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contents

the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals

the total professional - enhancing your career 9 A.P.I.: The fastest way to improve - by Oliver Stephens, USPTA — Help your students improve quickly by utilizing the A. P.I. system.

22 The power of focus - The key to high performance learning — by Sean Brawley, USPTA — Become a more effective coach by learning the secret to consistent performance.

news

departments 3 CEO's message 5 Vice president's message

25 USPTA drill 26 Career development 27 Classifieds 32 Industry action

6 USPTA welcomes new members USPTA's

1 2 Tennis Across America a success despite spring storms 29 A lesson in charity - Lessons for Life counts all, promotes all

USPTA world Conference on Tennis USPTA hosts silent auction at World Conference

75th anniversary 14 No generation gap here! Teaching tennis is family tradition for some USPTA members.

World Conference savings 2002 World Conference educational tracks

,, 1927-2002

Conference registration form

-

Hotel registration form International Championships registration form

special section This issue of ADDvantage features the USPTA Junior Circuit pullout guide. It includes a checklist for planning, sample entry form and sample draw sheet.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvonfoge magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone-(713) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U F a x - ( 7 1 3 ) 978-7780 e-mail - magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Shawna Riley Managing editor Julie Myers Kimberly Forrester Assistant managing editor Kathy Buchanan Circulation Advertising John Dettor Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

On the cover ... Maria Sharapova of Russia competes in the girls' competition in the 2002 Wimbledon Championships.

Photo by Cynthia Lum. ',. ' .i"ii'd%

volume 26 * issue 8 The opinions expressed in ADDvanfage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvanfage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2002. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/August 2002 1

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CEO's message As tennis professionals, we often just get to read the headlines. Seldom does the teaching pro at large or the public see any more than the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what happens in closed-door meetings at the highest levels of the tennis industry. The motives and actions of policymakers are often shrouded in their own spin — something that our society has become so accustomed to in all walks of life. In fact, the tennis hierarchy has a reputation for

The headlines convey only the slimmest of information. The sweeping explanations and 30-second sound bites that reach the public don't allow us to fully analyze the events and their consequences. For example, who could argue with issues like: • Developing better players; • Increasing player participation; • Building stadiums and tennis facilities for more pro tournaments; or • The governing body paying its sections and our pros to run its programs?

This dilemma made me think of one of my favorite radio commentators over the years. Most of you are familiar with Paul Harvey, who discusses a newsworthy story and then, after a short station break, returns to tell you "the rest of the story. " This is where we hear the important details that balance the story and tell us how our lives are affected.

There is a lot happening in the tennis industry that will affect your future, and your USPTA Board of Directors wants you to know the details.

This editorial will be the first in a series of topics that will try to tell "the rest of the story" and enable you to become a much more active participant in the future of your industry.

Professionals, not bureaucracy, key to player development Elite players developed by talent and individuals, not systematic control

I

During the natural cycle when a pool of talent is t has always puzzled me that the USTA seems to regenerating itself, the USTA works anxiously to "solve panic if our country doesn't win in Davis Cup the problem" with its version of player development — competition or manage to dominate the top 10 recently renamed High Performance Coaching. In rankings in each of the two pro tours - WTA and recent years it has attempted to control player develATP. opment despite the fact that players prefer to train at Only a few years back everyone was frantic bethe numerous elite training facilities cause Justin Gimelstob was the sole upthroughout our country or with loand-coming American junior male cal coaches who are more than caparanked among the world's top 100 ble of training our up-and-coming players. A very short time later, the likes champions. of Andy Roddick, James Blake, and It's difficult, if not impossible, to Venus and Serena Williams surfaced replicate the success of these local and began enjoying success on the tour player development programs. It cerand as part of our country's Davis Cup tainly can't be accomplished by a simand Fed Cup teams. ple anointment of any organization As I recall, the same panic preor person. All the fancy names and vailed at the end of the McEnroecoaching workshops in the world canConnors era shortly before the appearnot build a successful elite training ance of Sampras, Agassi, Chang and Tim Heckler program unless the most talented Courier on the tennis scene. coaches and players participate.

Even with the most talented of coaches, player sucWhy is it that instead of supporting tennis' existcess in this country and in others seems to be cyclical ing and successful resources by outsourcing player in nature, especially at the "superstar" level, where development does USTA go into competition with there are ebbs and flows of talent. continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

I believe that if USTA would support rather than compete with the many great teachers (coaches) we have, our nationwide pool of players would thrive like never before.

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ADDvantage/August 2002 3

from previous page the very people it should support? Maybe it is because USTA feels compelled to control every aspect of tennis or, at the very least, take credit for the efforts of others who have spent years developing top players. If given support, there is no telling what these local coaches could do with their talented students.

In a recent Daily Tennis column, Bob Larson asked, "Has Macci set a record?" The short news brief went on to say that on June 10, the top three women tennis players on the WTA Tour would be Venus Williams, Serena Williams and Jennifer Capriati. "All three have been coached by Rick Macci of Delray Beach, Fla.," the piece said.

Macci is a USPTA professional and he is among the world's elite player development coaches. Like many with great player development programs, Macci has not received an ounce of help or encouragement from USTA. Other elite training centers include Bollettieri Tennis Academy, The Hopman Tennis School at Saddlebrook, LGE (Loehr-GroppelEtcheberry) Performance Systems, Van der Meer Tennis Academy and those of other

notable coaches such as Bill Tym of Nashville, Tenn., and Robert Lansdorp of Rolling Hills Estate, Calif.

Of course, there are hundreds of local teaching professionals who are operating excellent programs that are producing top regional and national players, but who haven't received national notoriety. These pros have a special "magic" when it comes to creating an environment within which God-given talent can be honed to a championship level.

Success in this field doesn't come easy. It isn't the result of a quick plan to produce cookie-cutter players, and it takes decades to build tried-and-tested systems. Most importantly, both the players and the teachers within a successful player development program must possess natural talent and a mutual trust that is not developed overnight.

Think about it. USTA has spent the funds to hire an entire staff devoted to player development that in essence replicates everything that the established tennis academies already have. And, although USTA hires very capable personnel for its player development department, it is im-

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part of the special 75th anniversary celebration at the 2002 World Conference on Tennis, USPTA will hold its first silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to Lessons for Life , USPTA's official fund-raising program for charity.

The auction will be held Friday evening beginning at 6 p.m. during the opening reception for the International Tennis Buying Show.

Items are being donated by manufacturers and others in the industry. They include: t Autographed Davis Cup items, such as programs and caps I Racquets and balls autographed by professional players I Sports memorabilia I Book and video collections

USPTA members and nonmembers are invited to participate in the auction. *&"

A Wheaties box autographed

by Pete Sampras will be sold Sept. 27.

possible to think its staff will ever develop our future players when they aren't the ones who have day-to-day contact with the players.

In the same vain, USTA now plans to expand its national high performance coaches program into the grassroots by extending it to the sectional level rather than the broader geographic regions it now covers. By doing this, USTA will not only be invading the business territories of large, established academies (mentioned above), but also the smaller training facilities and clubs that are run by teaching professionals like you. Of course it will argue that you don't need to compete with its program — you can join it instead. This is just another ploy to control what and how you teach, when you teach it and how much you charge.

It seems counterproductive to design a program that has little chance of succeeding, and the only way to guarantee the best results is to build a program upon the unparalleled experience of the many elite coaches who have proven track records - a track record that the USTA does not own.

USTA should have a system through which it supports existing player development facilities through scholarships to players and funds to the academies. It could utilize its player development staff as consultants to the academies that receive USTA funding, but wouldn't create direct competition for the current academies or intrude into personal training habits of the established coaches. I believe that if USTA would support rather than compete with the many great teachers (coaches) we have, our nationwide pool of players would thrive like never before.

There's no question that the private and independent teaching professionals in our country have always produced winners and they will continue to do so - sometimes in spite of a system that does not support them or appear to wish them success. *&°

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4 ADDvantage/August 2002

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

'ice president's message USPTA Junior Circuit gives control to pros and opportunities to players

uspta NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President

Joseph Thompson David T. Porter, Ed.D.

Vice Presidents

Ron Woods Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Secretary-treasurer

Paula Scheb

Past President

T

he USPTA Junior Circuit was conceived and favorable public relations. It works because it's a developed by teaching professionals to fit the win-win for everyone involved: It's good for junspecific needs of their students and commuior tennis; it's good for pros; and it's good for the nities. Like all USPTA programs, the activity is deUSPTA. signed to give ultimate control to local teaching pros.

We're now asking you to consider how the junior So, in addition to promoting and increasing local tencircuit could benefit you. You may already run a simnis activity, the rules, schedule and fee structure are ilar event at your facility, or participate in one in your set by local pros, who know what area. If so, consider combining your will work best in a particular locaefforts with those of other area tion or for a distiflct group of USPTA professionals to promote customers.

USPTA and yourself by incorporatThe best thing about the junior ing USPTA's name in the program circuit is that it provides opportuniliterature. ties to relatively inexperienced chilI hope you'll try the program. dren who need entry-level competiIt will increase your tennis business, tion before entering traditional ageexpand your tennis-teaching peer group tournaments. I'm sure you've network, boost club activities and seen young players who give up on improve the overall tennis expericompeting in tennis because of bad ence for a generation of players. experiences when they face qualified Randy Mattingley This issue of ADDvantage inor championship level opponents. A cludes a special section featuring the junior circuit lets these children compete at their own USPTA Junior Circuit. It guides you through setting level. The expense can be less, too, as a USTA memberup and implementing a program at your facility and ship isn't required, the events are local and entry fees are in your city. It includes a checklist for planning, samgenerally low. ple entry form, sample draw sheet and a host of other This program was implemented in a pilot study forinformation and ideas that can be modified to suit mat in 2001, during which time several divisions adopt- your personal needs for a program. It also explains ed the program and began new circuits or expanded the special tournaments and playoffs that can be tied existing programs in various metropolitan areas. In April to the junior circuit, building a revenue source, pub2002, USPTA's Executive Committee voted to make lic relations opportunities and much more. the USPTA Junior Circuit a national-level sports marI've really enjoyed running this program at my keting program. facility and as part of a community-wide program in The junior circuit concept is already a success in Lubbock. It's been rewarding for me, and I know it several areas, including Texas, where at least 14 citcan be for you. I'm eager to receive feedback, so feel ies run active circuits that also provide revenue and free to e-mail me at randy@usptapro.com. ^"

The USPTA Junior Circuit was conceived and developed by teaching professionals to fit the specific needs of their students and communities. wvwv.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Will Hoag

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Director of Public Relations

Diane Richbourg

Publications Coordinator

Kimberly Forrester

Communications/ Divisional Liaison Jill Phipps

Communications Director of Marketing

John Dettor

Sports Marketing Coordinator Multimedia

Andres Ballesteros

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Educational Administrator

Donna Simeon

Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Receptionist

Pamela Lowstetter

Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Computer Services/ Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Computer Services/ Data Entry Divisional Executive Administrator

Sylvia Ortiz Yvonne Hung

Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coordinator Membership Assistant

Danielle Mead

Membership Assistant

Gloria Myddleton

Payroll/Benefits

Renee Heckler

Insurance/ Ellen Weatherford Merchandise Services Merchandise Services Charlene Davis

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713) 97-USPTA (800) USPTA-4U Fax (713) 978-7780 e-mail - uspta@uspta.org Internet - www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Central time

ADDvantage/August2002 5

TA welcomes new member Development a ( Coaches:

Michael Schone

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Florida

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Elaine Denney Lisa Richey ::^}-:^

Robert S, Smith

Jim Stein

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Donald N.Trumbull LaRue Turner Robert J.Verkins Tim Voegeli Marsha Wells Larissa Will Art Williams Ed Wolff Dave Woodruff Steve Young AnneZettler William J. Zigmund SamZimmaro

Deborah Burton Stephen Melissa Canowitz Rhonda Carey Sibyl Carr Gina Garter Robert G Jarrod Coterqan KathyAKim Conrad Ivan Cook ToddA.C i David H. ' SusanCr Ryan Cutter Chris Da Carli Amlin Dean JillS, Dean Dennis Dixon MarkDubiel Jonathon Eckerte Ray Elbin Jessica Elder Gary Elick Rick Elliott Seth Field Rolland Frahm Jr. Tricia Fridley Derek J. Gablenz Angela George Steven Gingrich

Missouri Valley Ryan Anderson Dan Armstrong Terry A. Becker Chris Bellar Justin Bigsby Ken Brown Mike Carr Ken P. Clow TomCorporon Matt Greteman Deb Hammer Ryan Kalis Darin Kelbertau

John McKay

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Steven L. Glaser

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Hawaii George Asato Chuck Calar \ Bill O. Schwartz

International

Francesc Montalban Moreno Ricardo Morte Vicente Solsona Parmo Robert A, Pearson Ana Petrovic ? ; % Alvaro Plaza Cy Pollard Jose Luis Pom bo Jon Prenelle Francisco Lopez Quesada Julie P. Raybon Francisco Javier Rius Manuel J. Rivas Paul Robinson Julio A. Rodriguez B. John Rowlands Ross Sceats MarkC. Scribner Leslie Seabrook Wilfredo Servillon George Stockford Nicole Tavenner James Taylor Gema Torres Kristi Tredway Francois Tscherry Mara Vernon Michael White Rafael E. Zurita

