Addvantage 2002 February

Help your students lay better •atches -

won•t let iuniors get lost in the crowd

contents the total professional - enhancing your career 14 Help your students play better matches Use self- and opponent evaluation sheets by David Hagler, USPTA - Help your students play to their foil potential by teaching them how to analyze an opponent's game.

departments 2 Executive Committee 3 CEO's message 5 Vice president's message 22 Pro

19 Player to .Watch program won't let juniors get lost in the crowd -by David Minihan, USPTA- Prevent promising juniors from turning to other sports by implementing the Player to Watch program.

to pro

25 Classifieds 28 USPTA drill 29 Career development 30 Industry action

ne

s 75th anniversary

4 Application for free Cartoon Network™ Tennis Club promotional kit

p

8 USPTA survey - membership categories 13 USPTA remembers past president 16 •

9 Reminiscences of half a century ~

Lessons for Life brings many

~ to a single cause 17 Use USPTA programs to entice players

1 0 USPTA logo helps boost industry image, public recognition 11 Racquets eagles, stripes and now stars used to create Association's image through 75 years

Cover photo credit ... Cynthia Lum.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone - (713) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U Fax - (713) 978-77 80 e-mail - magazine@ uspta .org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor .Shawna Riley Managing editor Julie Myers Assistant managing editor Kimberly Forrester Circulation Kathy Buchanan Advertising John Dettor Office hours: 8:30a.m . - 5 p.m. Central time

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

volume 26 • issue 2 The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2002 . All rights reserved .

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from US PTA. ADDvantage/ February 2002

1

~ES's USPTA gears up to give away free Cartoon Network TM Tennis Club promotional kits

L

ast month, I told you about a fun, new tennis promotion - the Cartoon Network Tennis Club - and explained that it will be a great tool for enticing children and families to participate in USPTA Little Tennis®.

Now, we want you to be a part of this fun and apply for a chance to receive one of hundreds of free promotional kits being given away by USPTA to qualified members. These kits, as well as valueadded merchandise packages, were developed in cooperation with the Tennis Industry Association to create excitement about the game among beginner children and to help facilities market their programs to the youngest possible audience of players.

The wonderful thing about the promotional kits is that they enhance any programs a facility may already run by adding components most familiar to children - cartoon characters. The kit also lets professionals offer participating kids the cool Carcoon Network licensed merchandise.

Scooby-Doo and his cartoon friends will target the kids who will most benefit from USPTA's Little Tennis program in the "Try'' and "Learn" phases of the game. Little Tennis, with its motor skill drills, games and graduated equipment introduces children to tennis, allowing them to progress to "Play'' and "Compete" through USA Team Tennis.

Act now by applying for your free kit by filling out the form on Page 4. Free kits will be distributed to those who meet specific requirements, on a first come, fuse served basis.

The promotional kits will include: • A life-size scandup figure of Scooby-Doo • Cartoon Network banner, posters and fliers 11 •••

• A sample youth tennis racquet with Cartoon Network logo cover, practice ball, Club T-shirt, and tennis activity guide (These optional merchandise items will be made available to professionals, who can inexpensively purchase them for their Little Tennis program participants.)

Recipients of free Cartoon Network Tennis Club promotional kits must: • Agree to run a Little Tennis program • Provide the appropriate data about their facility and program • Send US PTA World Headquarters the names and data on program participants • Pledge that a predetermined number of program participaius will sign up and complete the program If you're one of the lucky ones who receives a free promotional kit, you'll be asked to pay only $15 to cover a portion of the shipping cost.

Of course, you can purchase the packages for $49.99 each by calling the Cartoon Network Tennis Club at (866) TENNIS-6 (see the ad on Page 12).

If you need sparkling new Little Tennis equipment for your next program session or for spring and summer activities, you can order it at www. usprotennisshop.com or by calling US PTA at (800) 877-8248.

