Addvantage 1995 April

the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals

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TM the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals

Volume 19 — Issue 4 The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Kathy Woods First Vice President Kurt Kamperman Vice President Will Hoag Joseph Thompson Jim Davis Dave Porter Secretary/Treasurer Mark McMahon Past President Gordon Collins WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO Tim Heckler Director of Operations Rich Fanning Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Director of Shawna Riley Communications Marketing/Business John Tamborello Operations Magazine Coordinator Julie Myers Sports Marketing Karen Unger Coordinator Sports Marketing Sharon Jasmer Assistant Public Relations Dan Soine Coordinator Corporate Services Christl Call Manager Computer Services and Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Director of Education Kirk Anderson Education Coordinator Susan A. Thompson Membership/Education Sharon Duste Assistant Membership/Education Karen Mahon Assistant Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Assistant Financial Manager Renee Heckler Controller Theresa Weatherford Insurance/Merchandise Elten Schmidt Services Receptionist Cindy Sauer Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies 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 the World Headquarters USPTA One USPTA 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. 1995. All rights reserved.

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

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April 1995

On the cover Tennis legend Fred Perry congratulates Pete Sampras, one of the new generation of champions, at Wimbledon in 1993.

Photo by Puss Adams.

SPECIAL SECTION The USPTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism Books I and II is published as excerpts in ADDvantage magazine. The pullout chapters bring more education information to members — free of charge. This issue concludes the manual. It contains a cover page, introduction by USPTA CEO Tim Heckler and a complete table of contents.

FEATURES 6 Lessons learned in classroom affect tennis skills

by Jim Krimbill 8 Fred Perry leaves mark on tennis 13 USPTA plans for a Game, Set, Successful convention 16 Inaugural Tencap-a-thon a success 16 Industry unites to boost tennis 21 Players from Abilene take home Texas title 22 Maintain player interest with follow-up program

DEPARTMENTS 3 CEO's message: Divisional strength helps build worldwide network of teaching professionals

by Tim Heckler 4 Letters 5 Vice President's message: It's time for a national tennis handicap system: Tencap

by Joseph Thompson 7 Growing the game: Mentor program develops respect, teaching skills for participants 8 USPTA marketing tips. Be competitive by selling USPTA Pro Penn balls

by Hugh Waters 10 Little Tennis talk: USPTA Little Tennis creates 'wonderful environment' 11 Little Tennis tips: Relate to young students in the world of make-believe 25 Dates that rate 26 Industry action 28 USPTA drill ADDvantage April 1995

1

tennis

presents

emorative Collection Featurin

ots of the game's greatest players sets of five postcards each.

All proceeds benefit The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. Please make check for $16.95 payable to: The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, Inc., and mail to: TENNIS magazine Postcard Collection 100 Park Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

CEO's message

Divisional strength helps build worldwide network of teaching professionals Tim Heckler, CEO

.s a teaching professional working in 'Anytown' USA, you may not recognize the value of USPTA's far-reaching network. But, be assured that every other segment of the tennis industry calls upon this tennis-teaching force to reach players at the grassroots and market their goods and services.

Not a week passes that the national office doesn't get a request for assistance from our members. We get phone calls and correspondence from tennis and nontennis companies looking to reach a particular market through USPTA professionals. They know that there's no better way to reach specific groups of tennis players than through the members of the largest and strongest tennis-teaching organization in the world.

Nowhere is the strength of our network and democratic structure more evident to me than when visit our divisions each year.

USPTA's 17 divisions are run by elected boards of directors and regional representatives that meet the needs of teaching professionals in their local areas. This is not unlike state governments that provide for the needs of their constituents within the larger framework of the U.S. government.

Each of our divisions has two representatives who serve on the USPTA National Executive Committee that meets twice a year.

The committee determines the direction of USPTA, which is then administered through

the national office in Houston. The involvement of our divisions and the power they demonstrate through this process is getting stronger and more apparent to the tennis industry. It's also interesting that USPTA's divisional structure parallels the current movement in the United States to transfer more power to state and local governments.

Divisions receive 35 percent of the dues paid by members in their respective areas and a portion of USPTA's endorsement fees.

These funds allow them to run programs for the specific needs of their members, while the remaining USPTA funds are spent on projects that are beneficial to all 17 divisions.

Our divisions have used their funds to strengthen their local and regional influence among tennis-teaching professionals at the grassroots, n doing so, they have implemented programs that have not only created a local support system but have increased the scope and power of USPTA's national network.

Our networking potential becomes even more clear to me when attend divisional conventions. All USPTA divisions hold their own conventions, and they are becoming more like small versions of USPTA's annual National Convention. The national event has attracted more than 2,000 people and is the largest and most exciting tennis event of its kind. n February, traveled to the Middle States

and Midwest divisional conventions. More than 250 teaching professionals and coaches attended the Middle States convention, while the Midwest convention hosted more than 500 pros and coaches.

It's customary for a national representative to attend each divisional convention Although m not able to attend all of the conventions each year, do get to attend a few of them, while members of USPTA's Board of Directors attend the remainder of the events. We each report on our visits to the field, and 'm happy to say that we have received great news about the other divisional conventions held so far this year.

It's truly exciting to witness the growth of our divisional conventions, which now attract more participants than other organizations' national conventions and workshops. Not only is attendance at these events increasing, but they offer more activities each year.

Division conventions are valuable resources for tennis-teaching professionals, but they each offer an individual atmosphere typical of their respective areas of the country. If you haven't attended a divisional or national convention, encourage you to do so. The events will make you extremely proud of your local and national leadership and yourself look forward to speaking to you should our paths cross at a divisional event. ÂŤ> ADDvantage April 1995

LETTE Dear USPTA, I would like to recognize Reedy Toney (USPTA) for his volunteer work this year with our local junior players. Reedy has demonstrated a high level of teamwork with our local community tennis association and the USTA to provide our junior players with greater opportunities to both learn and play the sport. He provided unflagging support over a number of years and was instrumental in helping us establish the first USTA Junior Team Tennis program in the area.

Examples of his support are almost too numerous to recount here, but include coaches clinics, player clinics in conjunction with the Ridgefield's Pro Classic tournament, in-school clinics and junior sanctioned tournaments. During 1994, Reedy was particularly helpful with in-school clinics and a junior clinic for beginning players in conjunction with our annual community Fun Fest in July.

Very truly yours, Theodore Thomas Vice President Junior Programs, Mountain Empire Tennis Association

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ADDvantage April 1995

Dear USPTA, A humorous conversation happened between by stepson, Ned, and me. Ned has a Ph.D. in psychology. We were having a heated discussion on politics. He said to me, Jerry, think should know more about it than you as I have three letters after my name.

I said, 'So what, Ned. have five letters after my name USPTA." Sincerely, Jerry Friedlander Sarasota, Fla.

ADDvantage magazine welcomes your comments. Letters should be typed and signed and may be sent to ADDvantage, USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042. For more information on submitting articles for publication, write to the same address, or call the World Headquarters.

Vice President's message

Joseph Thompson, Vice President

JL remember studying in school about Thomas Jefferson, who said, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. The Declaration of Human Rights (Article 1) states, 'All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, believe these great sayings are true, but don't think many of our country's founding fathers were tennis players. Even if they were, they probably wouldn't have had equal ability on the tennis court. like George Orwell's explanation, 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others, and Eugene Edwards' saying, If by saying that all men are born equal, you mean that they are equally born. It is true, but true in no other sense; birth, talent, labor, virtue and providence are forever making differences.

I wonder if Eugene should have added good service or a good backhand to the list of differences. That is why my favorite equality quote is an old English proverb The only real equality is in the cemetery.' Now, that's equality. think one of the most painstaking jobs a tennis professional faces on a daily basis is trying to evenly match two tennis players for competition. Sure, they have the same rights, but, will they be playing on an even field? The USTA, USPTA and the nternational Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)

It's time for a national tennis handicap system: Tencap developed and implemented the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) years ago, but that only took us as far as putting tennis players into categories of similar abilities. It did not make them equal on the playing scale. We even use words like 'compatible," but not 'competitive.' We all know a 4.0 man cannot compete with a 4.0 woman.

I think it is time that tennis had a national tennis handicap system that truly makes players equal on the tennis court, whether male or female. It's here. USPTA recently endorsed a tennis handicap system that has been tried and proven to make all tennis players equal. It is called Tencap.

Tencap is a computerized handicap system for tennis. Like the golf handicap, Tencap provides an ability rating for each player in the system and a method for equalizing play between players of differing abilities. The ability rating ranges from 0 (the top international player) to 65. Participating players must report the scores of each match played, whether in a tournament, in a club event or just for fun. After they receive initial ratings, players' Tencaps will change to reflect their degrees for success relative to the caliber of their opponents.