Segundo Acebedo Mowafak Al Amine Saad Aiami Saeed Alaska ri Juan Arispon Dirk Baker Sabit Balvanovic Jaume Ilia Bataller Richard E. Beard Pedro Bellon Angel Arias Blasco Tim P. Blenkiron Heidi Butler Michael Butler Kjersten Buzek Andres Gimeno Carulla Yue Lim Cheng Benjamin I. Coates Jonathan Cox Tomas Del Olmo Cuenca Jesus C. Cuevas Juan De Salazar Eduardo De Sousa Maria Fernanda Dominguez Alan Douglas JPTA Kyoko Nishimura Richard Enderby Mitsunobu Suwa Joan Navarro Francisco Carolina Gago Sabrina Galan Mid-Atlantic Richard George George D, Barksdate Thomas H. Gerard Stephen L. Clark Wayne E. Glanvilfe Michael S. De Simone Irene Gonzalez Elizabeth Gregory Colin H. Harper Rozsa Hies Asa H. Knight 4 Manuel Herrerat Robert Hyde Lev Lubega Kenneth Jackson v k ^ Sharta B. Malfait Enrique J. Jimenez Mike R. Prokopik Jessica J, Strickler SteveLandon .,.«„, f = Timothy P. Linton Moira A, Taskin Alan Lowe Caroline (Kendall) White Danielo P. Maccanelto Joao Miguel Marques Middle States Mike Marsden ; ;; 4 ; ; ; •; Marco Cacopardo Jose Martin Midwest Fernando Mayo Anthony Mills Derek A. Baker S|; Sergio Vails Molla John H. Black | | | Arthur J, Blackmer Miguel Mora ?;} f

www. ADDvantageUSPTA.cofris

Greg T. Burks Grant S. Cartland Susan S. Courtright Douglas W. Dancer Debra Davidson Aaron R. Endress-Fox John M. Fill Deane A, Grandfield Cyrus Khazai Kaye Kimpling Mike Listopad Jennifer F. Lutgert Michael J. Madorna Mary L. Monckton Steve P. Nenadov Mary C. O'Connor Donny Offerle Paul R. Sawyer Missouri Valley Grant H. Babbitt Jeremy R, Beach Alexander L. Blodgett Boardman J. Festus Kerry D. Kaster Paul Lucas Jurgen J, Van Staden Sheryl J. Vaughn Thomas C. Wetzel Walt W. Williams New England David Chung Paul Gagliardi Deborah C. Ginn Northern California Ben Cabell Steven R. Falk u ' Jeffrey C. Faust Joseph A. Guglielmi Olga Hostakova Jennifer Isaac Michael Munson • •;; Michael P. O'Keefe Bill Reis Vincent C. Russo Askat A, Ruzyev Mark Shaban Christopher Smith Grant C. Watkins Northwest Geoffrey Basham Thomas A. Bauman Laurie Kozlak

Timothy D. Kresse Ipordort P. Siek Carla A. Simpson JayW, Petrich Michael A. Tester Kelly P, Trebisky Brian Walters 3 « ^i\n Welty

Southwest Pacific Northwest Peter Ahrnes Lindsay Bennett Bryan D. Benson Nick A. Farline Wendy Giarrusso Tyler J, Kempton • David J. Lombard!

Kathryn M. Motendijk Midge Murphy Bruce D. Reed James C. Robison Bobby (Dale) Sanders Gary B. Schaab Jesse J. Schouten San Diego Bradlee Berry Lloyd F. Chaisson Ian R. Mindell Scott B. Thompson

Southern Orville Adams Zane R Ally Paule Barford Christian A. Barillas Shaun J. Boyce Terry E. Castro Carmen V. Caver William G. Clark Paloma Collantes Mark P. Deaderick Marie J. Egan Jesse C. Ethridge Rena M. Ferraro Hugh M. Freeland Lauren D, Herman Ann M. Hine Arthur Jones III ] Dawn M. Lavender Keith O. Leech Jason M. Lewandowski Bradley J. Luczkow Jennifer C. Lyons ^Manda Martin Nicole E; Melch Dave Randall Michael Roberts Mitchell O. Rogers

Amy H. Badger Austin Cottingim s Joe Ersinghaus Ivan R, Fernandez Howard A. Grayless Robert E, Halpin Christopher Visness

Texas Jim Adams flbny L, Buagas Cameron Cannon Ronald Elizondo Mark R. Gonzales James Grizzle Jeff A. Jerina i Petr Koula Gary Lothringer Ivlelton B. McRee If Richie Mercer ^Neiki Mooriat Alejandro (Alex) R. Moreno Matt Mungia YCoibert Murphy Stephen O. Nolen •Brian E. Notis :^lenni L. Orahood psa C. OsbornS >; v iSarah Osborn |_awton L, Park •• Joseph M. Rodriguez vpeffrey Ruedy , ; > & |Clare D. Sevier IBrian N. Smith cKeith Spelman jMilorad Vujica •j-incoln R. Ward :|)arron White

ADDvantage/August 2002 7

Strengthen your game. Use Stamina string.

It's 25% more durable than other synthetic guts. www.wilsontennis.com Based on results from a lest to determine string durability, where a market-leading string brand and the Wilson Stamina string were subjected to repeated tennis ball impacts, and the average number of hits before breakage was recorded.

by Oliver

i any tennis players have no idea now to practice. As I harsh as this may sound it is actually true. Ask your y students how often they practice tennis and they may answer that they do so about two or three times a week. Howrver, when asking the same students how often they practice tennis without playing sets, they will invariably give you a different answer.

I suspect that most will answer zero. This is because tennis players, it â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ i i - i -11 being generally competitive people, always want to test their skills Kv nlavino- sets against their friends or practice partners. continued next page Vantage/August 2002 9

from previous page To combat this I recommend the "A.P.I." system. A.P.I. stands for accept, practice and improve. Here is how the system works:

most frequently used phrases I hear from coaches of all sports. However, this phrase is actually not true. Instead, keep in mind the phrase, "Perfect practice makes perfect."

There are three things to remember when organizing practices for your students:

It is a well-known fact that the first step in fixing a problem of any kind (from alcoholism to a bad backhand!) is accepting that there is a problem in the first place. A player may have the attitude that he cannot hit 20 backhands crosscourt, but things will be OK during a match because he usually will only have to hit a few crosscourt backhands at a time during a point. Obviously, this is the wrong attitude. In order for the student to accept that he has a problem, the student needs to realize that there is a problem in the first place. Note that acceptance and realization of a problem are not the same thing.

Your goal as a coach in this situation is to make your student realize that there is a problem and accept the fact that there is work to be done to fix it. This is quite a risky time in your student's development as the student may become disheartened and either decide not to practice the shot at all or may even give up tennis altogether.

One of the best ways to point out your students' weaknesses is to chart one of their matches. This is easy to do and will increase your professional image while making your students believe that you genuinely care about their game. After you have charted your students' matches you will be able to point out their weaknesses. They will then be able to realize that there is indeed a problem. Once the students have actually acceptedthe problem, they will be willing to work to solve it!

As soon as your students realize that they will be much more effective in a match once they "conquer this demon," then they will be more enthusiastic about practicing the stroke the correct way.

2.Make sure you keep your practices geared to your students' playing abilities. If you have an advanced student or even a solid intermediate student then yes, one of the best ways to correct a bad backhand is for the student to hit crosscourt shots with you or her practice partner. However, if you have a beginner or someone who isn't yet an accomplished tennis player, you must make sure they can achieve the goals you set. A tennis player will get disheartened very quickly if she cannot achieve the practice goals that her coach has set for her. For weaker players, you could suggest that they try to make 70 percent of backhands from the baseline (or even service line) with you feeding them balls in the perfect place (decrease the difficulty levels for instant success).

As a tennis professional, one of the main parts of your job is to suggest different ways of practicing the same stroke to your students. This is easier said than done, because different people like different types of drills.

You would not ask an 80-year-old lady to hit backhands crosscourt for 40 minutes with some sprint drills included!

"Practice makes perfect," is one of the

^ .The third point to remember is the most important: Keep practices fun and competitive. As a tennis coach, you must remember the golden rule (well it's my golden rule!): The No. 1 reason that anybody should play tennis is to have fun. For example, if you have a tennis player who has a particularly inconsistent serve, you could ask him to keep score against an imaginary player when he is

1 0 ADDvantage/August 2002

1. Make sure you create a detailed practice plan and give your students a copy. This will prevent your students from wasting their time trying to decide how to practice properly. An example of people who utilize their practice time properly is bodybuilders or, in fact, anyone who is very muscular from lifting weights. These people sometimes only go to the gym for one or two hours a day, yet they fully utilize this time. You never see a very fit person wondering around the gym deciding what to do next, just like you never see a good tennis player standing around on court thinking of how to practice properly. As the Boy Scouts will tell you, "Be prepared."

practicing his serve. The player could keep score just like a set and every time he makes a first serve, one point is added to his total, and every time he misses a first serve, a point is added to "Agassi's total." Also, you could put targets down and then say that the game is yours if you hit the target, but you lose the game if you double fault. The thing to do here is to use your imagination. Ask yourself if you would enjoy this drill or game if you had the skill level of your student.

This is the last stage and, with good practice, should happen quickly. The thing to do is to find a way of measuring your student's improvement. The same way a person on a diet is always measuring progress by stepping on die scale, you should give your student a way to gauge her improvement.

Here are just two examples of how to do this: ~\. You can chart your students' matches over a four-week period. Then you could say to your student, "Look at how much your backhand has improved. Four weeks ago you made 16 errors and four winners against Pete, and today you made just nine errors and eight winners!"

Again, charting matches shows your professionalism and your knowledge. Remember that every time you chart a match you should present your student with the match statistics on paper (printed, not handwritten).

2 .Videotape your students' strokes before and after the practice phase. Again, this shows your professionalism and your attention to detail. When your students can visually see how much better the stroke looks, they will have a much clearer idea of the improvement that has been made.

This is also a good chance to increase your revenue as you can charge more for "video analysis lessons."

The one thing to be careful of during the improvement stage (and also the practice stage), is that students may become discouraged quickly. You, as a teaching professional, have to convey the message to your students that they may have to "take one step backward to take two steps forward." Your www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

students should have realistic goals, more importantly though, you should set time frames for these goals. Then your students have something to aim for. If you tell your student that you want to change their two-handed backhand to a one-handed backhand, this is fine. However, if you don't give them a time frame in which to do this, they may not try very hard, and may not improve very quickly at all. The secret is to find the fine line between setting challenging goals while at the same time setting realistic ones that you personally think your student can achieve.

Hopefully, by using this system your students will improve quickly. Remember, match play is important but should only consist of about 25 percent of practice time.

The way that you assign your students their goals and how to achieve their goals is a very important part of your job. When I was first learning to be a tennis professional I was assigned to read the excellent book titled "High Tech Tennis," by Jack Groppel, Ph.D. There was one line in this book that defines this whole article: "Remember: It's the quality of the

practice that will make you better, not the quantity."

If you have any queries about this system, (as you inevitably will from your more competitive players who just want to play matches), then simply ask your students the following question: "Do you diink diat Pete Sampras got that serve just from playing sets?"

Finally, remember that there is no set method to assign ways to practice. Spend time making up your own drills. Make them fun, exiting and original. The way you design your drills is a direct reflection on your creativity. Enjoy! ^° Oliver Stephens, USPTA, has just returned from two years in Hong Kong where he worked with some of Asia's top juniors as head professional/or the Catro European Tennis Academy. He has recently accepted a position as the dub managerfor the Monterey Tennis Center in Monterey, Calif., where he is planning to help create the Monterey International Tennis Academy.

POI TENNIS TUTOR

Send us your tennis drills and tips!

Our Technical Review Committee will review submissions and, if approved, they will be printed in ADDvantage magazine and on the USPTA Web site.

0 Articles submitted to ADDvantage are forwarded with the name of the author removed to the USPTA Technical Review Committee for approval.

3 Authors must sign a release form for any work submitted to us. This form assures us that the article is your original work, that you have not released the article previously to any other publication and prevents you from releasing it for further publication for a period of six months from the date of the agreement.

0 Contributors will be given full credit for their submissions.

3 Please send good quality, in focus photos related to the topic, or diagrams if available.

0 Send articles to the attention of the Publications Coordinator at the USPTA World Headquarters or via e-mail to magazine@uspta.org.

0 ADDvantage magazine does not pay authors for their submissions.

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ADDvantage/August 2002 1 1

Tennis Across America a success etter late than never seemed to be the theme this year as many excited new players waited for the 13th annual USPTA Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘ Day to arrive on May 11. After many teaching professionals planned and publicized their free grassroots clinics, Mother Nature did not cooperate, causing a number of events to be delayed or rescheduled. However, they all reaped the benefits in the end: drawing in new players, filling lesson programs and receiving positive publicity.