We're excited about the publicity USPTA will gain by promoting its Little Tennis program through the Cartoon Network Tennis Club. Through this partnering of program and promotion, we're hoping to attract thousands more kids and families to tennis and to create more opportunities to promote USPTA and its professionals. 'f>e

Tim Heckler

be a part of this fun and apply for a chance to receiv~

one of hundreds of free promotional kits being given away

by US PTA to qualified members." www.ADDvantageUSPTA. com

ADDvantage/February 2002

3

Application for free Cartoon Network TM Tennis Club promotional kit from US PTA (All items must be filled out) Name

------------------------------------------------------- Member No. ------------------

Facility address -------------------------------------------------------------------------,-C ity _____________________________________

State _________________ Zl P ___________________

Work phone _______________________________

e-mail address -----------------------------------

Describe facility: Type (private, public, etc.) --------------------------------------Number of tennis-playing members

No. of courts _________________

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

Do you already run a children 's program? _______________

If yes, do you call it Little Tennis?

How many children do you teach each summer (other season)? ----------------------If I receive a free Cartoon Network Tenn is Club promotional and merchandise kit , I agree:

0 0 0

To run a USPTA Little Tennis program To send USPTA World Headquarters a list of program participants (including name, address, phone) Pledge that --:::=-:--:-------,,....----.----ch ildren will sign up for and complete the program.

Fill in number above

Signature ------------------------------------------- - - Date --------------------------- - For more information on purchasing licensed merchandise for the Cartoon Network Tennis Club, please call (866) TENNIS-6.

Please mail the completed survey form to USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, Texas 77042, or fax it to (713) 978-7780.

[Durability, Dependability, Quality

SINCE 1973 1.800. 776.6770 www.playmatetennismachines.com 4

ADDvan tage/ February 2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

From game to industry

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

T

ennis in America is no longer a game, it is an industry. As a teaching professional, just look around and you will see how the game has evolved into an industry.

We have manufacturers, big money tournaments, intercollegiate competitions, high schools and junior high schools, publi.cations, Web sites, the ITF, USTA, TIA, ATP, WTA, private clubs and facilities including public parks and recreation departments.

Just where does the USPTA professional fit in and how do we contribute to this industry?

At some point during our lives, we have all played the game of tennis. At another poirit in time we came to the realization that this would be a great way to make a living, whether because ofour love ofthe

game, a passion for teaching or love of money.

This definitely changed our attitude toward the game. We now needed to gain knowledge on how to teach, string a racquet, run a pro shop, manage people, use a computer and run an overall tennis program no matter what our reasons were for becoming a tennis-teaching pro. We needed these skills so we, our students and facilities could profit from our knowledge. We needed to develop good teaching skills and programs to interest people in playing and staying in the game of tennis.

From the late '60s onward, tennis-teaching professionals in America really spurred the growth of modern day tennis by offering good instruction, fun tournaments and social events. As the game grew, tennis equipment and clothing companies saw a way to profit from the game. As their stake grew in the game and they became established in the tennis business, the teaching professional became an integral part of this booming industry. And as the game grew, the entrepreneurs started investing capital in more products, advertising and promotions, and consequently a much larger player base was needed. Wilson, Head/ Penn, Bolle, Playmate, Prince, Nike, Adidas, Yonex, Tail, Lily's, Kennex, Babolat, Dunlop, Reebok, Fila, plus many other manufacturers and companies joined

in the business of tennis by increasing their exposure and inventories.

Who buys these companies' products? Tennis players, of course!

Where do these tennis players come from?

Tennis programs, of course!

Who offers the programs? Tennis clubs, schools, public facilities, and tennis organizations!

Who are the qualified people who administer and teach tennis in these programs? The highest percent7 age are USPTA professionals!

If you take a look at just about all the job opportunity advertisements for tennis professionals, what do you usually see? USPTA certification is usually the first thing that is mentioned as a requirement for employment. The tennis industry recognizes the importance of certification and knowledge of the game. And the USPTA is the most prestigious and sought after certification.

Tennis is an industry. What does TIA stand for?

