side of caution. If a customer insists on reducing the grip, measure the grip with a cloth tape as before.

Remove the old grip and measure the circumference of the handle. Use steady, smooth strokes with a small, fine-toothed rasp or a rough block of sandpaper to remove a small amount of material from each bevel of the handle.

It is recommended to shave opposite edges to assure symmetry Be careful not to "round" any bevels. Remove the material gradually Frequently take measurements and check that each bevel is level and not spooned. When the re-sizing is completed, take fine sandpaper and smooth the bevels. Place the grip without the double-sided tape and wrap about three inches up the handle.

Measure the circumference. If all is correct, lay the double-sided tape and install the grip as explained above. It is recommended highly to practice on an old racquet a few times before agreeing to re-size a customer's grip. A mistake could be very costly

Take the masking tape and begin wrapping on a slight diagonal in the same direction the grip will be installed. When reaching the top of the handle, tear off the tape and start wrapping from top to bottom, this time wrapping in the opposite direction. Take a measurement. Continue following this pattern until you get the build-up measurement desired. Make sure the tape is applied tightly so that it conforms to the contour of the handle.

If it does not, it will round out the bevels. Now, without putting on the double-sided tape, just apply the grip as you would normally for about 3 inches. While holding the grip with your thumb, measure the new circumference. When satisfied the grip is built to the proper size, lay the double-sided tape and install the grip as previously outlined.

Learning to string properly is paramount to the success of a business, as is learning the proper marketing procedures. There are many more details and "tricks of the trade" that can be acquired by attending workshops and seminars on stringing, reading technical stringing manuals like The Stringer's Digest, and just plain experience.

Reducing a grip size is considerably more difficult.

First, check with the manufacturer to see if it allows or even recommends shaving its grips.

Some grips, like the new "cushion grip systems"

If you like being your own boss, dealing with people, working with your hands, and would like having a solid second income, the stringing business will be a wise choice for you.

Dates that rate Jjjxaim*, upgrades and Certification Training Courses

1 11 1 IS!

July 22-24 July 24-25 July 24-25 July 25 July 25-26 July 31-Aug. 1 Aug. 1-2 Aug. 7-8 Aug. 14-15 Aug. 15 Aug. 15-16 Aug. 20-21 j Aug. 22-23 : Aug. 27-28 Sept. 3-4 ; Sept. 4-5 Sept. 9-10 Sept. 11-12 Sept. 11-12 Sept. 12-13 Sept. 12-13 Sept. 12-13

Mesa, Ariz.

Pittsburgh, Pa. Nashville, Tenn.

Badlands, Calif.

McLean, Va. Aiken, S.C. Parker, Colo.

Cherry Hill, N.J. New Orleans, La. Costa Mesa, Calif.

Corpus Christi, Texas Dayton, Ohio Marietta, Ga. Tulsa, Okla.

Bloomington, Minn.

Fort Myers, Fla. Narragansett, R.I. Boca Raton, Fla. Chicago, III. Murrieta, Calif.

San Francisco, Calif.

McLean, Va.

(CTC) I CTC) 1 y-wiv//

m

(CTC)| (CTC) 1 (CTC) 1 (CTC) I (CTC)J

Date July 24 July 25 Aug. 7 Aug. 13 Aug. 14-15 Aug. 15 Aug. 28 Sept. 12

(CTC) I (CTC) I (CTC) (CTC) 1 (CTC) | (CTC)- ;• (CTC) 1 i

Location Phoenix, Ariz.

Pittsburgh, Pa. Hershey, Pa. Bedford, NY. Corpus Christi, Texas Richfield, Minn.

Vancouver, Wash.

Narragansett, R.I.

Course Title Mental Toughness Competitive Singles Patterns Junior Development Singles Strategy and Tactics Quality Management Motor Learning Competitive Doubles Patterns Advanced Stroke Production

lennis Teachers' Courses Date July 21-23

Location Nashville, Tenn.

Houston, Texas

Hours 24

Oct. 7-9 —-IMMMMMMM

OA 24

Converitions

(CTC) I Date (CTC) 1 Aug. 8 (CTC) 1 Aug. 29-30 Sept. 18-26

This schedule is subject to change. Exam ?-/ days prior to the dates listed. There is a $25 fee for exam cancellations received after the 14-day deadline. For more information, call the USPTA Membership Department at (713) 97-USPTA. mKervatinnK rr list hp marie at /PPQ/

Specialty Courses

Division Middle States Northwest USPTA National Convention

Location Hershey, Pa. Brainerd, Minn.

Boca Raton, Fla.