Helping USPTA-certified professionals celebrate the event were numerous volunteers and a distinguished group of honorary co-chairs, which included former President George Bush, Tennis Week publisher Gene Scott, TV analyst and former touring professional Pam Shriver, author and speaker Peter Burwash, and sport science expert Jack Groppel, Ph.D. Many USPTA members use Tennis Across America as a way to promote the game of tennis and their own programs. This annual event is a chance to interest a whole new group of potential long-term players who may want to continue taking tennis lessons. Another benefit of hosting a Tennis Across America event is the recognition pros

Joe Capobianco hosts a Tennis Across America event at Hartsville Country Club in Hartsville, S. C.

receive for community involvement, which is great promotion for lesson and league programs. Plus, USPTA publicizes the work of its members within the tennis industry and to the public.

USPTA pro and Union County College professor Frank Leite hosted a very successful public Tennis Across America event in New Jersey. Unfortunately, his event plans

Mike Welnetzs Mother's Day tennis round robin for Tennis Across America.

1 2 ADDvantage/August 2002

were changed after heavy winds and rain damaged the courts at his original site. Initially scheduled for a clay court facility in Cranford, the weather forced Leite to move his event to Irwin Park Courts in Springfield. The venue change did not stop a large number of players from appearing at the courts. To accommodate the numbers, Leite and his four assistant pros added a second day to their event for a grand total of 68 players introduced to the game of tennis. They participated in games, drills, lessons and competition during the two days.

Joe Capobianco in Hartsville, S.C., has had great continued community recognition after running his 12th Tennis Across America event at Hartsville Country Club.

Capobianco drew more than 100 new players to his televised event. Each player received nearly four hours of instruction, and the group was split between adults and children. This event was a great accomplishment, especially considering the fact that Hartsville was hit with a rain storm causing a delay to Capobianco s originally scheduled start time.

On May 24, Raudel Barba held a roundrobin tournament in conjunction with a fun clinic. Barba had six other USPTA profeswww.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

cV*-?-^ Jz^l^rJ-r^ a^r1^^ B^C^rJ-T^ So? This family was the first to arrive for Frank Leite's Tennis Across America event in New Jersey.

sionals assisting him with about 60 interested tennis players at his Tennis Across America event in East Hampton, N.Y. Tennis Across America at Biola University featured fun for the whole family. Thirtyeight participants represented a wide range of age and ability. Kids from 18 months to 7 years old enjoyed the carnival-style court, which was set up with a full range of Wilson graduated equipment and teaching aids. An older group of children, ages 8 to 12, worked on some basic skills then moved into a series of games under the direction of NJTL staff member Holly McMahon.

Adults, who ranged in ability from advanced to beginners, were divided into two groups. USPTA pros Jim Emerson and Dee Henry split their time with each group.

Emerson focused on serve and return, while Henry's group participated in advanced doubles skills and competitive drills.

Participants were able to test their tennis skills in a fast serve contest and skills challenge. One Biola alumni said she hadn't picked up a racquet in more than 10 years, and she learned some great tips. Following the event, one mom said her boys had such a good time that they spent the afternoon at a park near their house playing tennis and www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

wanted to be sure they were signed up for a league at Biola this summer.

Tell us about it Any member who would like extra exposure can send us a summary and pictures of your event. These may be used for future articles, promotions or other USPTA updates. Event information will be accepted all

year long; however, only those clinics that were registered before July 1 count toward division totals for the purpose of the USPTA Awards Program.

In preparation for your Tennis Across America event, please remember that USPTA is flexible in event requirements.

Some members choose to hold a small tournament to benefit a charity, while others use the sample 90-minute lesson plan printed in ADDvantage magazine each March.

USPTA will accept the registration of any event that is held for promotion of tennis on the grassroots level.

Plan your events early for next year!

When tennis professionals register their events with USPTA, members of the public can find the clinics closest to them by checking USPTAs main Web site at uspta.com for a list by city and state beginning in April.

The World Headquarters also takes many phone calls on its toll-free number to refer people to members' clinics worldwide.

These national efforts combined with member promotions at the local level fliers, listings in newspaper event calendars, news releases and public service announcements, articles in facility newsletters, etc. will provide publicity for your Tennis Across America event. ^"

Participants of a Tennis Across America clinic hosted by Dino and Donnia Bondallian in Hawaii.

ADDvantage/August 2002 1 3

No generation gap here!

Teaching tennis isfamily tradition for some USPTA ver the past 75 years, the meaning of the "USPTA family" has taken on a very personal significance for a growing number of members.

Some grown children have followed one or both of their parents into the tennis-teaching profession and proudly carry on the USPTA tradition of excellence.

Those who are closest — literally - among the dozens of couples and families sharing the bond of USPTA membership have found themselves working together at the same facility.

Perhaps the best-known example of this rare breed is the founding family of the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla. John Evert and his big sister, Chris, consider the academy a tribute to their father, James "Jimmy" Evert, who became USPTA member No. 217 in 1947.

"One reason Chrissie and I started it was to kind of carry on my father's legacy," said John Evert, executive director and director of player development at the Evert Tennis Academy.

"Chrissie wanted to give something back, and my Dad had coached and taught a lot of top players that came out of this area in the '70s, '80s and '90s," John Evert said. "We were kind of a tennis family that's been in and around Florida for a long time."

Their father taught tennis for 49 years at Holiday Park, a public facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., that is now called Jimmy Evert Park.

Although he is now retired, the academy's founding inspiration "comes around and watches," John Evert said.

Chris Evert, the winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, teaches a couple of times a week at the academy.

The two siblings own Evert Tennis Academy with International Management Group, where John seasoned his taste for developing tennis talent.

Another of the five Evert siblings and fellow USPTA member, Drew, also teaches at the academy.

Jimmy, Chris and John are all life members of USPTA. George Bacso, a legend in his own rite as the Association's late director of certification and academies, tested both Chris and John for membership and later worked at the Evert Academy part time.

"By being tested and studying information that USPTA puts out> you become more knowledgeable." -John Evert "It's good to have that credential under your belt, and by being out in the field you are more street smart," John Evert said of USPTA membership.

"By being tested and studying information that USPTA puts out, you become more knowledgeable from a scientific standpoint and from a book standpoint," he said. "You apply that to your experience in tournaments or out in the field to make you a better coach."

While techniques have evolved through the years, some components of the game — such as a solid work ethic, discipline and dealing with pressure — will never really change, John Evert observed.

The younger Evert believes his father is pleased that "his children can continue to touch people through tennis." He said the

Fritz, Katrina, Diane, Marissa and Fritz II Gildemeister 14 ADDvantage/August2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

members

by Jill Phipps, USPTA Staff Writer

1 member of USPTA - the fourth in her family. siblings have spent a big part of their lives working to ensure that their father can "come out to the academy to see 100 kids out here The other Gildemeister child, 21-year-old Katrina, is attending playing, having fun, doing something really healthy and setting goals; North Carolina State University on a full tennis scholarship and servit's a great environment. ing an internship as a tennis instructor with the City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department. Katrina, who lives with Marissa, is think"It's what it was like in the old days in Holiday Park," John said. ing about going to graduate school and has not yet determined her "In terms of spreading the word and getting more kids to particicareer path, her father said. pate, I think it makes him happy."

All three Gildemeister children helped their parents with their Fritz and Diane Gildemeister, fellow USPTA pros working totennis programs during the sumgether at the same facility, are on mers when they were growing the flip side of the Evert family up. But the couple tried not to story. In the Gildemeisters' case, push any of them into a tennis it was the parents who, brought career. "We didn't head them into one tennis-teaching offspring to teaching or the USPTA," Diane their club â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and they would like said. "It just kind of happened." to recruit another.

The court chemistry also was Fritz Gildemeister is the tenright for the family of John and nis director at The Dunes Golf Harriet Somerville of Hawaii. and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, John, "Hattie" and two of their S.C. Diane and their son, Fritz II, four children currently are share the role of head pros at the USPTA pros. One other child club, which has a total of about is a former member and the 500 members. fourth also used to teach tennis.

Fritz, 53, and Diane, 55, who John Somerville, 66, retired have worked together as tennis in 2000, after 30 years of teachpros since 1971, recruited their ing tennis. But now he serves 25-year-old son from a country as assistant pro at Poipu Kai club in Atlanta a year ago beResort in Poipu Beach, Kauai. cause "we thought he could add something to the program and we Susan Torrance and her mother, Dr. Shelby Frizzell Torrance.

The head pro happens to be Hattie Somerville, his wife of wouldn't be guessing what his knowledge and capabilities were. He was a known entity and it would 41 years. "If she has to turn away a lesson, she can refer it to her be easier to keep him here," Diane said, adding that longevity beassistant," John said with a laugh. "I say, 'OK, whatever.' hooves a club.

Actually, the two do complement each other professionally.

"I learned a lot through my parents, growing up with them as "She likes teaching private lessons and I love clinics because of directors," Fritz II said. He had his "own set of ways" after working the spontaneity," John said. for them as an assistant pro at Hollow Rock Racquet and Swim Club John Somerville, who has been a member of USPTA for nearly in Durham, N.C., four years ago. But "it was nice to have an oppor30 years, also works as an administrative assistant to his daughter, tunity to work with my parents again," he noted.

Hannah, a very successful real estate agent. "I'm a great little gofer," If they worked at a bigger club, the Gildemeisters would have their he joked. "I learned a long time ago, when I got married, that it's daughter, Marissa, a 24-year-old pro, "in a second," Diane said. But better not to have an ego."

Marissa is busy teaching 40 to 50 hours a week at North Hills Tennis The Somervilles' youngest child, Betsy Purpura, is a USPTA memClub in Raleigh, N.C. She recently became certified as a Professional ber and women's tennis coach at Seton Hall University in South continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2002 1 5

from previous page Orange, NJ. She also teaches at the Center Court in South Orange.

Her brother, Henry Somerville, also is a USPTA pro and works as head men's and women's coach at Hawaii Pacific University in Honolulu. He also is director of tennis at Oahu Club in Honolulu.

And Henry's twin brother, Jim, is also a USPTA member who is now a former tennis pro who now sells computers and office equipment in Salinas, Calif. He had to quit teaching tennis after he hurt his back snowboarding, John Somerville said.

But Jim, like the rest of the family, still plays competitive tennis.

That includes sister Hannah Sirois, who taught tennis about 15 years ago.

John Somerville currently is ranked No. 1 in men's 65s in the state of Hawaii, and his wife is ranked No. 16 in the nation in (USTA) women's 65 singles and No. 10 in women's 65 doubles.

Moreover, Hattie and daughter Betsy, who has played doubles in all four Grand Slams, are ranked No. 1 in the nation in the senior mother-daughter category. They worked hard for that gold ball, their proud husband and father said.

"I am delighted that they are all doing what they want to do," John Somerville said of his four children. "I am equally delighted that they all still play at a very competitive level. So many former pros and players are now playing golf."

Susan Torrance, a 52-year-old USPTA pro in Corpus Christi, Texas, still competes in senior nationals.

She and her mother, Dr. Shelby Frizzell Torrance, a USPTA life

member who lives in Yorktown, Texas, played mother-daughter tournaments in that state and were undefeated for two years.

Mother and daughter both competed in the U.S. Open. Susan played the Grand Slam in the early 1980s and Shelby qualified in the main draw in the late 1940s. They also both qualified for Wimbledon. Her mother didn't go, but Susan played both the Wimbledon and French Open qualifiers.

The pair also shared a working relationship after Dr. Torrance completed a 34-year teaching and coaching career at Del Mar Junior College in Corpus Christi.

Susan Torrance said she was thrilled to work with her mother at the Al Kruse Municipal Center in Corpus Christi for several years. Her mother, who will be 79 this year, retired in 1991.

Susan succeeded her mother as head pro and is still teaching at the Al Kruse Center, where her cross-generational students range in age from 4 to 87.

Susan Torrance believes her own career reflects her mother's legacy.

"I'm living proof of how much she loved the game, because somehow she passed it on to me," she said. "I know when I'm on the court I'm passing on knowledge that comes from my mother's early coaches at the University of Texas.

"That's a wonderful gift when you're passing on generational knowledge about a sport," Susan Torrance said. "You want to be innovative and have the latest techniques, but if you can combine that with the truths of die past, you make a wonderful educator." ^"

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Circuitâ&#x201E;˘

ennis teachers are challenged each season to create new and I exciting programs that will entice junior players and increase action on the courts. The USPTA Junior Circuit will not only increase play, but it will also build a revenue source and create valuable public relations exposure for USPTA professionals. The excitement generated by the program will also result in recognition for host facilities and build enthusiasm for the sport throughout the community.

The USPTA Junior Circuit was conceived and developed by teaching professionals to fit the specific needs of their students and cities. Like all USPTA programs, this activity is designed to give ultimate control to local teaching pros. So, in addition to promoting and increasing local tennis activity, the entire program is controlled by local pros, who know what will work best in a particular location or for a distinct group of customers.

Best of all, it places no requirements or restrictions on tennis teachers or on the beginner competitors. This program provides beginner players with opportunities for competition. It's about fun and camaraderie. The aim of the program is to make it easy for anyone to participate, including teaching pros, junior players, parents and entire communities.

The program guide on the following pages will explain how the USPTA Junior Circuit works, provide some ideas for implementing the program and outline the benefits to the entire tennis community.

