Addvantage 2000 April

contents the total professional - enhancing your career 11

Get free publicity - host a Tennis Across America clinic TM

Publicity and public appreciation for pros can be generated at a level unatainable on a daily basis.

departments 2 Executive Committee 3 CEO's message 5 Vice president's message

19 Little Tennis tips 13 Lessons learned from team sports by joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Profissional Survey compares tennis to other sports, provides insights into what may benefit tennis.

23 USPTA drill 29 Career development 30 Industry action 31 USPTA welcomes new members 32 Classifieds

24 A teaching professional's challenge: Club Med vs. regular clients

by Betsy Heidenberger, USPTA - Keep it simple when instructing a guest student.

feature 8 Peter Burwash creates formula for 25-year success by jill Kite, USPTA staff writer- Quality, reliability and loyalty are key ingredients for success.

news 10

US PTA schedules Specialist training

15

European pros meet in Barcelona

18 West Texas women get even; Houston men bring title south

volume 24 • issue 4

www.ADD vantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briorpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone - (713) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U Fox- (713) 978-7780 e-mail - magazine@ uspta .org

On the cover . . . USPTA Little Tennis promotes the use of child-size equipment, which helps increase ease ofentry and participation in the sport. See related story, Page 13.

Editor Managing editor

Shawna Riley Julie Myers

Circulation

Kathy Bu chanan

Advertising

Diane Ri chbourg

Offi ce hours: 8:30a.m. - 5 p.m . Central time

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

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage ore those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the US PTA. CopyrightŠ United States Professional Tennis Association , Inc. 2000. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portio n of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from US PTA ADDvantage/ April 2000

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Executive Con1n1ittee

National Board of Directors

Division presidents and regional vice presidents

Joseph Thompson President (303) 278-1130

California Division Pam Austin President (626) 854-2360 NickGetz Regional vice president (310) 300-6135

Middle States Division Mark Townsend President (610) 647-9622 Tom Sweitzer Regional vice president (717) 533-5995

Northwest Division Chris Combs President (651) 426-1308 Michael Stenquist Regional vice president (612) 887-5001, ext. 21

Eastern Division Bob Bynum President (908) 233-4404 Steve Diamond Regional vice president (973) 822-1900

Midwest Division Lee Ann Berning Reed President (219) 432-0502 Mary Herrick Regional vice president (440) 282-4416

Pacific Northwest Division Shelly Stockman President (425) 313-0123 Barry Sterett Regional vice president (503) 343-5905

Florida Division Kevin McCarthy President (954) 344-1840 Len Simard National delegate (561) 482-5000

Missouri Valley Division Kim Sunderland President (913) 341-7771 Russell Warner Regional vice president (918) 299-2643

San Diego Division Kim Funk President (760) 753-7266 Ben Pigorsch Regional vice president (6 19) 275-3270

New England Division Bob Greene President (207) 864-2540 Becky Wendler Regional vice president (508) 358-7355

Southern Division Tommy Wade President (205) 879-4611 Reedy Toney Regional vice president (423) 245-0826

Mark McMahon First vice president (770) 392-7788 David T. Porter, Ed.D. Vice president (808) 293-3755 Ron Woods Vice president (361) 991-7561 Harry Gilbert Vice president (904) 437-2427 Tom Daglis Vice president (770) 784-5790 Randy Mattingley Secretary-treasurer (806) 762-3430 Will Hoag Immediate past president (954) 564-7386

Hawaii Division Randy Kop President (808) 734-2151, ext. 238 Bruce Nagel Regional vice president (808) 262-2057

Past presidents Kurt Kamperman (1997) (843) 686-3036

Intermountain Division Judy Courtney Regional vice president/ presiding president (303) 670-3417

Kathy Woods (1996) (203) 226-8259z Gordon Collins (1994) (408) 395-71 11

2

ADDvantage/ April 2000

Mid-Atlantic Division Tom Hawkins President (703) 556-6550 Patrick Kearns Regional vice president (804) 245-0670

Northern California Division Michael Friedman President (209) 830-1410 Ken DeHart Regional vice president (408) 267-7668

Southwest Division Dick Johnson President (505) 821-4860 Ruth Ann Gardner Regional vice president (602) 589-2813 Texas Division Gerry Maingot President (361) 643-6057 Mike Doty Regional vice president (713) 622-7729

CLEQ's

message-~~~----

Making friends, pleasing customers isn't always second nature to those in service business

S

orne people have it - most people don't.

It's not that people purposely forget their manI'm talking about the natural ability to talk ners or act inconsiderately. Lots of people just don't with perfect strangers, make friends easily feel comfortable in highly social situations. In fact, and be the kind of person to which others naturally many people who are confident and comfortable with gravitate. their close friends are inhibited by larger groups of people or casual acquaintances. Even the most talentIf you're a tennis-teaching professional with these valuable traits, you've probably got a prerty satised people often feel shy, insecure and inadequate when fied customer base and a good business. In fact, if they're out of their personal environment. you're lucky enough to have such an outgoing perThe parallel to natural or "God-given" talent vs. sonality you'd probably be successlearned talent can be witnessed in ful in almost any profe1>sion. some tennis players. For example, while they may have worked rigorI recently had the pleasure of attending a seminar by former USPTA ously behind the scenes, John McEnroe member Steve Wedderburn, who and Bjorn Borg made winning was born with just such a personlook easy, while Ivan Lend! and Jim Courier had to work much harder to ality. He spoke on the topic of customachieve their talents. er satisfaction at the Texas Division convention. Will Rogers may have Whether you work hard to learn said, "I never met a man I didn't certain skills or come by them natulike," but Steve probably never met rally, you need them to compete and a man he couldn't make like him! to be successful. Skilled competitors Tim Heckler have the desire to win, whether it's This tennis teacher turned luxury car sales consultant is a self-trained closing the deal, winning people over, service expert. He doesn't mind walking up to a providing the best possible service and finally sucgroup of strangers and joining in their conversaceeding in their profession. tion. I'm sure Steve's natural friendliness contribAnother unfortunate problem is that perception utes in large part to his success - whether it's cais everything when it comes to customer satisfactering to tennis players or car buyers. tion. And, although a person may have excellent Steve's seminar was a reminder that "customer "people" skills, he or she may not be able to satisfY every customer. Many times, it's the common sense, satisfaction is the most important ingredient in any business." As tennis-teaching professionals, direceveryday things that make a big difference, but the tors of tennis and club managers, we interact with most skilled communicators sometimes have problems satisfYing them. Phone communication is one our students and dub members every day. If we aren't practicing good human relations skills and selling such area. Generally it is more difficult to satisfY every customer in this area since most people want to speak ourselves along with the fun and enjoyment people only with the person in charge. This will allow them should take away from our facilities, then we're not to circumvent middle management or others who doing a very effective job. may not be able to make the ultimate decision. It Although Steve correctly estimates the imporalso increases their sense of well being and feeling of tance of the skills necessary to maintain high stanimportance. dards of customer service, he might underestimate the difficulty most people have in acquiring and Unfortunately, many of the executives to whom using them because of his own natural abilities. see Customer, Page 4

This information will teach members how to keep customers happy by selling themselves, selling fun and making people feel good about themselves and their surroundings.

ADDvantage/ April 2000

3

Customer fromPage3

these calls are directed are often so busy that they can't take them all, so customers who cannot get through begin to feel neglected when they are transferred to another staff person. In reality, the most effective executives surround themselves with talented staff members who in many cases are more capable of answering certain questions and performing specific services.

