Addvantage 1995 December

Introducing SENSATION "16 string.

Acute sensitivity. Deadly control.

-Like a spider's web, new Sensation™ 16 string looks harmless enough. But, pity me unwary opponent that buzzes up to the net lor a closer look.

Sensation 16 string is made with Xycro™ micro-libers, an advanced polymer material supplied by DuPont . Tbe string's sensitivity comes Irom our Dynelastic™ tecbnology, an exclusive wet-wrap technique that twists and wraps these libers at the same Sensation 16 string time. It's not unlike a spider

spinning its web.

The result is a revolutionary string with Dynamic Elasticity In other words, it "holds" the ball just a little bit longer, giving you optif 1 1 1 11 1 1 ieel and deadly control or your shots.

Said the spider to the lly, "Tennis anyone?"

Other new strings available from Wilson, Synthetic Gut eXtre 16 uyninenc ^jui eAireme _iu

(also ava,Ule

-n 18/17 and

Spin 15L gauges) & HammerLast™ 1Q (also available in 10 gauge).

UH£»<m

Tne Right Equipment Makes Tne Diirerence"

L/"£lTl~r'fl Cff* v«a,llLcl2iC the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals"" {+*/

CONTENTS the total professional — enhancing your career 8

Accept the challenge

Be a responsible professional

by Jim McGarry, USPTA — Teaching professionals have a responsibility to provide

Take a look at some of the 2996 Continuing Education activities, pages 23-24.

leadership and guidance to members, staff and guests.

departments 10 13

USPTA pros share teaching tips Pro shop operations - Can you compete?

O

President's message

J

CEO's message

0

Letters

by Don Hightower — Small pro shops can compete with specialty tennis shops and discount stores

20

and succeed.

Ask the professor - Vitamins, minerals help body function

I0

Little Tennis Talk

by Jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA — They are essential nutrients that the body must have to perform its daily functions.

I/

Little Tennis Tips

I /

Growing the game

news 7 " USPTA National Multicultural Committee meets in Florida 26

Champion of Champions program has fun, flexible tournament format

27

Champion of Champions brochure

29

Tennis legend Bobby Riggs dies

32

Pro Penn Quarterly Discount

ZU

Education Countdown '96

uU

Industry action

On the cover USPTA president Kathy Woods and Penn president Gregg Weida sign the Pro Penn endorsement agreement.

VOLUME 19 • ISSUE 11 Editor Assistant editor ADDvonfoge magazine editorial offices One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713)978-7782 Fax (713)978-7780 e-mail

magazine@uspta.org

Circulation Advertising

Shawna Riley Julie Myers Kathy Buchanan

John Tamborello Office hours: 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Central time ADDvanfage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvanfage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvanfage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1995. All rights reserved.

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

ADDvantage/Decemberl995

God Created Tennis Players.

TENQF Makes Them Equal.

TENCAP, the USPTA-endorsed handicap system, accurately ranks players of differing abilities. That means more competitive events and active, motivated players.

It's the most significant advance in tennis in 15 years.

The TENCAP Advantage. * Tennis becomes exciting again. Matches between equals are more fun.

TENCAP makes every match a challenge. + Events are more competitive. With TENCAP everyone has a chance to win. + TENCAP generates revenue. Leagues and tournaments will be better attended. Plus, earn income from TENCAP fees. + TENCAP helps manage your players. A built-in database keeps track of players and their scores.

COMING TO YOUR REGION THIS YEflR! TENNIS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The Official Handicap System of the USPTA* Call 612-591-9495 for more information.

PRESIDENT'SMESSAGE

Industry shows signs of progress (Kathy Woods' message is taken from her address at the ?99J National Convention awards breakfast.)

The Voice of the Tennis Teaching Profession

A

s I begin my second term as president, I would like to share some thoughts with you as all of us in the tennis industry continue to ride the wave of momentum gained this past year.

After a wake-up call from the Sports Illustrated "Is Tennis Dying? ' article, the TIA initiative was born, and its Play Tennis America blitz and image campaign was formulated. Many of you have played a large part in the success of this unprecedented industrywide collaborative effort. All branches of our tennis family are intensely committed to increasing participation.

From the professional teaching side to the professional playing side, recent events give us strong indications of progress and hope. Hope for more cans of Kathy balls popping open, more racquets purchased and strung, more lessons taught, more programs filled, and fewer idle tennis courts in America.

The statistics show that our USPTA professionals delivered an overwhelming majority of the Play Tennis America free lessons and follow-up PTA I and II. Over 25,000 new adult tennis players were spawned from this effort. And it's still in its infancy.

During the U.S. Open, the professional game sparked the interest of sports fans worldwide. CBS reported a 40 percent rating improvement over 1994- I don't think any of us could have choreographed a more electric, attention getting U.S. Open. The return of Monica Seles to women s tennis and the Graf-Seles final was fantastic. Sitting courtside during that final, I was sure I had never seen such a high caliber of women s tennis and athleticism in our sport. The Sampras-Agassi match-up was, of course, a promoter s dream. I expect that you had as many students as I had the following week still pumped up about the Open, bubbling with questions and enthusiasm. And yes,

from my vantage point, I thought Monica s serve was in.

It is our responsibility to keep promoting the professional game and the personalities, to set the stage for our students during any professional event and certainly during all the major televised international events like Davis Cup and Fed Cup — and the 96 Olympics.

What's exciting to me this year is that the professional players also recognize the impact we have on our students of the game. So much so that we are working now on a pilot program with the WTA to link a top American player with a USPTA pro and club where she will practice during a tour event with special incentives for the host pro and club members. The ATP has inWoods cluded USPTA pros in its FanFest and Kids Day promotions during tour events. This interaction with the professional game is good for all of us.

Sometimes we feel that the teaching professional doesn t get much public recognition for our individual and collective efforts in the industry. Racquet magazine just published its top 25 list of notables who have influenced the growth of the game. And guess who is No. I? It's not just one individual — it's all of the local teaching professionals in the world. You all know the power you have to affect the game, but your extra efforts this year have caught the attention of the industry enough to publish us as the No. I influence in the effort to grow the game.

The USPTA did its share, too. Tennis Across America, the White House clinic, Willard Scott's NBC "Today" show promotion, USPTA Little Tennis™ Tencap handicapping system — all are stimulating the growth of the game.

While sharing in the glory of the largest See president, page 31

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Kathy Woods First Vice President Kurt Kamperman Vice Presidents 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 Communications Courtenay Dreves Business Operations John Tamborello Magazine Coordinator Julie Myers National Marketing Karen Unger Coordinator National Marketing Sharon Jasmer Assistant Marketing Assistant David Rudzinski Public Relations Dan Soine Coordinator Corporate Services Christl Call Manager Corporate Secretary Kathy Edgmon Computer Services Kathy Buchanan and Club Relations Director of Education Kirk Anderson Education Coordinator Susan Thompson Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Financial Manager Renee Heckler Controller Theresa Weatherford Insurance/Merchandise Ellen Schmidt Services Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies

LEGAL COUNSEL

For information, write the World Headquarters USPTA One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone(713)97-USPTA Fax (71 3) 978-7780 e-mail uspta@uspta.org Internet http://www.uspta.org Office hours: 8:30 a.m.

Central time

5 p.m.

ADDvantage/Decemberl995

He wants to talk about soybean futures.

I want to talk about my future.

Y

our banker, your broker, your tennis partner, even your Uncle Ed it seems that everyone has financial advice to offer you - everything from commercial real estate to Treasuries.

But your financial needs are different.

National Life of Vermont understands your needs for capital accumulation for retirement, for financial security for your family, for income continuation in the event of disability, and for estate planning.

Financial solutions for the successful professional. There are no easy answers.

But there are solid solutions from National Life of Vermont.

National Life of Vermont

Endorsed by the U.S.PT.A. This is a paid endorsement by U.S.P.T.A. However, U.S.P.T.A. bears no responsibility or liability for any obligations made by National Life in the solicitation or sale of its policies or contract or sales materials.

Telephone 800/667-8521

m'SMESSAGE Setting the standard

USPTA education program is the difference

W

hen the USPTA implemented its mandatory Continuing Education Program in 1991 it was the first â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and only tennis organization to establish mandatory educational requirements for its members.

As 1995 ends, our organization remains the only tennis group that asks its professionals to meet specific educational standards.

Initiating such a program was intimidating to say the least. Even with specific goals and objectives, the USPTA "set sail on uncharted waters." We asked ourselves many questions.

"How will our members react?"