The USPTA Junior chrcuif

The USPTA Junior circuif -

The USPTA i)um'or circuif

What is a USPTA Junior Circuit?

A USPTA Junior Circuit is a series of tournaments created to introduce lower-level players to competition and allow them to prepare for higher-level competition. The keys to tournament success are flexibility and local control.

united states professional tennis

Key elements for a USPTA Junior Circuit include: •

A series of tournaments - The number of tournaments should be based on what will work in a particular community.

•

Tournaments that target lower-level competitors or recreational players-Advanced players already have a sanctioned tournament schedule, but the average recreational junior doesn't. A USPTA Junior Circuit will give many more juniors the chance to compete for the first time and help them prepare for high-level competition, if they choose to advance.

•

•

•

Local events in one city or within a metropolitan area - Novice tennis players and their parents won't have to travel far or incur a great deal of expense.

A point system that will reward players - such as 2 points for entering, 2 points for main draw wins and 1 point for consolation draw wins. This is the immediate reward system. By using a point system, not only do you reward the first- and secondplace and consolation winner with a trophy, but also all the players begin to track their points and point standings.

A "masters" and playoff system - Top players would qualify for a masters tournament at the end of the circuit and the top players from each masters competition would qualify for a divisional playoff.

Determining world learns to p

Court space at most facilities probably won't be an issue for a new circuit tournament. However, as a circuit grows, additional courts outside the host site will be required. When multiple sites are providing courts, this means more juniors are participating and tennis is growing in your area.

When should a junior circuit be held?

The USPTA Junior Circuit can be held any time of year. It can be scheduled to accommodate school schedules, other tennis events and indoor versus outdoor seasons, or timed to coincide with a special celebration in a particular locale. Sample schedules include: •

Every Saturday in the summer - Schedule one-day tournaments throughout the summer if that is best for your area.

•

One weekend per month - Let each tournament in the series pick its best weekend for the series, or schedule each tournament on the same weekend each month. For example, the first, second or last weekend over several months.

•

Use an existing tournament schedule - There are many junior tournaments in tennis calendars across the country. Your tournaments will have greater participation and make more money if you coordinate with other junior tournaments instead of scheduling them to conflict with others. You'll also draw attention to your junior circuit if it's convenient for players and coaches alike.

Where is a USPTA Junior Circuit held?

Any facility is OK if it fits the needs of the players and teaching professionals hosting the event. The choices include country clubs, park and rec centers, tennis centers and schools.

Who runs a junior circuit?

Teaching professionals control every aspect of the program. As circuit coordinators or tournament directors, tennis teachers are in a position to promote their services, their facilities, their teaching skills and tennis.

Hosting a junior circuit tournament gives professionals the chance to promote tennis in their communities and seek sponsors for

the events. Teaching professionals in one area can combine their efforts to create a first-class event that will result in fantastic public relations opportunities and an increase in tennis at their facilities and throughout their city.

A pro can hold a series of tournaments at his facility, or coordinate a series that travels from one facility to another in a local area. The important thing to remember is that pros can gain notoriety in their own communities by hosting and promoting positive tennis experiences for junior players, parents and others who help out or just watch the fun.

Running a USPTA Junior Circuit from A to Z Whether you prefer one-day events or a tournament that is played over a weekend, it's important that teaching pros use a format that has worked in the past. Any format can be modified to fit the particular needs of a community or facility.

In one USPTA division, the USPTA Junior Circuit features on-court coaching, which allows players and coaches the opportunity to communicate and discuss strategies during a match. This unique concept creates more drama and adds to the fun. Also, depending on a community's tennis Interest or a club's size, it may be a good idea to start with a small circuit and build it into a larger event each season or year.

Some professionals prefer to host their own junior circuit and opt to hold tournaments on successive weekends beginning in the spring or fall seasons. If a facility has an established junior program, this works well because of the larger pool of junior players and potential competitors.

Creating and then maintaining player enthusiasm is an important key to the success of a junior circuit. Remember to post promotional information well before a circuit is set to begin and then continue hyping the event by posting point standings and any highlights of the action. Also, using the same format for each tournament in a series will be easier on both the event coordinators and the players.

Building on a USPTA Junior Circuit success USPTA Vice President Randy Mattingley runs a USPTA Junior Circuit at the Lubbock (Texas) Country Club, where he is director of tennis. He introduced the idea of running these events as a national sports marketing program that would promote USPTA and increase junior-level play at the grassroots.

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,

Mattingley has also worked with circuits in other parts of Texas.

Below he explains how he runs a circuit in Lubbock and offers insights into how other Texas-based circuits operate.

Since our goal is to attract new tennis players and their tennis parents, we run one-day tournaments. The participants really appreciate the convenience of being able to get their tennis in without it taking up the whole weekend.

The circuit has become so popular in our area that most, if not all, USPTA pros at clubs and the city parks host the events.

Even the high school tennis coaches have joined in the effort.

Because local professionals support this concept, we can offer our kids the opportunity to compete every weekend in the summer without having to leave town.

We offer girls' and boys' competition for 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s. The format includes an eight-game pro set in the main draw and a six-game set in the consolation round.

Players are awarded 2 points for main draw wins, 1 point for consolation wins, and 2 points for entering and playing a round. The point system motivates players to participate, and it provides more than just an incentive to win. Every player who participates gets points in addition to the trophies that are presented to the winners. The point standings rank every active player, even if they never win a match. Everyone is rewarded, which is one of the most valuable aspects of the junior circuit program.

Tips from Texas Division junior circuits: > The Lubbock circuit uses one entry form for all tournaments.

One form reduces costs, promotes all the tournaments, explains the details and is both convenient and recognizable to children and their parents. â&#x20AC;˘ The Abilene circuit consists of three tournaments, each held in the consecutive months of August, September and October at the same facility. â&#x20AC;˘

In Houston, each club sets its own tournament date throughout a particular season. Each facility usually runs its tournament from Friday through Sunday and plays two out of three sets.

1

Corpus Christi pros use a separate but standardized entry form for each tournament. Tournaments are usually held the fourth weekend of every month.

Below is a quick checklist to help you plan a USPTA Junior Circuit.

More information about some of the more detailed projects follows this list.

Extra events extend USPTA Junior Circuit season

USPTA Junior Circuit checklist

Create excitement with invitational tournaments

IZI Outline a plan for the USPTA Junior Circuit at your facility or in your community 0 Set up a meeting with potential tournament directors to discuss and determine: • Event • Format • Schedule • Fees and expenses • Awards • Coordination of draws and point standings to and from the coordinator • Potential sponsorship 0 Contact potential sponsors 0 Design and print entry form 0 Contact coaches and pros to promote events 0 Send out entry forms 0 Contact local newspaper 0 Contact awards company to arrange for trophies for each tournament at reduced rate 0 Run the first tournament 0 Get draws for determining points earned by players 0 Send results and photos to newspaper 0 Print and post point standings (and pictures) on regular basis (i.e., weekly, monthly) at every host site 0 At the end of the circuit, contact top players for a masters tournament 0 Make notes throughout season on changes and corrections for the next circuit 0 Set up a tentative schedule for the next season

After the regular junior circuit is complete, add to the fun by hosting a masters-level tournament. Invitations can be sent to the top eight or 16 players in each age category. The host pro and his assistants can also call those players who qualify to extend the special invitations.

The same format used for the circuit can be used for the invitational tournament. Pros can make it special by presenting nicer awards and adding special player favors.

Organize divisional or state playoff tournament The best reward for a great season of tennis is a true playoff. If a division, region or state offers several junior circuits in various locations, a playoff scenario can be created that will really heighten the competition and the opportunities for fun.

A playoff requires that pros from different areas communicate with each other to set up a playoff tournament. To organize the event, pros might follow the guidelines below: •

Decide on a host city and site - This may be a challenge based on the number of teams invited.

•

Invite each local circuit to send a team - Each team could have as many as 20 kids, if you have two boys and two girls represent each age group from the 10s to 18s.

•

Set the format - Find a fun, team-building format that will require the kids to depend on each other. This means less emphasis is placed on individual results.

•

Make it fun - Offer a karaoke contest, a skit, or something that gets all the kids together for good clean fun.

Playoff format used in Texas USPTA member David Davis of Abilene has made it possible for hundreds of kids each year to take their first tennis trip for the purpose of competing in a state-level playoff. He has organized these trips since 1992.

As the number of circuits has grown, so has the size of the Texas Gran Prix Playoffs, held at T-Bar-M and Newk's Ranch in New Braunfels each year. Juniors qualify through their local circuit tournaments and then the local masters tournament. The Texas Gran Prix Playoffs are a great incentive for players statewide to participate regularly in their local events.

All 14 junior circuits in the state (as of 2001) are invited to send a team for the weekend tournament. Each team is comprised of two players from each division: boys 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s, and 18s; and girls 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s (20 players). The teams are divided into two flights (A and B) that play a round-robin format. Each round is one, six-game set, no ad, with a 12-point tiebreaker at 5-all.

The state playoffs run Friday through Sunday. After Saturday's matches the teams are treated to dinner and participate in various activities, such as a team karaoke contest. On Sunday the final round of competition takes place, with the top team in flight "A" playing the top team from flight "B." The second team in each flight plays each other and so on.

During the weekend, kids see for the first time how big tennis can be and get a totally new level of enthusiasm for the game.

Every participant has a great time and leaves with a T-shirt that has USPTA across the front. The public relations value created by the event for USPTA and its members is priceless.

Why

a USPTA Junior Circuit?

There are an abundant number of good reasons for implementing a USPTA Junior Circuit. First, teaching pros can promote themselves and their programs. Then, there's the great potential to create a revenue source for both the pro and his facility. There are also great benefits for the participants. Lastly, tennis itself gets a big boost from this program as it grows and becomes a community-wide event.

Public relations value The USPTA Junior Circuit, like other USPTA programs, is designed to recognize the importance of local USPTA tennis-teaching professionals and the role they play in growing tennis in their own communities. The junior circuit concept can be used to emphasize the importance of quality lesson programs and a teacher's role in preparing juniors for competition.

Also, don't forget that delivering this type of program enables USPTA members to promote their credentials, including their USPTA certification level. It's a great way to educate club members about the skills tennis teachers should possess to provide quality tennis programming for the entire family.

So, in promoting this or any other program, be sure to use the USPTA name.

A USPTA Junior Circuit promotes a teaching professional to: Players Parents Sponsors Club members Other USPTA professionals The community Promotional exposure can be achieved through various means, including entry forms, posters, newsletters, local newspapers, and radio and television stations. Also, a club Web site or a personal Web site can be a means through which pros promote themselves and their USPTA Junior Circuit.

Randy Mattingley uses his club's Web site to promote his city's USPTA Junior Circuit. Each week players can log on to get their draw and match times or check the point standings. The site gets a lot of hits each week and his tennis page gets more exposure for other tennis activities at the club or in the area. Visit the site at www.lubbockcc.org/Tennis/lubbockjunior_circuit.htm.

Revenue source Although public relations value is very important to any program and teaching professional, the key to a specific program's success is its ability to financially sustain itself and create a revenue source for the pro and his or her facility.

Below is an example of an income and expense statement for a tournament director of a typical junior circuit event. Fees and costs will vary at each tournament site. However, as the chart below demonstrates, a tournament director can earn more than $400 for a one-day event. The events may start out small, but with a little promotion and time, the rewards-will multiply.

Sample USPTA Junior Circuit income & expense worksheet Categories

Expenses

Entry Fee Sponsorship

I.

Awards Balls Court fees Printing Site directors Circuit fee Favors & prizes

8 $21 48 4 $3.25 16 li $25 1 $40 2 $90 M150 $2 Idonatedl

Profiits

If a professional is ambitious and takes on the hosting responsibilities of an entire circuit, he or she can realize additional profit.

Not only will other clubs and facilities pay a "circuit fee" to you for the use of your facility during each tournament, but you can build revenue into the player entry fees over time. For example, if a pro runs as few as seven tournaments over a designated season, he can build in as little as $1 into each entry fee to create additional revenue.

To begin a new circuit, a coordinator may choose not to add the extra $1 or $2 until the second or third season. This way, a circuit builds revenue as it gains in popularity and attracts more players.

Remember, sponsorships can offset tournament and circuit expenses and many local businesses are willing to support athletic activities for junior-level players. Teaching pros are encouraged to use their sales skills to build up their programs and attract sponsors.

Local USPTA control Teaching pros have control of every aspect of the program, which is a very attractive benefit. Whether a pro runs her own tournament series or coordinates a circuit with other pros in the same city, the fact remains that pros schedule the events, determine age categories, set the format and publish entry fees. Everything can be modified based on local preferences.

Player benefits Players and their parents benefit from the convenience of the local competition offered by a USPTA Junior Circuit. Because it's designed for the novice or "non-qualified" competitor, it allows local pros to determine age and level categories that will enhance a player's tournament experience and provide incentives for him to consistently participate.

The Junior Circuit also prepares players for more advanced competition at sanctioned tournaments or USTA-level competitions, if that is their goal.