Tennis Industry Association. Why is this organization in existence? To grow the game with the financial assistance of a coalition of manufacturers and organizations. It is because of the efforts of this organization that the USTA's idea for the "Plan for Growth" ultimately originated. The Plan for Growth is a very laborious and expensive undertaking to bring new players into the game and retain them. The USPTA professional is an integral part of the success of this program. As an organization, we are doing much to grow the game with our own programs, such as USPTA Little TennisÂŽ, USPTA Adult Tennis Leagues5M, Lessons for Life, and USPTA's Tennis Across AmericaTM, as well as parmering with the USTA in offering funds for national ranking tournaments and the TIA in promoting Cartoon Network Tennis Club.

Many of the USPTA programs have been in existence for many more years than Plan for Growth, and USPTA professionals haye run programs at their clubs and facilities for years as benefits and amenities for their clientele. The Plan

First Vice President

Joseph Thompson David T. Porter. Ed.D. Ron Woods Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Paula Scheb

Secretary-treasurer

Will Hoag

Past President

WORLD HEADQUARTERS Tim Heckler

CEO Director of Operations Executive Assistant

Rich Fanning

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Director of Public Relations

Diane Richbourg

Direc tor of Marketing

John Detter

Sports Marketing Coordina to r

Scott Bucic

Publications Coordinator

Kimberly Forrester Jill Kite

Communications/ Divisional Lia ison Multimedia

Andres Ballesteros

Fred Viancos Director of Professional Development Educational Ad ministra tor

Donna Simeon

Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Ad ministrator Receptionist

Pamela Lowstetter

Computer Services/ Ka thy Buchanan Club Relations Computer Services/ Data Entry

Sylvia Ortiz

Divisional Executive Administrator

Yvonne Hung

Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coord inator Membership Assistant

Danielle Mead

M embership Assistant

Gloria Myddleton

Payroll/Benefits

Renee Heckler

Insurance/ Ellen Wea therford Mercha ndise Services Insurance Services

Norma Martin

Merchandise Services Charlene Davis

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at -law

Paul Waldman

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

Central time

continued Page 21 www.ADDvantageUSPTA. com

ADDvantage/ February 2002

5

HERE IS WHAT BookingPius CAN DO FOR YOU: Empower your members to self-book and pay over the Internet Reduce overhead and expenses Ensure superior service Generate reports to make smart decisions quickly Increase revenue Create targeted marketing campaigns Interface seamlessly with your existing accounting system And much more .••

USPTA survey • membership categories The USPTA Executive Committee meets twice each year, and part of its function is to research ways to provide more and enhanced services to the membership. This research is usually completed by smaller committees appointed to study specific issues and report their findings to the entire Executive Committee for consideration and/or action .

During the last meeting of this group, an ad hoc committee was formed to study the current membership classifications and determ ine if they shou ld be modified in any way to make promotion of the various classifications easier, and thereby create greater public exposur~ for the membership.

Since our numerous communication and technology vehicles 1.

2.

allow us to get member feedback , we hope you will take a moment to review and answer the following questions. These questions will be used as part of the overall study of the issue and do not necessarily mean that changes will be made .

However, if there is an overwhelming interest by our members to make changes, the Executive Committee will be sensitive to your wishes.

If you already completed a survey via your e-mail address, you do not have to answer the one below.

Please mail the completed survey form to USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, Texas 77042, or fax it to (713) 978-7780.

Do you think the current membership categories (i.e. , Master Professional , Professional 1, Professional 2, Professional 3, Instructor, Developmental Coach and Applicant) are satisfactory as a means of defining and describing the various levels of teaching professionals in USPTA? D Yes D No

Master Pro

Pro 1

Do you think it is necessary to combine or delete certain categories to streamline the system or make it more understandable to the public?

D Yes D No

3.

Do you think USPTA should create a new, elite category below Master Professional and above Pro 1 that would allow top-level Pro 1s to qualify for a higher certification rating in order to distinguish themselves in the public eye?

D Yes D No

4.

What performance prerequisites would you favor for a new elite (above Pro 1) classification?

D Higher Certification Exam grade D More program participation D More divisional participation D Mandatory education D Periodic re-qualification D Minimum experience level Other _____________________________________________________________

Pro2

j I

5.