The handicap for any match is the difference between the two opponents' Tencap ratings, which is measured by points in a set.

When using the handicap, the player with

the higher numerical rating may at any time during a set award him or herself the next point to be played up to the number by which the players' ratings differ. If a 25-rated player competes against a player rated 30, the 30 player is entitled to five points in each set played.

Tencap is exactly what the game of tennis needs as a 'shot in the arm. The Tennis Industry Association initiative is designed to attract new players to the game through Play Tennis America, but we still have to equalize players' abilities. Tencap can solve that problem and will give new players an innovative way to enjoy the game, have fun and still compete. As tennis professionals, we have used different handicap systems, but until now, there never has been a national tennis handicap system with results that are updated every two weeks, similar to that of golf The ntermountain Division has installed Tencap in more than 25 facilities throughout Colorado. A city-wide adult handicap league already exists in Kansas City, Kan. where Tencap was piloted. If you are interested in more information about Tencap and how you can offer more innovative programs, increase your revenue, and give tennis a shot in the arm at your club or facility, contact the USPTA Sports Marketing Department at the World Headquarters. Now players can be equal, before they make it to the cemetery. <o> ADDvantage April 1995

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Lessons learned in classroom

by Jim Krimbill

o

ver the last several years, there have been numerous articles about tennis burnout. The promising junior who walked away from the game at an early age is a familiar story, as is the accomplished player who floundered on the circuit, then dropped out, only to find that he did not have the education necessary to find a job.

Many of these situations may be avoided if the coach uses a comprehensive approach to the student's game. Stating that education is extremely important to the player and applying it are two different things.

The teaching professional should try to use teaching tools and examples that relate to school since most students spend a large part of their day there. Listed below are some tangible examples coaches may use to more effectively achieve the ultimate goal of helping players improve their games.

1 Math and the sciences play a big role in tennis strategy and positioning. Using school terminology will help players discover the value of what they are being taught at school hence the relationship can be identified.

• Bisecting angles being positioned in the middle of the two extreme angles reduces the opponent's opportunity to hit crosscourt winners.

• Law of reflection the angle at which the ball approaches and rebounds off a surface is the same. Therefore, when a player executes a down-the-line shot off a crosscourt return, the player's racquet needs to be tilted inward.

• Arch, speed and spin understanding how these forces influence depth bounce and time will help the student know why they should be practiced.

• Equal and opposite forces on a one-handed backhand, the nonhitting arm extends back as the hitting arm goes forward, thus helping stabilize the shoulders.

2. School students are assigned homework to prepare for exams, and they must complete projects and practice problems to master the ideas or tasks. Similarly, in tennis, players must be encouraged to drill and work out to prepare for tournaments. Lessons learned from failure are ADDvantage April 1995

By applying basic geometry skills learned in school, a student learns how the angle of the racquet face affects the ball.

more important than winning, and will help both the tennis player and student review their practice sessions and study habits. Each exam or tournament represents opportunities for the student to measure her knowledge and ability.

3. Most people have had the experience of not remembering what they just read or an activity just completed as a result of a distraction. The same is true when the tennis player cannot remember how she won or lost the previous point played. This should be emphasized so that the player recognizes and corrects this problem Concentration and rituals play a key role in staying focused.

When taking exams, students wear their favorite clothes and bring two pencils with erasers on them and any other equipment needed to perform well. They start the day off the same as any other day by turning off the alarm, showering, dressing and eating breakfast. These are rituals. When a player competes in a tournament, he should have rituals, both on and off the court. Players should wear tennis clothes that are appropriate for the conditions, and bring two racquets, a water bottle, towel and fruit.

4. Students sometimes have to give speeches at school If they forget to say

something, they most often are the only ones who realize it. This is similar to hitting an accidental 'winner' in tennis, n both cases, the student should keep quiet and act confident, so that others never realize that an error was made. People tend to remember the first and last things one says. In a tennis match, if a player lobs the net person on the very first shot, the opponent always will be on guard for it, allowing the opportunity to hit passing shots. Also, when a player wins or loses a match, the opponent remembers the last game, thinking that is how they played for the last two hours, n many cases the player's perception is incorrect.

5. Students should not avoid the hard classes in school just to pass or improve their grades. Working only on strengths will magnify weaknesses, n tennis, players need to improve all their skills so they can be 'all-court players.

6. As students get older, they advance from grade to grade, leaving behind their favorite teachers. Players need to be independent and acquire the ability to analyze their games as well as those of their opponents. Teaching professionals need to act in the best interest of their players and find someone who can help them in their next stage of development.

affect tennis skills 7 n the classroom students take notes, are responsible for books, set goals and standards, plan for exams, and study allowing them to learn to manage their time and set priorities.

Likewise, tennis students should keep a notebook that includes private lesson critiques, strategies for defeating each style of player, monthly and yearly goals, tournament schedules and results. The tennis player soon will assume ownership of his game.

As a coach, teacher and role model, the professional should accept the territory that goes with reinforcing school Tennis should become an extension of the player's school education. When, and if, a player blooms, he

will be served better if the coach has reinforced the lessons learned in the classroom.

Jim Krimbill, USPTA, is the activity and league director at the Midland Community Tennis Center in Midland, Mich. He writes for CrossCourt news and has been published in Tennis magazine. He also is a member of the Wilson advisory staff.

Krimbili is a three-term past president of the Jim Krimbill Northeastern Michigan Tennis Association, and has served as a USTTA area training coach, certified umpire and tournament director He has been a speaker at USTA coaches workshops and other tennis events.

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Mentor program develops respect, teaching skills for participants

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Icier junior players use their knowledge to help teach younger players, as part of a mentor program developed by Twin Lakes Tennis in Las Vegas.

The mentor program involves having older juniors teach younger juniors on a weekly basis. This program is offered to young players who put in many hours of effort on their tennis game. They receive this help from the more experienced players at no charge.

The older players learn teaching skills by holding scheduled classes which involve exercise, rallies and challenging games. They become role models and the younger players show them a great deal of respect. The older players also gain confidence through this program. Teaching younger players helps the mentors learn patience and verbal skills.

The program was promoted in the December issue of the Twin Lakes Tennis newsletter: "These activities give the kids a great prelesson warm-up and the opportunity to get that little bit of extra hitting in a fun

atmosphere. The advanced juniors have learned the importance of their knowledge and feel a sense of leadership and accomplishment. As a reward for all their time and patience, they receive extra lesson time with their private lessons, and are able to earn tennis racquets and accessories."

The business, run by the Springer family, is located in Lorenzi Park, a city park. They lease the facility and charge no membership fees. The Springer family has experience in various fields that augment their tennis knowledge: Clara is a USPTA professional and has an associate degree in early childhood; Matt is a USPTA member; Mike is a certified personal trainer; and Gerry is a CPA. O Growing the Game is a segment that features members who have taken strides to improve the state of the tennis industry. If you have done something special to help grow the game, send in a description to the World Headquarters.

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ADDvantage April 1995

Fred Perry leaves mark on tennis 'SPTA member Fred Perry, perhaps best remembered for winning Wimbledon three years in a row during the 1930s, also made his mark on USPTA. As an amateur player, Perry, who died in February, won his way through the Grand Slam tournaments. He won the U.S. Open in 1933, 1934 and 1936 (singles); the French Open in 1933 (doubles with George Hughes) and 1935 (singles); Wimbledon 1934-1936 (singles); and the Australian Open in 1934, singles and doubles (with Hughes). He was the first man to win four consecutive Grand Slam tournaments, although he didn't win them in a single calendar year.

Perry also played a major role in England's success from 1933 to 1936, serving on the British Davis Cup team from 1931 to 1936.

Fred Perry was a true champion, said Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA. He made an indelible mark on the history of our sport.

Perry, born in Stockport, Cheshire,

Fred Perry

USPTA marketing tips

Be competitive by selling USPTA Pro Penn balls

by Hugh Waters hy would a USPTA professional sell anything but the USPTA Pro Penn ball?

The Trails Racquet Club pro shop has carried the Pro Penn tennis ball exclusively since the ball's inception. We plan to make $1 profit per can and we never are undersold.

For years, the pro shop fought the discounters. Regardless of how close to cost we sold the balls, sales would not improve. Even when we sold balls at almost cost, people would ask, "Do you know that Walmart carries the same ball you do for less? Don't you think your prices are a little high?"

We responded with explanations as to how discounters sell below cost as a loss leader, but members would just give us that familiar doubting look. People knew the pro shop's prices were not competitive and

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ADDvantage April 1995

thought the balls were not of the highest quality.

As a result of these problems, I formulated a policy not to sell anything the discounters sell, if possible. With few exceptions, this has been possible. The first thing I ask a supplier is, "Does Walmart carry it?"