"Will members participate?"

"Will we lose members because of this program?"

It wasn't easy to set the toughest standards for teaching professionals, but we make no excuses for it. Our members have worked diligently to maintain our status as an industry leader, and are proud to be part of an organization that upholds such standards.

One critic claimed through national magazine articles that the USPTA education program was established as a money-making endeavor, and that it would punish nonparticipatmg members. On the contrary, USPTA loses $200,000 annually delivering the best possible program for teaching professionals and the majority of our members have proudly participated. Our higher certification standards and aggressive continuing education requirements further separate the USPTA from our competition. In a society where excellence is expected in all professions, our education program is embraced and applauded from all groups in our industry.

As we mark the end of the fifth year of the mandatory Continuing Education Program, we have all demonstrated a commitment to the concept with participation in, and support for, the project. At the end of the first grading period, more than 88 percent of USPTA's membership had participated in the education program â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

with an astounding 80 percent earning all requirements! About 70 percent of all members have earned credits for the second period, which ends Dec. 3 I 1996. PGA officials are impressed with these numbers, which exceed the member participation rates of their own highly respected mandatory education program.

Remember, you must earn 9 credits within a designated threeyear period to maintain all membership benefits. You may continue to complete courses or home study options until you accumulate the points. Through a new feature in ADDvantage, "Continuing Education Countdown '96," you get a comprehensive listing of educational programming.

The chp-and-save page (front and back) will include current courses Heckler and other activities with their respective educational point values. It will also include a featured event or supplemental information on speakers and new educational offerings.

The primary reason USPTA created its educational system was to benefit professionals in the job market. We realize the difficulties of the times and are resolute in our commitment to stopping the slide in quality employment opportunities for you. We believe we can effectively do this by providing our members with the information that will make them better teachers, employees and promoters of tennis. The work you do is paying off. There is a difference between a committed and educated USPTA professional and others who advertise themselves as tennis teachers and coaches. The industry is demanding more qualified teachers and USPTA members are delivering.

ner certification standards and aggressive continuing education requirements further separate the USPTA from our competition

Managers know the difference Owners know the difference Students know the difference Manufacturers know the difference

We are proud of the difference. It has taken a lot of work on your part to set USPTA teaching professionals apart from the rest! ^ ADDvantoge/Decemberl995

mm

BIB ffiBII I

Thanks for National Convention Dear USPTA, On behalf of everyone associated with CMAA, let me take this opportunity to thank you for the courtesies extended me during your recent annual convention in Boca Raton, Fla. We are extremely proud of the USPTA and all the good things it does to make our industry so strong.

We look forward to seeing your association represented at our next annual conference, and hope our relationship continues to grow and prosper.

Very truly yours, Dennis R. Ahearn, CCM National Director, CMAA Orlando, Fla. Dear USPTA, This is to congratulate you on a stupendous convention. Wow, it was great.

The staff always acted as though they had nothing else to do but to talk with each attendee and answer every question. Each year the staff gets better. It makes for a very enjoyable experience for the convention goer. Nice going.

The trade show and the social events were top rate. The line-up of speakers seems to get better every year.

I trust the event will be the highlight of a very successful year for the USPTA. Very truly yours, Bob Larson Edma, Minn.

Dear USPTA, I would like to thank you for another great convention. All aspects were successful. The seminars were diverse and interesting. The accommodations were plush. The food and parties terADDvantage/Decembei 1995

rific. It's hard to believe that you can make it better every year.

Again, thanks, Doug Welsh, USPTA Naples, Fla. Members enjoy education Dear USPTA, I recently attended the seminar, "Mental Toughness" given by Ken DeHart in Wilmington, Del. I was so moved by Mr. DeHart's knowledge of the game, his energy in delivering his ideas and his dedication to the teaching profession, that I wanted to inform you of my enjoyment in attending that seminar. Mr. DeHart truly is a great spokesman for the game of tennis and USPTA. I would gladly attend any future seminars in which Ken DeHart is a speaker.

Very truly yours, Thomas J Fieger Jr., USPTA West Chester, Pa. Dear USPTA, I am writing this letter to thank you for the wonderful time I had in Greensboro, N C., when taking the USPTA Certification Exam, June 25-26. The tester from USPTA was John Sheffield.

The club professional was Steve MacDermut.

What a great time I had! At first I was very nervous, even though I had studied and read the USPTA manual.

Finding out more about John and USPTA, and what he does for the organization during the Certification Training Course, made me feel more relaxed about taking the test. Also, Steve s easy-going nature only made me feel better.

The CTC is very valuable. I learned so much in those few hours, not only in my areas of teaching, but also as a tennis player. I think every individual

who is preparing to take the Certification Exam needs this course. I have played competitive tennis for many years, but I still have a long way to go until I know the game as well as John or Steve.

Enthusiasm, knowledge, creativity and a positive and jovial attitude are some of the good qualities that John Sheffield demonstrated to me as an individual. USPTA should be proud to have people like John as members because they are an asset to the organization.

Steve MacDermut is also a fine gentleman. He gave the test takers all the help they needed during those two days. He gave his time, efforts (in drying the courts for the test) and ideas which helped during the course.

I would like to thank USPTA for giving me the opportunity to take the USPTA exam at Greensboro and to meet nice people like John and Steve.

Thank you, Neil Rajapakse, USPTA Charleston, W.Va.

Board nominations The National Nominating Committee is accepting applications from members who are interested and available to serve on the national USPTA Board of Directors for 199697- Applicants must submit a resume and a 250- to 500-word essay outlining their opinions on the goals and directions of USPTA. These materials should be postmarked no later than Feb. I5> and sent to: Bernard Gusman Punahou School 1601 Punahou St. Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

USPTA National Multicultural Committee meets in Florida

T

he USPTA National Multicultural Committee was very busy during the National Convention in Boca Raton, Fla. Meetings led by Midwest pro and committee chairman Gary Sailes, Ph.D., were upbeat and informative. The National Committee met to discuss the previous year s objectives and to establish new ones. The following committee objectives have been accomplished.

• placing a liaison in every division • USPTA visibility in multicultural tennis publications • visibility of multicultural pros in USPTA publications • involvement of multicultural pros in USPTA administrative affairs • publishing in USPTA publications' and presenting at USPTA conventions • USPTA divisions conducting multicultural meetings at their respective conferences • collaboration between the USPTA and allied tennis associations • recruiting and mentoring new multicultural pros • conducting multicultural sessions at divisional and national conventions • reporting multicultural activities in divisional and national publications

During the liaisons' meeting and the general membership meeting, the following list of new objectives were discussed and recorded. These objectives have been submitted to the USPTA Board of Directors for its consideration.

• the training of multicultural pros as testers • the mentoring of multicultural pros in preparation for the Master Professional rating • continuation of recruitment and mentoring of multicultural pros • aggressive recruitment and mentoring of multicultural female pros • continue to monitor multicultural pro visibility in USPTA divisional and national publications • generate multicultural membership demographics • continue to encourage multicultural pros to publish and speak at USPTA conventions • encourage multicultural participation in the USPTA political system.

pt m

With the leadership of Sailes, proactive committee members and energetic liaisons in every USPTA division, it is almost guaranteed that the new objectives will be met. J25

ATTENTION USPTA MEMBERS: The following is a correction of the information printed on the back of your USPTA membership card regarding on-court liability insurance coverage: The USPTA liability policy includes $2 million in liability insurance, while on court, for bodily injury to others; and for damage to property not in the tennis professional's care, custody or control. It does not cover injury to the tennis pro, or damage to his/her property. The USPTA policy provides legal liability insurance for an accident which takes place on court and arises from the tennis professional's playing, practicing, teaching or officiating in tennis. The territory of coverage is anywhere within the United States, its territories or Canada. At this time, there is no coverage for members who play or teach in other countries or territories.

ADDvantage/Decemberl995

7

Accept the challenge!

Be a responsible professional byJimMcGarry,USPTA

H

The ability to accept responsibility is the measure of the person

ow do teaching professionals distinguish themselves in an industry with intense competition, not only from others in tennis, but from other sports vying for their customers leisure time? It's through accepting responsibility for themselves and their profession.

Responsibility means providing leadership and guidance for members, guests and staff so that a wm/wm/wm situation is created every day. Following is a list of questions that can be given to coworkers, managers and subordinates.

or just allowing them to go through the motions? By assisting your staff, you are creating more opportunities for yourself by demonstrating that you re capable of preparing others for a career move, which ultimately aids in your career enhancement.