USP]LA Schools of Teaching Date Aug. 14-15 Oct. 17-18 Oct. 30-31 H • H•HH . i 1V1S1On Date July 22 Sept. 9 Sept. 11

D

Location Maywood, N.J. San Diego, Calif Arlington, Texas

School School of Tennis Teaching Business School Business School O-fci* M. A.I

meetings/activities Division Mid-Atlantic Intermountain New England

City Washington, D.C. Denver, Colo.

Narragansett, R.I.

t^oaches Workshops Division Intermountain Northwest California

Date Aug. 6 Aug. 16 Oct. 23

City Colorado Springs, Colo.

Richfield, Minn.

Covina, Calif

Rational Convention, September 18-26, Boca Raton, Fla. Date Event Sept. 18 Specialty Course

Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 20 Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

Sept.

20 20 20 20 21

Specialty Specialty Specialty Specialty

Course Course Course Course*

Description USTA Tournament Referee Certification Stress Management Time Management Motor Learning/Sport Psychology Skills Needed to Acquire "Dream Jobs" Singles Strategy (court) Nutrition/Sport Physiology Group Lessons Doubles Strategy (court)

Date Event Sept. 21 Specialty Course Sept. 21 Specialty Course Sept. 21 Specialty Course* Sept. 21 Specialty Course Sept. 22 Certification upgrade exam Sept. 23 Certification Training Course** Sept. 24 Certification Exam** Sept. 25 Certification Training Course** Sept. 26 Certification Exam Sept. 26 Specialty Course Sept. 26 Specialty Course Sept. 26 Specialty Course***

Specialty Course Specialty Course Specialty Course* Specialty Course USTA Level II Sport Parts 1 and 2 Science Exam Sept. 21 Specialty Course Sports Medicine and Biomechanics Sept. 21 Specialty Course Tournament Management Sept. 21 Specialty Course* Team Drills (court) 'Spanish only "English and Spanish

Description System 5 Drills (court) Tips on Becoming a USPTA Master Pro Strategy and Tactics (court) Drills for All Levels (court) Court Classroom Written portion

Court Court Business Management I Business Management II NTRP Verifier Clinic (classroom and court, parts 1 and 2)

"8 hours, 4 education credits

Convention Specialty Courses and the Certification Training Course will be offered free of charge to those members who pre-register for both the convention and the educational courses by Aug. 17 Convention participants must pre-register to attend the courses, registering only for the National Convention does not guarantee a seat in a specific course. All Specialty Courses, except the last one, are four hours long and worth two credits in USPTA's Continuing Education Program. The Certification Training Course also is worth two credits. To register for courses, contact the Membership Department.

ADDvantage July 1993

13

This form must be completed for convention registration.

Rll registrations received after flug. 17 will incur an additional $20 late fee.

Celebrate 66 years of USPTfi toUSPTfi National Convention -- Sept. 18-26, 1993 U5PTR member #.

Division

Nome flddrsss

City Phone (h

State

.Zip.

c

Spouse/spouss equivalent's name USPTA National Convention Sept. 18-26. 1993

Friend's nam® Check applicable fees

Payment options:

D Member $190 D Non-member $215 D Spouse/spouse equivalent $100 D Friend $190 Total fees enclosed

Make check or money order payable to USPTfl, OR charge my CD Visa

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(Spouse/spouse equivalent must register to receive special package of parties and products.)

Return with payment to: USPTfl World Headquarters, One USPTfl Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042

SPORTS TUTOR

Everyone Brings Home the Gold With Crown Trophy!

12" Solid Marble & Metal Trophy 4 100 & up $5.95 under 100

The Choice in Ball Machines

Free Engraving 21A" Solid Diecast Medal

Used by Pros at the ATP Training Center

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Wireless remote control and two-line oscillator functions available

IUSPTA USPTRi I DISCOUNTS I

TENNIS TOWER TENNIS TUTOR I L II II I J

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For Portable Use

for FREE brochure

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ADD vantage July 1993

FREE NECK ^ RIBBON!* :V

;Is!fei' :;;..:•'

10-99 S1 79 100-499 $1.49 500-999 S1.39

;: Free Engraving 1 ,oon & U p .99 To order, or for free color catalog of trophies, plaques & medals, call:

nn,t-Mn I !_„

Call 1-800-448-8867

& up

2612 West Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, California 91505

CROWN ATROPHY i Odell Pla?a. Dept AD3Q, Yonkers. NY 10701

800-227-1557 IN NY 914-963-0005

HOTEL ROOM ft€S€RVRTION (This form must be used For reservations) Please complete this form and return it to Boca Raton Resort and Club no later than August 18, 1993: Send to:

Boca Raton Resort and Club 501 C. Camino Real Boca Raton, FL 33432 (407) 395-3000 (800) 327-0 01

Conference:

USPTfl National Convention Sept. 1 8-26, 993 flrrival date: Departure date:.