With our customers, we are upf ront about the prices. We tell the members we know we can't compete with the discount stores and that our tennis ball prices are a little higher. We also tell them that the ball we carry exclusively, the USPTA Pro Penn ball, is the best tennis ball they can buy. After trying it, most members agree. Now we sell plenty of tennis balls at a profit.ÂŽ Send your successful marketing tips to USPTA, ADDvantage magazine, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, or fax tips to (713) 978-7780.

England, turned professional and became a U.S. citizen in 1937 He won the USPTA (then the USPLTA) National Championships in 1938 and 1941 in singles competition. He also won in doubles competition with partners Bruce Barnes (1938), Ellsworth Vines (1939), Don Budge (1940) and Richard Skeen (1941).

Five years after turning professional, Perry received a career-ending injury to his elbow during a match with Bobby Riggs. After recovering, Perry served for the United States in World War working with physical training and rehabilitation groups. Following the war, Perry, Bill Tilden and Vinnie Richards pioneered a new tour format for the professional game.

Perry toured the United States and Great Britain with Don Maskill giving exhibitions for Focus on Tennis.

'Fred Perry was a true champion. He made an indelible mark on the history of our sport.' â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tim Heckler CEO of USPTA

He began working as a tennis radio commentator for the British Broadcasting Company in 1947 and later founded Fred Perry Sportswear. In his later years, Perry worked as a television commentator for several major tournaments, ncluding Wimbledon.

Perry was the first foreign-born player to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R. in 1975. He became an honorary member of the USPTA in 1987 O

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USPTA Little Tennis creates 'wonderful environment'

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he Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tenn. is reaching two of its goals for 1995 by using USPTA Little Tennis: improving family programming, and increasing the number of younger participants in the club's junior program.

Historically, the club's junior development program has been weighted with older children, ranging in ability levels from intermediate to tournament level said USPTA member Dennis Covington, the club's head tennis professional. Even though the club offered a basic 'teeny tennis' program, they typically experienced a below average response. Also, new members generally have problems attending events because of their small children.

A student learns how to practice a stroke using the Wilson Teaching Tower.

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ADDvantage April 1995

'USPTA Little Tennis is the perfect program to help us achieve two of our goals for the year,' Covington said.

To promote Little Tennis, Covington educated the membership through the club newsletter, sign-up sheets posted at the tennis center, and a mailing of the USPTA Little Tennis brochures to all members. He included information on the age group, equipment, the number of professionals, dates and time, and cost. He also extended an invitation to the parents to help with the program.

Since the program ran during the indoor season (Jan. 16-March 12), they had only two courts available. Within three days of posting the sign-up sheets, there were 12 children enrolled. They had to stop accepting participants when 20 juniors were enrolled.

The program has been a big success, and has created a wonderful environment for the professionals, parents and juniors, Covington said.

However, everything was not perfect, Covington said, and after the first month they detailed the problems they were experiencing. First, since there was a wide range of ages, some of the older children thought they had already outgrown the program. Second, the professionals lacked experience in having parental assistance. Consequently, they sometimes found the parents talking to each other instead of participating. Third, when conducting agility, movement and hand-eye coordination drills, it was difficult to make clear the value of those drills. The parents sometimes equate learning tennis with learning only strokes or hitting tennis balls.

They are working on overcoming those problems to improve the program for the spring session, Covington said, n dealing with the problem of differing ability levels, Covington said one solution might be to create two curricula and divide the class at some point during the lesson.

They need to incorporate the parents into the program, Covington said, which means getting them to commit so that the professionals will know how many parents to expect. Also, the parents need to be educated on how each activity develops certain skills. They must understand that playing tennis is more than just htting a tennis ball.

'Overall we have been extremely pleased with the USPTA Little Tennis program, said Covington. 'Our main concern is to keep the momentum of what we have created so we can begin the USPTA Little Tennis league program this summer.

Without question, it is a valuable part of our programming.

Send your Little Tennis teaching information, tips and photos to USPTA, ADDvantage magazine, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042.

Relate to young students in the world of make-believe

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caches know how difficult it can be to communicate with young tennis students. They must act enthusiastically to gain the students' attention. Tom Sadzeck, a USPTA teaching professional and director of summer junior tennis camps at the Lagunitas Country Club in Ross, Calif said coaches must go one step further in discovering the best way to transfer ideas and information to students. Coaches must think like students.

This involves entering their world, a world of make-believe, he said. Students have fun playing games and doing activities that involved made-up stories or ideas. By structuring simple tennis activities in this make-believe way, the students will improve at a faster rate because they will want to participate

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in this fun environment, and they will look forward to the activities each week. Young players will remember more because they will be putting the tennis skills and activities into visual images of things they enjoy.

With a little imagination from a creative coach, almost any skill or activity can be put into this world of make-believe. For example, when teaching a low-to-high swing, the coach can compare it to an airplane taking off The coach should find and use some of the students' favorite subjects. Some of the topics Sadzeck has found successful are animals, school, sports, food, travel and transportation. From these general topics come many more specific ones. Favorite animals include bugs and dinosaurs. School events can become subjects, teachers or grades. Baseball and soccer are two sports that most often are recognized by youngsters. From food comes pizza and popcorn. Travel and transportation can break down further into subjects that include airplanes, trains, buses, boats and spaceships that will take students anywhere from Disneyland to Mars.

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Coaches should use students' favorite subjects, such as dinosaurs, to create new and exciting learning activities.

Young tennis students need constant attention and enthusiasm from a coach, Sadzeck said, and it takes time and energy to keep these youngsters under control. A well-prepared lesson plan is the most effective way to maintain this control. A wellprepared coach always will arrive early for the lesson, and will have all the standard props in place before the students arrive.

Most classes for 5- to 7-year-olds will last about one-half hour, therefore, it is important to maintain the progression of the lesson and avoid down time as much as possible. Down time can be avoided by being prepared and staying one step ahead of the lesson activities.

A lesson plan should be written on a small index card or put onto a clipboard to provide a "road map' for the lesson progression. However, the coach always should remember to remain flexible. If an activity is not working for some reason, the coach must be prepared to change it promptly.

One practical piece of advice for moving students around is to use small rubber bases. These colored bases can be arranged in a formation or pattern on which the students stand or move to during an activity or demonstration. The bases should be set up in advance if possible. This can be done before the lesson begins or during transition periods, such as ball pick-up or drink breaks. The use of the bases makes the coach's life much easier, and provides a system to which the students easily can become accustomed.

ADDvantage April 1995

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USPTA plans for a Game, Set, Successful convention it's that time of the year again when USPTA professionals begin making plans to attend the biggest tennis event of the year, the 1995 USPTA National Convention, Sept. 16-24.

This year, the 68th annual convention, with the theme "Game, Set, Success," will return to the Boca Raton Resort & Club, the USPTA resort headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla. Attendees will have the opportunity to partake of a full week of education, parties and networking in a beautiful, relaxing environment. More information on Specialty Courses5" seminars and entertainment will be in future issues of ADDvantage.

The convention registration deadline is Aug. 15. Convention fees are $210 for members, $235 for nonmembers, $100 for spouses or spouse equivalents, and $210 for friends.

The Boca Raton Resort & Club will host the National Convention for the third time.

The first two times were in 1993 and 1989.

The resort has more than 900 guest rooms, with suites and rooms in The Cloister, the 27-story Tower, the Boca Beach Club and the golf villas. The 356-acre resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses, 34 tennis courts, three complete fitness centers, and a private beach which stretches for one-half mile. Windsurfing, snorkeling and parasailing are some of the water sports available at the beach. There also are five pools, a basketball court and a 23-slip marina with full fishing and boating facilities.

All room prices are the same for single and double rooms. The special discounted room rate for the convention is $88 for a room in the Cloister, Addison Court or Villa; $100 for a Tower room; $110 for a waterway room at the Beach Club; $125 for a Tower studio or an ocean room in the Beach Club; and $150 for a Villa apartment. These prices do not include a $7 daily service charge and 10

The Boca Raton Resort & Club has 34 tennis courts.

percent tax.

Hotel reservations must be made by Aug. 16. The official USPTA hotel registration form must be used to get the discount. More registration information and forms will be in future issues.

One of the highlights of the convention is the USPTA National Tennis Buying Show. For the third year, the Buying Show will present the latest merchandise from tennis manufacturers and retailers. The show is free to all interested buyers and will highlight products from court accessories to tennis apparel. The 1994 Buying Show attracted nearly 100 exhibitors, including Penn Racquet Sports and Wilson Racquet Sports.