A pro can help educate his staff by sending them to USPTA Specialty Courses or seminars.

• When was the last time you took a member out to dinner and thanked him for his business? Is his business important to you? How about your superiors or subordinates? Do they know how you really feel about them, or is it just their perception of you? Are they important to your career? Are they responsible in some way for your success?

Jim McCarry, USPTA, is the. director of tennis at Hyatts of Puerto Rico, He has been with Peter Bunvash International for four years and has taught at locations around the world, including Texas, Western Canada, Qatar, Washington, D.C., and Florida.

8

ADDvantoge/December 1995

• Do you walk your talk? I've seen many managers tell their staff that they must perform "X" task a certain way, and then proceed to perform it in an entirely different manner. Do you lead by example, or just give lip service? If the facility needs cleaning, or if a disgruntled staffer needs a friendly ear, will you devote the time necessary to take O

care of both? Or will you let someone else handle it since it is not "your ob responsibility"?

Are you constantly building your resume so that you can serve your members, guests and staff better? Remember, it's not only for you that you build your skill level.

Ultimately, it benefits those who pay your salary and those who make life easier (or harder) for you — your staff. Passing on your knowledge gives others a feeling that they have the ability to respond to questions asked of them by members, guests and fellow staffers.

Are you genuinely helping your staff at all levels to gain a valuable education, o

Are you making your work environment a fun learning experience, or sheer drudgery? If it's the latter, expect turnover, and lots of it. The number one reason people come to work is not money. Rather, it is a sense of accomplishment, challenge and appreciation for a job well done.

Paul and Dan Monaghan, authors of the book Why Not Me? stated, "The responsibility is yours, so put yourself on the line every time." They were millionaires by the time they reached 21 and 2 3 respectively.

If teaching professionals expect to thrive in these intensely competitive times, it is their challenge to make tennis the most fun, challenging and rewarding sport in the world for their clientele.

I'd like to leave you with this final thought. Roy L. Smith was quoted as saying, "The ability to accept responsibility is the measure of the person." How do you measure up? &

Sledge Hammer 2.8 Stretch

proud to announce an addition to tke Sledgfe Hammer family.

An additional 1.5 inches, to be exact.

It's a Wilson! We named it, "Stretck" It arrived at 28 5 inckes, weigked in at 9.4 ounces,' and delivers all tke rigkt tools for improving your game -e«dS$Ssed ' <-j j_ - - - - ' • b y The USPTA. Like eack Sledge Hammer in tke family, 2.8 Stretck inkerits tke kenefits of Hammer tecknology, super tight +head heavy ultimate game improvement, witk tke added kenefit of lengtk (1 5 inckes longer from kead to kandle) Tke culmination of tkis new design provides for enkanced performance in tkree specific areas. 1 Stretck's extra lengtk kelps reack dinks and loks easier 2. Tke patented rectangular geometry creates a stiffer, stronger racquet for greater stakility on off-center skots. 3. Tke wider koop design expands tke sweet spot across tke kitting area. {ammer' Hammer" H^c^r' 3-8 ' 4S

Sledge Hammer 2.8 Stretck. Only Wilson tecknology could combine power, control and size to create tkis ultimate weapon. It's tke difference ketween

making a longer racquet and making a longer Sledge Hammer.

To demo, call 1-800-WIN-6060 for a dealer near you.

Wtt • f) UJuS&OW.

Tke Rigkt Equipment Makes Tke Difference"

W, Sledge Hammer and The Right Equipment Makes The Difference are trademarks and Wilson is a registered trademark of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. © 1995 Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

USPTA pros share teaching tips Reach for the ball In order to get my students to put their nonhittmg hand out for better balance on their forehand, I tell them to reach out toward the ball and act as though they are trying to catch it as it approaches.

Kathleen Marie Irey USPTA Clewiston, Fla.

Focus on the bounce Since it has been proven that the human eye is not able to focus quickly enough to see the ball hit the strings, make your final focus on the point where the ball bounces. This also helps you make better line calls.

J.R. "Dick" Grisham, USPTA Apple Valley, Calif.

Visualize your strokes Imagine yourself making the stroke or executing the shot you are about to attempt. For example, if you have problems with double faults on serves, before you

close your eyes and visualize yourself serving the ball into the box. Do this before each serve attempt.

Daniel Burgess, USPTA Freeport, N Y.

Place the serve What makes the pro s serve so effective is her ability to move the serve around and keep the receiver off guard. This is especially true on soft courts because the clay becomes such a neutrahzer of the hard serve. Angle is also very important as it can create an opening to be aggressive with the first groundstroke.

James Elwing, USPTA Marietta, Ga.

One simple, but often overlooked strategy in doubles is learning to "pin" the server. Most club-level players are reluctant to serve and volley, especially on their second serves. In doubles, this can easily be exploited if the receiver concentrates on hitting the service return crosscourt and immediately closes the net. Both he and his partner must hit back to the deepest person on the court, the server, and "pin" him in the corner until either one of them gets a ball they know they can put away.

When this opportunity arises, they hit the winner in the direction of the opposing net player s feet. This strategy not only intimidates the net player, but also minimizes the "pinning team s" unforced errors by training them to know when and when not to hit the

Tennis formula: T=3C I Concentration 2. Control 3 Consistency

Drew Sunderlin, USPTA Fort Washington, Pa.

Taty Balasis, USPTA Lansing, Mich.

Strings follow the ball For reducing mishits at the net, tell your students to let their strings t follow the ball toward the intended target. This cuts down mishits, especially on off-balance shots.

Bruce Berque, USPTA Gainesville, Fla.

ADDvantage/December 1995

Divide and conquer

Tennis philosophy Our greatest challenge as players is fighting the tendency to measure our self-worth, esteem or value as a person based on how well we hit a little yellow ball over the net. Tennis ability has nothing to do with a person s worth in the world. When it does, it is the greatest tragedy of this great sport.

Jorge Capestany, USPTA Hudsonville, Mich.

The Boca has it: 34 tennis courts.

Fitness centers. Jogging trails.

And 356 tropical acres in Florida's beautiful Palm Beach County.

The Boca has it: a stylish, private beach club on the ocean, and our own marina.

You CANT CALLYOURSELFAGREAT RESORT, UNLESS You HAVE ALLTHIS. The Boca has it: 65 years of legendary greatness, and a future even more exciting than our past. Two 18 hole golf courses, newly remodeled for added challenge.

Splendid accommodations, all recently updated.

And unparalleled personal service.

Call your travel agent or 1-800-327-0101 ext. 84.

The Boca has it: exquisite new restaurants, casual cafes, and delightful nightly entertainment.

THE BOCA RATON RESORT&CLUF The Elegant Place To Play.

501 E. Camino Real, PO. Box 5025, Boca Raton, FL 33431-0825

Premier Club memberships available.

First we studied your reet, tnen we studied tne eartn. Tne new Hard Drive and Dirt Master!

Better groundwork. Better rootwork. xVt Wilson, we set out to build tne best-performing court shoes ever.

Hard Drive

So we dug deep. We learned that Tvnat's on top or a court snoe is just as important as what's on tne bottom.

The Hard Drive for hard-courts Beneatb tbe not and rigid bard-court surrace lies a sec-| 1

p

SSSt

Mesn tongue

ond layer or C

for coolness.

cementbound stone and a tbird layer of rock. Oucb.

T"1!

.'

1

,1

1 hat s why the

Shock-absorb'ng Elastocell

kfoot, am c"shio,n infore-, t (jraphne snanK to prevent heel torque.

new Hard Drive bas more tban just Goodyear Indy 500 Plus Max rubber outsoles. It's a totally new sboe from beel shank to toe guard.

The Dirt Master for soft-courts Dirt Master"

Clay and synthetic courts are loose and unpredictable

Under-

neath they're hard, gritty and unforgiving The new Dirt Master is

Herringbonewrapped Tour Trac™ outsole for optimal traction.

customized for consistent slides and has a soft synthetic upper for comfort and easy cleaning After all, you're playing in the dirt.

No one owns the ground like Wilson. Call 1-800-WIN-6060 for a pro shop near you.

' M"<t-<

:-V.-]

•- -, ,

• :ii.l I O.l.jU- • M : - - ' . L ! • • •

.1 I ..LI L I, j j l,V . . ' . . .

