Addvantage 1996 September

FOLLOW THE LEADER.

\PWM-Y

'^ttHHtttl ^suAoLt1'

Why do top players like Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf play Wilson? It probably has something to do with our leading-edge technology. After all, our patented Hammer, Sledge Hammer® and ProStafP racquets are the #1 #2 and #3 best-selling racquets in America.

But a leader never rests. The Wilson Stretch™ series now offers an extra I" to 1.5" on our most popular racquets. For the ultimate in game improvement, there are now Stretch versions of the Hammer and Sledge Hammer And for the ultimate in traditional feel, you can choose from two new ProStaff Stretch models.

Our new Stretch technology is so popular over 800 teaching pros are already playing Wilson Stretch racquets.There's no question that our technological

H^*O

advances continue to improve the game of tennis.The only Stretch

question is, are you playing Wilson?

i racquets call 1-800WIN-6060 for a dealer near you. Or contact us on-line at http://www.wilsonsports.com ng Models Slretch and The Right Equipment Makes The Difference ate trademarks and ProSlaff. Sledge Hammer W and Wilson are registered trademarks ol

rk- Ris-lu i^mpinc-m Mnk-sTk- Difference™

Winner of the APEX 1996 Award of Excellence Most Improved Magazines, Journals and Tabloids

the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals

CONTENTS departments

the total professional - enhancing your career 10 Job skills for today... and the 21st century - Credibility at the country club level

by Mark McMahon, USPTA — Certain traits are necessary for a teaching professional to obtain or retain a job.

»>

President's message

J

CEO's message

0

General Counsel's

12 Cat and mouse: the waiting game

message

by Jim McLennan, USPTA — A training model for positioning and movement.

L \e Tennis Z«J

news

tips

Continuing education countdown 96

8 Tencap® gains popularity with league players 22 Win USPTA dues in Tennis magazine program for Association members 24 USPTA National Convention update 25 Book review - A practical guide to making money at what you love 25 Wilson launches rebate program 32 Pro Penn Quarterly Discount

ZO Off-court focus / 7 New members Jll Industry actionUI

Classifieds

On the cover

George Bacso

stands in the USPTA Hall of

special USPTA Little Tennis™ section

Fame, which opened its doors last spring. The two Hall of Fame inductees, Arthur Ashe and Bacso,

1 5 Little Tennis updates, clothing, accessories and questionnaire

past national presidents, national award winners and USPTA Master Professionals are honored in the hall.

VOLUME 20 • ISSUE 9 vantage

cWSPrtKtnfc-O

Editor Assistant editor

Shawna Riley Julie Myers

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices

Circulation

Kathy Buchanan

One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive

Advertising

John Tamborello

Houston, TX 77042 Phone Fax e-mail

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. 5 p.m. Central time

(7 3) 978-7782 (713)978-7780 magazine@uspta.org

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

The opinions expressed in/ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1996. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADOvantage/Septemberl996

SPORTS TRAINING

Self-teaching audible tone trains you on court.

INCLUDES LG E. Tone Trainer World-class tennis instructor, Dr Jack Groppel, shows you how to dramatically improve your game, no matter what level you currently play

Tone Trainer is the approved learning product of the United States Professional Tennis Association The World's Oldest and Largest Association of Tennis Teaching Professionals FOR INFORMATION CALL 1-800-542-3506 Official Training System of the

The premier international tennis tour for men 35 and over featuring

CONNERS - BORG - GOMEZ - VILAS - LLOYD - TANNER and more!

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Relying on the experts...

I

've always said I'd come clean with this story.

I only asked that I be the one to confess publicly. I sincerely thank my closest associates and our national staff (especially Rich and Christl) for humoring me all these years with this cover-up. OK. Enough drama it wasn't quite Watergate or even Whitewater, but it does have water in it toilet water.

Yes, I flushed the keys to my rental car down the commode at a supermarket restroom a few miles away from the venue of my very first national board meeting in 1988. I was in Tampa, Fla., just a few miles from my destination, having rented the car in and driven from Sarasota. Adding to the humiliation of the "act" itself was this: the car was locked, containing my suitcase, briefcase and rental Kathy agreement with all of the particular codes and serial numbers that would expedite a solution to my crisis. I was dressed, quite inappropriately for this meeting, in running shorts and a T-shirt, from which I had expected to change before the meeting.

My triumph (there must be something we can learn from life's challenges, right?) was that I was able to call in a few experts in the field, analyze and implement, and boom, I entered the meeting perfectly punctual, appropriately dressed, with a calm, unfazed, focused look, just two hours after my incident. The only reason anyone on the board knew this story is that I told them. I figured some of the staff might let it out, and a strong offense is the best defense.

Such was my inauspicious beginning as a rookie board member. And I suppose it was good training for my presidency six years later. Problem solving. My term began two years ago with the "Is Tennis in the Toilet?" diatribe the lowest sales and PR position we d encountered in the industry since the pre-boom days. And I'm happy to report that the experts in the ten-

nis industry rallied, analyzed and implemented.

Pretty much the same strategy was used. Let's go on the offensive with what we can do to make our sport better and easier and more affordable and more fun and c'mon "Play Tennis America!" No need to tell the TIA story again.

Our own USPTA staff, Executive Committee and industry partners all contributed to the steady growth we've seen.

What has surprised and delighted me during the past two years is how you, our members, are the most significant experts. Over and over again, challenges arise and you are the problem solvers.

Kind of like the guy who drove a newly cut key out from the Tampa airport to replace my flushed keys in '88. I'll never forget that man!

Woods And I'll never forget you and your inspiration.

I've heard it in your phone calls, letters and brief and not-so-brief conversations I've had with you all around the country. Your worth is precious. Your energy is contagious and your stories are motivational. Some of you sacrifice time for all of us, and some money and some plain old sweat. I want to tell your stories but there are too many and I mustn't exclude anyone.

I thank our business partners for their support of you — us — as we drive the sport in our local communities. This space is one big thank you to you, the members. Follow your dreams and goals even when they have been flushed down the you-know-what! There is always another way — or another set of keys! Don't ever give up.

And special thanks to my loyal aids, staff and volunteer comrades who (except for one or two minor leaks) never divulged the performance of this woman board member at her first meeting.

You're the best! f&>

The Voice of the Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Kathy Woods Kurt Karnperman

First Vice President Vice Presidents

Will Hoag Joseph Thompson Jim Davis Dave Porter Mark McMahon

SecretaryTreasurer

Gordon Collins

Past President

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Executive Assistant

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications Communications

Shawno Riley Courtenay Dreves

Business Operations

JohnTamborello

Magazine Coordinator Sports Marketing Coordinator Marketing Assistant

Julie Myers Sharon Jasmer

David Rudzinski

Public Relations Coordinator

Dan Seine

Corporate Services Manager Corporate Secretary

Christl Call Kathy Edgmon

Receptionist

Arju Hussain

Computer Services Kathy Buchanan and Club Relations Director of Education Kirk Anderson National Divisional Administrator

Kelly Dolan Vicky Tristan

Membership/ Education Financial Manager Controller

.enee Heckler

Theresa Weatherford

Insurance/ Ellen Schmidt Merchandise Services Director George Bacso of Certification and Academies LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

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 — www.uspta.org Office hours: 8:30 a.m.

Central time

5p.m.

ADDvantage/Septembet 1 996 3

God Created

Tends Plaips.

IMF Makes Itiem 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.

CONING TO YOUR REGION THIS VERB! TENNIS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The Official Handicap System of the USPTA For more information, call 612-591-9495 or e-mail at tencap@aol.com.

Defining the USPTA professional in the year 2000 and beyond

W

e will celebrate USPTA's 69th anniversary this month and will commemorate the event with the annual USPTA National Convention. For me the convention always represents an ideal time to examine the direction in which the Association is moving on behalf of its membership. Only by reflecting on the past and looking toward the future can we determine a path that reflects the needs and wishes of our membership.

Although the convention is the biggest single event that we produce, it is now joined by a multitude of other activities undertaken by the Association, such as education, sports marketing, product endorsements, industry program support and other membership activities.

Often, we involve ourselves in so many programs that I worry that we do not do an adequate job of communicating their benefits to the membership at large. Regardless of our positive expectations for these programs, they are to no avail if you do not perceive a clear need for them or understand their motivations.

I often search for a simple statement that explains the overriding purpose for all of these programs, and I feel I can best illustrate the motivations for these programs by defining the desired result.

Put simply, our goal is to ensure the future of teaching professionals in the year 2.000 and beyond.