Would you be in favor of charging higher dues for the elite category if it was associated with significantly more technology-based member benefits?

D Yes D No

6.

In order to simplify the categories, would you be in favor of any of the following combinations of categories: D Combining the Pro1 , Pro 2 and Pro 3 categories into one category called Professional?

D Combining the Pro1 and Pro 2 categories into one category called Professional 1 and naming the Pro 3 category Professional?

D Combining the Pro 2 and Pro 3 categories into one category called Professional and leaving the Pro 1 category as is?

Other _______________________________________________________________

7.

Do you use your USPTA classification to promote yourself to potential employers or to the public?

DYes D No

8

ADDvantage/ February 2002

J'

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

by Les Jahn

ifty years ago, when the USPTA was beginning, tennis instruction was quite often a hit-or-miss matter. As a young man, I began my tennis career that year, 1927, quite by accident. Here are some of my reminiscences of how I got involved in teaching.

I began my tennis-teaching career accidentally in 1927, when I was 19. I had a summer job delivering clothes for a tailor in pring Lake, N.J. While delivering clothes to a Mr. Woodcock at his home in Sea Girt, I looked ~>Ver a tennis court adjoining the home. Mr. Woodcock, who was the owner of the court, asked ifl was a tennis player. I told him I had been on my school's championship team in California's Bay League.

He explained he had been looking for someone like me to teach his children. That afternoon I taught them from 2-5 p.m. Mr. Woodcock thanked me, and asked what he owed. I was getting $19 a week for delivering clothes, six days a week. Figuring a dollar an hour would be fine for a young fellow, I a ked, "Would three dollars be too much?" "Three dollars an hour? No, that's fine," Mr. Woodcock said.

Nine bucks! What was I missing? The next day, a unday, I worked nine hours and made $27. With that kind of money it didn't take me very long to decide that (teaching tennis) was what I really liked and enjoyed. I must honestly say, though, it wasn't only the money.

Once I made my decision, I began full-time teaching at the Sea

F

www.AODvantageUSPTA.com

Girt municipal courts. Then I moved to the Ocean Grove Tennis Club in Ocean Grove, N.J., and spent several years at the Stockton Hotel in Sea Girt.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, and I've been fortunate enough to hold some of the top tennis jobs in the country. In the first 30 years of my professional career, it was a distinction to hold two top jobs - in the North and in the South.

It has become very difficult to do that now, but I have made an effort for the last 16 years to spend the summer teaching at the Lake George Sagamore Hotel in the Adirondacks, N.Y. This may sound like an ultra-glamorous job, and appear to be an enjoyable life, bur there is a much more serious side than just being where the sun shines. I am particularly pleased when I think of the thousands of students who are healthier because of their introduction to tennis. Many of my students have achieved college scholarships, and state and national honors in various classifications.

Many of my pupils have turned out to be excellent teaching professionals, and hold outstanding positions throughout the country.

Any teacher has influence on his pupils. I feel, though, the teacher is paid and repaid as much through his knowledge of the positive influence on the pupil as he is paid in money.

I have been fortunate to have been part of the tremendous development in tennis during the last 50 years. Now, at the age of 69, I am teaching at the Delray Beach Club, 100 yards away from the Atlantic Ocean. So an old guy can't really complain.~

AOOvantage/February 2002

9

LICENSED CARTOON NETWORK MERCHANDISE ATTRACTS MORE KIDS TO YOUR titt\e fennis® PROGRAMS & NETS MORE REVENUE FOR YOU. Sign up today to participate in Cartoon Network Tennis Club!

When you become a participating Cartoon Network Tennis Club Facility we provide you with everything you need to promote the tennis club and sign up more kids.

The comprehensive kits include: • Scooby-Doo Stand Up • J• x 6• Banner • Sales Flyers • Posters • "How-To" Manual • Sample Merchandise Package including Cartoon Network Tennis Club Racket Cover, Youth Tennis Racket, Tee Shirt, Wristbands, Tennis Activity Book and Practice Ball.