Other activities include the annual Awards Breakfast, the Battle of the Divisions, the USPTA National Championships, and the USPTA TeamTennis and Senior TeamTennis Championships. The National Championships will be Sept. 16-20, and costs $50 per person for singles and $20 per person for doubles. The singles entry deadline is Aug. 15, but doubles players may register at the tournament site.

The team championsh p is scheduled Sept. 21-23.

Players participate n team tournaments through their divisions, which pay the open competition fees, but senior fees are $20 per doubles team, to be paid by those competing The deadline for divisions and senior teams to submit entries and fees is Aug 15. People interested in playing should contact their divisions, o ADDVantage April 1995

13

USFTA EDUCATION MANUAL COMPLETE The USPTA Education Manual insert in this issue completes the book, which has been published one chapter at a time in previous issues of the magazine. Complete copies of the book are available for purchase through the USPTA Gift Shoppe. USPTA Education Manual binders and chapters may be purchased separately as well.

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Chapter 1 — Professionalism: Key to the ultimate tennis teacher

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Chapter 2 — Group lessons maximize teaching potential

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Chapter 3 — The magic of group lessons

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Chapter 4 — Private lesson can leave a lasting impression

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Chapter 5 — Singles strategy Honestly assess your game, know your limits

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Chapter 6 — Doubles is a game of wits

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BOOK II: TENNIS BUSINESS OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

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Chapter 1 — Stringing establishes a profitable second income

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Chapter 2 — Analyzing all factors may lead to pro shop success

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Chapter 3 — Director of tennis can create strong program

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Chapter 4

Simple principles make hiring and firing easier

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Chapter 5

The challenge of communication

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Plan career, develop skills to keep on track

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Marketing, public relations keep club in public eye

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Business plan necessary for success

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Make checks payable to United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042 • TEL (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • FAX (713) 978-5096 Revised 2/95

USPTA EDUCATION MAMUAl A career guide to professionalism

BOOK h TENNIS TEACHING SKILL!

BOOK Ih TENNIS 3USINE " OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT Copyright © United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1995.

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

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;'

TENNIS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

A Publication of the Tennis Industry Association Coming Soon to these and other cities*!

Miami in progress San Jose in progress Atlanta 3/2O-6/2O Dallas 4/15-7/15 Albany 5/1-8/1 Charlotte 5/1-8/1 Chicago 5/1-8/1 Cincinnati 5/1-8/1 Detroit 5/1-8/1 New Vork 5/1-1O/1 Philadelphia 5/1-8/1 St. Louis 5/1-8/1

Spring 1995

25 City Blitz

Hits the Road!

a* FREE BEGINNER LESSONS in over 25 Cities in 1995 ** All will be introduced to the Play Tennis America Program 6 week course... we'll make a committed player & consumer ** Participants in many Play Tennis America programs receive free tickets to the ATP Tour, WTA TOUR and other Professional events ** All participants are eligible to win a free trip to the U.S. Open! »* 2OOO or more new players in every city! ** Promoted In newspapers...USA Today... flyers

Scottsdale 5/1-8/1 Wichita 5/1-8/1 Boston 5/15-8/15 Wash. D.C. 5/15-8/15 Minneapolis 5/15-8/15 Denver 5/15-8/15 Portland 6/1-9/1 San Diego 6/15-9/15 Oakland 9/1-11/1 More Cities to be announced soon!

Do you want to help or be a part of our initiative?

Contact our office 'at 4O7-84O-1127

TIA

2OO Castlewood Drive North Palm Beach, f=L 334O8

Play Tennis America expands throughout the

USA!

• Over 6OOO teaching pros

will be promoting our grassroots program • 2O new sectional directors will travel the USA • 1OO teaching pro clinics performed every year • Watch for Play Tennis America programs in new cities!

How the Play Tennis America Program works:

3 Weeks/6 Lessons Play Tennis America Level 1

*Free lessons may be limited to a section of a city

INSIDE: MORE ON NEW PLAYER PROGRAMS FROM THE TIA

3 Weeks/6 Lessons Play Tennis America Level 2 Supervised Play Entry into Novice League Play We've got a serious player!

New/ Image Campaign to be Launched We are changing the image of our game with the youth of America. Our "Tennis is Cool" plan will be seen on TV and in print later this year.

Our advertising agency search has been narrowed down to 6 finalists: Chiat Day Grey Advertising Leo Burnett Warwick Baker & Fiore Wieden Kennedy Young & Rubicam

Do You Want to Play on a Losing or Winning Team?

The next time someone asks you "How's tennis doing?" think of all the positive things happening in our sport today.

Winning teams talk and act like winners. And tennis is on a roll.

Let's keep the ball rolling!

Tennis groats Chris Evert, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova and Jimmy Connors during the Super Showdown in February at the Omni in Atlanta.

Over 15,OOO enthusiastic fans enjoyed the evening. Proceeds were donated to the TIA Initiative by IMG. Photo: Kimberly Smith/staff

tping personality characteristics!

WEIGHTLIFTING

INLINE SKATING

DOWNHILL SKIING

Moderate Very Low Low Moderate Moderate Moderate Very High

Low Moderate Moderate Low Moderate Moderate Low

High High High High Very High Moderately High Moderately High

Source: Jim Gavin, PhD, Concordia University, Author of The Exercise Habit. Writer, Psychology Today

Step Up Big Far East factories from Taiwan, China, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia who manufacture racquets, strings, grip, bags, balls and accessories will donate over $5OO,OOO in 1995 to our TIA Initiative. 25 total factories who produce virtually all the Far East output of the items above will assess their shipments to the U.S. A special thanks for stepping up in a big way for our future!

outperforms other sports in burning calories, too!

Calories burned in 3 hours of exercise per week: Tennis - competitive .1934 Touch Football - moderate 1719 Aerobics - moderate 1612 Tennis • moderate 1397 Inline Skating - moderate 1397 Downhill Skiing - moderate speed 1397 Ice Skating - moderate 1397 Basketball - moderate 1290 Cycling-Wmph 1268 Weightlifting 1204 Baseball 1032 Walking -15 mm/ml 909 Tennis - casual... ... ...

860 Golf - with hand cart 860 Fishing 645 Housework - moderate...

645

Super Show Forum Attracts Over 3OO Retailers The pulse of the Super Show was upbeat as a result of the TIA's Super Show Forum. Over 3OO retailers exited the TIA presentation with positive thoughts: "After years of fragmentation, it's refreshing to see programs that are owned by all of us. The TIA programs will definitely help build participation."

Chuck Gill

Boca Raton Resort & Hotel

Source: LGE Sport Science

"It was both refreshing and encouraging to witness all factions of the industry rally around the game of tennis. Such a strong commitment will surely move tennis in the right direction."

Dave Doran Sports & Recreation, Inc.

AMERICA!

"I'm more positive about our future. It's great to see the touring pros contributing to the game. I know Play Tennis America will work. I use it in my club now."

Larry Funk Indian Creek Racquet Club

TENNIS...the Sport for a Lifetime! ], rewarding & exhilarating!

•outperforms other sports for physical and mental exercise! fone hour provides a great workout! \mmmtake a friend to court!

F3tTlily...the whole family can play!

••play tennis all your life!

Introduction The United States Professional Tennis Association has set the standard for the certification and continuing education of today's tennis-teaching professionals. In doing so, our organization has created innovative ways to provide all USPTA members with the knowledge necessary for a successful career in the tennis-teaching profession.

The USPTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism, books I and II, is another example of how we seek alternate ways to bring education to our membership.

Instead of producing the book in the usual sense, USPTA first opted to publish the manual in sequential sections through ADDvantage magazine. This allowed us to produce a manual that was provided free to our members. We asked only that members collect the chapters as they were published in the magazine over a two-year period.

After publishing the manual through our monthly magazine, we are proud to be able to offer the complete manual through our merchandise program.

Book I â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tennis Teaching Skills and Book II â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tennis Business Operations and Management are informative reference guides for the areas of study integral to the growth of the tennis professional. The first book highlights tennis-teaching skills, including such topics as instruction, strategy, tactics and stroke production. The second volume features aspects of pro shop operation, supervising and managing a tennis facility and developing one's business career I would like to thank the contributing authors and the USPTA staff for their efforts in making this new idea in manual production a success. The work that went into this publication has opened the door to many other cooperative projects that help USPTA members realize their educational goals.