To do this we must build and maintain a unified front of tennis-teaching professionals that can be promoted to the industry to the employers and manufacturers that both create jobs and support professionals.

Obviously, one of the most critical functions of a trade association is to enhance the job market for the profession it represents. To achieve this goal, USPTA designs all of its programs with this in mind. I challenge you to closely examine all of USPTA's programs.

Although some events require additional time and effort, it's important to realize that participating in these programs is like working for yourself. When you put in the time, you will realize the payoff in the end.

It may be from increased lessons, more people in your tennis programs or more sales in your pro shop.

Most significantly, your involvement creates the perfect public relations tool through which to promote you as the most qualified professionals in the world. By communicating this message to owners, managers, manufacturers and the public, we can secure your place in the job market of the next century.

The tennis industry has been on a remarkable roller coaster ride. From the early boom days of the 1970s to the slide in tennis participation of the 1980s, the industry has changed and so has the job market for our members.

During the boom, the lifestyle and Heckler earning potential of tennis-teaching professionals continued to improve. As the burst of growth subsided, so did the number of jobs and the average income level of professionals.

We hope to continue to build the economic base and job market that will prevent us from experiencing the ups and downs of tennis past. USPTA's programs will help us do this and more.

USPTA Little Tennis™ Tennis Across America TencapŽ and your continuing education program not only boost the health of the tennis industry by attracting more players, but they are created to benefit you personally. As USPTA members, you have always been "Best by Test," and now your participation creates a united front that we can promote to the industry.

One that is undeniably the strongest and most qualified for jobs of the future.

If each of us can see the end result, it makes a lot more sense to work toward a goal.

Thank you for your support and for the effort you've made on behalf of the Association and our common goals over the past year. It will pay off hugely for every individual and the future of our profession.

I hope many of you will come to the USPTA National Convention, where we can meet and take that extra step toward these positive goals, and where I might be able to talk with many of you personally. fbÂť

Put simplyj our goal is to ensure the future of teaching professionals in the year zooo and beyond

ADDvantage/Septemberl996 5

GENERAL COUNSEL'S MESSAGE

Proper use of the USPTA name, initials and logo

T

he USPTA name has become synonymous with high stan-

dards and quality in the tennis-teaching profession. Its logo and initials are easily identified by most in our industry, making them valuable public relations tools that effectively communicate USPTA's impact in the tennis world.

In building its marketing and PR programs, the Association has encouraged the use of its initials and name by its membership and has implemented guidelines for the use of the registered and trademarked name, initials and logo that are controlled

by USPTA. There are many reasons to promote your membership in USPTA. It promotes your professionalism by demonstrating your commitment to certification and education. By placing the USPTA letters behind your name in press releases, business correspondence, club promotions and other non-commercial publications, you are promoting yourself and your Association. By using the name and initials that signify your certified status m printed materials, you are doing the same thing an accounting or public relations professional would do to promote their advanced education and certifications.

Although promoting your affiliation with USPTA is encouraged, use of the registered trademarks owned by the Association must be reserved

for special circumstances and can be used only with the permission of USPTA. This is reinforced by Article XIV of the USPTA bylaws, which says in part: "No member may speak for the Association unless specifically authorised to do so by the Board of Directors. No member may cause to have manufactured any signs, certificates, cards, forms or advertising materials and use thereon the name or official crest of USPTA without written authorisation of the Board of Directors."

Members are able to use USPTA trademarks on business cards, letterhead, note cards, banners and other printed materials, but only if they ordered exclusively through the USPTA merchandise department.

You can also request permission to use the logo on other promotional items and should contact the national office to do so.

While USPTA appreciates the publicity created by members highlighting their involvement in Association programs, use of the USPTA name is strictly denied in connection with any commercial advertisements, unless the advertisement or commercial is licensed under agreement with the Association. This restriction protects the Association's endorsement program, from which revenue is devoted solely to benefit all USPTA tennis professionals and the tennis industry.

Paul Waldman To be more explicit, no member may permit the use of his or her name on a commercial advertisement, coupled with the name, initials or logo of the Association, even if these are used ostensibly for identification purposes. Thus, for example, you may not endorse a product in an advertisement where you are referred to as a "USPTA" member without first receiving written permission from the USPTA Board of Directors, which permission must be sought by both the member and the maker of the product. The board, in turn, will weigh the advertisement's effect on USPTAs endorsement program and other relevant factors.

The trademarks are a valuable asset of the Association and control of their use is vigorously protected.

If you, as a member, have any questions or concerns, please call or write the national office. <^Âť

ATTENTION USPTA MEMBERS The following is a correction of the information printed on the back of your USPTA membership card regarding on-court liability/personal property damage 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 cov-

er injury to the tennis pro, or damage to his/her property. The USPTA policy provides legal liability insurance for an accident that 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.

It's Ihursday. loday you'll run the pro shop, teach lessons, organize league matches and practice for this weekend's tournament no time for that well-balanced meal. But if you're not getting the basic nutritional requirements needed for that high energy workout, then you're not maximizing your potential.

One way to be sure is to eat a PowerBar sports energy bar. It's the energy bar used by more professional athletes for matches, practices and gym sessions. PowerBars are made for the demands of today's high performance athletes. Ihey're packed with complex carbs for sustained energy, low in fat for easy digestibility and contain 100% of many of the nutrients that an athlete s diet requires.

Want to get the most out of your game? fat a PowerBar. You'll be ready.

z.5 g. FAI • 10 g. PROTON • 45 g. L»HYDRAJ{$

Tencap® gains popularity with league players

T

One of the toughest jobs a pro has is finding like levels Tencap makes our job a lot easier

8 ADDvontage/September 1996

eachers, by their very nature, are problem solvers.

Whether it is a student who is just not getting it or a class that needs a little pepping up, there is always another answer.

And so it is with leagues Friends like to play tennis with each other and, in many cases, that is why they join the same club. What ends up happening, however, is that they join a league and get separated due to different playing abilities.

George Bacso, USPTA's Director of Certification and Academies, said that two of the biggest problems with leagues now is that "they segment the playing population by ability levels and, in turn, it doesn't make playing very social."

How to combat this problem? Several USPTA professionals have found a method for keeping their players happy, keeping friends together and keeping things interesting.

They use Tencap® in their USPTA Adult Tennis League™ Tencap, USPTA's official handicapping system, makes it possible for players of different ability levels to still play a competitive game. It integrates players rather than segregating them. And while it is not recommended to pair teams whose ratings differ by more than 10 points, it still allows for more creative possibilities.

"The big advantage is that a larger group of people can play

together competitively" said Bacso. "It adds more parity."

The Intermountam Division's womens' doubles league is one of the first in the country to incorporate Tencap handicaps into league play. Joe Thompson, USPTA Vice President, was instrumental in bringing Tencap to the public's attention. "One of the toughest jobs a pro has is finding like levels. Tencap makes our job a lot easier."

Thompson's enthusiasm arises from the fact that Tencap is becoming a national rating system that everybody knows.

"When our ladies go to clubs in other parts of the country, they can find someone to play with and still be competitive, still find a good, fun match.

"We're using Tencap at our social events and club functions," Thompson continued.

"I want the players involved in the league to think of their numerical Tencap as their rating.

Most of the clubs in our area use Tencap, so we are able to enter in the scores of the league, make the scores more accurate and see which abilities are put into what levels."

It is relatively simple to convert NTRP ratings to Tencaps using a conversion chart. Randy Mattingley director of tennis at the University Club in Houston and Texas divisional representative for Tencap, is using the chart at his club. "It's very easy.

We don't have to have a separate

rating system, and the Tencaps are upgraded every two weeks.

The people who are using it right now are really enjoying it and that will spread.

"I think more and more pros will start using Tencap," said Mattingley. "They don't have to have a computer. They can start gathering scores and educating their players immediately. There are so many advantages to this thing it's unbelievable.

"We enter all Tencap scores from every event we run, so players can painlessly become Tencap-rated players. When they see their rating up, they become more interested," he added.

The handicapping system is especially handy when people call to get a game. "We can cjuickly identify people for them to play with. It's not limited just to their level, and with handicapping, it becomes a more competitive game.

"The players have enjoyed it," Mattingley continued. "It's really beginning to evolve.

Sometimes people are resistant to change, but we're really not changing anything. Tencap just makes a game more accurate."

Other sports already have successful handicapping systems in place, Bacso pointed out. "By increasing the base of players, you get a much better mixture of play. It still allows competition, but it becomes more social." «^° ]

O

Introducing ^5 SENSATION™ 16 string. ^y Acute sensitivity. Deadly control.