ITE

PROMOTION KITS READY TO SHIP JANUARY 2002!

NNIS-6 USA*TEAM

TENNIS

•

• •

following Utt\e I ennis ~

USPTA remembers past president US PTA past president William C. Lufler, 1963-66, passed away Dec. 21 , 2001, at the age of 92. His contributions to the sport of tennis span more than 70 years.

Lufler was a collegiate coach at Presbyterian College, the University of Miami and the University of South Florida. He was the head professional at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y., and St. Petersburg Tennis Center and Safety Harbor Spa and Resort in Florida.

Under his direction as president of USPTA, the Association adopted stricter admission standards and encouraged better communication among those in the profession. In an effort to accomplish his goal, he toured the country encouraging tennis teachers to join USPTA. Lufler also established the U.S. Professional Tennis Registry, a list of all organized tennis groups and recognized professionals. When it ceased publication, USPTA stopped using the registry's name.

USPTA recognized Lufler last September for 65 years of service to the Association. He was inducted into the University of Miami's Hall of Fame and the National Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Hall of Fame. Lufler was also awarded the Swedish Lawn Tennis Association pennant and the USTA National Education Merit Award.

Jeff Davis, a USA Tennis community coordinator who was recruited and coached by Lufler as a freshman at the University of South Florida in 1975 said, "He embodied the definicion of the tennis professional. His knowledge of the game was unsurpassed. To the thousands of 'pupils'. (as he would affectionately call us) whom he taught or coached worldwide, he will be remembered as always bringing out the best in us. "

USPTA's Virtual Tennis Show is a Web-based buying show that gives you 24-hour access to every participating manufacturer. You can restock the shop, place a special order for quick delivery and view new and discounted products at whatever hour you choose. It also offers a simplified buying and invoice process you'll appreciate.

Log on to www. virtualtennisshow.com, register as a dealer (it's free) and see what technology has to offer your business.

For more Information, call John Dettor at the Wor1d Headquarters at (800) 877-8248 ext. 136. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/ February 2002

13

We can greatly change the process of learning how to best play different opponents by teaching our players how to analyze an opponent's game.

Paraphrasing Jack Kramer, if yo u can bear an opponent by playing your srrengrh, play your srrengrh . If you cannot bear your opponent wirh your favorite game, rhen ir is up ro yo u ro figure our how ro utilize your rools as a player ro maximize yo ur chances for success. The first principle is ro know your own game.

Whenever I have a player who is playing tournaments, high school marches or league tennis, I ask rhem ro fiJI our rhe self-eva luation sheer ro rhe right. If someone else is Euniliar wirh rhe player's game and rhe player gives his OK. I ask him ro complete an evaluation sheer for rhar player. I fill our a sheer as well and rhe player and I come up wirh a game plan as ro where we arc going ro focus our eHorrs.

Ir is important ro look ar how a player will assess his ski ll s relative ro one another. For example, one player may rare his inside-our forehand as an 8 and his crosscourr forehand as a 6.

Another player with identical skills may rare her inside-our forehand as a 3 and her crmscourr forehand as a 2. Other timt:s players will have a perception of their own game that is nor reality based. In this instance, videotaping and/or charring can he used to help the player more accurately assess his or her skills.

'NO!F: n,c oli(J' rlifFrmce /;ctzl'em t1 lcfi t111d right-f,allrlerf.,cfrcl'llllllllirl/l sheet is i11 the t1rct1 r~f'-,az'ice rerum. (/(ight-hnulcrl = X : kfi-hallriNI = )

14

ADDvantage/February 2002

Please rate your skills from 1 (low) to 10 (high). If you aren't sure what to write, put "NS."

...

wide

-

body

"tee"

1st serve 2nd serve 1st serve 2nd serve

.

SERVICE RETURN*

I

~

<

-·

0

= en

Ad court

Deuce court X

-.... m -..mc :r

.

X

.

:.

....•.