Other player benefits include:

Additional benefits of a USPTA-controlled program include:

•

A natural progression from advanced Little Tennis® players to non-qualified competition of a USPTA Junior Circuit

•

USPTA ownership - which translates into flexibility for all teaching professionals

•

Regular competition for juniors

•

Immediate reward system through a point system

Revenue - which means USPTA members can earn income for themselves and for their clubs

•

Limited travel time for local events

•

Low-cost fun for the family

•

•

Facility recognition - The USPTA Junior Circuit will build junior programs by attracting new players and providing more activities

•

Exposure for teaching pros as leaders in the tennis community - Many more members should be encouraged to run these programs for the experience and valuable publicity

•

Visibility of USPTA - The public relations value to USPTA will translate into wider recognition of not only the Association, but also its members and their credentials by tennis players and the general public

•

Improved relationships among teaching professionals and coaches - Running a junior circuit will allow pros and coaches to communicate and work together to improve tennis in their local areas. Middle and high school tennis coaches are a valuable resource for helping to promote circuits or to recruit as tournament directors and hosts.

So, get out there and host a USPTA Junior Circuit!

The many professionals who have already instituted versions of the USPTA Junior Circuit say it is one of the most enjoyable and productive programs they run. It accomplishes many goals and offers numerous benefits to all the participants - players, USPTA pros, parents and communities.

Tennis is perhaps the biggest beneficiary of the circuit concept.

As USPTA members deliver the program to communities throughout our country, they will introduce tennis and healthy competition to hundreds of thousands of young players. Tennis enthusiasm will then grow and support a multitude of businesses that make up the tennis industry.

It's important to remember that the USPTA Junior Circuit was designed with the teaching pro in mind. It promotes the skills of certified professionals and ensures their status within the industry as the delivery system to the sport's millions of players.

Sample entry form J?r 2002 Lubbock USPTA Junior Circuit The junior circuit tournaments are designed to make competitive play accessible to Lubbock-area juniors.

These one-day tournaments will be held on Saturdays.

Events: Singles age divisions: Boys 10,12,14,16 & 18

Girls 10,12,14,16 & 18

(Minimum of four players to hold an event. If there are not enough entries, players may be moved or divisions may be combined.)

Age eligibility: Age eligibility is determined by the age you will be at the end of the month of any given tournament. Any qualifier for a masters tournament or the Gran Prix Playoffs must meet this age requirement. Players qualified for championship must play up one division. Players qualified for super championship must play up two divisions.

Format: The format will be no ad scoring with an eight-game pro set in main draw and a six-game set in consolation. Players are guaranteed two rounds.

Awards: Awards will be given to first and second place and consolation winners.

Schedule/site location: June 8 Frenship High School June 15 Lakeridge Country Club June 22 Lubbock Country Club June 29 McLeod Tennis Center

July July July July

6 13 20 27

Coronado High School Trinity High School Lubbock Country Club Lubbock High School

Aug. 3 Lubbock Country Club Aug. 10 JCT Masters Sept. 27 Gran Prix playoffs in New Braunfels - Sept. 29

Entry fee: The entry fee is $12.00 and must be in the hands of the circuit coordinator by the entry deadline which is 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to each tournament.

Point system: 2 points 2 points 1 point

Entering and completing at least one round of a junior circuit tournament Each win in the main draw of a junior circuit tournament Each win in the consolation draw of a junior circuit tournament

Junior Circuit Masters tournament: Top sixteen players in each division will be invited to participate in the masters tournament at Lubbock Country Club on August 10.

Texas Gran Prix Playoffs: Top two players from each division will be eligible to represent the Lubbock team in New Braunfels for the Texas Gran Prix Playoffs September 27-29, 2002. This state playoff is open to non-qualified players only.

Entry: Enter online at www.lubbockcc.org by completing the entry form and using a credit card for payment. Entries may also be delivered or mailed to the Lubbock Country Club Tennis Shop: JCT Coordinator 3400 Mesa Road Lubbock, Texas 79403 (806) 762-3430

Players MUST send a completed entry form with the entry fee for each tournament. Entries MUST be in the hands of the circuit coordinator by 6 p.m. on Tuesday prior to each tournament. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THAT TIME. Players are encouraged to enter well in advance. DO NOT rely on U.S. mail. Late entries will not be accepted.

FREE T-SHIRTS: Each player who participates in the circuit will receive a FREE T-shirt. Limit one per player.

Name:

Birthday:

Address:

Citv:

Home phone: Amount paid: $

State:

ZIP:

Office phone: Q Cash

Q Check

Division:

Medical release: I hereby consent to emergency medical and/or hospital service that may be rendered by or at accredited hospitals by appointed physicians in the event such need arises in the opinion of a duly licensed physician.

Waiver and indemnity agreement: Acceptance of my entry in these events is without responsibility of any kind by the tournament or any entity sponsoring the event. I do hereby for and on behalf of my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the tournament, officers and representatives, the sponsoring entities, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities during these events and any period traveling to and from the events described and all such claims are hereby waived and released and covenant not to sue therefore. I have read and understand the foregoing release and indemnity agreement.

Parent's signature:

Date:

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2OQ, .. .Id inference educational tracks 11 a.m. - noon

The many hats of a tennis professional and how to make them all fit, Mitch Adler

12:15-1:15 p.i

How to be a better head professional or tennis director, Paul MacDonald, Klaus Hilgers

Professional development Monday. Sept. 23 1:30-2:45 p.m.

General session: Incorporating "best practices " into your career strategy, Mark McMahon

Tuesday, Sept. 24 11:45 a.m.

-12:45 p.m.

Choosing the right equipment for you and your players, David Bone

1-5 p.m.

Specialty course 2: Digital camera for tennis, Andy Ventress O

21st century marketing - trend-savvy marketing or how not to go broke before 2005, KAZ

Sport science Sunday, Sept. 22 4 - 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 8-9 a.m.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

The four "P's" for personal perfection. How to manage yourself and others for precious profit and phenomenal pfun!, Mike Carter The O 'Meara process: the power of new perceptions, David O'Meara

Reaction steps - The first move to the ball observation, training and research, Jim McLennan

Tuesday, Sept. 24 8 - 9 a.m.

A revolutionary new approach to match charting and analysis, Ron Krubeck

8a.m. - noon

Specialty course 1: Motor learning/sport psychology, Mike Kernodle, Ph.D., Paul Lubbers, Ph.D. XDA

Estate planning, Wayne Warnken 11:45 a.m.

-12:45 p.m

Tips on becoming a USPTA Master Professional, R.J. Tessier

10:30

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 6: Software specific computer training, Alan Cutler O

3 - 4 p.m.

Strength and conditioning for tennis, Ken Olivier, CSCS

3-4 p.m.

Make more $$$... and grow the game, Kurt Kamperman

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Achieving fluid stroke production through Tai Chi, Desmond Oon, Ph.D,

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Xbox and the making of a tennis video game, Warren Pretorius

Thursday, Sept. 26

- 11:30 a.m. Stress management for the over-40 pro, Gary Sailes, Ph.D.

11 a.m.

-12:30 p.m.

Seminar, Peter Burwash

Wednesday, Sept. 25

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 8: Recognizing and coping with stress in the tennis profession, Robert F. Heller, Ed.D. A

8 a.m. - noon

Specialty course 4: Sports nutrition/sport physiology, Page Love, Mike Bergeron, Ph.D. XDA

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Evaluating and enhancing your relationships, Bob Greene

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Emotional management training for every student, Byrce Young, Ph.D.

Make any racquet play better-guaranteed!, Drew Sunderlin

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Performance study design - original sports foundation powder, Mike Van Zutphen Vision training for tennis, Feisal Hassan

Friday, Sept. 27 10:30

a.m. - noon General session: Building physical, emotional, mental and spiritual muscle, Jim Loehr, Ed.D.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

How to promote yourself as a USPTA professional - part II, Gerald Winder

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 10: Managing the job search, Gil Allison

Saturday, Sept. 28 8 - 9 a.m.

1:30-2:45 p.m.

General session: The five limiting factors of tennis performance, Jack Groppel, Ph.D.

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 9: Sports medicine/ biomechanics, Todd Ellenbecker, Paul Roetert, Ph.D. XA

Friday. Sept. 27 1:30-2:45 p.m.

General session: Mysteries of the heavy ball - comparing the serves of Sampras and Rusedski, John Yandell

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Women, high performance and long-term health: What every woman and her coach need to know, Cheryl McLaughlin

Improving your net gain: The Internet way, Jeff Hawes, Pat Whitworth Breaking the chains, Jim Krimbill, Luke O'Loughlin

20

Thursday, Sept. 26

ADDvantage/August 2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Facility management

8 - 9 a.m.

USA Team Tennis (youth), Paul D'Amico

Tuesday, Sept. 24

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

The Czech tennis school, Dr. Martin Baroch

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Entertainment in your club, Henri Elkins

1:30-2:45 p.m.

1-5 p.m.

Specialty course 3: Effective team building, Barbara Fackel +

General session: Tennis in a can, Nick Bollettieri

3 - 4 p.m.

Drills, drills and more drills, Jorge Capestany, David Brouwer

4:15-5:15 p.m.

7776 drills and skills you need to deliver the thrills, Anni Miller, Kelly Marshall, Rosie Bareis

Wednesday, Sept. 25 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Leveraging the Internet to expand customer service, Louanne Melone-Fischer 11:45 a.m.

-12:45 p.m.

How to set up a tennis budget, Fernando Vela sco

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 5: Making your pro shop a profitable venture, Drew Sunderlin +

Thursday, Sept. 26 1:30-5:30 p.m.

3 - 4 p.m.

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 26 8-9:15 a.m.

Evolution of a champion, Bill Tym

9:30-10:45 a.m.

General session: The backhand in the modern game, Lynne Rolley

12:15-1:15 p.m.

A program that's already a hit - USPTA Junior Circuit, Randy Mattingley

Specialty course 7: Marketing and promotion success, Joe Dinoffer 4-

Seminar, Townsend Gilbert

Customer service begins at home, Jill Fonte

3 - 4 p.m.

Ball machine drills, drills, drills, Stan Oley

ABCs of tennis court resurfacing, Hamilton

5:30-6:30 p.m.

A progression of tennis games that hook juniors on tennis fora lifetime, Guy Parks

Kevin

Friday, Sept. 27

Friday, Sept. 27

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 11: Tennis club programming, Larry Karageanes +

12:15-1:15 p.m.

Twelve keys to coaching, Joe Dinoffer

3 - 4 p.m.

3-4

My tennis courts are 20 years old, is it time for renovation? Court evaluation and laser lifts, Pat Hanssen

Tactics for developmental stages three and four, Nick Saviano

4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Building and repairing the volley, Dave Kozlowski

p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Saturday, Sept. 28

1:30-5:30 p.m.

11 a.m. - noon

Are you a tennis match detective?, Tom Daglis

1:30-2:45 p.m.

General session: Being a masterful coach, Sean Brawley

1:30-5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 13: Group lessons for juniors and adults: planning, marketing and execution, Bob Reed XD

Specialty course 12: Net profit: a business program for tennis professionals, Dave Sivertson +

Teaching Monday. Sept. 23 10:30-11:30 a.m. Doubles: Let's go Dutch, Hans Romer

Spanish courses

3-4 p.m.

Parallel mode: Tennis in the zone, Scott Ford, Dr. William L Hines

Wednesday. Sept. 25

4;15 - 5:15 p.m.

Working with advanced juniors, Russell Heier

8-0 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24 8-9

a.m.

9:15-10:15 a.m.

Drills and more drills, Sekou Bangoura Guide for growth and development (individual, group, team), Mark Faber, Bryan Nibert

10:30-11:30 a.m. On court with preschoolers, Marceil Whitney 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Charlytennis, Luis Mediero

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Teaching out of the box - way out!, Townsend Gilbert

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Dominate in doubles: control the center, Mark Fairchild

These These These These These

Entrenando equipos para competencia de dobles, Daniel Burgess

9:15 -10:15 a.m. Practica con factor de tiempo, Joe Dinoffer 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Charlytennis, Luis Mediero

Thursday, Sept. 26 12:15-1:15 p.m. Progresiones para adultos, Fernando Velasco 3-4 p.m.

Adult tennis, Luis Mediero

4:15-5:15 p.m.

Diferencias de entremiento en pistas rapidas y lentas, Francisco Vicent

Friday, Sept. 27 12:15-1:15 p.m. Entrenamiento dejugadoresjuniors, Francisco Vicent

courses are recommended for the Specialist in Competitive Player Development degree. courses count toward the educational requirements needed for a Specialist in Little Tennis degree. courses count toward the educational requirements needed for a Specialist in Computer Technology degree. courses count toward the educational requirements needed for a Specialist in Sport Science degree. courses count toward the educational requirements needed for a Specialist in Facility Management degree.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

uspta.

ADDvantage/August 2002 21

THE POWER OF FOCUS THE KEY TO HIGH PERFORMANCE LEARNING

««(&• •

fens.-'

by Sean Brawley, USPTA

H

PROM THE PROFESSIONAL RANKS TO THE CLUB PLAYER, THE MOST AGONIZING ASPECT OF MOST ATHLETES' EXPERIENCE IS CLEARLY THEIR INCONSISTENCY.

ow does tennis pro Martina Hingis know exactly where to position her racquet to meet a ball served 110 mph by Venus Williams and return it for a winner down the line?