-Like a spider's web, new Sensation™ 16 string looks harmless enough. But, pity tne unwary opponent tnat buzzes up to tbe net for a closer look.

Sensation 16 stringf is made with Xycro™ micro-fibers, an advanced polymer material supplied by DuPont The string's sensitivity comes from our Dynelastic™ technology, an exclusive wet-wrap technique that twists and wraps these fibers 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 optimal feel and deadly control of your shots.

Said the spider to the 3y, ^1-7-1lennis. anyone <J77 f

Other new strings avai/ab/e from Wilson, Synthetic Gut eXtreme™ 10 (also available in 18, 17 ana Spin 15L gauges} & HammerLast™ 1Q (also available in 16 gauge}.

U)iCft<m

The Right Equipment Makes Tke Difference"

JOB SKILLS FOR TODAY... AND THE 21ST CENTURY Credibility at the country club level

by Mark McMahon, USPTA

W

hat do tennis professionals desire most from their certification?

By and large, the answer is "credibility." Credibility comes from delivering what is expected.

At today's country club, the

tennis professional is expected to bring certain skills to his position. To obtain or retain a job as head professional, a professional must possess the following traits.

Great verbal communication skills An infectious smile, consistent eye contact, a willingness to listen and a commitment to obtain win-win results are necessary in all situations.

Mark McMahon, a USPTA. Master Professional, is the director of tennis at Dunwoody (Ga.^) Country Club, near Atlanta. He also serves as USPTA's national secretarytreasurer.

McMahon is knowledgeable in club operations and programming, personnel development and pro shop management.

He is a regularly featured speaker at industry events.

10 ADDvantage/Septemberl996

A team or partnership attitude Working with your tennis committee, consulting and communicating with your general manager, maintaining dialogue with co-workers and demonstrating respect/or your co-department heads are important skills. You cannot succeed with a "me and them" attitude, or even an "us and them" attitude.

Organizational skills Your time, front desk operations, schedules, maintenance projects, lessons, leagues, accounting functions, meetings and court reservations are all job functions that require careful planning and organization.

Personnel management skills You are only as good as your weakest link. Finding, training o o and retaining qualified and motivated employees is essential. If you do not directly hire other employees, you must have the skills to maintain high morale and focus with your co-workers.

fessional of tomorrow will possess the expertise to communicate with other professionals all over the world via the Internet if he hopes to bring the most recent research and information to his club. The CMAA has started this trend through the implementation of their ClubNet software.

Appropriate on-court skills Some country clubs want to develop a very strong junior program. Other clubs have a large number of women's teams. The on-court skills of a head professional must be appropriate to the needs of the club. If you are great with kids but are expected to teach even five hours of women's team clinics, these clinics need to be "world class."

A commitment to learning It is good to have a history of participation in continuing education.

With the advent of the Information

Age, a strong command of computers and appropriate applications such as database management, word processing and graphics has become standard. The head pro-

Common sense How does what you do affect the other people at your club?

The head tennis professional interacts with and affects almost every facet of the country club, including food and beverage, engineering or maintenance, grounds and greens, accounting, members and their children, fulland part-time tennis employees, visiting league players or guests, tennis committee members and board members. The head tennis professional touches a lot of people.

The skills that I've listed are based on my personal experiences and reflect what I look for in a head professional. ADDvantage will print a series of articles titled "Job skills for today and the zf century" to help the USPTA professional take advantage of his certification and be better prepared to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. Please submit articles and tips that have resulted in your career success, ftr

80 NATIONAL LIFE of VERMONT yow, wherever the road may lead

1 WHILE YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE

THE ROAD OF LIFE WILL TAKE YOU,

O O

ONE THING YOU CAN BE SURE OF IS

THAT NATIONAL LIFE OF VERMONT

WILL

BE THERE

FOR YOU.

To

8

o U ADVISE. TO SERVE. To

PROTECT.

AND TO GIVE YOU THE PEACE OF O -A

MIND THAT COMES FROM HAVING A

4-J

rs

PARTNER WHO'S BEEN TRAVELING

THE ROAD FOR OVER 140 YEARS.

Do you

eN

HOME OFFICE: ONE NATIONAL LIFE DRIVE MONTPELIER, VERMONT 05604 TELEPHONE: 800-667-852.1

Cat and mouse: the waiting A training model for positioning and movement

by Jim McLennan, USPTA

T

ennis coaches have it made. We play the game of tennis well, and this is exactly what our students want desperately to learn. As we teach them, we get to play. As they improve, the game becomes more and more fun.

We make the learning and skill building into little games. The tasks are made challenging but not overwhelming so the student doesn't give up. For the best learning to occur, we must subtly maintain control and continually reinforce the fun of the game. As they play better, they will have more fun.

To be really good, students must hit sound shots and move quickly, and do very little else. Even the sport psychologists would agree, a good competitive attitude is of little value when the player can't get to the ball or control the shot.

Primary emphasis on these two areas has been helpful to many of the players I coach. We focus on aspects of hitting or moving and purposely separate them during practice. This separation enables them to specifically practice their hitting (coming against the ball) or their moving (gliding quickly into position) However, the most important thing to learn may be the time connection between hitting and moving. This connection is the knowing and feeling of when to start to the ball and how to best position oneself prior to the start so that there is the greatest chance of getting to the ball.

Interestingly, some of the best players at our club have this instinctive ability, or knack, to move to the ball quickly and efficiently. They may not have the best hitting skills or the smoothest footwork, but they have that instinct for the ball.

We are all too familiar with the op12 ADDvantage/September 1996

posite, the player who moves too soon and is often wrong-footed, or the player who moves too late and can't get to anything. These players need a coach who can teach cat and mouse.

Knowing when to move Feeling you can get to everything Cornering the opponent Waiting Silence The pounce It's fun to he the cat The cat and mouse metaphor is an excellent model that captures the feeling of moving and hitting. The specific qualities of a cat and mouse offer great visual pictures, simple training models and challenging drills.

My cat Alex was playful, harmless and rarely killed the little animals she captured. Once on the scent of a mouse, Alex would chase like mad until cornering it. This is where the fun began. Facing the cornered and (now) helpless mouse, Alex would crouch, perfectly ready to pounce, and just wait silently for the mouse to move. The mouse, with no escape route, would eventually move and Alex would bat it back into the corner to replay this game again and again.

Never did Alex move first, never was Alex slow to move and never was Alex off balance. A great game as far as Alex was concerned. As a player, I have been

on both sides of this game. Years before I came to understand cat and mouse, I can remember matches where I was totally frustrated, feeling cornered, having no options and always wondering why.

Now I realize my opponent had controlled me, chased me into a corner and then waited for my move (shot) to which he quickly and easily responded.

These days I much prefer being the cat.

Recount a version of this story to your students, with emphasis on cornering, waiting, options and pouncing.

Then lead your students through the following drills. With continued practice they will learn to move to the ball quickly and efficiently, quick as the cat.

Waiting for the ball - when to move This dead ball drill trains footwork reactions after the ball has been hit rather than before. Position the student on the service tee, coach on the opposite service tee. Feed in a specific pattern: forehand, backhand, forehand, backhand. Emphasize the footwork you prefer for these shots. Ideally the feeds should be a few feet from the student so that the crossover step enables him to reach all shots with the least effort.

Now change to a random feeding sequence, and monitor his reactions and technique.

Waiting for the ball Disguise the feed, and the drill becomes very challenging. Whenever he guesses and is wrong-

Cat

game

playful

helpless patient

no options

waits to move

desperate

pounces

footed, he will realize he has moved prior to your hit (the mouse), something the cat never does. This dead ball drill is a lesson in waiting, and reinforces the correct footwork sequence to the ball, The two-shot volley sequence - cornering In this live ball drill, position the student on the service tee and the coach on the opposite service tee. Feed the first shot off center so the student must make a crossover step to volley, but now the coach and student play the point. Ask the student to volley so the coach can return his initial volley (don't let him club the ball) The coach agrees to rally, and only to hit a winner if there is an obvious opening.

If the student moves to the forehand and volleys crosscourt, the coach can easily hit to the open court.

(In this instance the

The two-shot volley

student has moved the "mouse" to a corner that he cannot protect) If the student moves to the forehand and volleys down the line, he will more easily play the coaches return. Moving to the first volley and playing down the line, or in the same direction as the coach had moved, immediately positions the cat for the mouse's reply. This becomes a real breakthrough for the student, an understanding about how to "corner" his opponent with the first volley.