Creating customer service policies for an entire company is the best way to address these problems. The secret is making sure all employees can assist customers and make them feel comfortable.

I was impressed with Steve's seminar, but I know he is a very talented person, who happens to be naturally gregarious.

He's comfortable around people and he can put his audience at ease with litrle effort.

However, that still leaves us with a significant segment of people in our society who are not as open and sociable, and to whom learning to communicate effectively and

deliver customer satisfaction is not always simple.

Just as Lendllearned to be a great tennis player, these people can learn how to effectively communicate and cultivate the social situations that will result in personal and professional success.

You can improve and energize your communication and presentation skills through various courses, including those offered by Dale Carnegie, Stephen Covey and Zig Ziglar. USPTA hopes to encourage participation in these and similar courses by developing a Specialist degree that focuses on these and many other communications and human relations resources.

This information will teach members how to keep customers happy by selling themselves, selling fun and making people feel good about themselves and their surroundings. If you deliver this kind of customer satisfaction, you cannot fail. And, above all, T-E-N-N-I-S will win.

If you're lucky enough to be as expressive and affable as Steve, congratulations!

If not, develop these skills by attending courses that teach you how to communi-

cate, compete and win. In the end, you'll be able to deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction. Not only will your customers benefit, but you'll also reap the rewards of a successful business. 'f>o

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ADDvantage/ April 2000

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Practice to play or play to practice

I

n the musical, "Fiddler on the Roof," Tevye says, John Wilkerson) for the USA Tennis High Perforspeaking of a specific tradition, "You may ask, mance Coaching Program, which qualifies members for USPTXs Specialist in Competitive Player 'How did this tradition get started?"' H e answers Development certification, I was able to review and the question by saying, "I don't know, but it's a TRAgive input concerning competencies, philosophy DITION." M any of us teach theway wewere taught.

We don't know why, but it has become a tradition. and direction of the program. Nick Saviano, director of the USA Tennis Coaching Education DeTeaching largely from a basket placed somewhere partment, led the way in placing emphasis on a in the middle of the court to a student standing in "games approach." I believe that basically one place on the court is a this philosophy of teaching, which traditional approach to teaching tenis used commonly worldwide and nis and, in spite of its strengths, it has which most of us experienced in some weaknesses. In the past I have other sports while growing up, can frequently had students who hit my benefit all students, professionals basket-fed balls better than my rally and the future of tennis. balls. I have had students who hit T he games approach emphasizes much better with me than with their playing tennis while learning the friends or opponents. Students who various components of the game. are taught to focus solely or primarily This leads students to want to learn on stroke production often are not exthe necessary skills in order to play posed to the other components of the the game better. It worked for us game, such as strategy, mental toughness, or the nuances of movement. In David T. Porter as kids in other sports and it will work in tennis too. U sing the short, students are not taught how to games approach, students come to coaches wantplay the game until many of them have left for more ing to learn and often knowing what skills they are exciting options.

As I have observed tennis teaching in many parts lacking. The students learn by experience and professionals guide them through skill development of this country and abroad, I have noticed a growing in meaningful game-oriented ways. trend of teaching students "how to play the game" I firmly believe that once we, as professionals, while building a solid foundation in stroke producbecome comfortable with the games approach, we tion and motor skill development. This is especially will become more effective teachers and coaches. true when working with high-level juniors. After all, "practice makes permanent. " Here is one suggestion that works for me: Think about when you were a kid and were learnRally with the students rather than feed. If the ing to play football, basketball or baseball. You went students are beginners, use Pro Penn Stars balls.

Even with first-time players, rallying with Pro Penn out into the neighborhood with your friends, sides Stars balls can be accomplished in a short-court were chosen, rules were explained and the game began. You learned the skills to play as you were playformat during the first lesson. Teach your students angles, movement and recovery. Teach them to ing. You may have dropped passes, had shots blocked or struck out. It didn't matter. You were playing with anticipate. For example, when I teach anticipation your friends, learning a new game, and developing I do not begin with having the student watch the skills to survive, or perhaps win, tomorrow. Your techposition of their opponent's body, the shifting of nique was developed as your understanding of how their body weight or their racquet preparation. to play the game increased.

Instead I focus on a games approach that teaches As a member of the Select Advisory Board (other them to understand the game while they are playmembers include Nick Bollettieri, Chris Evert, Dick ing it. I break beginning anticipation down into three areas: Gould, Billie Jean King, Dennis Van der Meer and

See Tradition, Page 6

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Joseph Thompson

First Vice President Vice Presidents

Mark McMahon

David T. Porter, Ed.D.

Ron Woods Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Secretary¡treasurer

Randy Mattingley

Past President

Will Haag

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Executive Assistant

Marty Bostrom

Director of

Shawna Riley

Communications Publications Coordinator

Julie Myers

Diane Richbou rg

Public Relations Coordinator Communications/

Jill Kite

Divisional Liaison Communications

Shannon Kopp

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Computer Services/

Kathy Buchanan

Club Relations Computer Services/

Sylvia Flores

Data Entry Computer Systems

Quincy Kwok

Administrator Divisional Executive Administrator

Yvonne Hung

Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coordinator

Payroll/Benefits

Renee Heckler

Controller

Theresa Weatherford

Insurance/

Ellen Weatherford

Merchandise Services Insurance Services

Charlene Davis

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the

USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpork Drive, Suite One

Houston, TX 77042 Phone (7 13} 97-USPTA (800) USPTA-4U Fox (7 13)978-7780 e-mail - uspto@uspto.org Internet - www.uspto.org

Office hours: 8:30a.m. - 5 p.m.

Central time

ADDva ntage/ April 2000

5

Tradition from Page 5

1.

Know all the possibilities

For example, if I hit the ball to my student's forehand and in so doing pull them to the side of the court (on or near the baseline) , what choices do they have in returning the ball? Whether a beginner or elite player, the choices are similar. They could hit it down the line, they could hit a sharp angle crosscourt, they could hit it through the court crosscourt, or they could lob.

2. Know the percentages of the possibilities Using the previous example, the student can learn the difference in shot selection if the opponent is at the net or on the baseline. While working on footwork, stance (open vs. closed), balance, transfer of weight and stroke production, students can also learn strategy, and shot selec-

mlllfDRIUm II

tion . You can use this opportunity to teach them that the percentage of balls hit down the line in this situation is significantly higher when the opponent is at the net. When the opponent is on the baseline, shot selection should be tied to recovery.

3. Know the tendencies of your opponent For example, some players on the run with an opponent at the net will hit nearly every ball down the line, while other players will attempt a sharp-angle passing shot. By watching how players respond on big or important points, it becomes easier to predict where they will hit similar shots when your students play them.

By using the games approach, students learn the strategy of the game while they are learning the skills to be successful. It develops a more complete player in ways which assist them in playing, having fun, competing and winning at tennis.

......... (

fu USPTA professionals, we must find more efficient ways to teach and develop both elite and lifetime players. I grew up playing a lot of different sports and, in all honesty, tennis was the least enjoyable to learn. Once my skills increased and I was able to learn while playing, it became the most fun. Playing tennis is both fun and rewarding. From the first lesson, we need to focus on how to get our students to enjoy playing tennis.