•

crosscourt

down the line inside out

running

short

slice

•

crosscourt

down the line inside out

running

short

slice

FH singles

FH doubles

BH singles

BH doubles

.

•

crossoourt down the line

mid-court

finish

low

high

.

•

crossoourt down the line

mid-court

finish

low

high

• .

•

:

.. ~ ~

:K

• • 1:

.

.

angle (deuce) angle (add)

":1_1_1

side to side side to side fov.mJ toFH

toBH

general toughness

when ahead

Do you have a game plan?

IBWad

when behind

Do you know your own game?

starting a match Can you adjust?

finishing a match Can you assess opponent's game?

www.ADDvan tageUSPTA. com

Backhand: Grip:

Predominant style of play: • Aggressive baseliner •Serve and Volley

Tendencies: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

• Counterpuncher •All court

Better at hitting: (circle) •Crosscourt or Inside out •High or low

(circle) • R or L handed

•1-or 2-handed backhand

•1- or 2-handed forehand

•If 2 handed, can they hit: 1 handed BH - Y or N 1 handed FH - Y or N

Can they:

•Standing still or moving • Pace or no pace

Hit a slice? - Y or N Return a slice? - Y or N

Mobility/positioning: toBH _ _ _ _ __ to FH _ _ _ _ __ forward backward _ _ __ Will this player: Back up readily - Y or N Move to 3/4 court - Y or N Volley- Y or N Side to side:

Serve: Tendencies: Deuce court Ad court (location, spin, etc.} 1st serve 2nd serve Does either side tend to break d o w n ? - - - - - - - - - Is either side easier to attack? - - - - - - - - - - - -

Return of serve: Stronger return: Deuce FH or BH Ad FH or BH Best place to serve against this person: Deuce Ad Worst place to serve against this person: Deuce Ad Do they return well when : Reaching - Y or N Jammed - Y or N

Forehand:

Approach/volley/overhead: Approach tendencies : FH Volley tendencies : FH Better volley: FH or BH

BH BH

How well does this person volley? - - - - - - - - - - Overhead - general o b s e r v a t i o n s - - - - - - - - - - - Note: If you played an entire match against someone and didn't know these things and you lost, perhaps you should have attempted to make your opponent hit some of these shots.

Tactical:

Grip:

I had my best success against this player b y : - - - - - - - -

Tendencies : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - (i.e., always hits short balls crosscourt with heavy topspin, or hits everything hard, or likes to attack down the line)

This player had their best success against me by: _ _ _ _ __ The best way to play this person is to:

Better at hitting: (circle) •Crosscourt or Inside out •High or low

•Standing still or moving • Pace or no pace

The worst way to play this person is to: - - - - - - - - - -

I AM A GOOD TENNIS PLAYER

Frequently, just filling out the form is enlightening to the player because he has not ever tried to look at his own game from an analytical perspective. After the player and I have discussed our relative assessments, we then set goals and determine where we will focus our efforts in the short, intermediate and long term. {See self evaluation sheet previous page.)

Once a player has a better understanding of his own game, I introduce him to opponent evaluation sheets. These are especially useful in team situations (high school, college, adult leagues) when you can see the same opponents two or more times a year for four or more years. In Southern California, most junior open tournaments (for 12 and older) operate under a two-tiered system. The 32 boys and girls with the highest rankings in each age group are placed in their own tournament with a main draw and feed-in consolation round. If you are coaching tier 1 players, your players will see many of the same opponents over and over again durwww.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ing the course of a season. Some students are capable of assessing their opponents' games, but have an inaccurate perception of their own. It can be useful to have these students fill out an opponent evaluation sheet where they are the "opponent" and another player is the "evaluator." {See opponent evaluation sheets above.)

While players are building their skills you can have them develop game plans for specific opponents or players with particular playing styles. The game plan can be fairly simple to quite complex, depending on the level of play and the player's understanding of the game. You can have them practice scripted or partially scripted points that will allow them to utilize their strengths and/or arrack an opponent's weakness. You may also want to make up special rules or games that will encourage the player to hit a shot or sequence of shots that will create a pattern or situation that is favorable to that player.