Tim Heckler CEO

Table of contents BOOK It TENNIS TEACHING SKILLS Chapter 1

Professionalism. Key to the ultimate tennis teacher

2

byBillTym Chapter 2 Group lessons maximize teaching potential

by Ann Grubbs

9

Chapter 3

by Vic Braden

The magic of group lessons

21

Chapter 4

by Stan Smith

Private lesson can leave a lasting impression

25

Chapter 5 Singles strategy- Honestly assess your game, know your limits

by Cliff Drysdale

29

Chapter 6 Doubles is a game of wits

by Lynne Abbes Rottey

41

BOOK Ih TENNIS BUSINESS OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Chapter 1 Stringing establishes a profitable second income

by Drew Sunderlin

2

Chapter 2 Analyzing all factors may lead to pro shop success

by Kurt Kamperman

25

Chapter 3 Director of tennis can create strong program

by John P Westonjr

33

Chapter 4 Simple principles make hiring and firing easier

by Andy Briant

37

ChapterS The challenge of communication

by Spike Gonzales

41

Chapter 6 Plan career, develop skills to keep on track

by Barbara Braunstein and Mark McMahon

49

Chapter 7 Marketing, public relations keep club in public eye

by Fernando M. Velasco

61

Chapter 8 Business plan necessary for success

by Peter Bunvash

65

Advertorial

For the Future of Tennis

by Kirkland Gates, USPTA Kirkland Gates, the inventor of TENCAP is the director of tennis at the Carriage Club in Kansas City, Mo., and president, USTA Heart of America District.

Yes...tennis in my world is in the doldrums, too. There is no doubt that the game needs to attract new players, and revive the fire in those who have lost interest. One way we can accomplish these goals is to implement a nationwide handicapping system that ensures challenging matches between players of all abilities. As teaching professionals, our job is to get such a system up and running in our clubs.

lENCflHUeUSPlfl-Endorsed Handicapping System TENCAP is a computerized tennis handicapping system designed to equalize play between opponents of differing skill levels. Like the golf handicap, TENCAP is simple, convenient and inexpensive.

scores are then evaluated by the TENCAP rating formula.

Each player's TENCAP is updated and returned to the originating facility.

\

levels. The handicap is the difference between the opponents' ratings, and involves taking points in each set. If a 25 plays a 28, for example, the 28 can take 3 points in each set whenever the 28 feels it's appropriate. Steve Paulsen, head pro at Northwest Racquet Clubs (Midwest) has found that "TENCAP is a true equalizer" and "strongly endorse(s) this system."

fldmHiistering the TEKCBP System

The TENCAP system is very Players receive user-friendly.

TENCAP is coming soon to... an ability rankThe player, the USPTA Southern (Early Spring '95) ing ranging from Northwest (Spring '95) teaching profes0 (the best) to 65, Northern California (Spring '95) sional or shop based upon their Florida (Summer '95) assistant records match results rel- California (Fall '95) scores from San Diego (Fall '95) each match in a ative to the calSouthwest (Fall '95) iber of their TENCAP comopponents. The rating can be puter at the facility. The used to help players find scores are stored by the computer, then sent by modem to similarly skilled opponents or for handicap matches with the TENCAP processing cenplayers of differing skill ter every two weeks. The

TENNIS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The Official Handicap System of the USPTA

The TENCAP software is licensed to each participating facility on an annual basis.

Implementation guides, software manuals, technical support and other benefits are included with the facility membership package.

Players pay a small annual processing fee to the facilities for TENCAP processing and administration. With the system in place, everyone benefits from more stimulating recreational play, a wider range of programming opportunities and increased league play.

R Proven Winner The TENCAP system is currently operating in Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis. According to Karen Sather, head tennis professional at the Denver Country Club, TENCAP made the club's annual Mitchell Cup "a great success." At the first annual TENCAP-A-THON in Minneapolis, 96 percent of those who tried TENCAP liked the system. And, Dick Schneider, head tennis professional at Flagship Athletic Club in Minneapolis, remarked, "Our TENCAP ladder was the most successful we've ever run."

Here's how you can get TENCAP rolling: * Load the TENCAP software and make sure the modem works. There's a technical support line if you have any problems •*• Input the names of your membership and assign initial TENCAP ratings based on your estimates of ability * Send a letter to your members announcing that TENCAP is available at your facility on a free trial basis (sample letters are included with your start-up materials) * Run special drills and events so your players begin to generate and enter scores in the TENCAP computer if Remind your players often that eight scores are needed for an official TENCAP * Post updated TENCAPs every two weeks * Hold a TENCAP event, where players use their handicaps (here's where the fun really starts!)

•*• Inform your members that TENCAP will be continued on a fee basis

WATCH ADDVANTAGE each month for new TENCAP regions. You'll find TENCAP representatives at many of your regional conventions, and TENCAP systems will be up and running in your region soon! Also, look for the TENCAP insert in the May issue of ADDvantage. It will offer valuable information on operating TENCAP at your facility.

TENCAP, 5831 Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park, MN 55416

(612)525-2010

FAX (612)525-2014

Inaugural Tencap-a-thon a success .he first-ever Tencap-a-thon brought favorable responses from all who attended.

The event, held at the Northwest Racquet Clubs' Midwest Tennis Center, Edina, Minn, had 39 participants. It was sponsored by Wilson Racquet Sports and Penn Racquet Sports, who provided USPTA Pro Penn tennis balls.

Tencap is a computerized tennis handicapping system designed to equalize play between players of differing skill levels.

It is the official handicap system of the USPTA. All participants previously had earned their Tencap ratings, and this was their first opportunity to compete using them.

'We expected 16 players, but 39 showed up, said Peter Hitch, president of Ten Cap nc. 'We feel like it was a great success, and we look forward to holding more Tencap-athons in the future. Everyone enjoyed themselves.

The event was run in a round-robin format, and each participant played three or four sets of tennis. The players competed based on their ability levels not by gender.

'It put pressure on me when I was supposedly the better player, and gave me hope for victory as the lesser player.'

Bruce Gullikson, president of the USPTA Northwest Division, and Tim Burke, regional vice president of the Northwest Division,

assisted with the event, along with Steve Paulsen, head professional at the host center.

Representatives from Wilson and Penn also were present.

Officials conducted a survey following the event. Ninety-six percent of the respondents liked the Tencap system. Ninety percent said their rating was fair. Seventy-five percent said the event was the right length, but the remaining 25 percent wanted more playing time.

Seventy percent of the match scores were 6-4 or closer. Eighty-six percent were 6-3 or closer.

Some of the responses from the event were, It put pressure on me when I was supposedly the better player, and gave me hope for victory as the lesser player,' ' It will allow for more even play between players of varying levels, It keeps everyone in the game,' and 'You can play anybody. It keeps your concentration. Š

Industry unites to boost tennis R

representatives from all segments of the tennis and sporting goods industries and a standing-room-only crowd of tennis enthusiasts recently discussed the Tennis Industry Association's (TIA) initiative to increase tennis participation.

'Organizations, for the first time, are not just talking. They are working together,' said Jim Baugh, TIA president and vice president of Wilson Racquet Sports.

The TIA Tennis Forum, held at the Georgia World Congress Center during The Super Show/95, provided an opportunity for industry leaders to share their efforts in growing the game. National USPTA First Vice President Kurt Kamperman, national director of the TIA's Play Tennis America program, spoke about the new program along with Marshall Mapper, executive director of the USTA, and J. Wayne Richmond of the ATP Tour. Also speaking were Rick Margin of Prince and Gene Scott of Tennis Week.

The tennis industry is working together, combining its efforts for the TIA initiative.

The alphabet soup that fragments us is no longer an issue, Kamperman said. 'We are going to turn our biggest weakness, our fragmentation, into our biggest strength.

The tennis industry plans to invest $15 16

ADDvantage April 1995

million over the next three years in an effort to revitalize the sport and attract new players.

Half of the funds will be allocated to a national Play Tennis America program, which is designed to introduce 500,000 new players to the sport. The remainder of the funds has been earmarked for a marketing campaign to improve the image of tennis.

'We have to change the image of the game, particularly with the youth of America, Baugh said.

At the forum, Kamperman discussed how tennis outperforms other sports in developing personality characteristics and physical fitness. Tennis received the highest ratings in categories of sociability, spontaneity, creativity, competitiveness and mental focus when compared with golf, running, weightlifting, in-line skating and downhill skiing. The TIA is planning to promote the health and social benefits of tennis in its new campaign.

The TIA, through the Play Tennis America program, is offering the public free and discounted tennis lessons in 25 cities across the United States this year, with a goal of 125 cities by 1997 USPTA professionals will work with TIA national administrators to help organize and administrate the program at the grassroots level. USPTA members will deliver

an estimated $2.5 million in tennis lessons over the three-year period, and will play a key part in the success of the program.

'We are going to get the best teaching pros in the country involved in this program, Kamperman said. They are the critical element in the delivery system of Play Tennis America.

USPTA professionals are committed to growing the game of tennis at all levels and in all areas of the country," said Kathy Woods, president of USPTA. Together, the teaching professionals, tennis manufacturers and other associations can positively affect the popularity of our sport. The TIA's initiative is exciting because it is the only program to grow the game that truly is industry-wide.