Timing the split step - cornering and pouncing This live ball drill is the same as the

cornered

will move first

two-shot volley sequence, but now the student is two steps behind the service line, and the coach is on the opposite baseline. Feed the first ball either off center or to the student, and ask him to close and time his split step to your (coach/mouse) moment of contact. If the student doesn't close far enough, show you are not cornered by hitting a simple passing shot to the open court.

If he closes too far, show you are not cornered by lobbing. If he closes correctly but is off time with his split step,

pounce. And if he closes and times his split step lust right, allow

him (the cat) to make a successful volley This sharpens quickness, timing, Timing the split step pouncing and confidence in moving to the ball.

show how he wasn't perfectly ready to

see Cat, page 27

PERFECT PRACTICE PARTNERS ...Durable ...Reliable Call (800) 526-4041 and find out how a LOB-STER can give you more productive training time.

Mats Wilander SEVEN TIME GRAND SLAM SINGLES CHAMPION ^.i*Âť*~

lODISrtR

LOD-STER Doll Machines 1118 North Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07062 (800) 526-4041 (908) 668-1900 Fax (908) 668-0436

ADDvantage/Septemberl996 13

worlds best players do buy

Surprisingly there is one crucial piece of equipment most top-ranked players actually pay for Babolat strings. So if they can buy a better game, what's stopping you?

BABOLAT D

O

U

B

L

E

L

I

Babolat is now distributed in the USA. by

N

E

USPTA Little Tennis7 Counting the smiles

P

rogramming for children between the ages of 3 and 10 was limited before USPTA started its Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ program. Realizing that in order to grow the game of tennis we must grow the number of players, the need to target the sport to this young group became more and more apparent.

Little Tennis was started to attract these youngsters to tennis before they become involved in Little League baseball or soccer leagues, and teach them a sport that they can enjoy for a lifetime. USPTA encourages parents and siblings to participate in Little Tennis so that it becomes a fun family affair.

Since its inception in 1994, Little Tennis has grown to an estimated 950 sites across the country, and USPTA's smile count of children participating in the program has reached almost 30,000.

S

*****

cott Wilson's program at Farmington Farms Racquet Club in Connecticut has met with tremendous success. When the program began in 1995, there were about 20 children enrolled in Little Tennis, One year later, the program has multiplied to include 95 youngsters playing some of their favorite tennis games, such as tennis hockey.

To promote his program, Wilson sent frequent mailings to club members, like the USPTA Little Tennis brochure (available to all USPTA members for promotions) He has also held tennis carnivals sponsored by local businesses such as McDonald's and a miniature golf center.

Wilson's philosophy for teaching young children is for tennis professionals to teach the way they like to learn. Success is achieved, he said, when the children have fun.

USPTA

JA t the Upper Main Line MB YMCA in Eerwyn, Pa., J^^Mark Townsend has experienced similar success with his USPTA Little Tennis program. His first session was a sellout and as a result, more classes were added to the schedule. Within two months, Townsend had hired another professional to run the program, and by March, there were 10 Little Tennis classes per week.

"Since the beginning of my directorship at UMLY, we will have had over 400 Little Tennis players through the program," said Townsend.

"This has been a shot in the arm to my facility and to my reputation for offering quality programs. Not to mention the newly added revenues to the budget,"

C

hildren who complete a USPTA Little Tennis class will receive the newly-created Little Tennis certificate, featuring Pete Sampras and Steffi Graf, (Please see the merchandise information on the next page for a sample.) The certificate is free to professionals who submit the recipient's name, address, phone number, date of birth and sex to the USPTA national office. It will include the name of the recipient pre-printed on each award, Professionals may then fill in the purpose of the award as well as their name and the date.

The certificate is a great way to reward program participants and generate enthusiasm among young players.

For more details on the Little Tennis certificate or program, please contact the Sports Marketing Department at the national office at (713) 9787782 or e-mail sports@uspta.org.

ADPvantop/September 1996 15

USP accessores

Good work chart

Item

Package description (all items are in full color)

Starter kit

Instructional program book

25.00

Nylon banner

4 f t . by 4 ft.

40.00

Price

Quantity

Total Amount

*••

SEND ORDER TO: USPTA Gift Shoppe, One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 TEL (713) 97-USPTA • FAX (713) 978-5096

PAYMENT METHOD:

Skill charts

6 charts per package

3.00

Stickers

600 stars per package

1.50

Name tags

84 tags per package

4.50

Posters

1 poster

I—I

VISA

LJ

MASTERCARD

LJ

International orders must pay by Visa or MasterCard

Name as it appears on credit card Credit card No.

Exp. date

Signature

.50 SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please):

Q Business

D Residence

12 for 5.00 25 for 7.50 50 for 12.50 100 for 20.00

Tattoos

2" x 2"

Certificate

Features Sampras and Graf

NO CHARGE. Call USPTA for details. |

Bl

Subtotal Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax other Texas residents add 7.25% tax Shipping and handling: see below Shipping and handling charges

Total order

1.

2.

3.

Contiguous 48 U.S. states Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada International orders (via express mail only)

add $4.95 contact office contact office

USPTA Little Tennis merchandise

Men's polo shirt (white, embroidered w/logo) Women's sleeveless polo (white, embroidered w/logo} Adult cap (white, embroidered w/logo) SEND ORDER TO: USPTA Gift Shoppe, One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 TEL (713) 97-USPTA • FAX (713) 978-5096

Adult T-shirt (package of four/same size) Child's 50/50 T-shirt (package of four/same size)

PAYMENT METHOD:

D

VISA

D

MASTERCARD

Child's tank dress (white) (package of four/same size)

International orders must pay by Visa or MasterCard

Socks —baby (12-18 mo.) (box of six)

Name as it appears on credit card

Socks — child's (5-672) [box of six)

D CHECK

Exp. date

Socks — child's (6-772) ;box of six) SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please):

Socks child's crew (7-9) [box of six)

D Business

D Residence

Socks child's crew (9-11) [box of six) socks child's anklet (7-9) ;box of six)

Phone (area code) Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax other Texas residents add 7.25% tax

Daytime phone (area code)

Member No.

Shipping and handling: see below Shipping and handling charges Total order

1. Contiguous 48 U.S. states 2. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada 3. International orders (via express mail only)

add $5.95 contact office contact office

USPTA's Little Tennis™ Questionnaire Please make a copy of this form, answer the following questions and return it to the Sports Marketing Department at USPTA.

Name

„

i

Address

Home phone

___

)

City/State/ZJP

Facility

Work phone

:

Address Is the facility indoor

(

(

__ )

City/State/ZIP outdoor

combination

?

Is it private

Are junior racquets sold in the pro shop at your facility? Yes Do you run a tennis program for children under 10? Yes

public

No

?

Is there a pro shop at the facility? ^fes

How may junior racquets were sold in 1995? __

No __ In 1996

No __

What is the name of program? "USPTA Little Tennis"

Other (please describe)

How many sessions per year do you plan to run your program?

For how many weeks do your sessions run? ______ What age groups participate in the prograin?

Do you divide the children by age ___ size

How many times per week? _____ How many children participate in your program (s)? _

ability

Does a USPTA professional direct the program? Yes

experience

other

Please explain

No

Do others assist with the program? Yes No _ If yes, are these assistants parents? ___ Other teaching pros?

Interested adults? _ Older junior players?

Others? __ Please explain Do you provide incentives (stickers, stars, candy, trinkets) for children in the program for cooperation, skills, attendance, etc.? Yes Do you have a league or other play opportunities for program participants? Yes Do you use the USPTA Little Tennis Starter Kit (manual and accessories) ? Yes

No No _

What brand or type of equipment and teaching aids do you use? _____

How do you promote your program?

What type of information can USPTA include in ADDvantage that would help in running Little Tennis™ programs?

Comments:

18 ADDvantage/Septembeil996

No _

Out wear your opponent.

Atnco, Inc is an authorized licensee or Wilson Sporting Goods

1-800-990-0000

UHfton

Tne Rignt Equipment Makes Tne Difference" The Right Equipment Makes the Difference is a trademark and W and Wilson are registered trademarks of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Š 1993 Wilson Sporting Goods Co.

month di/ fa , . .A,0^

You're looking at the only wrap-around midsole in the industry that you actually lace through It's called Stable-wrap. For a reason. No shoe gives you better lateral support. Throw in a guarantee on the outsole and toe guard, and you've got ten months of all-out, in-your-face, if-you-can't-stand-the-heat-get-off-of-the-court tennis. Extreme enough for you?

A definite contender for Shoe of the Year.

Tennis Magazine

U)iEÂťon The Right Equipment Makes The Difference71

1-800-WIN-6060

Ready, aim, fire

T

each your students to aim at a target by using blownup punching bags. (These cost about $ 5 at most toy stores and there are many characters to choose from.)