Since turning pro in 1989, MaliVai Washington has risen from 199th to 13th in the ATP world rankings.

Street Citu

State

Zip

(flrea code) Telephone

Fueledby Please indicate choice of accommodations, fll rates are Curopean plan (no meals included) Rooms: Rates:

D $89 Single hotel room D $89 Double hotel room

D Q Q D

Cloister Toiuer Villa Beach Club

Third party in any room is $15 per day. Rollaiuay beds are available upon request. Number of rollauuays .

Deposit:

D Check

D Credit card:

D FlmC-x

D MC

D VISn

D DC/CB

Cxp. date

Card# Name printed on card

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General Information •

All reservation requests must be received bu August 18, 1993. Requests received after this date, or for dates other than the main conference period, mill be accepted on a space-available basis only.

I

Please include one night's room revenue as a deposit (in the form of credit card number or check) which uuill hold your room until 2 a.m. of the day following your scheduled arrival date. Upon arrival, the deposit ujill be applied to the last confirmed night of the reser vation. In the event of your early departure, the deposit is non-refundable, unless the hotel is notified prior to, or at, the time of check-in.

"I believe that if you're fit, your body tells you what it needs. When I'm pushing it, my body tells me that nothing works like a PowerBar to raise and sustain my energy I use them for working out and before matches. Wild Berry is my favorite."

-Mai Washington Call for a free 12 page Nutrition Guide 800-444-5154.

Canada 604-929-6084

Check-in time is after 3 p.m. — Check-out time is noon.

I Cancellation notice of 7 days is required for a refund. Carly departure, uuill result in forfeiture of deposit. UJhen canceling or changing your reservation by telephone, be sure to obtain a cancellation or confirmation number Iflpplicablesales taxes uuill be added to room rates and service charges.

I

The hotel uuill moke every effort to honor requests for specific types and locations of rooms. Houuever on occasions uuhen such requests cannot be met, the hotel reserves the right to provide alternate accommodations.

$1.69 each Protein: 10 g.

Fat: less than 2 g.

Carbohydrate: 42 g.

In Malt-Nut, Chocolate, Wild Berry and new Apple-Cinnamon flavors.

ADDvantage July 1993

15

Recommend the best place under Florida's sun to combine intense training, rugged on-court workouts and sublime relaxation. At Harry Hopman/Saddlebrook International Tennis, we provide strong teaching support through the proven techniques and strategies of Harry Hopman, coach of 16 winning Davis Cup teams.

Loehr â&#x20AC;˘ Groppel/Saddlebrook Sport Science offers high performance training for athletes who desire mental and physical toughening. The world's leading applied sport

scientists, Dr. Jim Loehr and Dr. Jack Groppel, analyze physical, mental and nutritional conditioning and teach you how to overcome weaknesses, using the most advanced technology available.

Enjoy all of Saddlebrook's championship amenities including 45 tennis courts, two 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf courses, fitness center, Superpool, award-winning dining, 500 suite hotel, and 60,000 sq ft. of meeting space.

Call (800) 729-8383 U.S. and Canada

Saddffifook Tampa Bay's Great Golf and Tennis

^

5700 Saddlebrook Way * Wesley Chapel, Florida 33543 * (813) 973-1111

Off-court focus

Children and tennis a match for leaching pro , or the Jan and Lee Grover family, tennis is a family affair. Strokes and serves are perfected during vacations at the Harry Hopman nternational Tennis Camp; and in 1992, the Gravers received the Family of the Year Award from the Virginia Tennis Association.

'We eat, live and breathe tennis, Jan Grover said. Tennis has been good to us, and the game has brought so much selfesteem to my children and me.

Grover of Suffolk, Va. is a tennis-teaching professional who is concentrating her time and energy on coaching children and developing them into top players. Currently, her most important students are her own three children, Michelle, 11 Nathaniel, 8; and Barton, 4.

The Grover children, who were introduced to the game before they could walk, are good at tennis. Michelle is ranked No. 1 in the girls 12s in Virginia, the top five in the girls 12s in the Mid-Atlantic, and has qualified to be on the Mid-Atlantic Zonal Team. Nathaniel also is an accomplished player, and was ranked as high as No. 21 in the boys 12s in Mid-Atlantic. Barton is not yet ranked, but can play well for his age.

For a family so involved and successful in a sport, one would assume that Grover has been teaching or playing tennis her entire life.