Goodyear is a trademark of Goodyear Tire and Rubher Company. Indy 500 is a trademark of Indianapolis Molor Speedway Corpor

n.'! i l

•;.•'

. i l l

U)i£»on

Tke Rigkt Equipment Makes Tke Difference™

Pro shop operations Can you compete?

by Don Hightower

T

he owner of a specialty tennis shop recently commented, "Teaching pros have no business selling and servicing racquets. If a teaching pro is operating a club pro shop, he or she must not be a very successful pro," We live in an age of diversification, and operating a pro shop offers rewards beyond just being a source of additional income. It's an opportunity for teaching pros to reduce the risk of burnout and offer better service to students and members.

And yes, earning the extra money is also very nice.

However, the racquet sales and service business has its own set of pitfalls. Small pro shops have to compete with specialty tennis shops and chain stores that are probably more experienced and better at marketing their products and services. But don't give up on the idea. The pro shop has a captive audience.

Here are some ways to compete: Inventory control and demo programs If a pro is in the racquet selling business, inventory should be the No. I priority, because that's where the most money is spent and the greatest risk is taken. Unless it is a high-volume shop, racquet inventory should be as lean as possible. With racquet models being changed, phased out, dumped and discounted every day, the best bet is to keep demos of popular racquets on

Many pro shops are using computers to build databases of information about their customers.

hand with minimal stock. Although this means the pro shop won t get volume price discounts, it also means the owner won t be forced to sell surplus racquets at (or below) cost when new models are introduced next season. Order racquets as needed from the manufacturer or through larger distributors. A pro shop won t be able to match prices with the discount stores, but it probably couldn t do this anyway.

The string inventory will evolve over time to meet the needs of the customers. If a pro is just starting out, a commodity nylon in I5L gauge (bought in bulk reels) for juniors and budget-minded adults should be kept on hand. Better quality

nylon, or synthetic gut-type strings will most likely be the mainstay of string sales. The pro shop should have two to three different brands in a variety of colors in 16 and 17 gauge, and even a few sets of 18 gauge. One premium-priced "performance" synthetic in 16 or 17 gauge should be stocked for more discerning customers.

Finally, it is important to keep a few sets of natural gut available for players who want the best.

Gut is undersold by most shops but remains the benchmark for playabihty.

Another potential pitfall involves members who demo racquets then purchase from someone else. To help ensure Continued next page

Don Hightower is the associate director of the United States Racquet Stringers Association (USRSA and oversees the Certified Racquet Technician (CRT) program.

ADDvantage/December 1995

13

customer loyalty, a pro might try charging a flat fee of $25 to $50, which entitles a member to demo as many of the racquets as they like within a specific time period, say six months. The fee is then applied to the cost of the racquet purchased. Also, the pro should take a credit card number in case the racquet is lost, stolen or broken.

Demos should be strung with quality synthetics, and new grips applied from time to time. To avoid having to purchase demos in a variety of grip sizes, the pro can order 4 3/8mch-size grips and build up the handles to accommodate players needing a larger grip.

Heat-shrink sleeves will increase a racquet's handle size in less than five minutes. They are also simple to remove when a smaller grip size is needed.

The best way to promote a demo program is to take two or three racquets onto the court during each lesson. This is where a teaching pro has an advantage over other retailers. The Anyone u bo sells and services racquets should have we knowledg pro should let the students necessary know when a new racquet arconvenient location for players to rives, and explain its features and benpick up and feel. efits before offering them a chance to • Keep strings, grips and accessories try it out. in full view so your members know what products you sell — without Merchandising having to ask.

Many club "pro shops" aren t much • Place a spotlight on your stringing more than a teaching pro s office with a machine, and keep it clean and orfew racquets, strings and stringing maganized. chines crammed in between ball hop• If space allows, elevate your stringpers and ball machines. Merchandising ing area above the floor for inthe products and services doesn t recreased visibility. Making this the quire a huge investment. However, it focal point of your shop will indoes require some time, effort and a crease member interest and lead to little imagination. more stringing customers.

For example, presentation and good lighting can make a surprising difference to a business.

•

•

Hang a bulletin board with pro player equipment information where members can see it.

Keep sample handles and grips in a

14 ADDvantage/December 1995

Are you qualified to advise your customers?

Students will often look to the USPTA pro for equipment advice, asking questions like, "What racquet should I buy?" "Which string is best?

"Does my racquet need restrmging?" and "Are these new sponge grips effective?" In too many cases, these questions are answered without adequate knowledge.

Anyone who sells and services racquets has a responsibility to gain the knowledge necessary to advise members on their equipment purchases.

Subscribe to magazines such as Tennis Buyer's Guide (203) 373 7249 and Tennis Industry (212) 242-3687 They're available to clubs at no charge and contain informative articles and new product information. Attend the USPTA Specialty Course, "Equipment Consulting " conducted by Drew Sunderlm.

This four-hour course provides information needed to advise customers on their equipment needs. Join the United States Racquet Stringers Association (619) 481-3545 Their Stringer's Digest contains detailed stringing instructions for all racquets currently on the market, as well as many older models. A step-by-step tutorial on all aspects of racquet service is also included. In addition, the USRSA also publishes the Stringer's Assistant a monthly magazine featuring string and grip play-tests, product reviews and useful racquet service tips and techniques.

Remember, there is no substitute for personal experience. A professional should demo the racquets, strings and grips he sells. If he is considering carrying a new string or grip, he can contact the manufacturer for a sample. In most cases, they'll be eager provide an opportunity to test their products before an order is placed. And the pro will be better equipped to recommend products to members if he tries them first.

Keep records and promote your pro shop If a pro shop sells and services racquets, it's important that the owner

knows as much as possible about the club members, since they are the bulk of the customer base. More and more shop owners are using computers to build databases of information about their members, then using that information to generate mailings to remind them when to restnng their racquets, inform them of sales or offer birthday discounts. Even if you don t use a computer, you can keep a card file with similar types of information.

Most club-level players don t restring their racquets often enough and need to be reminded that strings go dead after a period of time. For best performance, players should restnng at least twice a year, or as many times per year as they play per week (for example, if someone plays five times a week, restring five times per year) If the pro knows when a member last had his racquet strung, he can more easily recommend a restnng by sending him a postcard. Members who have had their racquets strung in January should receive a restnng notice in July, and so on.

If there is a way to track tension loss in a player s racquet, so much the better. Invite players in for a free tension check. When a racquet has lost 30 percent or more of its string tension, it's time to restnng. Remember, it's not only tension that has been lost, it's also string resilience â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the string's ability to return energy to the ball. This combined loss of control (tension) and power (resilience) can make a top performance racquet play like a discount special.

The pro s ob is to keep members informed of these issues through reminder mailings so they'll ask for new strings. If the club publishes a newsletter, equipment articles that discuss strings, grips, customizing and the pro s expertise should be included.

Don t be shy about promoting yourself and your services.

If an assistant pro is responsible for racquet service, he or she should be well trained and accessible to members for consultation on their equipment

Reasons to Install ISP Fast Dry Natural green nonglare ISP surfaces improve visibility Physically forgiving due to the soft, flexible, shock absorbing nature of the ISP surfacing material.

Slightly slower ball speed results in longer rallies and more enjoyable play Cooler playing surface (even on hot summer days) due to high retention of moisture.

ISP surfacing material will not stain or discolor equipment, balls, or clothing.

... it's not what's on the bag, but what's in the bag!

see Pro shop, page 29 ADDvantage/December 1995

|c

TA

USPTA Little Tennis Starter ^ifs Kits available he USPTA Little Tennis™ Starter Kit is now available to help teaching professionals, coaches and parents implement the tennis program for young chil-

T

The Starter Kit contains lesson guidelines, drills, games and activities to use in Little Tennis™ programs.

The kit includes suggestions for organizing the program, lesson outlines, marketing tips, equipment information and promotional materials to publicize the activities.

Sample skills charts to track students progress, a league schedule and team roster, parent permission release and medical authorization form, stickers and name tags are also included.

The Starter Kit was developed as a result of numerous requests from USPTA members for specific games and activities for each of the different age categories, beginning with age 3 Those purchasing the Starter Kit will receive upgrades, which will easily be added to the appropriate sections in the three-ring binder.

The Little Tennis Tips pages, which have run in ADDvantage for a year and contain useful suggestions and tips for running a Little Tennis program, are designed to be pulled out of the magazine and included in the Starter Kit notebook.

The Starter Kit is available from the USPTA World Headquarters for $25 plus shipping and handling.

Little Tennis clothing, nylon banners, posters and pack-

ADDvantage/December 1995

ages O —-^—^^——_._•• of skills charts, stickers, certificates and name tags are also available for purchase. An order form for the kit and other Little Tennis merchandise was in the October/November issue of ADDvantage or you may order by calling (713) 97 USPTA or writing via e-mail at giftshop@uspta.org.