TIA has approved a membership assessment, based on the tennis-related sales revenue of its members, to help fund the program. For example, the net sales of 1 percent of tennis racquets, .25 percent of tennis balls, and 1 percent of tennis accessories will go toward the TIA initiative.

Numerous companies have signed pledge forms and dedicated a share of their sales to this industry effort. The TIA includes more than 130 tennis-related companies and associations, including USPTA. Š

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USPTA's World Headquarters Professional Tennis Instruction facility The USPTA selected from the best in tennis court design and construction when they built their new instruction facility in Houston, Texas.

These brands and services are "Officially Approved" by the USPTA. iii

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Project Coordinator XSPORTS, Inc. 516-767-9114 Fax 516-767-7548

"We're very pleased with USPTA's new Tennis Centre. The design of the facility met all of our , #r expectations. The courts and surrounding area offer low maintenance and excellent quality of play. And, the court system is valuable in that it allows us to change the payability of the surface."

GEORGE BACSO, USPTA Director of Certification and Academies

Players from Abilene take home Texas title .he Abilene, Texas, men's tennis team defended its title at the third-annual USPTA Adult Tennis League Texas State Championships, held in Houston in January. The Abilene women's team also claimed the title in the women's division.

The event attracted teams from Abilene, Houston, Tyler, Fort Worth, Lubbock, Kerrville, Austin, Corpus Christi and Beaumont. More than 300 players competed in the event.

The format of the tournament matched squads comprising 16 players each (eight doubles teams) at comparable National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) playing levels.

Round-robin play determined the winning squads in both the men's and women's divisions. The Adult Tennis League was designed to increase player participation and enjoyment of the game.

Members of the winning men's team from Abilene are Hobby Stevens, Bill Nixon, Frank Berryman and Alan Bridgestock (3.0 NTRP level); Jim Zuspann, Jim Franks, Art Torrez and Kyle Jackson (3.5); Don Knight, Bo Whitaker, Steve Osborn and Jack Wilson (4.0); and Bryan Fowlkes, Robert Fowlkes, Craig Smyser and Wayne Lura (4.5). The men's team was coached by David Davis.

The Abilene men's team also placed first in the tournament last year. Teams from

Corpus Christi and Houston finished second and third, respectively, in this year's men's division.

Members of Abilene's winning women's team are Kelly Pointer, Patti McCaghren, Trina O'Loughlin and Jennifer O'Loughlin (3.0); Dottie Ingram, Ellen Massey, RishaSanders and Michelle McLean (3.5); Diane Torrez, Helen Teague-Wildman, Dana Whitaker, Kathy Minton and Shellie Smyser (4.0); and Stephanie Burnam, Tabitha Minyard, Julie

Denny and Karla Butler (4.5). Duke Williams coached the team.

Teams from Corpus Christi and Tyler finished second and third, respectively, in the women's division.

Tennis manufacturers, including Penn Racquet Sports and Wilson Racquet Sports, support the USPTA Adult Tennis League through donations of equipment and gifts.

The USPTA Pro Penn tennis ball was used in all matches. Š

The women's division winners from Abilene, Texas.

More than 300 people participated in the thirdannual USPTA Adult Tennis League Texas State Championships.

The men's division winners from Abilene.

ADDvantage April 1995

21

Maintain player interest with follow-up program Us

'SPTA professionals can maintain the enthusiasm generated by USPTA's Tennis Across America™ multicultural and one-day clinics by holding a follow-up program.

A retention program, consisting of lessons and league play, will maintain player involvement and help filter players into other tennis activities, such as leagues, group lessons and USPTA Little Tennis™ On the facing page is a supplement to the Tennis Across America program guide, with suggestions for a five-week player retention program the third phase of the event. The original program guide appeared as a pullout in the March issue of ADDvantage. Teaching professionals may follow the suggested format, or develop their own to provide tennis activities for the beginning player.

During Tennis Across America clinics, professionals should promote the follow-up program. They may choose to provide potential participants with a brief explanation and outline of the program, and encourage them to invite family and friends to join the fun.

After the clinic, the professional should send press releases to local media announcing the follow-up program o

I i

m

'. •»

Holding a Tennis Across America follow-up program will help maintain player interest.

FOR TENN'IS ACROSS AMERJCA! Please register your event by mailing this form to the address below Use additional sheets if needed.

Yes, I wi I participate in USPTA's Tennis Across America as a/an

Q nost professional

Name USPTA member

Division

D yes

D no

Member number

Club/facility

Street address

City .

My clinic/social will be open to:

State D public

ZIP

Q assistant

.(day)

Phone (

D members only Cal USPTA with questions: (713) 97-USPTA

Location of event Club/facility

Street address

City The following people will assist at my event:

State

ZIP

Phone (

USPTA member

D yes

D no

Member number

USPTA member

D yes

D no

Member number

Please use additional sheets if necessary USPTA World Headquarters, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 22

ADDvantage April 1995

USPTA's

TM

Multicultural clinics

PUyER RETENTJON PROqRAM

Player Retention Programs

USPTA's Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘ Player Retention Program is designed as a follow-up program to the general clinics, held on the second Saturday each May, and the multicultural clinics. The purpose of the program is to maintain the enthusiasm generated with the Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘ clinics, and to ensure that those people who participated continue to play tennis.

The follow-up program is a five-lesson (clinic and play) format designed for the less-advanced player, and should be implemented easily at both private and public faci ities. The program may be conducted as an ntroduction to summer programs each year After the one-day cl nic takes place, send a press release to the local media announcing that a Tennis Across America follow-up program is available, and remind participants they are invited to attend. Send thank-you notes to the people or businesses who donated merchandise, time or money, and properly acknowledge their participation Remember to stay n touch with these contacts, since they may offer tennis marketing opportunities.

In the follow-up program, it's a good idea to maintain a ratio of eight students to each instructor The key is to get participants nvolved in a structured program It may be a good idea to place students nto a league format, which wi introduce play and provide built-in practice partners.

Week ONE: The first lesson should refresh the students about grips, forehands and backhands, and briefly introduce court movement. When introducing groundstrokes, follow the suggestions that were in the 45-m nute clinic format n the Tennis Across America program guide in the March ADDvantage. During the lesson review, explain the format for the remainder of the follow-up lessons and emphasize the importance of practice. Encourage the participants to remain after the lesson to hit balls.

TWO: Review the forehand and backhand, then allow students to hit balls using court movement ski Is. Review groundstrokes, then introduce the volley You may use the information on volleys provided n the Tennis Across America program guide. Encourage students to take part n an hour-long supervised practice session and divide the group nto sim lar playing levels. Inform the students of the lesson's length, and suggest that they plan their schedules accord ngly Copyright ÂŽ United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1995. All rights reserved.

Review the forehand, backhand and volley, and ntroduce the serve. Again, use the serve format n the Tennis Across America program guide and allow time for review and questions. Divide the group into teams for league play Continue the league concept throughout the remaining sessions, so that each team has the opportunity to compete with al other teams n the cl nic.

Explain the service rotation and scoring system You may want to implement some rule changes to encourage actual play These may nclude: Allowing players to serve by drop-hitting or serving closer to the service boxes.

Using pingpong scoring, or a one-two-three-four type of scoring.

Having no defaults once league play begins. If a team member cannot play, another player may substitute.

Emphasizing fun and learn ng, not competition

FOUR: Review al strokes, and discuss movement and bal control in more depth With the group divided nto teams, practice partners automatically are provided.

After instruction, begin the second week of league play The instructor(s) should encourage practice, observe play and give support.

FIVE: Again, review al strokes and allow students to ask questions. Try using dri Is that incorporate al strokes (five-bal dri I) Allow time to practice serving. After the instruction period, begin the th rd week of league play After league play, explain that the lesson series is ending, but league play wi continue for two to three weeks.

At this point, ask participants about their nterest in group lessons. Group lessons are less expensive, more fun and allow people to socialize. Since they are economical, students are able to continue taking lessons throughout the season Invite beginners, intermediate and advanced participants to an NTRP rating cl nic, so they may become involved in formal league play Host a fun tournament using the NTRP as a handicapping system, so that beginner players may compete with more advanced players. Mention the leagues available n the area, such as those sponsored by USPTA, USTA and TeamTennis, as wel as club and city leagues.

Consider offering a discounted lesson package to participants, or giving a free lesson Use the event as a membership drive for the club or faci ity, or negotiate with parks and recreation departments for the use of public courts for summer programs.

RuUs ANd REquUrioNs The system of charging, schedul ng and amend ng the follow-up program wi be left to the discretion of the teach ng professional USPTA recommends reasonable rates, since participants wi become fu l-time students and players at the faci ity, and eventually fu l-service customers.