How does New York Yankee Bernie Williams know precisely how fast and far to run to catch a drive to deep right centerfield? What calculations does Tiger Woods need to make to get the golf ball within 8 inches of the hole on a 40-yard chip from the rough?

The human mind and body are capable of amazing feats of calculation and subtle distinctions that the human eye can barely detect. In fact, the beauty of watching professional athletes perform is seeing not only their grace and style, but also the incredible technical precision required for mastery of their respective sports. Sport sci-

ence studies tell us, for instance, that if a tennis player's racquet face angle is off by a mere quarter of an inch it can translate into the ball landing 4 to 6 feet out in a baseline to baseline exchange. The same is true for the golfer. The club head needs be off only a degree or two for his drive to be errant 30 or more yards.

The beauty of watching professional athletes perform is seeing not only their grace and style, but also the incredible technical precision required for mastery of their respective sports.

22 ADDvantage/August 2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

From the professional ranks to the club player, the most agonizing aspect of most athletes' experience is clearly their inconsistency. Their performances vary widely from one day to the next. So what is the secret to consistent performance? How does one achieve such precision and skill? And how can a coach best facilitate this kind of learning and performance?

to focus. In his seminal classic, The Inner Game of Tennis, Timothy Gallwey wrote, "Relaxed concentration is the key to excellence in all things." Seven-time NBA champion coach Phil Jackson says, "Awareness is everything."

LEARNING HOW TO DIRECT AND SUSTAIN FOCUS ON WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS ONE OF THE KEYS TO ACHIEVING AND SUSTAINING HIGH LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE.

THE COACH'S HIPPOCRATIC OATH: DO NO HARM! I think it is fair to say that today's culture of coaching overemphasizes technical instruction to the exclusion of other more effective methods of teaching. But telling our bodies how to do something is not the best way to improve performance. Our muscles don't understand English and our conscious thinking minds can't comprehend what's required for precise eye-hand coordination.

Can you imagine giving a tennis player an instruction to close the face of his racquet a quarter of an inch?

Most coaches don't realize that telling someone what to do'creates a judgmental environment, undermines the student's trust in their own capabilities or that there is a better way. It can be helpful to empathize with your students and imagine what is going on inside their minds while they are trying to hit the ball. You will find that, in their efforts to improve, most people will try hard to make their bodies conform to the internal and external instructions of their last lesson and, therefore, think too much about what they are doing. This, of course, actually inhibits free movement of their bodies and interferes with coordination rather than assisting it. The quality of my coaching improved and my students' learning and performance took a major step forward the day I realized the disrupting effects of my over-instruction. What emerged next was the paradox that faces all coaches: the need to correct the student's practice of self-correction! It was then I was able to discover more effective ways of coaching.

THE POWER OF FOCUS TO TRANSFORM LEARNING AND PERFORMANCE The secret to gaining more control over our bodies lies in gaining some measure of control over our minds. And the first and most important mental skill to learn is how www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

es, I helped a pitcher overcome a seven-week problem with his technique through the application of a simple focus exercise. I asked the pitcher not to worry about his technique, but instead to tell me as precisely as possible how far

When my students' minds are free from the clutter of verbal instructions — both internal and external - and their focus is directed instead to what really matters — the trajectory of the ball, the feel of their racquets, the movement and positioning of their bodies, where they want to hit the ball - their learning, performance and enjoyment greatly improves. Improvement is a natural consequence when the quality and quantity of the sensory information critical to success is increased. Here are three examples to illustrate: •

•

The best known focus exercise was invented by Timothy Gallwey and is called "bounce-hit." In this simple (but not easy) exercise, a player says the word "bounce" when the ball bounces on the ground and the word "hit" when he feels the ball hit his racquet. When the player gains proficiency on his own side of the court he may begin calling out the other side as well. Focusing more intently on the ball quiets the mind and provides more information about the spin, speed, and direction of the ball to the computer brain, which is then able to better calculate the movement and position of the body and the resultant swing. "Bouncehit" has been called the single best exercise ever created for tennis, yet few coaches and players use it. Learning how to coach "bounce-hit" and optimize its effectiveness can be challenging, but will inevitably lead the coach to greater insights into how the mind affects perception, therefore learning and performance. After a time, this exercise may prove boring for the student. As the inquisitive coach seeks to solve this problem, she will discover additional focus exercises to put into her bag of tricks.

In a demonstration at a New York Yankees' workshop for minor league coach-

his pitches landed from the catcher's mitt.

As he slowly took his mind off trying to do it the "right way" he was able to notice and discern with greater clarity the distance his pitches were from his intended target. Not only did he become increasingly more consistent, he stopped judging himself. Within 10 minutes he threw 13 out of 15 pitches within 6 inches of his objective. This rather spontaneous change held up over time and the player had discovered a lifelong learning tool.

•

The starting place kicker for the University of Southern California Trojan football team was having performance problems and his confidence was low as a result.

Within two sessions he greatly improved his ability to focus and noticed subtle distinctions in his kicking technique. He soon isolated the main problem all on his own — the angle of his foot as it met the ball. It felt only a fraction of an inch off, but this had been enough to lose both power and accuracy. By continuing to pay attention, the mind and body's natural learning process made subtle corrections that neither he nor his coach could have facilitated with instruction alone. His performance last season was much improved over the previous year's, but perhaps more important, he rediscovered his confidence and joy for the game, as well as how to learn on his own.

A BETTER WAY TO COACH

There are many things that a player can attend to in any given moment. This is why it is so easy to get distracted. Learning how to direct and sustain focus on what really matters is one of the keys to achieving and sustaining high levels of performance. Most coaches and players know this to be true, but few practice it for its own sake. continued next page ADDvantage/August 2002

23

from previous page In the beginning of the Yankees' workshop, a coach asked, "What can you as a tennis pro teach us about baseball?" Instead of answering him directly, I asked him and the rest of the group a question, "What is the single most important skill needed for being an extraordinary hitter?" They were animated in their discussion, bringing up stories of Hank Aaron, Rod Carew and their own Reggie Jackson. It was unanimous: focusing on the ball and identifying the pitch as early as possible. "Great," I said. "How often do you have your hitters practice 'reading' the pitch?" Their mouths fell open in shock. They never had their players practice what they all knew to be the most important thing.

Over the next several months, the Yankees' coaching staffmade shifts in the way they coached and communicated with their players. The senior vice president of operations told me that they stopped micro-managing the players with volumes of instructions. Instead, they simply had them focus on what was really important to be successful in hitting and pitching and let nature take its course. "We trusted in their own ability to learn. Using some of the focus exercises that

you demonstrated, we saw improvement happen quickly. By the end of the season our players were at the top of every category measured in hitting and near the top of every category in pitching, coming from the middle of the pack the year before," he said.

Raising the standards of coaching has been deemed a crucial factor in growing the game and developing elite players. To accomplish this we must all have the courage and willingness to step out of our box and learn about new ideas, new theories and new practices about coaching. Only by re-visioning coaching can we hope to see through its surface to the hidden treasures below. Through this re-visioning process we can both deepen the roots of coaching and elevate it to new heights. *&* Sean Brawley, USPTA, was formerly ranked in the top 150 on the ATP tour and was the 1994 Men's Open Winner of the USPTA International championships. His clients include the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners, the University of Southern California football and tennis teams, as well as Seagate Technology and Creative Artists Agency. You may reach him at sbrawl@aol. com.

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All

Rush and crush

by Tavis Throm, USPTA

Purpose: To work on moving forward and volleying, forward split step, backward split step and reaction time.

Description: 1. All players start at the baseline.

2. Instructor yells "go" and all four players rush to the net.

3. Feed ball No. 1 to opposite team.

When point ends, feed No. 2 and No. 3. No. 4 is a lob. Emphasize the split step before each feed.

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4. When No. 4 lob is fed, side two moves backward and takes a reverse split step.

5. By playing four balls, the point lasts longer. Play four sets of four.

Then everyone rotates one spot to the left.

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Options: 1. With beginners you can keep all four players at the baseline to work on consistency on feed No. 1 and then move forward.

2. Keep one team back at the baseline to work on defensive skills and then try to take the net away from other team.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2002

25

evelopment inventions (5 credits for divisional) Sept. 21 28 USPTA World Conference Las Vegas, Nev. (8 credits) Oct. 28 29 Hawaii Division Oahu, Hawaii Oct. 30 Southwest Division Nov. 3 Phoenix

Activities/meetings 0/2 credit and up) Aug. 16-17

Mid-Atlantic Division Washington, D.C. Aug. 23 Texas Division The Woodlands, Texas Aug. 23-24 Eastern Division Rochester, N.Y Sept. 2 Texas Division Corpus Christi, Texas Sept. 3 Midwest Division Hamilton, Ohio Sept. 9 California Division Torrance, Calif.

Sept. 27-29 Texas Division New Braunfels, Texas Oct. 19-20 Northern California Division East Bay, Calif.

developmental

coaches

workshops (2 credits) Aug. 17

Missouri Valley Division Tulsa, Okla.

Aug. 17 New England Division Providence, R.I. Nov. 9 Northern California Division Monterey, Calif.

Call the USPTA Membership Department for more details.

certification testing (3 credits)

Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Aug. 24 Sept. 5 Sept. 9 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 12 Oct. 12

St. Louis Park, Minn.

Palm Coast, Fla. Oahu, Hawaii Sugar Land, Texas Vancouver, Canada Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Toronto Northern New Jersey Cincinnati Orlando, Fla. Rochester, N.Y. Raleigh, N.C. Boca Raton, Fla. Sugar Land, Texas

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

Career Development dates can be viewed online at ADDvantageUSPTA.com.

26 ADDvantage/August 2002

(4 credits for CTC segment) Aug. 10-11 Nashville, Tenn.

Sept. 7-8 Aug. 10-11 Hamilton, Ohio Sept. 8-9 Aug. 10-11 Industry Hills, Calif.

Sept. 14-15 Aug. 15-16 Banksville, N.Y. Sept. 14-15 Aug. 16-18 Tulsa, Okla.

Oct. 2-3 Aug. 17-18 Lubbock, Texas Oct. 12-13 Aug. 17-18 Rochester, N.Y. Oct. 13-14 Aug. 23-24 Louisville, Ky. Oct. 18-20 Sept. 5-6 Freeport, N.Y. Oct. 19-20 Sept. 6-7 Minneapolis Oct. 19-20 Sept. 7-8 Hilton Head Island, S.C. Oct. 19-20 Sept. 7-8 Aurora, III. Oct. 21-22 * This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Whittier Narrows, Calif.

McLean, Va. Rome, Ga. Alamo, Calif.

Bethpage, N.Y. Industry Hills, Calif.

Frederick, Md. Joplin, Mo. Sacramento, Calif.

Fort Worth, Texas Hot Springs, Ark. Houston*

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. Applicant: 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.

(4 credits for CTC segment) Motor learning/sport psychology, Sept. 24, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), M. Kernodle, Ph.D., P. Lubbers, Ph.D. Digital camera for tennis, Sept. 24, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), A. Ventress Effective team building, Sept. 24, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), B. Fackel Sports nutrition/sport physiology, Sept. 25, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), P. Love, M. Bergeron, Ph.D. Making your pro shop a profitable venture, Sept. 25, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), D. Sunder/in Software specific computer training*, Sept. 25, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), A. Cutler Marketing and promotion success, Sept. 26, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), J. Dinoffer Recognizing and coping with stress in the tennis profession, Sept. 26, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), B. Heller Sports medicine/biomechanics, Sept. 26, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), T. Ellenbecker, P. Roetert, Ph.D. Managing the job search, Sept. 27, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), G. Allison Tennis club programming, Sept. 27, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), L. Karageanes Net profit: a business program for tennis professionals, Sept. 28, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), D. Sivertson Group lessons for juniors and adults: planning, marketing and execution, Sept. 28, Las Vegas, Nev., (4 hours), B. Reed Equipment customization, Nov. 18, Whittier, Calif. (4 hours), D. Bone

,

* Members are encouraged to bring a laptop computer to the course with Microsoft Office installed.

Computers will not be provided for the course.

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone cancelling 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 to membership@uspta.org.

specialist degrees Degree

Date/location

Deadline

Competitive Player Development Nov. 12-17/Atlanta Aug. 15 Competitive Player Development Jan. 2-7, 2003/Key Biscayne, Fla. Oct. 15 Applications are available by contacting education@uspta.org.

the USPTA

Education Department

or

CPD - Gained through the USA Tennis High Performance Coaching Program administered by the USA Tennis Coaching Education Department. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDyanta&e RESENTS

1-800-395-7325

internEttEr [where ta surf g valley] iiifiiififif.tennisififeek.coni

Court Surface www.sportmaster.net Sources of Daily Tennis JNews 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.html Sportsline USA: www.sportsline.com/u/tennis/index.html Tennis Week: www.tennisweek.com Professional Tour News ATP: www.atptour.com Senior Tour: www.seniortennistour.com World TeamTennis: www.worldteamtennis.com Sanex WTA Tour: www.sanexwta.com Tennis Organizations.