USPTA's Little Tennis

USPTA 'OHMS

Good work chart

*9

Send your USPTA Little Tennis teaching information, tips and photos to USPTA, Attention. Magazine Coordinator.

C

learing balls from the court and returning them to the teaching cart is never fun. If this task can be made into a game, the children will find it much more enjoyable.

•

Have the children make a castle with balls stacked on their racquets.

• Have them make a pizza with balls on their racquets. Before they can put the pizza in the oven (cart) they must tell the coach what kind of pizza it is.

Susan Unger, USPTA Lake Forest, Calif.

teers to serve as buddies for the shy children. Players from the junior program make excellent buddies.

Susan Unger

Teaching staff guidelines I • Demonstrate firm but caring discipline. Follow principles of sportsmanship.

•f

/• Be aware of safety.

O* Keep children in sight at all times

Safety tip

^» "That is not appropriate behavior."

For safety and class organization, limit the number of racquets on court. Let children who are actually hitting have the racquets. Others can wait in line for their turn.

•*

3» Split up the wild ones,

Lynette Turek, USPTA Houston

Learn swing with teach feet

0* Be consistent in terminology and catch-phrases. / • Use their names often.

O* Use only positive reinforcement. Encourage effort. /• Keep the action moving and fun.

Use colored teach feet to initiate the swing. When children stand on the red foot, they stop. When they step on the green foot, they swing.

Red = stop. Green = swing.

Lynette Turek

Tips for a tennis carnival Handing out goodie bags at the conclusion of a tennis carnival can make the event special for children. Include simple items, such as wristbands, cookies, a coloring book, a key chain and stickers.

When conducting a carnival, have a few extra volun-

:

I U» Be sensitive to children s strengths and weaknesses, both physically and emotionally.

I I * KISS theory Keep it super simple.

f

I L» Be flexible with lesson plan. Vary activity depending on skills and attentiveness.

I v* Always demonstrate. Have the children shadow your movement patt

Rick Vetter, USPTA Mequon, Wis.

ADDvantage/December 1995

Introducing...

The Tennis Magazine Primer!

The Tennis Magazine Primer has been designed to enhance your programs and impact the game in a very positive way li is written

by Alexander McNab, Senior Instruction Editor and author of the just-published book—Arthur Ashe on Tennis Technical accuracy has been verified by Instruction Editor Tony Trabert.

To Order: Prepaid Orders Only Check Payable to Tennis Magazine Price: Quantities less than 30—$1.00 each Quantities 30 and over—$.60 each (includes shipping & handling)

Send Orders to: Tennis Magazine Primer Public Relations 5520 Park Avenue Trumbull,CT 06611

GROWING THE GAME

Florida pros work together to grow the game

U

SPTA-teaching professionals in southwest Florida are oining together in an effort to intro duce hundreds of new players to tennis.

The USPTA Community Tennis Association (USPTA/ CTA) was founded last April with a $25,000 grant from the Lee County school board. The nonprofit organization was created to run a USTA National Junior Tennis League program led by local USPTA teaching professionals.

At a local USPTA meeting, the professionals decided to combine the grant program with donated time, racquets and tennis balls. The goal of the teaching professionals is to introduce tennis to children, ages 8 to 15 with an emphasis on teamwork, cooperation, making friends, physical fitness, excitement and low-key competition.

Other lifetime skills they want the children to learn through tennis are self-control, patience, honesty, support and encouragement for teammates, and a sense of humor (the ability to laugh at themselves) By using USPTA-certified professionals, the program can ensure quality instruc-

tion to children who might not otherwise be able to obtain it. There are approxi mately 25 area USPTA professionals who are involved in the Community Tennis Association.

USPTA members who are part of the USPTA/CTA include Paula Scheb, Loretta Strickland, Kiko Castillo, Fred Kangwa, Molly Beardsworth, Bill Fous, Jim Kridle, Dave Richardson, Buffie Carter, Armor Persons, Tom Funk, Nathan Davis, John Kamosa, Bill Hannigan, Mike Lawver, Rose Davis, Don Davis, Dolly Goldberg, Gene Collins, Gina Lopes, Jeff Diggs, Scott Harrington and Tiffany Todd. Also participating are USPTA affiliate members Lisa Ash and Phil deRitis.

Strickland, assistant professional at the Cape Coral Yacht and Racquet Club, is the area USTA/NJTL and Play Tennis America coordinator. She estimates that nearly 400 children have been introduced to tennis through the Community Tennis Asso ciation. There are four sites for the NJTL. the Fort Myers Recreational Center, Stars Complex, Bay Oaks Recreational Center and

Bonita Springs Recreational Center.

So many people have responded to the fliers and releases run in local newspapers that the program has reached its maximum number of people.

"If you get the right people doing these grassroots programs, you will have more people wanting to learn than you'll know what to do with," said Strickland. "Anyone who thinks tennis is dying should take another look."

In addition to running the NJTL, the Community Tennis Association is running Play Tennis America for adults at 12 sites. They charge $ 5 5 for PTA, which gives the participants nine hours of instruction and membership to the USTA. The USTA Florida Section recently gave the Community Tennis Association a $500 grant, which allowed members to oin the three area chambers of commerce.

The professionals socialize with other chamber members after meetings to promote the CTA and recruit more sponsors.

"We ve accomplished a lot this year and have big plans for 1996," Strickland said. $&

Anyone who thinks tennis is dying should lake another look.

ADDvontage/Oecember 1995

BY JACK GROPPEL. PH.D.

A8K THE PROFESSOR

Vitamins, minerals help body function junctions that provide energy, increase muscle st^e} regulate metabolism^ aid in weight gam and increase muscle strength are not developed through vitamin supplementation.

Jack L. Cropf el, Ph.D., is the executive vice president of LGL Sport Science Inc. He is an instruction editorfor Tennis magazine, and is the author of High-Tech Tennis and co-author of The Science of CoachingD Tennis.

Groppel is a USPTA Master Professional and was named 2987 USPTA Professional of the Year. on ADDvantage/Decemberl995

Question: I have a fairly successful junior program with some players who read (or their parents read) a lot about nutrition.

I find that they have developed very interesting viewpoints on vitamins and minerals, some of which concern me. Can you please set the record straight on what vitamins and minerals truly do?

Answer: Vitamins and minerals are catalysts that help the body function. They are essential nutrients that the body must have to perform its daily functions.

Vitamins are organic in nature. Those required by the body are A, C, D E, K and eight varieties of B. It is recommended that people obtain their vitamins through food sources, but a supplement is often warranted since a high-calorie, well-balanced diet is difficult to achieve.

As for megadoses, be careful, they can be very harmful.

Minerals are inorganic elements found in nature. Minerals are classified as macronutnents (more than 100 mg/day required) or micronutrients (less than 100 mg/day required) Calcium, phosphorous and magnesium are considered the big three among the macrommerals.

All three are important in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. Magnesium is also necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and neuromuscular function. There are roughly 10 minerals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; iron, zinc, copper, iodine, manganese, fluorine, chromium, selenium, silicon and molybdenum. Iron is considered

to be the most important of these trace minerals, especially to the female athlete. Research has shown that up to 25 percent of female athletes are iron deficient.

These macro and micrommerals can be obtained through normal dietary intake, but many multivitamm supplements also have basic amounts of mineral supplements. However, be aware that an overdose of minerals can be toxic to your system.

Supplements It has been estimated that more than $25 billion a year is spent on questionable health practices in the United States.

A large 0 I centage of this money is spent

State University published a paper in the Journal of Applied Sport Science Research on "Current Nutrition Practice and Knowledge of Varsity Athletes." This paper indicated that athletes are not properly educated with respect to most nutritional issues.

It was recommended that several sequential actions be taken to provide coaches with basic nutritional knowledge and that measures be taken to educate athletes.

Observe in the chart below how some collegiate athletes incorrectly view supplementation. Please note that functions see Vitamins, page 29

Percentage of responses to questions concerning the benefits of vitamin supplements

on nutritional products.

Respondents were to check any function that they

\ resulted fr

c

Super salespeople r r use questionable

A, Provides energy D. Aids in weight gain B. Increases muscle size E. Increases muscle strength C. Regulates metabolism

scientific ingive products a

Football

A B C D 83.7 30.2 39.5 37.2

sense of au-

Basketball Wrestling Softball Baseball Track Tennis Volleyball All sports

81.5 50.0 82.4 70.2 76.2 90.9 77.8 76.6

(n = 812) Males

: ; 74.1 21.4*

formation to

thenticity and credibility. The sophisticated advertising and marketing techniques result in many people buying nutritional products that they do not need.