Record the name, address, age and sex of each participant and forward the information to USPTA's Sports Marketing Department, to be recorded in the database of new players. Additional promotional material and nformation on programs to enhance the enjoyment of the sport wi be sent to participants.

This follow-up system wi provide valuable benefits to USPTA professionals through the ndirect means of creating large numbers of players each year The ultimate goal of USPTA's Tennis Across America is to create mass appeal during the one-day event, and encourage a continuance of the game by many of the same one-day participants.

Dates that rate Jtixams, upgrades and Certification Training Courses Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CTC unless otherwise noted.

April 1-2 Kan. April 2-3 La Quinta, Calif.

April 9-10 Birmingham, Ala. April 10-11 Santa Rosa, Calif.

April 12-13 Freeport, NY. April 15-16 Hinsdale, III. April 21-22 Bloomington, Minn.

April 22-23 Bakersfield, Calif.

April 22-23 Boca Raton, Fla. April 23-24 Tyler, Texas April 23-24 Parker, Colo.

April 29-30 Murrieta, Calif.

May 5-7 St. Louis, Mo. May 6-7 Los Angeles, Calif.

May 7-8 May 7-8 May 10-11 May 12-13 May 13-14 May 18-19 May 20-21 May 20-21 May 21-22 May 21-22

Richmond, Va.

Ridgeland, Miss.

Freeport, NY. Bradenton, Fla. Fountain Valley, Calif.

Stratton, Vt. Key West, Fla. Wilmington, Del. Danville, III. Pleasanton, Calif.

May 24-25 West Orange, N.J. May 27-28 Murrieta, Calif.

June 1-2 Eastern, N.C. June 2-4 Columbia, Mo. June 3-4 Sanibel Island, Fla. (upgrade June 3-4 Austin, Texas June 3-4 Gleneden Beach, Ore. June 4-5 Hilton Head Island, S.C. June 4-5 June 4-5 La Jolla, Calif.

June 7-8 Freeport, NY. June 10-11 Grenelefe, Fla, June 11-12 Sacramento, Calif.

June 11-12 Baltimore, Md. June 17-18 Camarillo, Calif.

June 17-18 Honolulu, Hawaii June 17-18 State College, Pa. June 18-19 Atlanta, Ga. June 22-23 Mesa, Ariz.

June 24-25 Redlands, Calif.

June 25-26 Greensboro, N.C. June 26-27 Parker, Colo.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Affiliate members: late cancellation fee - $75: failure to cancel - application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee - $25: failure to cancel - $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until these cancellation fees are paid.

Specialty Courses Four-hour courses are denoted by an asterisk (*). All others are eight hours.

April 1 Maximize Your Earning Potential as a Tennis Entrepreneur West Palm Beach, Fla. April 2 Teaching Effective Strokes: The No. 1 Job of a Tennis Professional West Palm Beach, Fla. April 7* Tennis Business Management I Santa Rosa, Calif.

April 7* Tennis Business Management II Santa Rosa, Calif.

May 19* USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ Sedona, Ariz.

May 19* USPTA Little Tennis Stratton, Vt. May 20 Mental Toughness Wilmington, Del. May 21* Maximize Your Earning Potential as a Tennis Entrepreneur Stratton, Vt. May 21 Fitness Training & Periodization Sedona, Ariz.

June 2* Tennis Business Management I Bend, Ore. June 3* The Ultimate Tennis Professional Bend, Ore. June 3* USPTA Little Tennis Bend, Ore. June 4* Personal and Professional Development Bend, Ore. June 4* The ABCs of Stroke Production Columbus, Ohio June 4* Pro Shop Management Bend, Ore.

jLJivision conventions April 7-9 May 7-21 May 19-21 May 30-June 4 June 2-4

Northern California Division New England Division Southwest Division Florida Division Pacific Northwest Division

Santa Rosa, Calif Stratton, Vt. Sedona, Ariz.

Sanibel Island, Fla. Bend, Ore.

DDivision meetings/activities April 7-8 April 9 April 17 April 30 May 13 May 14-15 May 18 June 3 June 3 June 19 June 25

Midwest Division Midwest Division Middle Atlantic Division Eastern Division Middle Atlantic Division Middle States Division New England Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Middle Atlantic Division Midwest Division

Big Rapids, Mich.

Hinsdale, III. Norfolk, Va. Flushing Meadow, N.Y. Norfolk, Va. Western Pennsylvania Stratton, Vt. Columbus, Ohio Grand Rapids, Mich.

Norfolk, Va. Columbus, Ohio

tLoaches Workshops June 3

Pacific Northwest Division

Bend, Ore.

lentils Teachers' Courses April 12-14

Chicago, III.

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event.

Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. This schedule is subject to change. Call the USPTA Membership Department at (713) 97-USPTA.

ADDvantage April 1995

25

Industry action Submissions for Industry Action are due the first Tuesday of the month, two months prior to the issue date. Please include the name of a contact person and a daytime phone number. Members are encouraged to send quality photos.

USPTA • Two USPTA Midwest Division professionals achieved world rankings by the International Tennis Federation Veterans Ranking Program Mark Simcina, Huntington Woods, Mich, is ranked No. 55, and Ross Boling, Grosse He, Mich is ranked No. 80.

• USPTA professional Juan Nunez recently signed a one-year coaching contract with Gabriela Sabatini Nunez has coached on the women's tour for six years, coaching Chris Evert, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Brenda Schultz, Natalia Zvereva and Lori McNeil.

• The USPTA Eastern Division honored three of its member^ at the Eastern Tennis Seminar Annual Awards Dinner. Divisional award winners are Bill Gerdts Coach of the Year, Bob Litwin Player of the Year, and Stuart Gerechoff Professional of the Year. David Strebel was honored as ETA Coach of the Year by the Eastern Tennis Association. ETA Club Service Awards went to the Freeport Indoor Tennis Club, Freeport, N Y accepted by Daniel Burgess, and the Mid-Town Tennis Club, Rochester, NY accepted by Steve Gallagher.

• USPTA member Jai DiLouie has been promoted to the USTA's National Player Development Coaching Staff He has been a USTA coach since 1992.

• Several USPTA members from the USTA Southern section were selected to attend the USTA Area Training Center Coaches Clinics.

USPTA professionals who attended were George Amaya, Ronny Bran, Pat Breen, Sydney Carrick, Barney Chadwick, Phil Chamberlain, Eddie Copete, Glenn Crouch, Rick Davison, Kim Dillard, Fritz Earle, Jag Gowda, Bob Huckelbury, Scott Irwin, Rick Jacob, Craig Jones, Larry Kline, Louis B. Mason, Bill Maxwell, Shannon McKenzie, Jim Moortgat, Don Paitrick, Robb Peterson, Bill Schillings, Brennon Sewell, A.W. Speake, Greg Stephenson, Gordon Tray lor, Eric Voges, Bob Wagstaff, John Wahlborg and Ronnie Walters.

• USPTA Master Professional Ben Press, head tennis professional and vice president of the Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, Calif recently played tennis and 26

ADDvantage April 1995

From left, Riggs, Press and Parker

visited with tennis legends Bobby Riggs and Frank Parker. Parker was ranked in the top 10 from 1932 to 1949, and was ranked No. 1 in 1944 and 1945. Riggs was ranked in the top 10 from 1937 to 1941 and No. 1 in 1939 and 1941 • Angel Lopez, USPTA Master Professional, is coaching Zina Garrison-Jackson this year at selected tournaments, including the Lipton, French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. He previously coached her in 1989, when she was ranked No. 4, and in 1994, when she played for the Newport Beach Dukes, a World TeamTennis team • The USPTA San Diego Division Awards Banquet was held in January. Divisional award winners are: Angel Lopez San Diego Division Professional of the Year John Campbell Award; John Austin Male Player of the Year- Cherise Meoli Female Player of the Year- Mike Fedderly Male 35 and Over Player of the Year- Valerie Ziegenfuss Female 35 and Over Player of the Year- Robin Willner Male 55 and Over Player of the Year- Suella Steel Female 50 and Over Player of the Year- Anne Meigs Coach of the Year- Larry Mulvania Male High School Coach of the Year- and Terry Holladay Female High School Coach of the Year. Presidential Recognition awards went to Bill Bond, Eduardo Sanchez, Jack Movido, Debbie Gavin, Mike Casey, Bill Foley, Clay and Tawn Babcock and Don Norcross (San Diego Union-Tribune).

• Waseem Noor, USPTA, recently was

named the head tennis professional at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, N.Y Noor also is the head professional and men's league director at Roslyn Racquet Club, Roslyn, NY during the indoor season.