Today, our profession is in competition in terms of attracting participants with instantly fun, highly visible and inexpensive games and other sports. We are also in competition with coaches and teachers across the globe who are looking for, and finding, ways to develop enthusiastic and talented players. I believe the games approach is an efficient way to develop tennis talent and lifetime tennis players. I encourage you as USPTA professionals to include this approach in yo ur instructional programs.

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MASTERm SPORTS

September 23-30

Peter Burwash creates formula for 25-year success

by Jill Kite, USPTA staff writer

Q

ality, reliability and oyalty have been the ngredients of success for Peter Burwash International. The professional tennis management company celebrated its 25m anniversary in February. In 1975 when Peter Burwash, the driving force behind PBI's worldwide operations, set out to spread tennis around the world, he had a basic goal in mind- customer satisfaction.

The success formula is based on the importance of each individual. Burwash's top priority is to take care of the tennisteaching professionals. From there, the No.1 goal of the pro is to take care of the customers, and the customers take care of the bottom line. PBI sets itself apart from similar companies by focusing solely on the customer. Burwash said he believes a lot of management is only focused on the bottom line instead of the people.

"The people in the middle are not being taken care of, and loyalty in business has to be a two-way street. If somebody is loyal to PBI, I am seriously loyal to them," states Burwash.

His customer-first service policy has led PBI to be named one of America's best-managed companies by James O'Toole, author of Vanguard Management. One ingredient in the success formula is how each PBI pro is trained. Tennis players come to PBI from all over the world, knowing how to play the

8

AD Dvantage/ Apri l 2000

game of tennis, but do not necessarily know how to teach the game of tennis. At PBI, before the pro goes to any resort, he has to go through an extensive training program. Once the pro begins giving lessons, he communicates monthly to management and attends mandatory continuing education seminars. ''I've really respected the continued effort that USPTA has made to improve tennis education. US PTA and the board have really fought for the integrity of the teaching profession," said Burwash who believes strongly in the continuing education program. A future goal that Burwash has is to pay for each pro's USPTA certification. At this point, PBI does not require a pro to be USPTA certified, but it is highly encouraged. The PBI pros have taught over three million students in 134 countries, more than any other company.

Tim Heckler, US PTA CEO, says, "For 25 years Peter Burwash has represented everything that signifies excellence. Peter and his corporation have commanded the highest form of respect from all aspects of the industry, and they have gained this by earning it through their actions."

PBI has grown into the largest international tennis program management company with 56 first-class destinations in its network. The road to 25 successful years started in 1975, when Burwash got his foot in the door. Mter hundreds of properties turned down his offer, the Kona

Vill age Resort in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, signed the first United States contract. It was a beautiful resort, surrounded by lava fields and individual thatched huts that sit right on the ocean, but it had no tennis courts. Burwash changed his approach after failing so many times before and convinced the resort that they would need tennis courts to be competitive.

"We helped them Peter Burwash build the courts and then got the contract. Even as a cent software," states Burwash. player I love being down, the The computer he refers to is the fabulous, international, lifetime real thrill was the comeback, not the victory," said Burwash. He sport of tennis. It has great orkept all the refusal letters from ganizations like USPTA, the hundreds of properties that USTA, WTA Tour and ATP turned him down to use for moTour with great leaders, but the tivation in his quest. real problem has not been addressed. The real problems like The image of tennis has not top tennis players needing to do done as well, and that is what more, resolving the tension bePBI is focusing on. Burwash between reporters and players and lieves that to represent tennis, a pro needs to conduct himself evolving tennis as a sport by initiating rule changes to make like a professional and dress like the game more attractive. Burone. As a former hockey player, wash believes that if these probhe and his teammates wore suits lems are addressed then parents and ties as they represented the will want to put their kids into organizations they were with, the sport and tennis will evolve. but he remembers the tennis teams wearing wrinkled shorts As for the next 25 years, PBI and T-shirts. will stay on the same course it has been on.

"Tennis is one of the all-time great gifts we can give people.

Burwash says, "The best We need to step-up the image companies are those that have of the sport. We have a fantasservice stamped on every emtic computer, without some deployee's forehead." '&"-

USPTA schedules Specialist training USPT~s Career Development Department is making applications available to members pursuing certification as a Specialist in Competitive Player Development. To gain the certification, coaches must complete the High Performance Coaching Program administered by the UST~s USA Tennis Coaching Education Department. The dates for the upcoming training weeks are:

Date/location

Deadline

Aug. 17-23 Palo Alto, Calif.

May 15

Nov. 13-19

Aug . 15

ONE TOUGH Just ask anyone who owns one.

Hilton Head Island , S.C .

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Applications are available by contacting Paul Lubbers at (305) 365-8702 or Lubbers@playdev.usta.com, or the USPTA Education Department at (800) 877-8248 or education@uspta.org.

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Get free publicity - host a Tennis Across A111erica™ clinic 11 years of combined effort to inspire players

Program components Tennis Across America, the original grassroots free lesson

USPTA would like to thank its members for participating in Tennis Across America for 11 years. By donating preparation and court time for free lessons, you increase the number of players introduced to tennis each year. Just as important, you keep those players in the game with follow-up clinics, leagues and special events that inspire them to improve and enjoy the health and social aspects of our sport.

program designed for pros by pros, is broken down into three segments:

e

and private facilities across the nation. These are meant to work for pros as kickoff events for spring clinic series and other events

e

Motivating tennis players is what teaching professionals do best. USPTA highlights that skill through a Tennis Across America public relations campaign at the divisional and national levels. By focusing on a single event like Tennis Across America, publicity and public appreciation for pros can be generated at a level unatainable on a daily basis.

Registration.

Free clinics held during the month of May at public

Multicultural clinics to introduce the sport to groups that do not normally have the opportunity to play. Hosts of these clinics may apply for commemorative balls and loaner racquets donated by manufacturers.

e

Follow-up programs to provide players with an opportunity to pursue their new enthusiasm for tennis

= promotion

Award results. Annual awards are given to the three divisions with the highest number of member participants and the three divisions with the highest percentage of members participating.

USPTA members are asked to register their Tennis Across America events with the World Headquarters and/or their divisions so that clinics can be publicized nationwide.

Consumers who see the advertising and media coverage of Tennis Across America make a large number of calls to the World Headquarters and visits to www.uspta.org to find clinics in their local area . When you register your event , we can recommend it to those consumers.

Tell us about your event Please register your event by returning the form below or signing up on the Internet at www.uspta.org. Also let us know about the members and nonmembers who assist at your clinic, and feel free to send pictures, press releases and information about the media coverage your event receives.

Also, USPTA divisions receive recognition for their participation level, which effects the Division of the Year

,---------------------------------------,

Register for USPTA's Tennis Across America!

1

Copy this form, complete and mail to the address below. Use add itional sheets if needed.

I

0

assistant

Name USPTA member 0 yes Clu b/ faci lity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Division

0 no

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

0

host professional

I Member number - --1I

----------- 1

Street address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ City

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ ZIP ____

E-mail _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date of clinic _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ My clinic/ socia l will be open to Location of event

0 the public

0 members only

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --

- - --

I

---- 1

Street address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ State _ _ _ ZIP____ Facility phone ( _ _ _ The following people wil l assist at my event: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USPTA member USPTA member -------------------------------

0 yes 0 yes

1

I I

Daytime phone ( _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

0 0

no

Member number _ _ _ _ _ _ ____

no

Member number _ _ _ __ _____

USPTA World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston TX 77042 Questions? Cal l (713) 978-7782 or (800) USPTA-4U, fax (713) 978-7780 or send e-mai l to sports@uspta .org

L ______________________________________________

ADDvantage/ April 2000

I I I I I I

~

11

Lessons learned from team sports

by Joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Professional

G

rowing the game.