ITA: www.itatennis.com ITF: www.itftennis.com International Tennis Hall of Fame: www.tennisfame.org PTR: www.ptrtennis.org Tennis Industry Association: www.tennisindustry.org USPTA: www.uspta.com USTA: www.usta.com Van der Meer: www.vandermeertennis.com Tennis Product Manufacturers Dunlop: www.dunlopsports.com/USA Gamma: www.gammasports.com/index.html Head USA: www.head.com Nike: www.nike.com Oncourt Offcourt: www.oncourtoffcourt.com Penn: www.pennracquet.com Wilson: www.wilsontennis.com Tennis School U.S. National Tennis Academy: www.usnta.com Tennis Shopping Holabird Sports: www.holabirdsports.com Tennis Travel Tennis Resorts Online: www.tennisresortsonline.com Tennis Tour Grand Slam Tennis Tours: www.tennistrips.com Awards NetKnacks Tennis Awards: www.tennisawards.com Hotel The Roger Smith Hotel: www.rogersmith.com Tournament Sites Australian Open: www.ausopen.org French Open: www.frenchopen.org U.S.Open: www.usopen.org Wimbledon: www.wimbledon.org USA Network: www.usanetwork.com (U.S. Opens) www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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. www.netprofittennis.com Log on and see why NETPROFIT: The Business Program for Club Tennis Professionals by Dave Sivertson is a must for the career development of all tennis professionals, or call (760) 360-0039.

EMPLOYMENT College Coaching Jobs. The most extensive list of college coaching jobs is available in Daily Tennis. Special four-month subscription only $27.

For information, contact bob@tennisnews.com.

ENTER OUR RESUME BANK Post your resume in our resume bank for only $10 a year! www.tennisresumes.com is designed to include EVERYONE in tennis! College coaches, tennis pros, administrators, clubs and camps too! Any tennis job category is welcome. Even if you aren't looking for a job now, you should be listed. It's like a directory for everyone in tennis. A great way to let your friends, customers and potential employers know where you are and how to reach you. To be included, write info@tennisresumes.com. It's also an ad to get more business or awareness for less than a dollar a month.

TENNIS EMPLOYMENT and tennis news is now available from Bob Larson. For FREE one-month trial, send your name and "Free USPTA trial" to circuladon@tennisnews.com.

www. t e n n i s j o b s . c o m The Tennis Job Line is the ONLY international tennis employment service in the world. Come by and check us out.

TENNIS SOFTWARE iTennisSystem - New version available. Tennis instruction software for tennis professionals. Illustrate tennis drills and lessons graphically. An advanced and easy-to-use system for representing and organizing your tennis programs. Free drills included. Impress your students with printed professional reports. Visit us at www.InterTennis.com for more information. Call (919) 740-1403, or e-mail, sales@InterTennis.com to order.

CLASSIFIEDS Tennis Analyzer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a software pack age for charting tennis matches. Ex tremely easy to use, with fast, intui live data entry of service location anc point-deciding stroke. Enter the stroke as winner, unforced error or error-forcing shot, and type of stroke Tennis Analyzer accumulates anc displays match statistics. Use Tennis Analyzer's point analyzer, shot analyzer and aggressive margin measurement tools to display the chartec players strengths and weaknesses. A free demonstration of Tenni Analyzer is available for downloac at www.tennisanalyzer.com.

VACATION OPPORTUNITIES WANTED! Tennis professionals and tennis coaches. The Professional Coaches Association offers numerous opportunities for tenni 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 (508) 945-8863 or visit pcaholidays.com.

Vacation opportunities for tennis professionals at the No. 1 all-inclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia for you and your partner. Certification required.

For information contact Mike Romisher (847) 207-9475, e-mail VislOsPro@aol.com.

Work Exchange Vacation Opportunities: Vacation a week at the newly renovated Hedonism II in Grand Lido, Negril, Jamaica, or Breezes Costa Do Sauipe in Bahia, Brazil, for only $250. You work two to three hours per day and receive accomodations, food and drinks for you and a guest. Breezes Brazil is a great family property.

For more details, visit our Web site at www.fitbodiesinc.com or call Denise Cox at (678) 778-4673.

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE TENNIS VACATION Knolford Tennis Ranch. Riversdale, St. Catherine and Jamaica, West Indies. Call (876) 929-8304, fax (876)929-7139 or e-mail knolford@yahoo.com. Web site: www.knolford.com TENNIS SUMMER SPECIAL for schools and colleges. Knolford Tennis Ranch. Riversdale, St. Catherine and Jamaica, West Indies Call (876) 929-8304, fax (876) 929-7139 or :-mail knolford@yahoo.com. Web site: www.knolford.com

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 15th of month, two months precedina cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, attn: ADDvanfage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telepnone. No exceptions are made.

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

ADDvantage/August 2002

27

UJifcon I N T R O D U C E S H Y P E R - T E K ™ APPAREL Official apparel ofUSPTA • HYPER M I C R O F I B E R lightweight, densely woven fiber construction to resist wind and water •HYPER DRY soft moisture, management fabrication to quickly wick away moisture •HYPER STRETCH soft, lightweight + adaptable fabrication to maximize freedom of movement and support • HYPER VENT strategic placement of ventilation components to speed-up body cooling • HYPER MOVE engineered to provide ultimate on-court mobility • H Y P E R FIT designed for a comfortable fit that exceeds industry standards of quality + functionality

Wilson® proudly introduces the Hyper-Tek System™, part of the Wilson Tennis Spring 2OO1 Collection. The Hyper-Tek System™ is a Tek-ology based line of performance gear inspired by the super lightweight Hyper Carbon™ Space Flight technology used to construct Wilson® racquet products. This true innovation in sports apparel, combines advanced fabric tek-ology with the physical mechanics of racquet sports to create the lightest, softest, most comfortable and functional performance gear that science has given to the game.

Athco, Inc. is an authorized licensee of Wilson Sporting Goods.

1-80O-99O-OOOO.

A lesson in charity Lessons for Life™ counts all, promotes all J%

T

ennis events make great fund-raisers. From tournaments and pro-ams to socials and mixers, fund-raisers are entertainment and recreation in one, plus the opportunity to help a specific cause.

Of course, tennis professionals work behind the scenes and on the court at countless charitable events every year. While you don't do it for the publicity, it does earn you respect and recognition in the community. On a national scale, that's what USPTA's Lessons for Life'" can do for every member.

Lessons for Life is USPTA's umbrella program for charitable contributions made to recognized organizations. It was originally designed to encourage fund-raisers benefiting the American Cancer Society. New this year, USPTA members who raise funds for ACS or any other legitimate charity will have your contributions counted among the totals of your fellow professionals. Whatever you do to raise money for charity — for the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation or the Silver Lining Foundation, ACS or Muscular Dystrophy Association, or your favorite local charity — will be added to the total.

"We are so excited about making Lessons for Life inclusive of every member's charitable work," said Lessons for Life chairwoman Paula Scheb.

"Many of us have contributed to the same fund-raisers for years, and we've added many more. The industry and die public will be impressed with the amazing contributions, big and small, that really add up."

USPTA will promote the good work of its members through Lessons for Life in order to make an impression among the public and facility managers. News releases are sent, and stories often published as a result, in magazines such as CMAA's Club Management and IHRSA's Club Business International, Tennis Week and Tennis Industry, regional tennis publications and newspapers across the country. In addition, USPTA may use its advertising space in various publications to promote members' efforts.

"Lessons for Life shows all the great things tennis professionals do for their communities and for people," said Russell Warner, the program's first national chairman. "That's been our whole goal for this program."

(ft

California

Mid-Atlantic

Eric Stephens (562) 630-7636 erik913@attbi.com Eastern

Kate Mills (703) 524-3227 kmills@madeira.org

Steve Diamond

Middle States Bill Humes

(973) 244-0601

(609) 683-4480

Mrknicks@mars.superlink.net Florida John Joyce

humes@ias.edu Midwest Dan Moster

(561) 488-6996

(317) 816-3163 (w) (317) 862-1231 (h)

jwjtennisbackick@aol.com Hawaii Randy Kop

(808) 734-2151 ext. 238 rfeopwcc@aol.com Intermountain Priscilla Shaw

(303) 369-6744 tennisgalp@hotmail.com

dskmoster@gateway.net Missouri Valley (South)

Russell Warner (918) 299-2643 (918) 481-8835 gr8life@cottagesoft.com

With the change in the program to include all charities, the Lessons for Life Committee has substantially raised the fund-raising goal to $1 million. As of early June, more than $512,000 had been reported from several divisions.

Tell us about it 1. Hold a fund-raiser for any charity.

2. Report the event to your divisional liaison.

You will be asked for the following information: • Event name • Event date • Site name • City • Charity benefited • Amount raised • USPTA members involved

members who have al Paula Scheb and Michael Burge in Bonita Springs, Fla. — $250 from individual lessons for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Patrick Looney and T.J, Tisdale in Kansas City, Mo. — $1,120 for American Cancer Society Tom Sweitzer and Jim Boardman in Harrisburg, Pa, —$160,000 WO for Hospice of Central Pennsylvania Mark Frampton in Phoenix — $3,000 for a local cancer patient Jim Ault, Bill Bond, Doug Bradley, Chris Fromme, Michael Grass, Geoff Griffin, Leslie Herbert, Peter Herrmann, Terry Holladay, Todd Hollander, Alex Levie, Angel Lopez, Gretchen Magers, Norm Mauz, Cherise Meoli, Rene Muzquiz, Robin Ogburn, Mike Paradowski, Ben Pigorsch, Ben Press, Mike Rogers, Kerry Safdie, Eric Steidlmayer, Eduardo Sanchez, Alison Tintle, Woody Yocom in San Diego - $300,000 for Seriffs Stevens Cancer Center Note: For those raising money for the American Cancer Society, some shins with the Lessons for Life and ACS logos are being sold at special prices. Polos with thefour-color embroidered logo are $9.99 and T-shirts with afour-color print are $2.99 while supplies last. Please call International Marketing Associates at (800) 321-1098 ext. 213 and speak with Mandy.

Missouri Valley (North) Bunny Bruning (515) 996-2859 (515) 285-1459 BUNNYBFS@aol.com New England Tad Connerton

(401) 949-0320 tadsproshop@aol.com Northern California Rosie Bareis

(510) 521-5414 rosieb@harborbayclub.com Northwest Pam Kearney

(612) 581-2349 pkearney 1 @aol.com Pacific Northwest Jennifer Bodnar

San Diego Kim Funk

(760) 753-7266 ksftenn is@wo rldnet. att.net Southern Tom McGraw

(502) 254-0689 usptaky@aol .com Southwest Dick Johnson

(505) 821-4860 (505) 293-5820 richarddjtennis@aol.com Texas

I

Tommy Connell (281) 496-9841 tconneli@evl.net

(360) 629-5433 jenbod@gnrac.net

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

|

I ADDvantage/August 2002

29

For airline reservations, call Stellar Access (80O) 929-4242 Be sure to say you are with Group No. 590

uspta

Registration form Save up to $8O by registering before August 19.

Main registrant Name _ USPTA member No. City Address (W) ( Phone (H) ( ) e-mail T-shirt sizes Q M Q L Q XL Q XXL Please indicate parties you plan to attend: Q Wednesday night Q Thursday night Q Friday awards breakfast Q Friday night Q If you wish to receive the vegetarian meal option, please check here.

Nonmember LJ

Division State

ZIP

Fees Before Aug. 19 Member $275 Nonmember $315

After Aug. 19 $325 $365

Subtotal 1

Specialty courses

Specialty course fees

a NO. 1 a NO. 2 a NO. 3 a NO. 4 a NO. 5 a NO. 6 a NO. 7 a NO. 8 a NO. 9 a NO. 10 a NO. 11 a NO. 12 a NO. 13

Quantity

x $25

Subtotal 2

equivalent registration Spouse/spouse equivalent must be registered to attend parties. No individual tickets will be sold.

Name USPTA member No. T-shirt sizes Q M QL Q XL Q XXL Please indicate parties you plan to attend: Q Wednesday night Q Thursday spouses' luncheon Q Thursday night Q Friday awards breakfast Q Friday night Q If you wish to receive the vegetarian meal option, please check here.

t/nilQ registration

Division

Nonmember

Fees Before Aug. 19 After Aug. 19 Spouse/ $125 $155 spouse equivalent Subtotal 3

Registration fee includes special menu at nightly parties and promotional giveaways for children ages 5-12.

Children ages 13-18 receive adult package.

Child 1 Age_ Child 2 Age

j

T-shirt child Q 10/12 adult QM

Q 14/16 QL

T-shirt child adult

Q 14/16 QL

Q 10/12 QM

Fees per child

Q XL

Quantity Child (5-12)registration x $49 _ Child (13-18) registration x $99

XL

Payment options

Subtotal 4

Make check or money order payable to USPTA, or charge my

Arrival date: Departure date: Are you staying at Bally's Las Vegas? yes

a

If not, why?

Visa

Q MasterCard

Total fees

Name printed on card Card No. Exp. date

Signature

no

Return this form with payment to: USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 fax(713)978-7780

Subtotal 1 Subtotal 2 Subtotal 3 Subtotal 4 Grand total

Hotel room reservation

uspta

(This form must be used for reservations)

^<«cr—-

^JP»

Please complete this form and return it to Bally's Las Vegas no later than August 19, 2002. You may also make reservations by calling (800) 634-3434 and identify yourself as a USPTA conference attendee.