She actually started playing after her marriage to Lee, when the couple joined the Virginia Beach (Va.) Tennis and Country Club as a wedding gift to each other. At the club, she was asked to teach tennis for the local parks and recreation department. Since then, the family has moved to its current

r,in teamforse Challenge Cup t e a n i ^

home in Suffolk, where Grover became the head professional at the Cedar Point Country Club.

After working at Cedar Point for two years, she decided to relinquish her duties at the club and dedicate most of her time to coaching her children and running her pro shop. After stepping into the unique dual role of parent and coach, she admits that being a coach is easier than being a parent.

It's very easy to correct a player, however, when it's your child, all your emotions are involved a lot more, Grover said.

Balancing the jobs of coaching and parenting is difficult, but Grover believes that instructing children is her forte. She has developed an educational activity and coloring book, titled Color Me Tennis, which has an accompanying video. She also hosted a cable television show called The Tennis Doctor, has written several articles about innovative ways to teach tennis, and was named the 1992 USTA Schools Program Mid-Atlantic Teacher of the Year.

Grover also has several coaching philosophies which she feels contribute to her success, one of which is getting young children started in tennis.

They'll love the game, whether they get a college scholarship, turn pro or just become good players, Grover said. Tennis will be a lifetime sport for them.

She stresses fundamentals, and tries to correct any problem she notices in a student's game.

Grover also believes that parental involvement plays a large role in the development of a young tennis player, and parents who take time to work with their child often achieve better results.

It's the parents who take the time that make a difference, Grover said.

The Grover children are moving steadily up the tennis ranks, and Grover credits some of the children's success to moving to the country and constructing a tennis court in their side yard.

Grover also believes that having her own young children and knowing the techniques that have and have not been successful has contributed to the success

The Grovers (from top left, clockwise): Jan, Michelle, Barton, Nathaniel and Lee (center).

of her education programs. Joining USPTA was the smartest career move she ever made, because being a member gave her credibility, she said.

'Membership is a necessity, it's not an option anymore, Grover said.

Grover, whose long-term goals include founding a tennis academy with her husband, anticipates staying involved in her children's tennis as a confidante, coach, parent, or whatever her children want her to be.

My husband and I would love for them to get scholarships we can't lie about that,'' she said. If nothing else happens, we feel like we've achieved a lot (with tennis) and each child will be a happy, stable person. You can't ask for more than that. ÂŽ , Off-court Focus, coticffjj^jj^i^jjj^ and off-court activities of;r|i|||||||;i||3 have been involved in the industry and the tennis-teaching |r|j^g(on. We welcome written nom||ttfi||||;|||^ff or another USPTA member. Include the profesphone number, and a detail tion of the pro's off-court in and other pertinent informati ADDvantage magazine, US Headquarters, 3535 Briar Houston, TX 77042.

ADDvantage July 1993

17

1993 USPTA NationalChampionships presented by prinCB What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories When: Sept. 18-22. Starting times for first-round singles matches will be mailed Sept. 1 Where: Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton, Fla. Surface: clay court Prize money: $20,000, number of entries affect distribution Individual entry fees: $50/singles, $20/doubles. Tournament players also must register for National Convention; tournament and convention fees must be paid separately (see convention registration form, page 6). Singles entry and fees deadline, Aug. 17 Doubles may register at tournament site, preregistration encouraged.

Match scoring: Regular match scoring, two of three tie-breaker sets.

Rules: USTA. 15-minute default rule in effect. Players allowed minimum hour rest between singles matches, 30 minutes between singles and doubles matches or two doubles matches.

Dress code: Proper tennis attire. No T-shirts, tank tops or Capri tights.

Player eligibility: Current USPTA members in good standing who preregisterfor National Convention. All membership requirements must be completed by June 17 to allow for grading exam and processing application. USPTA will not be held responsible by any individual or division if entry is not accepted due to not fulfilling requirements before the 60-day deadline.

Player/event regulations: Each eligible player is limited to one singles and one doubles event. An event is two players or teams competing. Men's open limited to a 128-draw Events may use block seeding, depending on size and strength of draw.

Mixed doubles rule: Players eliminated from, or not entered in, regular doubles play may enter mixed doubles. While limiting each player to two events, this enables players to avoid choosing between two events.

Tentative starting schedule: Sept. 18, time TBA — start MOS, M35S. Sept. 19, 9 a.m. — Start WOS. Noon — Sign up ends MOD, M35D, WOD. 3 p.m. — Start M40S, MOD, M35D, WOD. Sept. 20, 9 a.m. — Start remainder men's singles and W35S. Noon — Sign-up ends, remainder men's doubles, W35D, MXD. 3 p.m. — Start remainder men's doubles, W35D. 5 p.m. — Start MXD. Sept. 21, 9 a.m. — start all other women's singles. Noon — Sign-up ends, all other women's doubles.