Noor • The new head professional at City Park's Tennis Center in New Orleans is USPTA professional Chris Barbe. His duties include adult and junior programming, supervising league play, conducting and assigning lessons, and assisting the tennis director with state tournaments.

• USPTA professional Chuck Kriese, the men's tennis coach at Barbe Clemson University, gave presentations on How to be a Total Professional' and 'Introduction to the Power Groove' to students of the Tyler (Texas) Junior College Tennis Tech program. TJC is one of several colleges and universities which offer the Professional Tennis Management program endorsed by USPTA. • Doug Greenberg, USPTA, is the new director of tennis at Cedar Forest Racquet Club in Charlotte, N.C. He is responsible for all event programming lessons and tennis staffing. Previously, he was the director of tennis at the World Gym & Racquet Club n Greenberg Augusta, Maine.

• USPTA professional Jan Grover and her family recently received the USTA MidAtlantic Section Family of the Year award. Her three children play tennis competitively.

USTA • The USTA/National Junior Tennis League is seeking applicants for the 1995 Sectional Internship Program. Interns will work out of each USTA sectional office, helping to start new USTA/NJTL chapters, strengthening existing ones, and bridging the gap for communication between the national office and the chapters. Resumes

should be sent to Dave Abrams, USTA, NJTL Department, 70 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604-3602.

• U.S. Open Marketing Director Suzanne Maguire has been promoted to director of transition for the U.S. Open Project. She will assist in the administration of the U.S. Open and the reorganization of the marketing department.

Manufacturers • The new senior product manager for Penn Racquet Sports is Jay Simmons. He is responsible for management of tennis, racquetball and accessory categories.

Simmons

Penn donated more than 950,000 tennis balls in 1994 to numerous grassroots, collegiate and recreational programs, including USPTA's Tennis Across America and USPTA divisional programs.

At the 1995 Penn national sales meeting, several people were awarded for their service to the company. Winners include Michelle Horan Salesperson of the Year- Kendall Lyon (USPTA) Top Tennis Salesperson of the Year- and Tom Kolopus and the north central sales team Region of the Year.

Five-year awards went to Lyon, Patty Szakal (USPTA) and Sheri Norris (USPTA).

P. Michael Curtis recently was appointed Penn's director of marketing and sales for domestic and international activities.

• Perfect Impression introduced a new custom moldable footbed, called Fitprints, at The Super Show. Fitprints conform to the exact contours of the plantar surface of the foot, and eliminate the torquing and twisting of the foot, reducing the main cause of foot

fatigue. For more information, call Bill Weber, general manager, at (216) 249-4900.

Pro tours • Pete Sampras, Todd Martin and Jim Courier have committed to play in the 1995 RCA Championships. For ticket information, call (800) 622-LOVE. If in the Indianapolis area, call 623-8000.

Todd Witsken has joined the tournament staff as director of community development.

His responsibilities include sponsor development and staging the Pro-Am and Dream Week events. He will continue in his position as director of the Indianapolis Tennis Center.

• Steffi Graf and Mary Pierce will play in the Houston Women's Tennis Championships, April 10-16, at Westside Tennis Club.

The event is part of the WTA Tour and is the only sanctioned professional tennis event in Texas. Box seat packages, series and daily reserved tickets can be purchased by calling the tournament office at (713) 953-1111 • In 1994, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario became only the fifth woman since 1974 to finish the season at No. 1 on the prize-money list. The others are Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

After winning the Australian Open, Mary Pierce became one of five active players on the WTA Tour to have won a Grand Slam singles title. The others are Graf, Sanchez Vicario, Gabriela Sabatini and Conchita Martinez.

Brenda Schultz captured her fifth WTA Tour Fastest Server title in five years. In 1994, her fastest serve was 114.4 mph.

Twenty-three players jumped more than 100 spots in the WTA Tour rankings in 1994.

The largest two leaps came from Tatiana Panova, who jumped 688 spots from No. 829 to No. 141 and Laxmi Poruri, who jumped 616 spots from No. 814 to No. 198.

Associations • Chris Evert has been elected as the sole 1995 International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee. The enshrinement ceremonies will be July 16, after the featured Virginia Slims Hall of Fame Invitational match. Evert will be the 163rd inductee.

• The Club Managers Association of America has introduced a new member computer network called Clubnet. It is intended for full implementation by summer, and every club manager who has access to a computer and modem will be on line through Clubnet and have access to the Internet system.

CMAA has launched a comprehensive, anti-drug initiative for the club management

industry. The CMAA Drug-Free Workplace Program includes a package of services that allows employers to address every possible substance abuse situation.

• The International Health, Racquet & Sportsciub Association has signed a twoyear contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts-The Health Services Company. The company has chosen IHRSA member clubs to be their exclusive health and fitness club provider for their more than 2.1 million insureds.

Miscellany • The 23rd annual Tennis: Europe tournament tour, run by USPTA professional Martin Vinokur, is scheduled to begin tours from June 24 to July 13. The three-and-one-half to five-week tour is designed to provide tournament experience for juniors, ages 14-18.

For more information, call Vinokur at (800) 253-7486, or write, Tennis: Europe, 146 Cold Spring Road, No. 13, Stamford, Conn. 06905.

• The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, Homewood, III. is the winner of the 1994 National Tennis Month contest, sponsored by Tennis magazine and World TeamTennis. The winner was honored for Tennisfest '94, a 10-day event conducted

by USPTA member Sylvia Gothard of the Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness Club.

• The 1995 Phoenix Challenge/Love 50 World, Super Senior, All-Comers and National Championships will be April 16-23 in Indian Wells, Calif. The entry fee is $50 per person and includes participation in all events.

Spouses entered in the club events can play in the All-Comers for $25 per person. For more information, call (602) 974-1076.

• Ferris State University's College of Business and the USPTA Midwest Division recently created a $10,000 scholarship fund to encourage college-bound students with a love for tennis to pursue a degree in FSU's professional tennis management program. Completion of the program leads to a bachelor's degree in marketing and USPTA certification.

• The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS has created an endowment, which will be housed at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. The Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of AIDS will be awarded a $1 million grant from the Foundation, which will be matched by the hospital.

• Marcay Media Tennis Corp., producer of "Tennis Television with Brad Holbrook (TTV), and Prime SportsChannel network have renewed their ties for the fourth consecutive year. TTV will be aired at 6:30 p.m.

EST on Thursdays from April 6 to Dec. 31 ADDvantage April 1995

27

USPTA DRILLS Four square drill Purpose: to teach students volley direction and control in a quick, enjoyable and competitive environment. The drill needs a minimum of seven students.

The four square tennis drill begins with the instructor standing just inside the baseline and feeding the first ball as a volley to Player A. Each player on the court is responsible for his or her own half of the doubles court.

The volley sequence, A to B, B to C, and C to D, is attempted by the players (see Figure

1).

Once the ball reaches Player D, the game becomes a free-for-all. When a player misses or is the victim of a winner, they must exit the court and go to the end of the line. This can occur during the beginning sequence or in the free-for-all. Players then rotate clockwise to fill the void, and Player E plays the empty position (see Figure 2). Player D is required to run around the net post if'Player A or C is put out. This area should be kept clear.

The object of this drill is for players to work their way around the court to reach the King' position (ad court opposite the instructor). Whoever is in this position at the end of the announced time frame or ball supply is the winner.

The instructor can make the drill more exciting by using the following options.

•

• •

• •

Figure 1

ncrease the tempo of the drill by feeding the ball before the students completely arrive at their stations.

Mix in half-volleys and lobs to keep the King' guessing.

Allow students to 'set up' each other to make it easier to knock players out of their positions.

Encourage other instructors to participate as students really enjoy putting them out.

Offer a small prize to the person who is in the King position when time expires.

Four square is a great drill especially at the end of the lesson period. Enthusiasm and excitement reach a climax as time runs out.

When the drill is over, players leave the court with the most important lesson of all playing tennis is fun.

—Chuck Kuhle Decatur, III Figure 2.

28

I I

ADDvantage April 1995

P1AY IT,ONLY YOU CAN SELL IT. IS THE

THE T O U G H GET TOUGHER A NEW FELT PROCESS MAKES THE WORLD'S MOST

the BEST

PERFORMING BALL on the M A R K E T TODAY.

mm mil EVEN

MORE DURABLE.

Hard Courts May Damage Your Knees ButlNot Your B a l l -

USPTA

Pound It For Hours With \ Oj RPMs Of Spin And Its Playing Characteristics Will Barely Change

1

THE OFFICIAL BALL Or THE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION (USPTA)

For the highly technical explanation of the PSGD PHHG Extra-Duty FELT ball or . call your rep OR l-800-BUY-PENN.

It's time to show off our figure.

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