Place three or more punching bags at the net. Line up your students along the service line with five balls each.

When the instructor says, "Ready," the players pick up a ball, "Aim," the students prepare to throw the ball, and "Fire," the players throw the balls at the targets with the palm of the hand facing the bag they are aiming for.

As the children become more skilled, have them use racquets, move farther back or move the targets across the net.

Susan Marshall, USPTA Chandler, Ariz.

waffs

For more fun, allow untagged players to touch a frozen player to unfreeze them. They must then avoid the taggers again. Also change the movement to skipping, galloping or sliding.

Susan Marshall, USPTA

rf f

Quick pick When your students need a little extra incentive to pick up balls, do a quick pick. Students must pick up only five balls at a time and carry them to the basket. For each set of five they turn in, they earn a small sticker or waterbased hand stamp (some stamp stores have tennis racquet and tennis ball stamps) When they earn a total of six (or whatever number the professional decides upon) the students receive a bigger sticker, candy or a small reward.

Susan Marshall, USPTA

Put a star on that hand

Variations of freeze tag can be a fun way to teach tennis motions and positions to young students.

Ready position tag This is a version of freeze tag. First define the playing area and choose one or more players to be the taggers. A child is safe from being tagged (frozen) if she assumes the ready position before being touched. The taggers try to freeze as many players as they can before time is called.

Once time is called, the taggers choose new taggers from the players who have not had a turn.

How often do your young students forget which hand goes on the bottom during the ready position? To avoid constant hand-switching and confusion, place a star on each child's dominant hand. With a star placed on his right hand (for a right-handed player), the student can see that the star hand should remain below the other hand when preparing to swing the racquet back for a forehand and backhand. fcetsy Heidenberger, USPTA Chevy Chase, Md.

And the winner is...

Sue Selke, USPTA, of Lansing, Mich., won a free registration to the 1996 USPTA National Convention. Her name was one of 26 entered into a drawing, which was held July 10. People whose Little Tennis tips were published in ADDvantage magazine or the Little Tennis Starter Kit from September 1995 to July 1996 were eligible.

i

â&#x20AC;˘ ADDvantage/Septemberl996 21

Win USPTA dues in Tennis magazine program for Association members

U

SPTA is excited about a beneficial new offer for its members from Tennis magazine. It's easy to participate, open to residents of both the United States and Canada, and it creates loyalty between teacher and student.

The Tennis magazine Gift Certificate Program consists of a pad of forms to

be handed out to your players that entitle the recipient to one free trial issue of Tennis magazine, along with a discounted subscription. Best of all, it allows the pro the freedom to customize the program to his or her best interest. For example, the Tennis magazine gift certificates may be handed out at public or private lessons, round robins, tourna-

ments, social gatherings, grassroots programs, through the pro shop, or countless other ways. It's your call.

As an added incentive, the pro who comes up with the best or most creative program receives one full year of paid USPTA membership dues, compliments of Tennis magazine. So, go ahead and get involved. Give the gift of tennis. f&°

Announcing . . .

-

Tennis Magazine

The TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificate Program

Motivate your players! Increase your revenues! Improve your image!

TENNIS Magazine, in conjunction with the USPTA, has developed an exciting new program designed to help you become a more effective tennis professional. The TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificate Program is easy and flexible and can be tailored to meet your professional needs. Best of all, there's not an ounce of paperwork!

Focus your energies where they belong - on motivating people to love and play tennis. Let the program build your professional image and success!

Here's how the program works: Soon you'll receive a package of FREE TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificates, provided through special arrangement with the USPTA. Use them to involve players in any way you like. Here are just a few ideas.

Tournaments: Award TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificates to your tournament participants. Surprise them in their goodie bags, or promote the Gift Certificates at sign-up time.

Lessons: To encourage players, from beginners to experts, offer TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificates when they sign up for lessons with you.

Pro shop visits: Draw traffic to your pro shop with the offer of a TENNIS Magazine Gift Certificate for all who visitâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;or just for those who buy.

Thank you's: Thank your best customers, playing partners or friends with a no-occasion Gift Certificate to TENNIS Magazine. There's no better reason than "just because"!

Look for more info at the September USPTA Convention - and in your mailbox!

TENUSPTA0996

22 ADDvantoge/Septemberl996

Continuing Education Countdown '96 The 1994-96 period of the Continuing Education grading term is corning to a close. 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.

Division meetings/activities

Sept. 14-22

USPTA National Convention La Quinta, Calif. (8 points)

Jan. 24-25

Midwest Division Lincolnshire, 111. (5 points)

Coaches Workshops

Midwest Division Quincy, 111.

Oct. 6

Midwest Division Chicago, 111.

Oct. 13

California Division Los Angeles, Calif.

Oct. 25

Midwest Division Grand Rapids, Mich.

Nov. 4-5

Midwest Division Milwaukee, Wis.

Nov.

9

Midwest Division Chicago, 111.

Nov.

10

Eastern Division Bronxville, N.Y.

Nov. 14

Midwest Division Grosse Pomte Wood, Mich.

Dec. 7-9

Mid-Atlantic Division Virginia Beach, Va.

Dec.

Midwest Division Grand Rapids, Mich.

27

Jan. 19

Midwest Division W. Bloomfield, Mich.

USRSA racquet service (3 points each) Sept. 28

Philadelphia

Oct. 6

Chicago

Oct. 13

Dallas

Oct. 27

Bradenton, Fla.

To register for the USRSA workshop, contact Phyllis Zarro, USRSA, P.O. Box 40, Del Mar, Calif.

920/4, (619) 4&i-tf45

24-25

Midwest Division Lincolnshire, 111.

Specialty Courses (2 points per four-hour course; 4 points per eight-hour course)

(2 points each)

USPTA Little Tennis Training, Dec. 6, Virginia Beach, Va. (8 hours) G. Bacso

Dec.

Mental Training for Peak Performance, Jan. 2 3 Lincolnshire, 111. (8 hours) B. Young

21

(1/2 point and up) Sept. 27-29

Jan.

Conventions

Hawaii Division Honolulu, Hawaii

Stroke Analysis & Specificity Training, Jan. 26, Lincolnshire, 111. (8 hours) T. Martin

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 or write via e-mail at membership@uspta.org.

Exams, upgrades & Certification Training Courses (2 points for CTC only) Sept. 7-8 Sept. 7-8 Sept. 7-8 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 1 1-12 Sept. 14-15 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 5-6 Oct. 6-7 Oct. 9-10 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 18-19 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 22 Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct.

24-25 26-27 26-27 26-29

Burbank, Calif Hilton Head Island, S.C. Hinsdale, 111.

McLean, Va. Carmel, Calif.

Parker, Colo.

Freeport, N.Y ; Boca Raton, Fla. Grenelefe, Fla. Fort Washington, Pa. Wichita, Kan. Birmingham, Ala. Conyers, Ga. Freeport, N.Y Tucson, Ariz.

Fort Myers, Fla. Dearborn, Mich.

Lewisville, Ky. Murrieta, Calif.

Bradenton, Fla. Richmond, Va. | Oahu, Hawaii (upgrades only} Hot Springs, Ark. Industry Hills, Calif.

Fort Worth, Texas Boca Raton, Fla.

Nov. 1-2 Nov. 2-3 Nov. 2-3 Nov. 2-3 Nov. 3-4 Nov. 4-5 Nov. 6-7 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 10- 1 1 Nov. 13-14 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 16-17 Nov. 23-24 Nov. 24-25 Dec. 1-2 Dec. 4-5 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 7-8 Dec. 7-8 D ec . 1 3 - 1 4 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 14-15 Dec. 30-31

Bloomington, Minn.

Milwaukee, Wis. Tbpeka, Kan. Fayetteville, N.C. La Jolla, Calif Carmel, Calif.

Freeport, N.Y Avila Beach, Calif.

McLean, Va. Bedford, N.Y Boca Raton, Fla. Portland, Maine Fountain Valley, Calif.

Parker, Colo.

Conyers, Ga. Flushing, N.Y Charlottesville, Va. Fort Myers, Fla. St. Louis, Mo. Nashville, Tenn.

Burbank, Calif.

Belton, S.C. Austin, Texas Honolulu, Hawaii Danville, 111.

Goto de Caza, Calif.

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 cane ellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be char Jed 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 cancellation fees are paid.

ADDvantage/Septemberl996 23

USPTA National Convention update Air fare and car rental discounts

Thursday, Sept. 19

Those attending the convention may take advantage of special rates on air fare and car rental. For information on air fare, contact Atlas Travel at (800) 338-6996 or (713) 972-1095Be sure to say you are a USPTA member to receive travel discounts.