3 p.m. — Start all other women's doubles.

This schedule may change as a draw increases. Players are advised to arrive one day before scheduled first match.

Tournament staff: Will Hoag, national Tournament Committee chairman; Frank Kelly tournament director1 Kathy O'Neal and Gary Scanlon, Tournament Committee.

Ranking Name Street City Phone# ( Birthdate USPTA# Doubles partner Birthdate Mixed doubles partner Birthdate

D D

D ATP/WTA.

State

Zip

D USPTA_

D USTA sectional

) SS#

D USTA national _

USTA#

D State D W/L record.

SS#

Attach past and present ranking information if needed.

Singles $50

$

Doubles $20 /person $

Total enclosed $_

Signed: Mail this entry, along with your payment, to: USPTA National Championships One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042

18

ADDvantage July 1993

M45S M50S M55S M60S M65S M70S M75S M80S M85S

n n D n n n n n n

WOS W35S W40S W45S W50S W55S W60S W65S W70S W75S

D

Entry deadline Aug. 17, 1993

Date:

M40S

n D n n n n n n n n D n

MOD M35D M40D M45D M50D M55D M60D M65D M70D M75D M80D M85D

Women's D

SS#.

Note: Each player is limited to one singles and one doubles or mixed doubles event.

I, hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association, its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA divisions and tournament sponsors, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA National Championships, assume all risks inherent in my participation.

n n D n n n n n n n

MOS M35S

n n n n n n n n n n

WOD W35D W40D W45D W50D W55D W60D W65D W70D W75D

MIXED DOUBLES

Wheelchair

D MOS D wos

D MOD

n WOD

1993 USPTA National TeamTennis Championships presented by Ultra Slim-Fast What: Two doubles-only divisional team tournaments, one for open and one for senior team competition.

When: Sept. 23-25 (to Sept. 26 if rain), starts 1 p.m. daily Where: Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton, Fla., with contingency for matches elsewhere.

Surface: Clay courts.

Prize money: $5,000 for both tournaments.

Entry fees: Open competition paid by division; senior competition is $20/doubles team paid by individuals. All tournament players must register for convention. Tournament and convention registration fees are paid separately (see convention registration form on page 6). Divisions have until Aug. 17 to submit fees and the number of teams entered into open division. Senior teams send entries and fees to World Headquarters by Aug. 17 Deadline is Sept. 21 at tournament meeting for senior entries and final open rosters.

Open TeamTennis format: Doubles-only 32-draw, Ultra Slim-Fast TeamTennis format. Each division team consists of two men's doubles, one women's doubles, one mixed doubles and one men's 35 doubles. Match scoring: Eight-game pro set (no-ad scoring) with tiebreaker at seven games all. Each division allowed two teams and may substitute as desired. Substitutes play only on one team. If incomplete draw, divisions may enter more teams, which are placed in a lottery to draw for bye(s).

Senior TeamTennis format: Doubles-only regular draw, single-elimination. Divisions designate (for scoring points) two doubles teams in each category women's 35, women's 45, o men's 45, men's 55, men's 65.

Eight-game, pro set match scoring, with tiebreaker at seven games all. Team scoring: 2 points for main draw wins. All teams may enter tournament, but only teams chosen by divisions may earn points.

Each team must have players from same division.

Rules: USTA, 15-minute default, senior event players allowed minimum 30-minute rest between matches.

On-court dress code: Proper tennis attire, no T-shirts, tank tops or Capri tights.

Player eligibility: Limited to current USPTA members in good standing who have preregistered for the National Convention. All membership requirements must be fulfilled and submitted before June 17 USPTA is not responsible for not accepting an individual based on these requirements not being fulfilled by June 17 Each division selects team members, and USPTA's governing body requires that members compete only for divisions in which they physically reside. When a member moves to another division after June 21 the member may compete for either division. Members must compete for the new division if they move before June 21 Tournament meeting: 6 p.m., Sept. 21 Boca Raton Resort and Club (meeting room TBA), for team captains and divisional presidents.

Topics — seeding, draws, rules, guidelines.

Tournament staff: Will Hoag, national Tournament Committee chair- Frank Kelly tournament director- Kathy O'Neal, Gary Scanlon, Tournament Committee.

Ranking

Senior Team Entry Name: Street Citv Phone# ( Birthdate USPTA# USPTA Division Doubles partner Birthdate

D USPTA

D M45D D M55D D M65D

D USTA sectional.

State

Zip

)

D USTA national .

Women's

D State

SS# USTA#

D W/L record.

Attach past and present ranking information, if needed.