Sounds easy, but we're just beginning to see how challenging it may be to get back to the participation levels of the tennis boom in the 1970s. In many circles in the tennis industry, there is still some pessimism despite some growth indicators proving that tennis is on the rise again, albeit slowly.

The intention of this article is to challenge the naysayers with facts and logic, and come up with at least a couple of"out of the box" proposals based on some of the successes epjoyed by several major team sports in the United States.

Of course, to compare tenills equally with team sports like soccer, baseball, softball and football is unfair to tennis and the other sports. Historically, Sport

tennis at the pro level has never been a team sport, except during Davis Cup or Fed Cup play.

The question is whether or not we want to, at least in part, try to become a team sport.

The chart in this article provides an at-a-glance comparison of tennis to these other sports.

It may provide some insight into what these other sports have that might benefit tennis.

Four lessons can be learned from this chart.

Lesson No. 1 : Participation This area creates the biggest amount of mispercepcion about the relative popularity of tennis, since the big sports in our country, such as baseball and football, have a huge spectator base through telev ision and ticker sales. Since they are team sports,

they generate fans in large numbers who root for their teams.

Tennis, on the other hand, is basically an individual sport, and only becomes a team sport during international competitions.

In other words, you cannot compare ten- Uniforms can enhance team culture. nis to baseball, football or soccer as a spectator sport.

Individual sports such as skatHowever, as a participation ing, gymnastics and others seem sport, there is at least some basis to always struggle to attract for comparison, and tennis large numbers. comes out looking prerry good.

Why? Individual activities require greater individual discipline. Groups , on the other Lesson No. 2: Teams and uniforms hand, provide built-in motivation and take pressure off indiHow do these other sports viduals. deal with youth development?

For example, look at soccer Teams, teams and more teams. and baseball, two team sports For children of all ages, group and team activities produce fun.

Soccer

Softball

3.3 million

1.6 million

Leag ue tea m participation

Leag ue tea m parti ci pat ion

Adjustments in equipment or rules for younger ages

Yes

Yes

Parent coaching prevalent

Yes

Yes

Team uniforms mandatory

Yes

Yes

National certification for coaching

No

No

+5%

-1%

Participation numbers under 18 years old Basis or criteria for participation

Approximate annual growth rate**

continued next page

*Tennis data from the Tennis Industry Association, soccer, baseball, softball and tackle football data from the National Council ofYouth Sports. **The reason all other sports except tennis have readily accessible statistics on growth is that their numbers are based on league participation only.

ADDvantage/ Apri l 2000

13

from previous page

that have been successful in recruiting large numbers of children. They do many things to enhance the team culture: uniforms, team names, team parties and even newspaper coverage, giving each child a sense of belonging and importance. This feature helps build self-esteem and confidence, just what a young adolescent wants and needs. Where does tennis fit in?

It can be an individual sport, a team sport or both. It's up to us.

Lesson No. 3: Equipment and rule adjustments for younger children

it much easier for the young batter to hit the ball.)

In soccer, 450,000 youngsters are playing in organized teams on a field only one-quarter the size of a normal soccer field, with a slightly smaller ball, only three children per team and with no goalie! Another adjustment soccer has made is in the length of the games. Adult soccer consists of two 45minute halves. Soccer for children under 8 years old consists of four quarters, each one lasting only eight minutes!

Lesson No. 4: Parent coaching

Here is another area where all of the team sports evaluated in this article differ from tenBaseball and soccer change nis. They all historically include their competitive rules to aca significant amount of parencommodate different ages and tal involvement through parent abilities in regional and nationcoaching. You can certainly aral team leagues. While the gue that tennis is technically US PTA's Little Tennis program more difficult than these other has pioneered adapting certain sports for younger children to aspects of these other sports to pick up. However, perhaps this help younger players enter the is one area where tennis needs tennis arena, it is still a long way to take a hard look at new Participation creates the ideas to create an easier entry biggest amount of into the sport.

After all, if there misperception about the was such a thing relative popularity of as T-ball tennis for 4-, 5- and 6tennis, since the big year-olds, parent-coaches sports, such as baseball could accomplish a lot, and and football, have a huge the children spectator base through would still have the option of television and ticket sales. taking lessons from the pros.

Recently, the USTA started from having regional or nationpromoting an activity called alleagues for juniors like these Ralleyball, a team format with other sports. scoring based on hitting a tossed In baseball, for example, at ball into a designated area, cerleast 500,000 league particitainly a move in the right dipants are playing T-ball (elimirection. We all know the nating the pitcher and making

14

AD Dva ntage/ April 2000

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USPTA Little Tennis advocates parent coaching, a ftature common to most team sports.

USPTA Little Tennis program has advocated parent participation for years, but on a broad scale like these other sports, we still fall significantly short.

Suggestions for tennis Should tennis adjust rules and equipment for younger players? In England the experiment was undertaken. It's called short tennis. They use softer balls and smaller courts.

The only problem is that short tennis was created to be a feeder activity for tennis and it was so much fun that it became a nationally recognized and highly competitive sport in its own right.

So, now what? Should tennis evolve in certain ways, or change to meet the challenges presented by the new millennium? Let the pundits decide. Bur who are the pundits? The truth is that the pundits are you and me. As the saying goes, yester-

day is history and tomorrow's a mystery. Today is when the future is determined. Become involved, convinced that your voice and action can help assure that tomorrow is actually not a mystery, but full of a bright future for tennis.

And, while we're at it, how about some creative innovations, at least on a local level?

Demonstrate a successful model program locally and before you know it, it can quickly become a national movement. Mter all, even the stock of a company like IBM took the same bumpy road as tennis in the early '90s. We weren't alone. ~ Joe Dino.lfer, a USPTA Master Proftssional, is the founder and president of Oncourt O.lfcourt Inc., a company exclusively serving the needs of tennis coaches and players with innovative training aids and educational tools.

• European pros 111eet 1n Barcelona

E

uropean tennis-teaching professionals who work with advanced, competitive and professional players will convene in Barcelona later this month for the XVI International Tennis Conference.

The event, which is organized by the Registro Profesional de Tenis, the SanchezCasal Academy, the European Registry of Professional Tennis and USPTA, is April 23-24, during the Conde de God6 Open.

This year's theme is "Training Professional Tennis Players." Featured speakers include Emilio Sanchez-Vicario, Sergio Casal, Luis Mediero, William "Pato" Alvarez, Angel Gimenez, Juan Aguilera, Carmen Perea, Dr. Angel Ruiz-Cotorro, Kim Forteza, Josep Comellas, David Serrahima and Miguel Crespo.

These speakers will discuss stroke production; periodization; competitive drills; working with players on court; physical and mental preparation; the role of the professional coach; how to operate a tennis academy; marketing and management of professional tennis players; sponsorship of

players on the pro tour; tennis injuries; and developing a champion doubles team. All presentations will be delivered in Spanish with English translation.

Pricing for registration is as follows:

RPT Club and USPTA members

$250

RPT, ERPT, APE Tenis Espana and APETC

$282

Others

$312

These prices include a folder and manual; notebook and pen; certificate of attendance; lunch on both days; dinner April 23; and transportation from the hotel to the club and back to the hotel.