For car rental information, call Budget at (8( Ask for "promo code USPTA" to receive discoujj

Friday, Sept. 20

Committee meetings schedul Several national and divisional committe ingo the convention.

7-8 a.m.

Multicultural division liaison meeting 8-9:30 a.m.

USPTA divisional women's liaison meeting 4:15-5.45 p.m. Division treasurers workshop

a.m.-noon

Divisio

cutive administrators meeting

to e USPTA National Championships will feature a special this year — the combined age of 75 mixed doubles. To be le to play, the combined ages of the players on the douteam must be at least 75- The event will begin Monday, t. 1 6, and players may register at the tournament site.

Tuesday, Sept. 17 2-3 p.m.

2-3 p.m.

Division public relations and newsletter committee meetings Division convention coordinators meeting

Wednesday, Sept. 18 3-4 p.m.

3-4 p.m.

4-5 p.m.

6-7 p.m.

Tennis Across America coordinators meeting Division education committee meeting Divisional league coordinators meeting USPTA women's open meeting

USPTA, USTA offer sport science education, testing USPTA professionals may prepare for the USTA Sport Science Competency Exam with a series of courses offered at the National Convention. Following each course, the USTA will administer one of three subtests of its Level II Sports Science Competency Exam. See your convention brochure or the July or August issue of ADDvantage for a schedule. <%*>

irectnit

Point, Set, Match with Direct Hit Direct Hit™ puts your lessons right on target!

• Industrial strength heavy-duty weighted vinyl targets.

Your tool to improve all levels of play.

Focuses drills on shot placement.

• Defines point-winning zones.

• Complements your other practice devices.

Ideal for all playing surfaces.

Order/receive a FREE brochure, call 1-800-975-3484.

Direct Hit™ is a trademark of Sports Targets, (patent pending)

24 ADDvantage/Septemberl996

Does tennis pay ihe bills?

A practical guide to making money at what you love

T

here is much more to being a club tennis professional than simply giving lessons and looking good on the courts. When you have chosen to make your living as a tennis pro, you are confronted with the daunting task of turning a sport into a business, and a profitable one at that.

Net Profit: The Business Book for Club Tennis Professionals, a new book by USPTA member Dave Sivertson, draws on his more than 20 years of experience as a club pro. He has written a step-bystep guide on how to succeed in today's ever-changing club industry Published in notebook form, the workbook is divided into four major aspects of business that every pro

Wilson launches rebate program Wilson Racquet Sports has launched a special 10 percent rebate program on all Tennis Carnival® and mr. peeWee tennis™ equipment.

Through Sept. 30, any purchase over $150 of Tennis Carnival or mr. peeWee tennis equipment will qualify the buyer for a 10 percent savings in free products of that equipment. There is no limit on the total size of the order.

The 10 percent rebate will allow USPTA professionals and tennis clubs the opportunity to restock their current equipment or to reduce the costs of starting a new USPTA Little Tennis™ pro-

should be familiar with. The first section is strategic planning. Here, Sivertson offers an overview of the successful professional and provides information, questionnaires and graphs to help evaluate personal and professional goals as they pertain to the business of tennis.

Next, he introduces his net profit system, which can be applied to any problem faced by a professional. This cycle of success covers strategic planning, implementing the plan and evaluating the results.

The second and third sections of the book offer an m-depth discussion of the major business areas a pro deals with on a daily basis — facility development, programming and pro shop operations, team

building and communications within the club — and ends with a handy reference for handling medical and property emergencies. It includes first aid information, record-keeping forms, staff training procedures and how to cope with vandalism and electrical shorts.

The last section addresses the core issue for all club professionals: how to do what you love and make money at the same time. He walks the reader through various financial aspects of the job such as operating budgets, working as an independent contractor and developing an overall business plan.

To order Net Profit: The Business Book for Club Professionals, call Net Profit Inc. at (512) 261-7774 or fax (512) 261 7737

Si! TOPSPIN /BACKSPIN TENNIS TOWER TENNIS TUTOR For Portable Use

i USPTA j MIISCOUNTJ

Call 1-800-448-8867 for FREE brochure

SPORTS 2612 West Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, California 91505

ADDvantoge/September 1996 25

WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN!?!?

Cyberspace Microsoft Office

internet 1

Windows 95

It's easier than you think!

Come to the Computer Specialty Lab and learn all about computers, from word processing to the Internet. For your convenience, the Specialty Lab will be offered at three separate times. The cost of the lab is $50 Computer Specialty Lab registration form Name. _ Address

Member No .Daytime telephone number

Please check the session you wish to attend.

Friday Sept 20 1-5 p.m.

Saturday Sept 21 8 a.m.-noon Saturday Sept 21 1-5 p.m.

Send payment and registration to USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 For more nformation cal the World Headquarters (713) 97 USPTA (978-7782)

Cat from page 13

Internal noise - silence An old friend and superb coach, Don Kerr, often spoke about internal noise, concentration and effortless play. He knew that most people could only pay attention to one thing at a time (span of control) When two stimuli were present at the same time, confusion resulted.

Tennis players contend with both external and internal stimulation. External noise is the stimuli outside that one can sense (touch, taste, smell, hear and see) Internal noise, an additional stimulus, is the silent dialogue that often occurs in our head. We all have silent conversations from time to time: "How can I be this bad?" "Get ready, now watch the ball." "What if my friends can see my mistakes?" "How can I possibly explain this loss to my wife?" These are all examples of internal noise, and all genuine distractions when timing the split step, reacting quickly to an opponent's shot or pouncing on the ball. The cat has it so much better than we do here. Having no language, it has no source of internal noise (can you imagine a cat thinking, "What do I tell my pals if I can't catch this mouse?") therefore, the cat is totally concentrated on the "pouncing."

When some of the above drills become too challenging, and they will, take a break, relax the student and encourage him to diminish his internal noise. When champions recount their greatest moments on court, they describe letting everything flow, time slowing down and allowing themselves to play rather than making themselves play. No internal noise, perfect concentration on the ball, silence.

So many mice, so little time. f&° Jim McLennan is the bead tennis professional at the Fremont Hills Country Club in Los Altos Hills, Calif. He is the senior editor of a new tennis Web Site, TennisOne.com, McLennan is the immediate past president o/ the USPTA Northern California Division and a member of the K-Swiss national advisory staff

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!

ADDvantage/Septemberl996 27

OFF-COURT FOCU9

GTEPHEN "PETE" PETERSEN

Switching courts: lawyer hopes to use tennis skills in new career

W

V After 21 years as a lawyer, Stephen "Pete" Petersen decided to begin a new career.

28 ADDvantage/September 1996

hat's the difference between a lawyer and a tennis pro? None, if it's Steven "Pete" Petersen, a student in the Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.

After 21 years as a mediator and trial lawyer, Petersen, 46 decided to follow his heart and do something he loves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tennis.

He chose Ferris as a place to begin a new career because its tennis program offered a bachelor s in marketing.

"When I looked at how to get into the tennis-teaching profession, I valued business

education," Petersen said. "I see a place for me in the business of tennis because of my business background and my age.

"I see a substantial difference between tennis pros that I've taken lessons from and those who come out of this program and turn to their business skills. Having taken statistics, market research and finance, they have a better grip of the business of providing a service to tennis players."

Ferris State was the first university in the country to offer the USPTA-approved pro fessional tennis management program. Students who complete the program earn a bachelor s of science degree in business. USPTA provides speakers and clinicians for workshops, helps with internship programs and job placement, and offers the USPTA Certification Exam.

Peterson graduated from the University of Iowa in 1971 with a degree in political science. He earned his juris doctorate in 1974, also from Iowa.

Petersen didn t take up tennis until he was 25 when one of his first clients introduced him to the sport. Within 10 years, he was ranked No. 4 in men s 35s doubles and No. I in mixed open doubles, both in Iowa, rankings he held for most of 1985 to 1989 A member of the bar associations in Iowa and Florida, Pe-

tersen appreciates the benefits of professional associations.

"The professionalism of an association like USPTA is important because it promotes the skill levels and qualities of its members," Petersen said. "That is something the public needs to be aware of and that is best done by an association like USPTA. "The continuing education part of a profession is most significant because people need to remember how to learn," he continued. "The kinds of educational benefits USPTA provides simply give members the chance to learn. They have to do that to keep up.

"I think it's amazing that USPTA had the foresight to certify a program like (the professional tennis management program) in looking ahead at the opportunity to provide more bright, young people the chance to get into the teaching profession."