Send to: Bally's Las Vegas 3645 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nev. 89109-4307 (702) 739-4111 (702) 967-3848 (fax) ATTN: Group reservations

Conference:

USPTA World Conference on Tennis Bally's Las Vegas Sept. 21-28

Location:

Bally's Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nev.

Last name (print legibly)

First name

Middle initial

Address City

State

Hotel arrival time

Telephone (

ZIP

Share a room with

Please indicate choice of accommodations. All rates are European plan (no meals included).

Rates: a

$120-Single hotel room

Arrival date:

a

$120-Double hotel room

Departure date:

Please reserve

room(s) for

The published room rates do not include a 9 percent tax. Any additional gratuity to the hotel staff is at your discretion. Third party in any room is $25 per day.

person(s).

Requests: Q

Smoking room

U

Non-smoking room

Deposit:

G

a a

Check

King Double/double

Credit card:

a a Am Ex

Rollaway Crib

MC

VISA

DC/CB Expiration date

Card No. Name printed on card Billing address Authorization signature

Check-in time is after 3 p.m. - Check-out time is at 11 a.m.

General information • All reservation requests must be received by August 19, 2002.

Requests received after this date, or for dates other than the main conference period, will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

• Please include one night's room revenue and 9 percent tax as a deposit in the form of credit card number (with an expiration date valid through date of departure) or check, which will hold your room until midnight of the arrival day. Upon arrival, the deposit will be applied to the first confirmed night of the reservation.

Cancellation notice of two weeks is required for a refund.

When canceling or changing your reservation by telephone, be sure to obtain a cancellation number.

The hotel will make every effort to honor requests for specific types and locations of rooms. However, on occasions when such requests cannot be met, the hotel reserves the right to provide alternate accommodations.

Early departures will be charged a $50 early check-out fee.

Members Rene M. Vidal, USPTA, has joined the IMG Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla., as an assistant tennis coach. Vidal recently helped guide the Florida International University women's team to a top 25 national ranking as a former assistant coach.

USPTA member Mark dtti.

Pachtner was named the 2002 USPTA Georgia Proof the Year during the joint Southern and Florida division conference in May for his achievements in the areas of management and administration, publication, community service and his involvement in trade organizations. Pachtner is the

head pro at Dunwoody Country Club in Georgia.

Charl Marais, USPTA, was elected president, chairman of the board and governor of the national board of examiners at a recent meeting of Tennis Coaches South Africa. Marais was also awarded the master tennis coach designation for his dedication to the tennis fraternity of South Africa.

USPTA member Kate Mills is the new director of tennis at the Lower Island Club in Potomac Falls, Va. Jimmie Chalk, USPTA, has been named director of tennis for the Cliffs Communities, a collection of four premier, private residential properties located between Asheville, N.C., and Greenville, S.C. USPTA member and CEO of Chatswood Tennis Club in

Rene Grifol, USPTA member, USA Tennis community coordinator and USTA national development coach, along with 22 tennis enthusiasts from northwest Florida, participated in a two-day USA Tennis Ultimate Workshop. The six-hour on-court workshop covered principles of effective group teaching, games approach, skills teaching progression, USA Team Tennis practices and more.

32 ADDvantage/August 2002

USPTA member Dave Kozlowski served as the master of ceremonies during a fund-raiser for the Legends of Women's Tennis benefiting the Berks County chapter of the Red Cross in Reading, Pa. Pictured are Kozlowski and Martina Navratilova.

Sydney, Australia, Peter Gibson has been appointed the sole quality monitor of coach education courses and certification by Tennis Australia.

Scott Shogreen, USPTA, captured the USTA National Men's 25 Indoor Championships in May at Overland Park Racquet Club in Overland Park, Kan. USPTA member Garry Nadebaum, who also competed in the event, was named 2001 Adult Player of the Year by the USTA Missouri Valley Section.

Bob Litwin, USPTA, recently won the National 50 Indoor Championships in Chicago.

Member product showcase USPTA Northern California Vice President Corky Cramer has teamed up

with an exclusive group of wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties to form Wine Country Tennis Cramer Tours. The tours are designed to bring players to this unique region to play their favorite sport, taste their favorite wines and pamper their favorite person with a complete spa package. In addition to Cramer, the staff includes USPTA members John Yandell, Steve Tourdo and Al Secunda. For more information, contact Cramer at (707) 526-0529, ext. 635.

In his new book, Maximum Tennis, USPTA member Nick Saviano draws together 10 common links shared by the best players - elements any tennis www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

player can use to reach his or her full potential. He reveals concepts any player can learn and every coach can teach. For more information, call (217) 351-5076 or visit www.humankinetics.com

Miscellany The Tennis Bookshop buys and sells almost any type of tennis title, from the earliest in the 16th century to the most modern. The company also produces a newsletter that details some of its books. Visit www.tennisbookshop.com for more information.

Peter Burwash International is expanding its operations in Hawaii to direct the tennis program at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu's North Shore. PBI manages four additional programs in the

Hawaiian Islands. With 10 tennis courts and a standalone pro shop, the tennis facility at Turtle Bay is one of the largest in Hawaii.

The internationally acclaimed La Costa Resort and Spa, home of the Acura Classic -one of professional tennis' most prestigious events in the United States - will again be host of the tournament in 2003.

The resort has 21 tennis courts and the tennis facility includes Wimbledon grass, French clay and U.S. Open hard court surfaces. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (760) 438-5683 or visit www.acuraclassic.com.

2OO1 USPTA

uspta

division award winners USPTA Southern Division award winners: The Alan Henry Southern Professional of the Year - Dr. Jay Bewley Pride of the South - Bill Tym High School Coach of the Year - Claudia Coleman College Coach of the Year - Bill Chadwick Touring Coach of the Year - Bill Tym Rookie of the Year - Billy Uelze Male Player of the Year - Cliff Skakle Female Player of the Year - Paloma Colantes 35 Male Player of the Year - Pat Serret 45 Male Player of the Year - Cliff Skakle Charity Event of the Year - Pat and Teri Hennessy Assistant Professional of the Year - Matt Grayson Manager of the Year - Scott Irwin Alabama Professional of the Year - Daniel Leal Georgia Professional of the Year - Mark Pachtner Kentucky Professional of the Year - Rob VanDerSchans North Carolina Professional of the Year - Mark Troutman Mississippi Professional of the Year - Debbie Swindoll USPTA New England Division award winners: Professional of the Year - David Bell President's Award (Ed Serues Award for outstanding long-term service) - Al Rogers Super Senior Player of the Year - Henry Tiberio Women's Senior Player of the Year - Sheila Weinstock Men's Senior Player of the Year - Peter Vieira College Coach of the Year - Alex Dorato Facility Manager of the Year - Anthony "Duke" Diaz III High School Coach of the Year - George Haley Coach of the Year - Laury Hammel 35-and-Over Player of the Year - Mike Kolendo 40-and-Over Player of the Year - Lynn Miller 45-and-Over Player of the Year - Norma Taylor 50-and-Over Player of the Year - Laury Hammel Lessons for Life Award - Stu Lehr Eastern Pro of the Year - Doug Eng Player of the Year - Steve Flanigan Western Pro of the Year - Diane Sullivan Northern Pro of the Year - Sean McCaffrey Tester of the Year - Dave Fleury Manufacturer of the Year - Wilson Manufacturer of the Year - Head/Penn Racquet Sports Seminar contest winner - Marcy Rubinstein USPTA Florida Division award winners:

The Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami and its tennis director Jeff Cohen, USPTA, hosted a pro-am benefiting The Learning Experience School, a school for children with learning and physical disabilities. This is the third year Doral has hosted the event, raising $20,000 this year. Other USPTA pros who participated include Rick Fagel, Craig Witts and Rob Kresberg. Cohen is pictured third from left. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Professional of the Year - Chuck Gill Coach of the Year John R. Williams District President of the Year - Jeff Cohen (Miami District) District of the Year - Vero Beach - Brad Leu, district president Men's Open Player of the Year- Mark Palus Women's 35 Player of the Year - Sabita Maharaj Men's 35 Player of the Year - Bruce Kurtz Men's 40 Player of the Year - Patricio Madariaga Men's 45 Player of the Year - Gewan Maharaj Men's 50 Player of the Year - Bob Boutin USPTA district volunteers: Holley Guarachi, David S. Price, Andy Fletcher, Kevin Merrigan, Tom Kelly, Ben Bradshaw, Rob Totalo, Drew Hafets, Scott Ehrlich, Linda Curtis Finkbeiner, Mike Dickens, Lew Wolfe ADDvantage/August 2002

2002 USPTA International Championships Presented by

Racquet Sports

Sanctioned by USPTA & USTA Category II USTA National Tournament What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories When: Sept. 21-25. Starting times for first-round singles matches will be mailed August 29.

Where: Rally's Las Vegas and UNLV courts Surface: Hard courts Individual entry fees: $50/singles, $20/doubles. Tournament players must register for the World Conference on TennisSM; tournament and convention fees must be paid separately (see conference registration form). Singles entry and fees deadline, August 19. Doubles may register at tournament site, pre-registration encouraged.

Match scoring: Regular match scoring, two of three tiebreaker sets.

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

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

Player eligibility: Current USPTA-certified Instructors and professional members in good standing who pre-register for World Conference on Tennis. All certification requirements must be completed by June 19 to allow for processing application and grading exam. USPTA will not be held responsible by any individual or division if entry is not accepted due to not fulfilling requirements before the 60-day deadline.

The exclusively endorsed ball of the USPTA

Ranking

Name Street _

State

City_

ZIP

Phone ( e-mail

SSNo. USTA No.

Birthdate USPTA No. Doubles partner

SSNo.

Birthdate Mixed doubles partner

SSNo.

Birthdate

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

Date

Prize money: Determined by the number of entries received up to a maximum of $30,000.

Player/event regulations: Each eligible player is limited to two events.

An event is two players or teams competing. Men's open limited to a 128-draw. Events may use block seeding, depending on size and strength of draw.

Mixed doubles rule: Players may play regular doubles and mixed doubles.

Tentative starting schedule: Sept. 21: Saturday 9 a.m. - Start MOS, M35S, M40s, M45s, WOS 5 p.m. - Sign-up ends for all doubles.

Sept. 22: Sunday 9 a.m. - Start remainder of singles 3 p.m. - Start all doubles 5 p.m. - Start MXD This schedule may change as a draw increases. Players are advised to arrive one day before first scheduled match.

Tournament staff: Frank Kelly, tournament director; Kathy O'Neal, Todd Ruedisili and Gary Scanlon, Tournament Committee.

Signature

QATP/WTA QUSPTA a USTA sectional QUSTA national Q State QW/L record Attach past and current ranking information if needed.

Fees Singles $50 Doubles $20/person Mixed doubles $20/person Total enclosed

$

Men's

a MOS a a a a a a

M35S M40S M45S M50S M55S M60S a M65S

a MVOS a

M75S

a MSOS a

M85S

$ $

W35S a W4os a W45S a W5os a

Mail this entry, along with your payment, to: USPTA International Championships 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042

a woo a W35D a W40D a W45D a W50D

W55S

a

a weos

a a a a

a a

Entry deadline August 19

MOD M35D M40D M45D MSOD M55D M60D M65D M70D M75D MSOD M85D

Women's

a wos $

a a a a a a a a a a a a

wess

a W7os a

W75S

W55D W60D W65D W70D W75D

Wheelchair

a MOS a wos

a MOD a WOD

Mixed doubles Mixed 75 doubles

"Ha Ha Ha," drawn by Debbie, age 34.

Lost 6-1, 6-0 to opponent playing with her new TRIAD 2.0

Analysis: The subject's self-esteem and potency are completely destroyed.

Feelings of ridicule and insignificance create a warped sense of self.

Wilson, Hammer and Hamrrer Technology are registered trademarks and Triad, Triad Technology and lso,Zo'b are tr

Power generated in the hoop

by Wilson Hammer* technology

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PLAY THE NEW WILSON TRIAD 2.0 115 AND PUT YOUR OPPONENT THROUGH THERAPY. TRIAD'S revolutionary design increases power, comfort and control. Our latest model -the lighter, more agile TRIAD 2.0 - is our most powerful TRIAD yet.

Giving you extreme confidence. 1.800.WIN.6060 orwilsontennis.com.

IIXVCH THE

POWER

OF THREE"

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Bolle's patented Competivision lens mutes all colors except optic yellow so you see the ball better. The rest is up to you. Bolle, the official eyewear of the USPTA.

Consistent? \

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Some days your game is tuned like a Swiss watch. Other days, it's got more holes than Swiss cheese.

Blame it on the variables. The wind, the sun, the lights, the noise, the court, your mechanics, even your opponent's poor eyesight. Just don't expect to blame it on the ball subjected to the most rigorous testing standards in the industry. For consistency in a tennis ball, it's game, set, match, Penn.

The Ball Matters

www.

pennracquet . com

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

1 st Site PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT NO. 602