D W35D D W45D

SS#

, hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association, its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA divisions and tournament sponsors, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA National TeamTennis Championships, assume all risks inherent in my participation.

Date:

Men's

$20/doubles team

Entry deadline Aug 17,1993

Signed: Mail this entry, along with your payment, to USPTA National TeamTennis Championships One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042 1

ADDvantage July 1993

19

The 1993-dS/lfMCup USPTA's Often

Love golf, but tired of losing? USPTA's open golf tournament sponsored by ASAHI uses the Callaway system of handicapping, which gives all players an equal chance to win, regardless of skill level The tournament is set at the Boca Raton Resort & Club — one of the world's top golf resorts, with 85 sand traps, 14 grass bunkers and numerous other challenges If you love golf, you'll love The ASAHI Cup! 1 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24

$5,000 itt nated by ASAHI

prizes do-

Boca Raton Resort & Club A. Callaway system of handicapping (shotgun format)

Low net (1st, 2nd, 3rd) B

$60 (includes greens fee and cart fee)

ctot& teafal: code:

cteactUtte:

Low gross (1 st, 2nd, 3rd)

$20 per set

Closest to the pin (5 winners) Longest drive (1 winner) Longest putt (1 winner)

Players can win only one prize n each category

Collared golf sh rt must be worn No blue jeans, jogging or cut-off shorts.

6-7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 24 Beer, soft drinks and snacks provided by ASAHI

Sept. 3

rftt focvwtwtettt filayeM, aut&t teytet&t fai t^e> USPTA

THE 1993 Division:

Name: Handicap:

USPTA #: Daytime telephone number: (

Average score:

) area code

Renting golf clubs?

Dyes

D no

Please complete and return this form and entry fee to: USPTA World Headquarters • One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042 20

ADDvantage July 1993

-ASAHI CUP

focvttuwtettfo

evt&ty

Name:

USPTA Division:

USPTA #:

Handicap:

Average score:

Daytime telephone number: area code

Enter me in: EH Team scramble (USPTA members only) CD Spouses and friends' tournament Renting golf clubs?

Q yes

D

no

Please complete and return this form and entry fee to: USPTA World Headquarters • One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042

prince

USPTA I prince team 6&ttwt&£e Scramble from the courts and make new friends on an afternoon filled with golf, sun, laughter, prizes and competition Join other members as Prince presents the second annual USPTA golf scramble. Each team will have four players, one each from the A, B, C and D levels (established according to handicap listed on entry form) Team members will be selected by computer to ensure that all teams are equal The spouses and friends' tournament, also sponsored by Prince, will use the Callaway system of handicapping (see ASAHI Cup form for details) so all players will be equal Come out and enjoy a morning of golf, camaraderie and competition

Members'cl nic: Noon 1 p.m Tuesday, Sept. 21 Spouses and friends'cl nic: 9 10a.m Thursday, Sept. 23

Team scramble: 1-6 p.m Tuesday, Sept. 21 Spouses and friends' tournament: 8 a.m noon Friday, Sept. 24 $60 per tournament (includes greens fee and cart fee)

USPTA National Convention Sept. 18-26, 1993

tettfat:

$20 per set

etude:

Collared golf sh rt must be worn No blue jeans, jogging or cut-off shorts.

eleadtute:

Sept. 3

f4tt totvutattteHtfticKf&Kt'tnctat teqtat&t £on> t&e USPTA et&tte fuvtti/c<fitutfo

"Jfatfattat

Mtttat testate* fan* 6ot& t£e ccmwtttuMt and a,

ADDvantage July 1993

21

Ask the professor

By Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D.

Strength training requires proper diet and exercise routine

Jack Groppel, Ph.D., is the executive vice president of Loehr-Groppel/Saddlebrook Sport Science, Inc. He is an instruction editor for Tennis magazine, and is the author of High-Tech Tennis and co-author of The Science of Coaching Tennis. Groppel is a certified Master Professional of the USPTA and was named 1987 Professional of the Year by the USPTA. Groppel is an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Florida. He is chairman of the USPTA National Committee on Fitness and Health, and serves on the National Steering Committee of the USTA Player Development Program. He also is a member of the Prince and Penn advisory staffs.

QUESTION: I feel naive about the subject of strength training for tennis. I truly believe it helps players, but I cannot answer some players' basic concerns about building bulk, eating correctly, machines vs. free weights, and so on.

Can you help?

ANSWER: During a recent workout in the fitness center at the Saddlebrook Golf and Tennis Resort, I began talking with a hotel guest who said he loved to play tennis, but 22

ADDvantage July 1993

was really into weightlifting. As we talked about weightlifting, realized he was very naive about weightlifting as a method of training. He was taking heavy protein supplements and was considering steroid usage.