After graduating next May, Petersen plans to use his marketing degree in tennis with his legal background to develop a creative and entrepreneurial career.

I can see opportunities in USPTA to use my background as a mediator and trial lawyer to help educate young teaching pros in negotiations with vendors and employers, and in business relationships with club owners and developers." SO

USPTA welcomes new members Congratulations to the following new USPTA members who fulfilled requirements for membership between April I and May 30.

Member

Sponsor

CALIFORNIA Gheorghin, Nick N. Hanna, Maher F. Huttepain, Jean C. Isurin, Paul Van Patten, R. Nels

B. McCoy K. Nelson R. Robbins M. Downs L. Link

EASTERN Annable, Douglas A. Avena, Antonella Bhargava, Amitabh Galle, Brian J. Gristina, Jeremy Gruschow, Paul J. Kwok, Jimmy Lefiti, William Paul Pompeii, Paul T Richmond, David L. Wiley, R. Scott Woodruff Larry J.

B. Pautsch B. Pautsch B. Yegidis M. Pfisterer J.C. Hall W Schuette R Heffernan A. Michalek W Schuette B. Brodt W Schuette G. Jagdfeld

Member Eraser, Jeffrey B. Giltner, William A. Krbec, Martin Lytle, Kevin J. Pack, David F. Peterson, Melvin Shoemaker, Aimee L. Slocomb, Ann L. Smith, Rebecca Springer, Michael B. Sullivan, Thomas M. Vantnmpont, Patrick H. Velier, M. John Vernon, Leon

Sponsor G. Mac Call K.L. Sather G. Mac Call W Pretorius R.F. Billings D.V Mayeda S. Mayo J. Williams W. Pretorius R. Shioi M. Hennessy G. Mac Call G. Mac Call G. Mac Call

INTERNATIONAL Elsternwick Park Tennis Centre Minic, Dejan M.

Corporate

S. Sawer

MID-ATLANTIC FLORIDA Alexander, Jason A. Boone, Michael I. Carr, John Paul Clermont, Pierre P. Closi, Dale A. Cloyd, Randall R. Fiser, Milan M. Foster, John J. Golding, Peter M. Gouin, Knstopher R. Greenbaum, Tracy/ Harper, Darren W Hausman, Karen Hines, Luis C. Johnson, Paul Rework, Adam K. Kurtz, Arthur V Lord, Christopher M. Mertz, James Smith, Sandra L. Staub, Peter Waltman, Charles Witt, Daniel M.

J.L. Bingo M. Richardson B. Hanks K.A. Yerg J.A. Stiff S.J. Sawer D. Power R. Workman J. Macci L. Vorwerk T. Ollestad L. Ballantyne B. Thomas K.A. Yerg K.A. Yerg M. Leach R.J. Tessier J. Hahn R. Hilburn J. Buck J.M. Latshaw R Van Deinse B. Gist

HAWAII Abubo, Edward Aquino, Christopher S. ^ r Willman, Mark

J. Somerville L. Couillard J. Schwitters

INTERMOUNTAIN Bernardis, Margaret Culver, Pepi Maitland Donahoe, William G. Empey Chad K.

D. Selke W. Pretorius G. Mac Call J.A. Kurz

Alvarez, Jido Arner, Robert Cochren, Larry E. Cooley, Richard R Harper, Scott E. Meyer, Oscar A. Reed, Sharon L. Schaffer, Richard M. Szymczyk, Anthony Zent, Scott D.

K. Howard RB. Addie T. McMullen D. Ochotorena J. Barr L. Fuentes E. McMullen S. Gittleson G. Russon R. Williams

MIDDLE STATES Godreau, Julio C. Montgomery, Kathy G. Reiniger, Steven R. Warner, Christopher C.

J.A. Cook T Sweitzer A. Sorrentino S. Schultz

MIDWEST Badt, Martin Alan Belknap, Bradley K. Brand, Oscar G. Briner, Gregory R. Cooper, Brock D. Picks, Scott L. Grigg, Jason R. Hammack, Scott D. Hoffmann, Alison F. Lombardo, William T. McBain, Jody J. Nagorski, Glenn A. Rossio, Sarah A. Sheridan, Mark R

S. Schultz S. Schultz J. Kinst S. Schultz S. Schultz R. Albers S. Schultz S. Schultz B. Holmes J. Flesch S. Schultz S. Schultz S. Schultz L.R. Aragon

Member

Sponsor

MISSOURI VALLEY Alp, Byron D. Lammers, Kerry E. Roe, Dorsey Salerno, Joe A.

A. Michalek A. Michalek T Keating A. Michalek S. Schultz

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Beardslee, Jason C. Oakes B. Deller Ebie, John L. Gallop, Yvonne D. Borowicz Greco, Tony G. S. Pence J. Schnarr Greenwald, Jeff H. Gurney Melissa E. R. Kepler Hites, Susan C. Bradley Lillemoe, Lisa M. K. Cooper Martin-Simpson, Dale W J. Coyne J. Emrick Page, Marcus B. Powers, John D.T. Porter D. Miller Schreck, Thor S. PACIFIC NORTHWEST Denig, Kimberley Ann Hartshorn, Ten Lynn Trosman, Yevgeny D. Vajiranurochana, A. Walters, Tracey D. Yray, Quintin L.

Sponsor

Young, Kimberly Ann R.J. Warner S. Schultz G. Mac Call K. Eckel

NEW ENGLAND Ceccarelli, Anthony J. Holaday Charles Kreimer, Jacob Ortmeyer, Jason L. Wu, Franklin Y.

Member

C. Collins B. Loomis B. Loomis B. Loomis H.W Foster B. Loomis

J. Batchelor

SOUTHWEST Anderson, Marcos

S. WorskiWalton S. Mora R.A. Gardner T. Breece S. HuntMoran L. Elliott M. Frampton K. Foreman M. Frampton

Cope, Edward B. Despommier, Bruce T. Devereux, Alexander Elliott, Bonnie Lynn Grant, Michael J. Guy, Traci M. Murphy, Charles F. Ray, Mark A. TEXAS Campo, Michael W Cannedy, Lynda Christopher, Alan Creel, Stephen R Diepraam, Keith E. Ederi, Yehuda Evans, Graham T. Helm, Lance A. Krueger, Eric Lundblad, Jonas L. McLamb, Jon M. Mezzour, Anis Moore, Jason S. Stitt, Jon Tallent, John D. Towerton, Hayden A.

J. Johnston D. Barrett G. Alexander T. Taylor N. Saviano K. Sumrow B. Hendricks L. Sheehy D. Anderson P. Paul M. Miller J. Sheehy RS. Brown K. Ketelsen A. Rosiles C.J. Kaskow

SAN DIEGO Corporate Brubaker, Alan, Inc. Christophiades, Arthur J. M. Berner

Kuechler, Rrista Susanne A. Levie A. Lopez Numbers, Chris SOUTHERN Arnold, Johnny Butler, Clint C. Cagle, Christopher M. Cherone, Anthony J. Fiddler's Cove Beach & Racquet Club Juels, Paula R. Kearley, Mary C. Lazaro, Brad Maturin, Glynn Phillips, Charles D. Poljak, Tomislav Vann, Michael L.

R Howell K. Swindoll K.M. Corthum R Chamberlain Corporate

J. Hobson J.A. Combs R. Hebert T. Thibodeaux K. Gillette J. Livesay G.H. Fanelli

WJI $ J^ %kft J^f ^ t-^Ah.

* %m

ms SaH3

tls 9P 11* Sm li> mlV/JF liL^^-M^ ^l|igfr*tyfrfl â&#x20AC;&#x17E;., >t( <^J_7927_

\

^ ^^

ADDvantage/September 1996 29

\nc usi^y IMC

USPTA The Professional Tennis Management program at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich., recently celebrated its 10th anniversary at its annual spring banquet weekend. Guest speakers included Desmond Oon, Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional and tester from Singapore, Dave Porter, Ed.D., USPTA vice president, Dan Soine, USPTA, USPTA public relations coordinator, and Jill Fonte, USRSA executive director.

The new director of tennis and head professional at the Country Club of Sarasota (Fla.) Jabczynski Tennis Center is USPTA professional Jarek Jan Jabczynski.

Ken DeHart, a USPTA and WTS International professional, is the new tennis director at the Beverly Hills Country Club in Beverly Hills, Calif.

USPTA member Terry Bobbit is the new tennis director at The American Club in Hong Kong. He is responsible for all instructionBobbit al, social and competitive programs, guiding the coaching staff and running special events.