Jacobson

10.7 13.3 5.9 17.0 14.3 7.3 8.2 13.4

(n = 553) Females 80.3 5.0 (n=259) *P<0.05 (males vs. females)

29.6 66.7 33.3 46.8 57.1 27.3 55.6 42.3

E 27.9 18.5 22.2 16.7 16.7 5.9 23.5 27.7 29.8 9.5 19.0 9.1 36.4 9.1 11.1 16.7 23.3

43.6 27.1* 41.5

7.2

25.1

22.4

and Aldana of

Journal of Applied Sports Science Research, Volume 6,

Oklahoma

No. 4, 1992

Out wear your opponent.

Atkco, Inc is an autkorized licensee of Wilson Sporting Goods 1-800-990-0000

Tke Rigkt Equipment Makes Tke Differenceâ&#x201E;˘

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.

LIGHTING

S, Inc. Contractors MALOTt PETERSOI

tENNER, Inc.

303-744-3631 Fax 303-777-0706 AUSTRALIAN COURTWORKS, Inc. 800-537- 2613 Fax 601 - 825 - 6509

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 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

Continuing Education Countdown '96 Thirteen months remain in the 1994-96 period of the Continuing Education

grading period. How many points do you have?

Certified USPTA members are required to earn 9 credits per three-year period.

The current period ends Dec. 31, 1996. (Turn the page for a list of eligible events and corresponding credits)

Coaches Workshops

Conventions (5 pomts each)

(2 points each)

Jan. 19-21

Jan. 26-27

Midwest Division Chicago, 111. o Midwest Division Troy, Mich.

Middle States Division Lancaster, Pa. Midwest Division Indianapolis, Ind. Midwest Division Troy, Mich.

Midwest Division

Feb. 9-10 Feb. 9-11 Feb. 23-24 Feb. 23-24

upgrades & Certification Training Courses (2 points) Jan. 6-7 Jan. 10-11 Jan. 12-14 Jan. 13 14 Jan. 18-20 Jan. 20-21 Jan. 21-22 Jan. 27-28 Jan. 27-28 Jan. 27-28 Feb. 1-2 Feb. 2-3 Feb. 3-4 Feb. 7-8 Feb. 9 Feb. 11-12 Feb. 11-12 Feb. 11-12 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 17-18 Feb. 24-25 Feb. 24-25 Feb. 25

Richmond, Va. Freeport, N.Y. Wayland, Mass.

Boca Raton, Fla. Seattle, Wash.

Dearborn, Mich.

San Francisco, Calif.

Miami, Fla. Industry Hills, Calif.

Florence, S.C. Mesa, Ariz.

Bloomington, Minn.

Indianapolis, Ind. Freeport, N.Y. Lancaster, Pa. upgrades only Grapevine, Texas Pleasanton, Calif.

Parker, Colo.

Fountain Valley, Calif.

Boca Raton, Fla. Palm Beach, Fla. Rochester, N.Y. Honolulu, Hawaii upgrades only)

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CTC unless noted. Exam r& cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly.

Affiliate members: late o o / 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 cancellation fees are paid.

Feb. 25-26

Columbus, Ohio

Schools of Teaching (4 points each day)

Feb. 2-3

Feb. 8-11 Feb. 9-11

Feb. 16-19

Feb. 23-24 Feb. 24-25 March 6-10 March 8-10

February Focus on Education Forum (see next page) The Super Show, Atlanta, Ga.

March 15-17

Southern Division Atlanta, Ga. Texas Division Grapevine, Texas Middle States/Middle Atlantic Divisions Lancaster, Pa. California/San Diego Divisions Newport Beach, Calif.

Midwest Division Indianapolis, Ind. Hawaii Division Honolulu, Hawaii Southwest Division Scottsdale, Ariz.

Eastern Division Florham Park, N J Missouri Valley Division Kansas City, Kan.

meetings/activities (1/2 and up)

Jan. 14

California Division

Los Angeles, Calif.

Midwest Division Columbus, Ohio 26-27 Eastern Division White Plains, N Y. 7-8 Midwest Division Homewood, 111.

19 California Division Newport Beach, Calif.

23-24 Midwest Division

Jan. 22 Jan. Feb. Feb. Feb.

Feb. 24 Feb. 26 March 2-3 March 8

Chicago, 111.

Eastern Division Rochester, N Y. Midwest Division Chicago, 111. o Midwest Division Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.

Midwest Division Decatur, 111.

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 for additional information.

(2 points per four-hour course; 4 points per eight-hour course) Strategy and Tactics, Feb. 9, Lancaster, Pa. (4 hours), B, Tym Tennis Business Management, Feb. 11, Grapevine, Texas (4 hours), M. McMahon USPTA Little Tennis Training, Feb. 17, Newport Beach, Calif (4 hours), K. Anderson Assertive Communication & Negotiation Skills, Feb. 17, Newport Beach, Calif. (4 hours), B'. Fackel Creative Drill Design, Feb. 22, Indianapolis, Ind. (4 hours), /. Dinoffer Programming: Enhancing Growth, Skill & Profit, Feb. 25, Indianapolis, Ind. (8 hours), S. Behne Progressions I 6* II, March 10, Scottsdale, Ariz. (8 hours), G. Bacso Mental Training for Peak Performance, March 17, Brookfield, Wis. (4 hours), G. Sailes ADDvantage/December 1995

23

Continuing Education Countdown '96 How to earn your points:

Non-USPTA events:

Listed below are both USPTA and non-USPTA events that are eligible for points. You may already have some, if not all, of your points.

CMAA Annual Conference First Aid and CPR IHRSA Annual Conference ITA Annual Conference NTRP Certification Clinic USTA Area Training Center Workshop USTA Sport Science Exam. Level I USTA Sport Science Exam. Level II (per subtest) USTA Tennis Teachers Conference USTA Tennis Workshop at The Super Show

USPTA events/activities:

Points

Book/video reviews Certification Training Course Coaches workshop Divisional convention Divisional educational meetings National Convention Specialty Course (8 hours) Specialty Course (4 hours) Tennis Teachers Course USPTA Schools of Teaching

2 2 2 5 1/2 and up 8 4 2

4 (p

Points 5 3 5 5 2 3 2 2 5 2

USPTA also evaluates and grants credit for course work pertinent to tennis teaching. Please note that, to be eligible, all events must be attended during the 1994-96 period. Certified members are responsible for submitting proof of attendance for all non-USPTA events. For more information, contact the USPTA Education Department.

Featured event: February Focus on Education Forum USPTA Little Tennis Training

Feb. 2-3, Atlanta, Ga. The Super Show/96 Friday, February 2 USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ Training George Bacso and Kirk Anderson

USPTA

Saturday, February 3 Business and Pro Shop Management Mark McMahon

A continuation of the very popular USPTA Little Tennis introductory course, this version expands upon previous information, emphasizing on-court lessons, activities, equipment, professional and parental involvement. However, attendance at the first USPTA Little Tennis course is not necessary for attendees to get the most from this course.

Bacso

Times; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days Anderson Registration: Call the USPTA Membership Department, (713) 978-7782 or write via e-mail at membership@uspta.org.

Cost is $75/members, $ 100/nonmembers (each day).

Register by January 12 and receive a free pass to The Super Show/96.

Educational credit: Each day is eligible for 4 credits in USPTA's Continuing Education Program.

94

ADDvantage/December 1995

Business/Pro Shop Management Providing an open forum for discussing ideas and sharing successful merchandising programs is this course's focus. Ownership, management and daily operations are thoroughly examined. Topics touched upon are: merchandising, contract negotiations, shopping trade shows, establishing credit with companies and closing out a shop.