Attendees may pay by sending a bank transfer to RPT or Open Sports.

Bank transfer to RPT Bank: Banesto (0030) Address: Orense, 19-28080 Madrid (1143) Routing code: 50 Account: 0000032172

Bank transfer to Open Sports Bank: Sabadell (0081) Address: Gracia, 36-08007 Barcelona (0025) Routing code: 21 Account: 0001784280 The deadline to register is April 14.

Spaces are limited and will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For more information and registration, please contact RPT: phone: (34) 917 663 511; fax: (34) 917 666 448; or e-mail: rpt@teleline.es.

Be apart of a11obal celebration

Tennis Around the World May 2000

4th A N N U A L U N C F Celebrity Tennis Pro-Am & Golf Tournament

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Benefiting The United Negro College Fund Thursday, April 27 - Sunday, April 30, 2000 Hyatt Grand Champions Resort 44-600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, CA Zina Garrison Celebrity Co-Host

MallVal Washington Celebrity Co-Host

Billie Jean King Honorary Co-Host

Invited Players: Venus and Serena Williams, Alexandra Stevenson, Pam Shrive1; Lori McNeil, Tracy Austin, Chanda Rubin, Lindsay Davenport, Roger Smith, Todd Nelson, Katrina Adams, Bryan Shelton, Rosie Casals, Rodney Harmon, and other top players.from the mens and women s tennis tour and golfproftssionals.

For ticket and local sponsorship information: Sportswoman, Inc. (415) 331-7100 fax : (415) 331-7102 UNCF contact: Joann Gilbert: (703) 205-3594 fax (703) 205-3574 www.uncf.org

ADDvantage/ April 2000

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www.tennisweek.com Court Surface www.sportJ.naster.net Sources of Daily Tennis News on the WorldWide Web CNN/ SI Tennis: www.cnnsi.com/ tennis ESPN Sportszone Tennis News: ESPN.SportsZone.com/ ten FOX Sports Net: www.foxsports.com/tennis Nando's Sportserver: www.sportserver.com Reuters Tennis News: www.sportsweb.com/Tennis/ index.shtml Sportsline USA: www.sportsline .com/ u/ tennis/ index.hbnl Tennis Information Services The Tennis Server: www.tennisserver.com Tennis Week: www.tennisweek.com Professional Tour News ATP Tom¡: www.atptour.com Worldwide Senior Tennis Tour: www.seniortenniscircuit.com World TeamTennis: www.worldteamtennis.com WTA Tour: www.wtatour.com Tennis Organizations Christian Tennis Ministry: www. tennisministry.com ITA: wwv.r. tennisonline.com/ ita ITF: \vww.itftennis.com International Tennis Hall ofFame: www.tennisfame.org USPTA: www.uspta.org USPTR: wwv.r.usptr.org USTA: www.usta.com USTA/Eastern-Metro (NYC): www.metrotennis.com Van der Meer: www.vandermeertennis.com Tennis Product Manufacturers Gamma: www.ganunasport s.com/index.htrnl Head USA: www.headusa.com Nike: www.nike.com Penn: www.pennracquet.com Prince: www.princetennis.com Wilson: www.wilsonsports.com/wilson/Tennis/tennismain.html Tennis Tour Grand Slam Tennis Tours: www.tennistrips .com Tennis School Ferris State University: www.hello.to/FSUPTM Tyler Junior College: www.tjctennistech.com Tennis Shopping Holabird Sports: www.holabirdsports.com PlayPro: www.playpro.com Hotel The Roger Smith Hotel: www.rogersmith.com Online Performance Center Athletes Village.com: www. athletesvillage.com Tournament Sites Australian Open : www.ausopen.org French Open : www.frenchopen.org U .S.Open: www.usopen.org Wimbledon: www.wim bledon.org USA Network: www.usanetwork.com (French & US. Opens )

For ad rates on website listing, please call (212) 808-4750.

Wast Texas woman gat avan; Houston man bring title south The US PTA-Texas Adult League Championships were held in Houston Jan. 14-16, with 20 Texas teams and one Intermountain Division team participating. The women's team from Abilene, Texas, defeated last year's champs from North East Texas in the finals with a score of 68 games to 60 games. Eleven teams, divided into two groups of five and six teams, participated in one round robin.

The men's division was divided into two groups of five teams.

Advancing to the finals were the Lubbock team and the Houston team. The Houston team won by a score of71 games to 57 games.

There was a total of 430 players participating in the tournament, which was hosted by Westwood Country Club, Westside Tennis Club, Chancellors Racquet Club and Metropolitan Racquet Club.

The women's team from Abilene, Texas, are victorious.

The Houston men's team defeat Lubbock's team in the finals.

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Hovv to get kids hooked on tennis

by Laird Dunlop, USPTA

1

2

3

When a child is 4 years old, parents should take him out on the courts, driveway or to the park and throw him a few balls. It does not have to be for a long period of time since kids have short attention spans. Parents can play with their child for as long as he seems to be enjoying it. Once he becomes a little disinterested, they should stop and pick up the balls and go do something else. The child should enjoy himself so that he wants to come back and do it again. Basically, parents just need to spend time with their children and they'll love it. To make it easier, parents should get a basket of balls to use so they will have plenty to play with.

Encourage parents to enroll a child in group lessons at age 5. There are wonderful clinics that emphasize fun and good times while teaching him or her the basic skills of the game of tennis. Our motto is: "We want your kids to have so much fun they don't even realize they are learning something!" I don't recommend private lessons at this age unless parents want us to put on our clown suits and juggle balls for their children. I just do not believe that many kids want a one-on-one lesson at this age. They much prefer the social interaction and excitement of being in group settings with their friends.

At 7 or 8 years old, children can be introduced to a semiprivate clinic with some of their friends. Now they will start being able to rally a little with the pros and their peers, so it is important to start encouraging free play. A semi-private lesson will certainly help to facilitate good skill development, as well as show the child how to rally and score. Also at this time, encourage parents to continue to keep their kids in the group lessons to allow them to play more often.

Competing in 8-and-under parent-child "Swedish" (unlimited bounces) events also would be very helpful.

G

4

Some private lessons at 9 to 10 years old will complement the group lessons and semi-privates that children should still be taking. At this age, the child should certainly be able to maintain a full-court rally with his peers and be quite proficient at serving and getting the ball in the service box often. Serving skills are necessary to allow the child to play real tennis, which should be the goal to help him play in parent-child, interclub, team tennis and sanctioned tournaments.

5

By the time a child is 11, both pros and parents hope that she is a good tennis player with the appropriate skills. Pros need to continue to offer programs for children at the intermediate level; whether he or she has the desire and discipline to take it a step higher and be in a select program is up to the parents, the child and the pro. This select program usually only takes kids actively pursuing a state ranking and making tennis their No. 1 sport. If a child chooses this route, she needs to play in monthly tournaments, weekly private and group lessons and practice 13 to 18 hours per week.

6

The ball machine is always a wonderful way of encouraging children to continue playing and practicing. A great benefit of the ball machine is that it can be used for family fun and all levels of players can take turns hitting.

The key, as with any sport or discipline, is encouragement verbally, physically and emotionally. Pros should tell the parents the benefits of getting involved in their child's tennis. Parents can promote an interest in tennis by spending time with their children on the court, on the backboard, in the driveway or with the ball machine before and after their regular lessons.