I warned him of the dangers in this and recommended some articles on the issue. As left the fitness center, realized that nonsensical fads in weightlifting and muscle building still exist.

To build bulk, (which is not necessarily what a tennis play wants), a player must lift heavy weights. Lifting heavy weights for three sets of eight to 10 repetitions each causes a greater strain on the muscle, which in turn requires more recovery. It is this healing process that makes the muscles bigger.

Circuit training or other forms of weightlifting (where higher repetitions and lower weights are employed) build muscle endurance more than outright strength which is the training method most recommended to tennis players.

Mix the use of weight machines with that of free weights to build strength. Each form of training offers advantages, but many experts feel weight machines are safer, since they guide a player through the entire range of motion. On the other hand, free weights must be controlled as they are lifted through a specific range of motion. This required control helps develop every muscle group around a certain joint, including the actual movers, stabilizers and tendons.

Regarding eating correctly, players must eat food that contains more carbohydrates.

Most people already consume 50 percent to 100 percent more protein than needed, so more protein is not necessary. To build strength one needs fuel, which comes mostly from carbohydrates.

Most diet supplements that claim to be the answer to muscle development have little value. Scientific research showing benefits from amino acid or protein supplements is

quite rare, however, some mineral supplements (magnesium, zinc, and copper) have been shown to be beneficial in small doses.

Don't head to the health food store for large doses of these minerals. Dark green vegetables, whole grain cereals, beans and bananas are loaded with them, and natural foods are a much better source.

Scientific research showing benefits from amino acid or protein supplements is quite rare, however, some mineral supplements (magnesium, zinc, and copper) have been shown to be beneficial in small doses.

A major key to successful strength training is proper technique. You must seek the expertise of a certified trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine, or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. They are trained to answer questions and provide the proper guidance for optimal strength development. <o>

Industry action

USPTA • USPTA pro Steve Walters has been named tennis d rector of the Union Country Club n Dover Ohio, for the 1993 season Walters currently is the director of tennis at the Salem (Ohio) Racquet Club, Steve Walters where he teaches most of the year.

• The 1993 Coors/Coca-Cola/HCA Indian Path Medical Center Pro Tennis Classic will be held Aug. 10-15 at Ridgefields Country Club in Kingsport, Tenn. USPTA professional Reedy Toney is the tournament director for the $20,000 event, and has a few opening spots remaining in the qualifying rounds. For more information, contact Toney at (615) 392-8370.

• USPTA Master Professional Skip Singleton, director of swim and tennis operations at Bluewater Bay Resort in Niceville, Fla. will speak at the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference in New York and the USPTA National Convention on behalf of Fila USA Inc. Singleton is the author of three books.

• Larry Lineberry, USPTA Master Professional and director of tennis at the Sedona Racquet Club in Sedona, Ariz, will promote and d rect the USTA Women's Challenger of Sedona. The $25,000 Larry Lineberry tournament, presented by Mystic Hills community, is scheduled for Oct. 17-24, and is the only women's pro tournament in the state, Lineberry said. Part of the proceeds will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sedona.

• The Northeast-10 Conference has announced that USPTA pro Mike Quitko, coach at Quinnipiac College in Hamden, Conn, and Jeff Bullett, coach at Bryant College in Smithfield, R. will share Coach of the Year honors. Quitko directed the Quinnipiac Braves to a share of the Northeast-10

regular season title this spring (8-1) and an 111 overall record.

• Nick Bollettieri and Vic Braden, both USPTA pros, have appointed Butch T Young as director of tennis of the Vic Braden Tennis College in Goto de Caza, Calif. Before assuming this position, Young, a USPTA pro, was the director of tennis at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Ariz.

• The USTA has named Dave Abrams, of Philadelphia, Pa. and Drew Wittman of Hendersonville, N.C. as its Recreational Tennis Coordinators. Both are USPTA pros.

Abrams will be responsible for coordinating the USTA National Junior Tennis League program and other youth projects. Wittman will coordinate the USTA's Schools Program.

Member product showcase • A new 1993 series of Netpro Tennis Collector Cards has been released by USPTA pros Jim Parker and Brad Blume.

KID STUFF?

The cards feature hundreds of top touring players, as well as former champions of the game, and are licensed by the WTA and ATP Tour. Netpro Tennis Cards may increase motivation and enthusiasm in junior programs when used as incentive prizes, and also can be sold in pro shops an excellent opportunity for USPTA professionals to earn extra income, the pros said. For more information and samples, call (800) 833-6615.