McMabon

Embroidered

~~

USPTA sweatshirts

USPTA letters:

was $36 now $30

White — with team blue embroidery (M, L, XL)

Wreath logo:

was $52 now $42

White — with gold/navy/red/white embroidery Black — with black embroidery White — with white embroidery (M, L, XL)

QTY

Item

Wreath

SIZE

PAYMENT METHOD:

Q

V|SA

rj

MASTERCARD

D

TOTAL

$42

white with multi

$42

Wreath — white with white

$42

Wreath

black with black

USPTA

white with team blue

Centre, SEND ORDER TO USPTA Gift Shoppe, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 „ tel (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • fax (713) 978-5096 e-mail — giftshop@uspta.org

UNIT PRICE

$ 30 SUBTOTAL

Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax other Texas residents add 7.25% tax shipping and handling fee TOTAL

CHECK

International orders must pay by MasterCard or Visa Name as it appears on credit card Exp. date

Credit card No. Signature SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please);

[~j

Bus|n

1_ 1

Shipping and handling charges

Name Address City

Special prices good through January 15,1996

Contiguous 48 U.S. states

$4.95 first sweatshirt, 500 for each additional sweatshirt

Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada

$14 first sweatshirt, $1.50 for each additional sweatshirt

Other countries

$26 for first sweatshirt, $9 for each additional sweatshirt

State

Phone (area code)

Daytime phone No.

Member No.

Champion of Champions program has fun, flexible tournament format

CHAMPION REGISTRATION FORM Name Street address City

I

ZIP

State Business phone ( Home phone (

t is once again time to prepare for

use in cooperation with the USPTA

the USPTA Champion of Cham-

Adult Tennis League, as a wrap-up

pions tennis tournament program.

event for other leagues, or for regional

Champion of Champions features

and divisional tournaments.

competition at five skill levels, based on the National Tennis Rating Pro-

USPTA member

yes

Member No. _

Division

Below is a handy checklist for hosting this tournament at your facility.

gram. Winners of designated club tournaments may compete for the

Facility Address

ity

community, region or state and invite them to send the winners of

program creates excitement for every-

their club tournaments to compete

one with competition in men s and

in your Champion of Champions

women s singles and doubles.

tournament.

The Champion of Champions is a

Phone Return to USPTA World Headquarters.

Contact other clubs in your

4-5 and 5-0/open NTRP levels. The

ZIP

State

tf

championship title at the 3.0, 3 5, 4-0,

\/ Clip the sample brochure found on

flexible tournament and may be used in

the following pages. Members are

conjunction with almost any existing

encouraged to use it as a way to

tennis program. Its format is ideal for

advertise and promote their tournaments. Fill in the appropriate blanks, insert the area or division name and tournament date where noted on the front, and photocopy. %/ Set the tournament entry fee to cover the costs of court time, awards, refreshments and other activities. \/ Send out press releases to local media for all clubs participating to publicize your event.

Ball Machine

tf

Organize the schedule for level matches in cooperation with local facilities. Finals and open competi-

Under $150

Ideal for teaching beginning to intermediate level players â&#x20AC;˘ Great for group lessons

tion should be held at one key site. |X Send tournament results, pictures, a copy of the press release and, if possible, a short summary of your event to the USPTA national office for possible publication in ProAction (Tennis Week) or ADDvantage.

Special USPTA Price

Call 1-800-448-8867 for FREE brochure

SPORTS TUTOR 2612 West Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, California 91505

For more information about Champion of Champions, call USPTA's Sports Marketing Department at (713) 97 USPTA or write via e-mail at sports@uspta.org. J25

ADDvantage/December 1995

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0/open

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0/open

Phone

State

City

Address

Club

ZIP

Entry form doubles

Men's doubles

Women's doubles

CHAMPION

USPTA

Date

Division

Sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association

regional tennis tournament

CHAMPION CHAMPIONS

USPTA

Regional tennis tournament

Finals wi

Where:

$

The schedu e for a other matches w be announced later

nator at (

)

If you have any questions, contact your Coordi-

Please complete the attached entry form and mai with entry fees to:

Entry deadline:

Cost:

Any player who has won a designated club tournament where he or she is a current member

Who:

be held at the

Men's and women's singles and doubles competition at the following NTRP levels: 3.0, 3 5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0/open

What:

Join the fun n this tournament of tournaments as players meet n singles and doubles competition for the title of Champion of Champions.

CHAMPION CHAMPIONS

USPTA

Twelve-point tie-breaker rule wi I be used at six games all. (If necessary, no-add scoring may be used at the tournament committee's discretion.)

Awards will be presented to winners.

USTA rules wil be enforced.

6.

78.

USPTA Sports Marketing Dept.

One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 C7ÂŤ) 97-USPTA C978-778Z) e-mail: sports@uspta.org

For more information about USPTA, contact:

USPTA offers several grassroots programs to promote the sport, including USPTA's Tennis Across America, USPTA Little Tennis and the USPTA Adult Tennis League.

USPTA's purpose is to raise the standards of the tennisteaching profession and to increase participation in tennis.

The United States Professional Tennis Association is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals with more than 10,500 members.

Facts about USPTA

Al matches wil be the best two out of three sets.

Players wi be expected to play at least one match per day per event.

A default may be awarded 15 minutes after the match is called.

Players are expected to report on time at the designated site for al matches, and be dressed and ready to play

Al players must be available to play the week of

Tournament rules

5.

2.

I.

CHAMPION CHAMPIONÂŤ.

USPTA

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0/open

3.0

3.5

4.0

4.5

5.0/open

Phone

State

City

Address

Club

ZIP

Entry form singles

Men's singles

Women's singles

CHAMPIONS.

CHAMPION

USPTA

Pro shop from page zj

needs. Don't fall into the trap of delegating racquet service responsibilities to a junior member who strings at "warp speed" so he can get back on the court with his friends. That's not likely to bring you many return customers.

It's your reputation take care of it If you get into the sales and service business, remember The quality of racquet service that comes out of the pro shop is a direct reflection of you as a professional. If you're serious about it, your members will be, too. Remember, the customer service you can provide is probably the greatest advantage you have over larger retailers and discount sporting goods stores. ÂŁ&

Vitamins from page 20

that provide energy, increase muscle size, regulate metabolism, aid in weight gain and increase muscle strength are not developed through vitamin supplementation.

Remember the time, pressure, money and work that athletes spend on winning. It is easy to see why many athletes who are training for competition are always searching for the ultimate nutritional supplement to provide them with that extra winning edge over their opponents. ÂŁy

USPTA Foundation a tax-exempt charity For many years, USPTA has had its own tax-exempt charity called the USPTA Foundation. Anyone can make a gift to the Foundation, either while alive or by will. The gift or bequest is tax deductible.

The mam purpose of the Foundation is to help underprivileged people play tennis. The funds may be used to help school programs, inner-city residents and the USTA/NJTL programs, among other projects.

Tennis legend Bobby Riggs dies Tennis legend Bobby Riggs died of cancer Oct. 25 He was born in Los Angeles on Feb. 25 1918.

Riggs, probably best known for his 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match against Billie Jean King, played in and won numerous USPTA and USTA championships. He was the

winner of the USPTA National Championships men's open singles title in 1946, 1947 and 1949, and the men s open doubles title in 1942 and 194649. Riggs was ranked in the top 10 by the USTA from 1936-41 (No. I in 1939) and was the winner of the United States Championships in 1939 and 1941 He won the national mixed doubles title in 1940 with Alice Marble, as well as several titles on various surfaces and age categories for both singles and doubles. In 1939 he won the singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles at Wimbledon.

Play Tennis America funding applications available USPTA teaching professionals, tennis facility managers and owners and community tennis associations are invited to apply to become a 1996 Tennis Industry Association Blitz City host. Funding applications for the 1996 Play Tennis America Free Lesson Blitz are now available. Applications must be returned by Dec. 31, and those received first will be given the highest priority.

For an application or more information, call the TIA at (713) 781-7352.

RIVER OAKS COUNTRY CLUB Is currently accepting applications for a full-time male or female assistant professional to fill an outstanding career opportunity River Oaks Country Club is located in Houston, Texas, and is one of the premiere clubs in the country It is home of the 250,000 RIVER OAKS INTERNATIONAL, a men's professional event now in its 62nd year The successful candidate will be an experienced player with an extensive teaching background and a strong on-court presence. Additionally, the candidate must have a respectable work ethic, an excellent attitude for enhancing skills and a serious dedication to die tennis profession.

Responsibilities include instruction of all ages, both group and private lessons and a capacity for working within a multi-level lesson program and junior program with 200+ participants.

The financial package will make this a very attractive opportunity A personal interview is required. Employment should begin by February 1996. Resumes may be sent in confidence, no phone calls please, and should be mailed to: Van Barry 1600 River Oaks Boulevard Houston, Texas 77019

ADDvantage/Decemberl995

29

ind 143 USPTA USPTA member Willie Schuette has been named head tennis professional of the Mid-Town Tennis Club in Rochester, N Y He has been employed at Mid-Town since 1994 as a full-time professional and associate director of junior instruction.