Laird Dunlop is the director oftennis at the Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington, N C

a ADDvantage/ April 2000

19

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Match play

Don't watch your partner's shots Purpose: To alleviate the tendency of watching your partner's shots during doubles.

Description: 1 . Players are positioned in doubles formation . Instructor is positioned behind player "C."

2. Instructor feeds ball into play and shields "C" from seeing partner "D." 3. "C " must watch "B" to determine a reaction of where the ball was hit.

4. By watching "B," "C" can make the appropriate movement forward or in the direction of the return .

5. 1nstructor makes sure that "C" does not turn around to watch "D" during "D's" shots.

ADDva ntage/ April 2000

23

With a guest student, it is the pro's responsibility to break the ice and learn what she wants to work on.

by Betsy Heidenberger, USPTA

Ateaching professional's

24

ADDvantage/ April 2000

As teaching professionals we have our usual clients, the ever so faithful who show up for the weekly/ daily sessions despite heat indexes, blizzards, hurricanes, holidays and hangovers- they are our 'regulars.' We have a certain bonding with these students because we know exactly what they want out of the lesson and what we should and should not say. We also encounter the out-of-towners or drop-ins who are visiting our courts for the day or week due to vacation or business trips - they are the 'Club Med' students. These people often expect you to raise their game to new levels in one lesson, despite the fact that you may never see them again! Should you treat the regular and Club Med students the same?

Fortunately, I have been in both situations - directing a private club for 17 years plus teaching at various Club Med villages. I have found the answer to be yes and no.

Obviously, from the start of the lesson, all students should be given our undivided attention. As you walk on the court with your 'regular,' you may not find it necessary to consistently inquire what he wants or needs to work on. You should be able to assume a game plan based on previous meetings, plus you know what the student's goal is to be from the lesson. However, the first encounter with a Club Med student is unfamiliar territory! It is your responsibility to break' the ice and learn what exactly she wants to work on. Or, is she just looking for a good workout? It is important to assess as early as possible what your job is for that hour- we all know that no student wants any dilly-dallying when she is paying for that time!

Our regulars are most likely those players who we can observe as they play with partners. As a result, we should confidently be able to do some adjustments or fine tuning, knowing we can oversee their progress (or frustration) over time. Over several lessons, the pro and the student can work on the new stroke until it clicks.

However, you aren't familiar with the playing style of the Club Med students. So why try to change something when they may not pick up a racquet again for several months? By then, they will end up going back to their old style and forget all your tips. Plus, a particular student may have a pro at home, and unless you specifically ask what she wants to work on or what her instructor has been working on, why fill her mind with confusing tips? You could be saying the same thing as the pro at home, wording it differently, and the student may pass it by anyway! How do you know your tips will stick? You won't, and if the student makes too much, or not enough, of an adjustment, it will make things

challenge: •

even worse. You could get a bad reputation and words could spread quickly.

For example, one of my regular clients, Bill, returned from a week at a resort, and instead of being relaxed from the trip, he was more uptight because he felt his 'new' tennis game was swept away in the ocean! In a one-hour lesson, the pro changed his backhand grip, showed him topspin and tried to teach him a kick serve. By the time the lesson was over, Bill felt as if he just took the law board - totally confused! It took several sessions to get Bill's game back to where he felt confident again with his old strokes - plus, no more anxiety. Yes, we are psychiatrists, too.

This idea also applies to a junior who enrolls in your camps because a friend or relative, who is one of your regulars, has invited her for the day. Often, juniors are shy in a new environment and in this instance, I just want this new student to have fun at my camp for the day. I will keep my tips simple: watch the ball, move your feet, etc. Why change something and cause frustration, when she is comfortable with her old strokes, and seems to be more concerned with fitting in? Don't send her back to her dub courts with a new big looping stroke when she has been keeping it straight for three years- think of the pros back home. Let them do the adjusting. The visitor may end up liking you and your program so much that as a result, she enrolls to be one of your regular campers. Then you can use your valuable tips.

I am not saying we should not instruct a student that you may only see once. However, keep it simple. Propose one or two changes for him to work with. Have the student present your tips to his dub pro, who will be the one to follow up with the student's progress.

Regular clients are all yours. You should have a good rapport with these students who would even switch hands if you advised this. For those students you may see once a year, make it a rewarding hour for both of you - be flexible . This lesson may go so well that getting an invitation to go along as her 'personal' pro, all expenses paid, on her next Club Med vacation, could be your reward. You never know! 'fJu Betsy Heidenberger has been a USPTA Professional since 1984 and works as the director oftennis at the National Cathedral School and Mount ~rnon College tennis clubs in Washington, D. C.

ADDvantage/ April 2000

25

USPTA Little Tennis® merchandise

Item

Nonmember Member cost cost

xs

s

M

L

XL

Total Qty.

Total Amount

SEND ORDER TO: USPTA Gift Shoppe 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Tel (713) 97-USPTA • Fax (713) 978-5096 www.littletennis.com

Men's polo shirt {white, embroidered w/logo)

$40

$30

Women's sleeveless polo (white , embroidered w/logo)

$38

$28

Adult cap {white embroidered w/logo)

$15

$11

*Kids cap {white embroidered w/logo)

$15

$11

Signature

Chi ld's 50/50 T-shirt

$6.75

$5

SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P. O. boxes , please) : 0 Business

$12

$9

Child's tank dress (white)

PAYMENT METHOD: 0

VISA

0

MASTERCARD 0

CHECK

International orders must pay by Visa or MasterCard Name as it appears on cred it card Credit card No. I Exp. date

0

Residence

Name Address

• Quantity discount for members only $8.25 each on orders of 3 doz. or more

Subtotal

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

City State ZIP Daytime phone (area code)

Shipping and handling: see below

Member No.

e-mail

Total

Children's sizing: T-shirts Dresses (S) 6-8 (XS) 2T (M) 10-12 (S) 4T (L)14-16 (XL) adultS

Shipping and handling charges Contiguous 48 U.S. states......................................... add $7.95 Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada ......... contact office International orders (via express mall only) .... contact office

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NonMember member Price

Total Qty.

Amount

SEND ORDER TO: USPTA Gift Shoppe 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Tel (713) 97-USPTA • Fax (713) 978-5096 www.littletennis.com PAYMENT METHOD: 0

VISA

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International orders must pay by Visa or MasterCard Name as it appears on credit card Credit card No. I Exp. date Signature SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please): 0 Business

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Residence

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City State ZIP

Subtotalt-----1 Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax; other Texas residents add 7.25% tax 1----------1

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Shipping and handling: 1----------1 Total order

Shipping and handling charges Contiguous 48 U.S. states ......................................... add $7.95 Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and canada ......... contact office International orders (via express mall only) .... contact office

•

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.

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Career en

=

·-·-en > ·--= Q

Conventions (5 credits) April 5-9

Intermountain Division Vail , Colo.

May 11 -14

White Bear Lake, Minn.

April 5-6

Vail, Colo.

May 20-21

Burbank, Calif.

New England Division

April 8-9

Aurora , Ill.

May 20-21

Fremont , Calif.

April 8 -9

Birmingham, Ala .

May 22-23

Hou ston*

April 8-9

Boca Raton, Fla.

May 24-25

West Orange, N.J .

Stowe, Vt .

Florida Division

May 30-

Naples, Fla.