USTA The USTA has selected the sports agency, ISPR, as its 30 ADDvantoge/Septemberl996

exclusive representative of U.S. Open international television broadcast rights from 1997 to 2000.

"We welcome this new partnership with ISPR," said USTA President Les Snyder. "They were selected because of their impressive performance in worldwide marketing of TV rights."

Manufacturers Penn Racquet Sports and the USTA recently added another dimension to their relationship. Penn has been named the official ball for all U.S. Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties for the next three years.

Penn s Chuck Heyde from the company's Northeast Region was named Salesman of the Year during Penn's 1996 National Sales Meeting. The Southeast Region, headed by Patty Szakal, USPTA, received the region of the year award for the third year.

District sales managers for the region are Bill Guard, Pete Klear, USPTA, Jim Haneklau, Kendall Lyon, USPTA, Sheri Morris, USPTA, and Mike Moore.

Wilson Racquet Sports has added a feature called "Comfort Seams" to its already popular CushionAire Perforated Stretch Grip. The Comfort Seams prevent seam separation, providing a more comfortable feel and are constructed with a layer of air-supported polyurethane.

Wilson has expanded its

USPTA members George Bacso, Dave Porter and Desmond Oon visited Tioman, Malaysia, to conduct lectures and workshops for members of the Singapore Tennis Coaches Association,

line of racquet string by adding a I7-gauge option to the Sensation™ family.

The string features Dual Multifilament Wraps, which help improve the string's durability. It also features Xycro microfibers™ that reduce friction and enhance playabihty and consistency

Yevgevny Kafelnikov, winner of the 1996 French Open, used a final prototype of a new Babolot synthetic stringc? that will be launched on the U.S. market this fall. This win was the first victory for a Babolat synthetic fiber gut in a Grand Slam tournament.

The Har-Tru® Corp. will hold Pro tour its ninth annual Clay Court The 1996 Chris Evert/Ellesse Seminar and Conference, Pro-Celebrity Tennis ClasJan. 27-29, 1997 at the Port Royal Racquet Club on Hilton Head Island, S.C. The information presented includes routine maintenance as well as unusual or seasonal items.

In a one-up-one-down exhibition match, former VS. For more inDavis Cup coach 'Tom Gorman and Steven Welch formation, call Har-Tru® played David Hall and U.S Paralympic tennis coach Bal Moore, Ph.D., at the Lakeshore Foundation World Corp. at Challenge Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in (301) 739Birmingham, Ala. 3077

usf^ T,

sic is scheduled for Oct. 25-27 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in Boca Raton, Fla. Celebrity hosts are Chris Evert and Andy Mill, and past participants have included President George Bush, Michael Bolton, Chevy Chase, Billie Jean King, Mary Pierce, Burt Reynolds, Pete Rose, Seal and Kathleen Sullivan.

Since its inception in 1989, Chris Evert Chanties has raised more than $4-4 million to aid in the fight against drug abuse and child neglect in South Florida. For tickets and general mformatibn, call (407) 394-2400.

The world's top wheelchair tennis players traveled to Birmingham, Ala., in May for the first Lakeshore Foundation World Challenge Wheelchair Tennis Tournament that featured the largest purse established in wheelchair tennis competition, $36,000.

The winners were David Hall of Australia, men's singles; Steven Welch of Texas and Jim Black of California, men's doubles; Maaike Smit of The Netherlands, women's singles; and Smit and Chnstel Seyen of Belgium, women's doubles (round robin)

Associations Last year proved to be a good one for health clubs, especially those specializing in fitness only, according to the IHRSA annual industry data survey. From 1994 to 1995 fitness-only clubs

on average: increased revenue by 10.5 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201D; increased profit from 5 5 percent to 7 3 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201D; increased net membership by 9-8 percent decreased membership attrition from 44 percent to 38 percent increased revenue per member from $575 to $581 Don Hightower, associate director for the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association, recently spoke on "Long Racquets The Future of Tennis?" at a USPTA San Diego Division meeting. The presentation included the latest in strings, stringing techniques and stringing machines.

Sales of both tennis racquets and tennis balls have increased in each of the last two quarters, according to the Tennis Industry Association. This marks the first time in almost four years that sales of both racquets and balls rose in two consecutive quarters.

Also, a survey sponsored by the National Sporting Goods Association found a 9 percent rise in the number of tennis players aged 7 and older, from 11.6 million in 1994 to 12.6 million in 1995 The U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association has published its Buyer's Guide for Track Construction, a publication that includes information on defining needs, developing a budget, using a consultant, choosing a site and a sur-

face, hiring a contractor and other related issues.

Individual copies are available free from USTC&TBA. The Buyer's Guide may be purchased in bulk at $ 3 each. A 15 percent discount is available when ordering five to 24 copies, or 25 percent when purchasing 25 or more copies, plus postage and handling. For more information or to order, call (410) 418-4875

Passings Hank Quinn, a USPTA member for more than 55 years, died in May. He worked with tennis legends Don Budge, Jack Kramer and Pancho Segura and celebrities such as Errol Flynn, Spencer Tracy and Gary Cooper. He was a longtime member of the U.S. Tennis Umpire Association, refereemg at Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships at Forest Hills.

CLASSIFIEDS AUDIO CASSETTES New! "Coach Tennis America" AudioMagazine. Attend hundreds of coaches workshops in the U.S. and Europe without leaving home.

Simply POP in a monthly cassette. Save time and money. Put POP in your career. Limited offer - FREE SAMPLE CASSETTE. (800) 752-POP3

The Private Lesson Drill Book.

50 different drills for one-on-one situations. FREE sample. Call to leave address, (800) 569-4661.

Do you want new and exciting clinic formats and drills every week for the next 50 weeks?

FREE sample. Call to leave address, (800) 569-4661

EMPLOYMENT HOW TO GET A BETTER JOB

EMPLOYMENT, lists almost 100 jobs every month. Current issue $10. Bob Larson, P.O. Box 24379-H, Edina, MN 55424

SOFTWARE Unique Sports Software: IBMcompatible software for organizing, er schedulingo and runningo tournaments, leagues, mixers and team events. Special discounts for USPTA members. Call (800) 248-0527 or (501) 455-0554 for a free info pack & SLIDE SHOW on disk. E-mail: DARRELUSS@aol.com.

TEACHING AIDS ROPEZONE now available for as little as $ 30 per court. We owe it to our students. Less than 3 cents per day over three years of teaching. AIRZONE and NETZONE also available. Free information. Call (800) 752-7673

Bob Larson's magazine, TENNIS Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.)

Issue closes 1 5th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made.

USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. It reserves the right to re/'ecf any advertisement at its discretion.

ADDvantage/Septemberl996 31

SAVE 200 PER DOZEN ON PRO PENN BALIS. (For USPTA Members Only) USPTA

Regular, Extra Duty or High Altitude Regular Price USPTA Discount Price

6-114 Dz

120+ Dz

(24-456 Cans)

(480+Cans)

$!0.04/Dz

$9.96/Dz

($2.5 I/Can)

($2.49/Can)

$9.84/Dz

$9.76/Dz

($2.46/Can)

($2.44/Can)

Freight prepaid on 96 dozen tennis balls (384 cans) shipped at one time to one location.Terms: 4% 30 days, 2% 60 days, net 90 days.

Pricing subject to change without notice. All orders shipped and invoiced during the months of March, June, September and December

FOR EVERY DOZEN PRO PENN TENNIS BALLS PURCHASED: discount directly to the USPTA Pro • Oy cash rebate to Pro's Division • 0£ cash rebate to USPTA Headquarters These funds are used to help support programs for your association.

For more information or to place an order call your Penn sales representative or1

1-800-BUY-PENN

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE LOAD YDUR CANNON. (Enter the Penn Fast Serve Contest at the USPTA National Convention With up to $1,500 n total prize mone On September 19, at our annual convention party at La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, CA we're inviting three coed teams from each division to take on the radar gun. Each USPTA division participating in the contest will have the chance to win $1000 for first place and $500 for second place. Register at the Penn Hospitality Suite with Carrie Cimino by 2:00 pm on September 19, It should be fun. Just like the rest of the party, to which you're naturally also invited.

"Official Ball" of the USPTA

USPTA

n/ojonn I It's the best ball on the market and it's not available to competing retailers. Advantage, USPTA. THE

EXCLUSIVE BALL OF THE USPTA, For more information call l-800-BUY-PENN.

That's how many tennis publications

TennisWeelt $40 per year â&#x20AC;¢ 20 issues

Canada & Mexico - $50

Foreign - $125

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

United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. World Headquarters One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042-5235