Dean Zimmermann, USPTA, is the new director of tennis for the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy at the Thana Zimmertnann City Golf and Tennis Resort in Thailand. He works with the top 20 juniors in Thailand and some of the country's Davis Cup players.

District 14 of the USPTA Florida Division sponsored a Tennis Club ChalThe USPTA Division has found a home for its Hall of Fame monument at the Indianapolis Tennis Center, home of the

lenge in the Bonita Springs area to collect supplies for flood victims of Tropical Storm Jerry.

USPTA volunteers offered free tennis lessons for children who were staying at the First Presbyterian Church, which served as shelter for those whose homes were flooded.

The Georgia chapter of the USPTA Southern Division is hosting an educational seminar Dec. 2, at the Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, Ga. The seminar will feature guest speakers and oncourt instruction. Registration is $15 for Georgia Professional Tennis Association members and $25 for non-GPTA members.

For more information, contact Jim Laughlin at (404) 875-2563 USPTA professionals Dudley David and Peter Bell, along with Cassie and Mary Lou Bell, re-

• I ...,,;,>.:;. ;

', '; '•

'in:-

• I . ; - : - . ; , ' •' .:• • '

•! -

,

••• • •, I, '••.'! ' , /,";):•

:

/ :, > f ; ' : Y t . ; A t

(Calif,} Tennis Club held a clinic for more than 80 underprivileged youths from the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department.

The children were taught tennis strokes and games, and everyone received a pri^e and gift bag with donations from various local companies.

ceived the Edwin Goodman Award for the USTA/New England Family of the Year. Dudley Bell has been teaching tennis for more than 3 5 years and his sons, David and Peter, have been teachingo for 14 and 9 years, respectively. The family also plays together — Dudley and Mary Lou play mixed doubles, and Dudley and

his children play fatherson and father-daughter tournaments.

Sheri Norris, USPTA member, was appointed district sales manager for north

Norris

Racquet Sports. She has been with Penn for five years, most recently as the regional promotions manager in the western United States.

RCA Championships. The monument bears the names of the six inductees: Fay V, Toolsy, David Muir. ] Gary Bachman (center), Allan C Carvell (right), Robert Kust and Fernando Velasco (left)

ADDvantage/December 1995

Manufacturers About 20 miles of Tecnifibre was used to string 2,972 racquets at the 1995 French Open, the eighth consecutive year Tecnifibre has provided the official stringing service for the tournament. A team of 25 stringers met the stringing demands for 511 players.

The Babolat Competition Service strung 2,525 racquets with 101,000 feet of string during the U.S. Open using 13 machines and 13 stringers. A total of 297 pros used synthetic string, while 189 stayed with traditional gut.

Prince Sports Groups recently spent a day at the Vertical Club in Manhattan, N Y., familiarizing their pro players with the latest innovations and product developments.

Amanda Coetzer, Manon Bollegraf, Katrina Adams, Alexia Dechaume-Balleret, Mariaan De Swardt, Liezel Horn and Andrea Glass were among those who met to test the latest line of Prince racquets, the LongBody.

Three hundred participants representing 40 teams from around the country met in Charlotte, N C., for the finals of the Prince/World TeamTennis Recreational League. The weekend also featured the finals of the Professional World TeamTennis League, which was won by the New Jersey Stars.

Associations

(617) 951-0055 Preliminary findings of a survey conducted by the Club Managers Association of America on the impact of the loss of dues deducibility and reduction in business meal deductions reveal that approximately 3 I percent of the respondents reported some loss of club membership due to the new laws. Nationwide,

An original Andy Warhol portrait of Chris Evert has been donated to the International Tennis Hall

of Fame Museum by Richard L. Weisman of Seattle. The portrait went on exhibit Oct. 1 as part of the museum s exhibit of Evert's personal memorabilia.

Sports Management Enterprises and Online Sports have developed the Online Sports Career Center at http:/ www.onlinesports.com.

The career center is designed to help bring organizations and job seekers together and focuses on obs related to sports and leisure.

President

on our education programs — providing you with the skills and tools needed to keep up with the multi-dimensional requirements of our profession. A focus on endorsements — enlisting the necessary financial and philosophical support of our endorsees who help us achieve these goals. And finally, a focus on standardizing and strengthening our

divisions so that all 17 become the delivery system to carry out these goals in their geographic regions.

While I may have painted a rosy picture about the year in review, it would be naive to say we ve done it. Some of you may have worked hard this year, but some of you have yet to begin. That's my challenge to you. This attention and in-

tensity to increasing participation should never subside. Commit yourself to it.

Be innovative. Tinker with your program formats and formulas, and talk and telephone tennis till you re blue in the face! We have the power to get more Americans — young and old — to play tennis — that's our ultimate job security and our greatest hope! $&

from page J tennis industry convention worldwide at our USPTA National Convention, I was reminded that it represents a microcosm of the most critical long-range goals of our Association. A focus on employment — helping you to acquire and keep good jobs in the industry. A focus

The Tennis Industry Association and executive director Brad Patterson are now on line, at bptia@aol.com. At sgma4@ix.netcom.com. browsers can find research and items of industry interest.

Ken Blanchard, author of The One-Minute Manager and Raving Fans, will be a featured speaker at the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association at its annual convention and trade show in San Diego, March 20-2 3 For information about the convention or trade show, call (800) 228-4772 or

USPTA professionals Kim Dillard and Nhu~Lang Fowler helped conduct a wheelchair tennis clinic that was led by wheelchair tournament flayer Marty Hartman at the Hester Park Tennis Center in Greensboro.

N C The clinic was held in conjunction with the North Carolina Wheelchair Sports Association tennis tournament. More than zy wheelchair athletes participated.

CMAA members reported that the new laws resulted in a loss of 1 percent of the current membership in CMAA clubs. However, 80 percent of those memberships were replaced with new members. This study shows that the actual effects of these laws are less dramatic than managers predicted in a 1993 study.

Miscellaneous

ADDvantage/December 1995

?

Save 200 per Dozen on Pro Penn Tennis Balls!

All orders shipped and invoiced during the months of March, June, September and December

HERE'S HOW WE "SLICE" THE PRO PENN DISCOUNT

USPTAPro-200

USPTA Division-TOO

USPTA Notional Headqoarters-100

REGULAR PRICE Regular/Extra Duty/High Altitude

USPTA IISCOUNT PRICE Regular/Extra Duty/High Altitude

FREIGHT

For every dozen Pro Penn Tennis Balls purchased: • 20$ discount directly to the USPTA Pro • I Q$ cash rebate to Pro's Division • I OjZi cash rebate to USPTA Headquarters These funds are used to help support programs for your association.

6-114 Dl

(24-456 Cons)

$!0.04/Dz

6-114 Iz

$2.51/Can

$9 96/Dz

(24-456 Cans)

120+li

$2.46/Can

$9.76/Dz

$9.84/Dz

Prepaid on 96 dozen (384 cans) tennis balls shipped at one time to one location.

For more information or to place an order, call your Penn sales representative or:

120+ll

TERMS

$2.49/Can

(480+Cans) $2.44/Can

4% 30 days,2% 60 days, net 90 days.

Pricing subject to change without notice.

1-800- BUY-PENH

Happy Holidays lo fheUSPft! Penn would like to extend its appreciation to the USPTA for another great year by offering a

$250 bonus to the division with the largest percentage increase in December 1995 Pro Penn unit purchases over December 1994.

Qualifying orders must ship and invoice in December 1995. Orders must ship with above USPTA quarterly discount program applied to be eligible.

Division purchase totals to be determined after program ends on December 31 1995. Winning division will be notified by January 13, 1996.

(480+Cans)

USPTA OFFICIAL BALL

ANYONE CAM PlAY IT. ONUf YOU CAN SELL IT. PIII1DII I S T H E $ H ®ML the BEST

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

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

MORE DURABLE

Hard Courts May Damage Your Knees But\Not Your B a l l -\E OFFICIAL BALL

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

For the highly technical OF THE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION (USPTA)

explanation of the PG3® PSK1C Extra-Duty FELT ball or IfifflE, call your rep OR l - 8 0 0 - B U Y - P E N N .

That's how many tennis publications are read before

$40 per year â&#x20AC;¢ 20 issues

WEEK

Canada & Mexico

$50

Foreign

$125

341 Madison Ave., Suite 600, New York, NY 10017, (212) 808-4750, Toll Free 1-800-800-TENN

Tennis Professionals

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

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 3887 Tampa, FL