June 3 June 2-4

Pacific Northwest Division Lake Chelan, Wash.

Activities/meetings (1 / 2 cred it and up)

Midwest Division

April 7-9 May 17-21 May 20 May 27-29

Atlanta

April22 -23

Fayetville, N.C.

June 3-4

Rochester, Mich.

April 22 -23

Midlothian, Va.

June 8-9

East Setauket, N.Y

April 29-30

Bonita Springs, Fla.

June 9-11

Jefferson City, Mo. Au stin , Texas

Frederick, Md .

Tyler, Texas

June 10-11

Columbia , S.C .

Homewood-Flossmoor, Ill.

June 11 -12

La Jolla, Calif.

Hawaii Division

May 5-6

Nashville, Tenn .

June 15- 16

Dixvi lle Notch, N.H .

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii

May 5-6

Laie, Hawaii

June 15- 16

Mesa, Ariz.

Midwest Division

May 5-6

St. Louis, Mo.

June 17-18

Greensboro, N.C.

May 6-7

Mandeville, La.

June 18-19

Atlanta

May 6-7

Bradenton, Fla.

June 19-20

Houston*

May 6-7

La s Vegas

June 24-25

Ventura, Calif.

May 13-14

Conway, Ariz.

June 24-25

Albany, N.Y

May 19-20

Wilmington, Del.

June 24-25

Florence, S.C.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Intermountain Division Vail, Colo.

Certification testing (3 credits) Raleigh, N.C. Arlington, Va. Boca Raton,Fia. Chicago Fitchburg, Mass.

Boulder, Colo.

Palm Coast, Fla .

Hilton Head Island , S.C. Atlanta Lansing , Mich.

Orlando, Fla .

Fort Walton Beach , Fla .

Racquet service workshop

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 cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Affiliate members: late cancellation fee- $75; failure to cancel - application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee - $25; failure to cancel - $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited . Registration for another exam wi ll not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

specialty courses (2 credits per four-hour course; 4 credits per eight-hour course)

I bought a ball machine. Now what do I do?, April 6, Vail, Colo.

(4 hours), S. Oley

How to make a buck in the pro shop, April 6, Vail , Colo.

(4 hours), 0. Sunderlin

Competitive doubles patterns, April 8, Vail , Colo. (4 hours), T. Martin

(4 credits) April 9 April18 May 16 June 4

April 23-24

Lake Chelan , Wash. (upgrades only)

April 30May 1

(2 credits)

=

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

April 29 -30

coaches workshops

cc en

May 27-28 June 2-4

Midwest Division

Indianapolis

April 2 April9 April 15 April 29 April 30 April 30 May 6 May7 May 11 May 19 May 21 May 22

Pittsburgh, Pa. City of Industry, C alif.

June 10-11

Midwest Division

June 3

April14- 15 April 15-16

Chicago

Homewood-Flossmoor, Ill.

cen

(4 credits for CTC segment)

Northwest Division

April 7-9

April S

exan1s, upgrades & certification training courses

Chicago Philadelphia Lansing , Mich.

Fitchburg, Mass.

For more information, call the USRSA at (858) 481 -3545.

Modern tennis, April 8, Vail Colo. (4 hours), B. Hobden 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 US PTA Membership Department for additional information or write via e-mail to membership@uspta .org.

ADDvantage/ April 2000

29

US PTA

Member product showcase

USPTA Pro 1 Matt Wheeler has recently been named tennis director at The Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

David Benjamin, head ten nis coach at Princeton University since 1974 and executive director of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association since 1983, and William Humes, tennis coach at Princeton High School fo r 40 years, were inducted into the Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame in Central New Jersey in February. Both are USPTA-certified professionals.

Peter Gibson , USPTA, was one of four Australians selected by Tennis Australia to attend the International Tennis Federation's Worldwide Coaches ' Workshop . He is also one of Tennis Australia's four-member national Coaching Advisory Panel , where he specializes in the day-to-day running of a tennis club. Gibson is the chief executive at the Chatswood Tennis Club in Australia.

Will White, USPTA, is the new head tennis pro at Rush-Copley Healthplex Fitness Center in White Aurora, Ill. White also received the 1999 Midwest Reg ion Wilson Advisory Staff Member Pro of the Year award .

USPTA members Cliff Price of Totally Tennis Inc. (the store recently celebrated its 25th anni versary) in Tulsa, Okla .,

30

ADDva ntage/April 2000

Oak H ills Country Club in San Antonio, Texas, has opened two new grass tennis courts to complement its two clay courts and eight hard courts. The grass courts are a first in San Antonio. Glenn Barton, USPTA, is the director oftennis at the club and has scheduled several grass court events.

David Bryant of Quail Creek Country Club (Oklahoma City) and Steve Wilkinson , Ph.D., the tennis coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, were recently inducted into the Missouri Valley Tennis Association/ USTA Hall of Fame.

USPTA Pro 1 Cid Carvalho made a contribution to the book Power Drills for Team Tennis by Renata Marcinkowska. He devel oped the charts in the book, which was published by The Summertown Company Inc. Carvalho is the head tennis coach at Winthrop University in Rock Hill , S .C.

USPTA professional William Aronson, Ph.D ., is the new administrator of sport science fo r the USA Tennis Player Development program in Key Biscayne, Fla. USPTA member Pam Shriver is one of the hosts at the 4th Annual UNCF Celebrity Tennis Pro-Am and Golf Tournament hosted by The Unit ed Negro College Fund .

The event will be held at the exclusive Hyatt Grand Champions Golf and Tennis Resort in Indian Wells, Calif.

Two USPTA members, Dan Aubuchon and Jim Leupold, helped raise more than $81 ,000 for the United Way. Both are tennis professionals at Marriott 's Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.

They sponsored a hit-a-thon and ended up hitting a tennis ball7 ,588 times without one miss, which took four hours and 10 minutes. There was absolutely no fuzz left on the ball.

Jim Mclennan , USPTA, has produced a new video " The Secrets of World Class Footwork - Featuring Stefan Edberg." The video addresses the secret to the quickest start to the ball and effortless movement on the court. It includes footage of Stefan Edberg . For more informa tion e-mail mclennan@ tennisone.com .

USTA The USTA announced that Arlen Kantarian has been named chief executive of the U .S . Open and professional tennis. Kantarian will oversee the US TA:s business and event operations of professional tennis, including the U.S . Open, Davis Cup and Fed Cup.

Manufacturers The Wilson Hyper Hammer 5.3 Stretch racquet was used by the No. 2 ranked player in the world, Lind say Davenport, at the Australian Open . It was ranked by Tennis Industry magazine in 1999 as the No. 2 racquet in a consumer playtest.

Volkl Tennis has designed the Quantum 1 Power Boost, made for players who want pure power. Volkl 's most powerful frame has a 118-square-inch head and a PowerMax frame .

This racquet is ideal for players with compact strokes and slow swing speeds. For more information visit www.volkl.com .

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Associations The United States Racquet Stringers Association is presenting its 2000 Total Racquet Service workshop, which covers all aspects of racquet service. It will be held at various locations and dates. USPTA professionals earn 4 USPTA continuing education credits for attending a workshop. For more information on dates or to register, call (858) 481 -3545 .

The USRSA announced a new Master Racquet Technician certification designation. The MRT designation is the highest certification a racquet service professional can receive. To be eligible for the MRT designation , applicants have to pass an exam that tests knowledge of all facets of raequet service .