• The Focused Game Method, an educational seminar presented by USPTA pro Bob Litwin, is available on audiotape for $14.95. The Focused Game Method is a system of changes that lead to increased levels of performance in sports, business and life. Litwin also may be booked to present the seminar in person. For more information, to order, or to book a seminar, call (516) 767-0661 or write the Sports Focus Institute, 3 Briarcliff Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050.

• The Professional Tennis Academy — USA, operated by USPTA Master Professional Maurice Sockolov, will conduct summer sessions in Napa, Calif The dates (continued on page 24)

YEAH, WE'VE GOT JT and GROWN UP STUFF TOO! A f u l ine of ball machines to challenge every level of player from beginner to professional And nine racquet models including our new Junior Citation Series.

So whether you re looking to rock and roll or take it slow, give us a call We re Lob-Ster and we've got your customer's needs covered

IQDISIER 1118 North Avenue Plainfield, NJ 07062 800 526 4041 908 668 1 900 ADDvantage July 1993

23

Industry action (continued from page 23)

are July 5-16 and July 19-30. Sockolov has won more than 70 national and regional tennis titles and recently published a book, 'Forty Love, A Professional Approach to the Fundamentals of Tennis. For more information, contact Sockolov at (707) 944-1801 • Ronald Pinsky, USPTA pro, is the owner and president of Aegis Sports International, L P., a sports marketing firm in Rochester, NY Aegis Sports nternational recently closed sponsorship deals Ronald Pinsky between the Eastman Kodak Company and the 1993 Miller Lite Hall of Fame Tennis Championships. The company also negotiated a sponsorship for Penn to become the official tennis ball of the 1993

World University Games. For more information, contact Pinsky at (716) 546-1170.

Manufacturers • Prince Holdings Inc. has changed its name to Prince Sports Group Inc., Art Bylin, president and CEO, said. Prince Sports Group is part of the new international

prince Benetton Sportsystem. Three separate business units have been formed under the new corporate banner' Prince Racquet Sports, a division of Prince Sports Groups Inc. and two subsidiaries, Prince Sports Footwear Inc. and Prince Golf International Ltd. Prince has been the No. 1 brand of tennis racquets in

This Little Coaching Aid Makes A BIG Difference. t's called The Tennis Analyst, and it is the first hand-held, match-charting calculator designed from scratch for coaches, players and parents.

More than 200 key tennis statistics are displayed on demand - or printed out for up to 4 players at a time. Results provide answers to the 2 basic questions serious players ask: 1) What are my real (not perceived) strengths and weaknesses?

2) What parts of my opponent's game are most vulnerable?

The Tennis Analyst leads the way to better focused practice sessions and match strategies that make sense, all in a simple-to-use format. revolution in match-charting

Tony Trabert

For more information or to order The Tennis Analyst call:

1-800-237-8400 - ext 622 24

ADDvantage July 1993

THE

Associations • The Club Managers Association of America announced its support of a program, created by Special Olympics and the Association of Retarded Citizens, which places developmentally disabled workers into the private club environment.

The program, funded by the United States Golf Association through Special Olympics, has been created to expose developmentally disabled people to golf a new sport in Special Olympics.

• James E. Maser, vice chairman of Club Corp., recently was elected president of the National Club Association at its annual meeting in Richmond, Va. Other officers elected were Ronald V. Patterson, vice president; Hugh J. Jones Jr. treasurer' and Richard H McKay, secretary.

Miscellany

"The Tennis Analyst is a technology."

the United States for 12 years and worldwide for 10 years, according to a press release.

• Pete Sampras, who uses Babolat VS strings, recently became the 11th player to be ranked No. 1 in the ATP Tour listing since its inception in 1973, according to a Babolat VS news release. Eight of the previous 10 male players who have been ranked No. 1 have used Babolat VS strings, a company release said.

7E/V/V/:

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• Tennis enthusiasts who are attending the U.S. Open may want to take advantage of an excursion to the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I on Aug. 31 The day includes round-trip bus transportation from the La Guardia Marriott Marquis in New York City to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, a tour of the museum, a box lunch, and a scenic tour of Newport. The bus will return in time for the evening matches at Flushing Meadows, NY The fee for the entire day is $40. For more information, contact Jennifer Grigas at (212) 880-4179.

• The inaugural Tennis Hall of Fame Expo and Fair, held June 19 at the nternational Tennis Hall of Fame, featured tennis activities for the entire family. Exhibitors from all facets of the tennis industry were showcased on the Hall of Fame grounds, and attendees had the opportunity to try out exhibitor's goods and participate in product demonstrations on the grass courts. <o>

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wmi?

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Latest News on Tennis . . .

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11

Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy

Tennis Professionals

UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. World Headquarters One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042-5235

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