The Peter Burwash lnternational Tennis Show has

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been billed as the "Harlem Globetrotters of Ten nis " by performing in 99 countries around the world in the past 25 years. This marks the ninth year that the PBI professionals at Desert Springs Lawn and Tennis Club have performed the tennis show. You can catch the show at Marri ott 's Desert Springs Re sort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif. , every Sat-

urday through April 29.

The Club Foundation announced that it has awarded a grant to the Club Managers Association of America for the development of the CMAA Assistant Manag er in Development program (AMID) . CMAA has made the program available to all assistant club managers, and it is aimed

Continued next page

USPTA vvelcomes nevv members Congratulations to the following new USP TA members who fulfilled requirements for membership between D ec. I , 1999 and j an. 3 1, 2000

Educational Subscriber MacRae, Steven

Corporate Jeffullo Tennis Camp

California Fuhrmann, Frank Hardt, Robert Hillebrand, Brian Humayun, Hassan Jauregui , Daniel Larson, Vic Mann, Dave Rowe, Brad Smith , VanE Sushinsky, Seth Willcoxon , Robert Woods , Ga ry

Florida Applebaum , Jason Bocchini , Riki Butcher, Morgan Desquitado, Denton Fischer, Cliff Heller, Robert Lipp, Keith Melzi , Percy Obidiegwu , Joseph Ordonez, Raul

Petrovich, Dubravko Schultz, James Toussaint , Harold Zuckoff, Sidney

Hawaii Beckvall , Robert Kailiwai, Jerome Leong, Stuart Makekau, Kennedy Yamauchi , David

Midwest

Southern

Cherveny, Leigh Curl , Todd Etzkin, Brian Go, James Adam Morris, William Schroeder, Rodney Tremblay, Collette

Akpaglo, Komlavi (Henry) Ayers, Peter Balkman , Kim Cohen, lan Collins, Chris Donald , Alfred Gorrell, Anne Hemphill, Susan Hinds, Dominick Llewellyn , Kirsty Olson , Stacey Parker, Sybi Rickel, Scott W Thompson , William Webb, Barry

Missouri Valley Mclean , John W Schibig, Scott

Intermountain Hanson, Kyle Jensen, Mark Vaughn , Brad Zdvorak, Jack Roy

International Christiaens, Hans Ho, Ernst Jaddoo, Ashraff Mackinlay, ian Raggenbass , Marc

Mid-Atlantic Herman, Matthew S Mowbray, Brad Williams , John R

Northern California Hall, Kenyon W Jewell, William (Trey) Killigrew, Kieran Ma, George Meksavanh , Bouavone Noi Yun , Darrick M

Northwest Han, Alice Hankey, Blake Nabedrick, Joseph Reddin , Vivian

Pacific Northwest Benish , David Crawford , Kristen

Middle States Modika, Innocent Young, Robert A

Southwest Bustamante, Michael Kilen , Daniel Walton , Kelly K

Texas Braudo, Richard O'Bryant, William Samman , Selim

US Territories & Canada Everett , Jason Grieve, Jamie

San Diego Astiz, Alejandro Gassen, Rafael ADDva ntage/ A pri l 2000

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at professionals seeking to reach the general man ager level in a private club .

Miscellany The USPTA Tennis Exhibition Tour and the Make-AWish Foundation ÂŽ of Sarasota/Tampa Bay Inc. in Florida , have teamed up to present a tennis exhibition series that will take place at top tennis facilities throughout the Saraseta/ Bradenton/Venice area. Top area profes sionals and former ATP Tour players will take center court to face off in a three set round-mbin format . For more informa -

~J ~ - ~s tion on dates, contact Winston Owen at The Oaks Country Club, (941) 966-3605 .

TennisStation.com is a new Web site for news, infermation and resources about United States amateur tennis . Links to other tennis-related sites provide users with easy access to tennis-related organizations in their region.

The Billie Jean King Foundation, in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association, has applications available for the 2000 Donnelly Awards .

This program awards a $5,000 scholarship to two scholar athletes ages 1421, who play interscholas -

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A new instruction book, Pressure Tennis, describes a training system that prepares tennis players for the pressures of competitive match play. Tennis coach Paul Wardlow has created and refined his well-known training program through 14 successful seasons at the college level. The paperback book is priced at $17 .95 . For information e-mail kellym@ hkusa.com

What's new with

SOU?

This section is about you, the USPTA tennis professional. Send us your news about a new job or promotion, a big win or a great invention.

Send a picture, too!

Keep in mind our deadline is two months ahead of the issue date, so don't worry if you don't see it in print right away.

CLASSIFIEDS BACKBOARDS Rally Master Backboards. Lowest prices, 20-year warranty.

Puncture, fade and crack proof.

Quiet performance. Free brochure. Dealers wanted. (800) 609-9966.

BOOKS AND VIDEOS www.TennisExpress.com: biomechanics, mental tennis, movement/footwork videos. Drill books, training products, ball machines, coaching manuals. FREE catalog. (800) 833-6615 .

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Champions Tennis Academy offers franchises for both entry and experienced levels. See www.championstennisacademy.com for franchise details.

EMPLOYMENT BERKHEIMERS'S TENNIS SERVICES. A pro-placement service in Vero Beach, Fla., is actively matching USPTA manag-

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ADDvantage/ April 2000

ers, tennis directors, head pros and assistants to clubs, resorts and academies nationwide. Call Gerry Berkheimer for details at (561) 388-549 1 Monday-Friday.

TENNIS EMPLOYMENT and tennis news is now available from Bob Larson. For FREE two-month trial, se nd your name and "Free USPTA trial" to tennisnews @aol.com.

FIND-A-PRO free online job bureau. Find or list jobs. Search by location (city, state, ZIP) , position tide or type of employment (full, part, summer). www.uspta.org, www.LittleTennis.com, www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com.

Motivated tennis pros needed for year-round and summer country clubs and resorts. Fax resume to WfS International (30 1) 622-3373 or call (301) 622-7800, ext. 122.

-www. t:ennisjobs.com The Tennis Job Line is a tennis professional's employment service.

It advertises tennis openings at country clubs, tennis clubs, resorts, public facilities, colleges and summer camps.

MENTAL STRENGTH TRAINING "How to be a fierce competitor, win more trophies and be a bettter athlete. " Order the MENTAL STRENGTH AND PEAK PERFORMANCE trai ning manual. $64.97, 84-pages, 8 1h x 11, soft cover. www.MentaiStrength.com.

VACATION OPPORTUNITIES WANTED! Tennis professionals and tennis coaches. T he Professional Coaches Association offers numerous opportunities for tennis pros and coaches to participate in PCA Working Vacation Programs at exclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean. Join this long-running and successful program that so many professionals have enjoyed.

For information, contact Mark Burns at (617) 552-3171.

TRAINING PRODUCTS The Pre-Stroke Trainer is a 7ounce performance-enhancing training aid that attaches to yo ur racquet face and is molded to look like a tennis ball. It is used to stretch, strengthen and train your tennis-specific muscles before play and during off-court workouts.

The Pre-Stroke Trainer retails for $17.50 and is available to pro shops and specialty stores, as well as individuals. Call (561) 5632200 or fax (561) 388-0 193.

Rates: $30 far 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 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (7 13) 9787780, attn : ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone.

No excepti ons ore made.

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

,._USPTA

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