Iris important to remember that there are three main components to match play

- physical, tactical and emotional control.

Other sheets, tests or inventories that focus more on emotional control, focus and commitment can be used in conjunction with self- and opponent evaluation sheets.

It is yo ur job as a professional to help your students understand how to set and achieve goals in order to attain maximum success.

The best players are generally good problem solvers. A tennis match presents a series of problems that must be solved if the player is going to have their best success.

We can help our students learn how to be better problem solvers and better players.

Self- and opponent evaluation sheets are a wonderful tool for helping your students use their most valuable weapon on the court - which we hope is not their racquet! ~ David Hagler, USPTA, is the head professional at Whittier Narrows Tennis Center near Los Angeles, Calif He has been a head coach at the collegiate level and presently coaches a Competition Training Center Team for the USTA. ADDvantage/ February 2002

15

1/11 :brings many to a single cause ..t~f¥ 'Lessons for Life t

-

I

. ----· ·--------~---- ... ------------------------··----------------'

,., _____ -- -- ------

0

ctober 2001 marked the third US PTA celebration of Lessons for Life, the Association's fund-raiser for its official charity, the American Cancer Society, which benefits from the net proceeds. While the world changed dramatically for many after the events of Sept. 11, US PTA professionals remained dedicated to raising funds for the search for cancer's cure.

In some cases, Lessons for Life events were dedicated to community members who had died from the disease. In others, tennis professionals who have survived cancer hosted events. In all, professionals and participants celebrated life while remembering their friends and family who had been stricken by cancer.

At press time, with incomplete reports from divisions, more than $96,725 was raised in 2001. More than $150,000 was raised in the first two years of the program.

Following are examples of Lessons for Life events held across the country in 2001: •

Bunny Bruning ran her third annual event in Adel, Iowa, and was not sure what the response would be because of the contributions that flowed into charities related to the Sept. 11 tragedies. "But people surprised me," she said. "They called and came out in droves."

Bruning was on court for a teaching marathon, with 10 Y2 straight hours of private and group lessons. She dedicated the event to three local people who died of cancer in 200 1. The pictures of the three were displayed on court, and in some cases the families of the victims participated in the lessons. Bruning's clients paid $100 an hour (a minimum of $25 per person) and donated $3,600.

~

Tom Sweitzer ran three Lessons for Life events in Hershey, Pa., with the help of three special clinicians - Stan Oley of Playmate Ball Machines and former touring professionals Tim Wilkison and David DiLucia. The clinics were free, courtesy of local businesses, and enjoyed by more than 200 high school tennis players. Sweitzer, a USPTAMaster Professional, presented a $1,000 check to an American Cancer Society representative.

• A group of players in Chula Vista, Cali£, led by USPTA member Frank Chaboudy, played a round-robin tournament that raised $700. The tournament was a tribute to a member of the tennis and social group who succumbed to cancer in 1999. "We are very pleased that the Naughty Netters were able to raise more than $700 for the American Cancer Society as a tribute to our beloved Tina. We intend to continue this round-robin tournament as an annual event in her honor," Chaboudy said.

•

16

USPTA member Nick Molloy hosted a clinic and exhibition at The Sports Racket and Fitness Club in Lynchburg, Va., that raised more than $460. Molloy was assisted by USPTA professional Brian Jackson.

ADDvantage/February 2002

•

Ben Loeb of Columbia, Mo., and the girls tennis team at Rock Bridge High School hosted a clinic for middle school students that raised $200.

•

Dino and Donnia Bondallian hosted another TennisCize Hawaiian style event on Nov. 17 that included a clinic, hit for prizes, round robin and a new serving contest, where participants could purchase 10 balls for $5. Prizes were provided by Wilson and Head/Penn Racquet Sports, as well as local merchants. More than 30 attended and donated $1,800 during six hours of activity.

•

Brenda Mertz, herself a cancer survivor, topped her previous two Lessons for Life fund-raisers by recruiting 29 teaching professionals to host 400 people and raise more than $23,000.

The event benefited from the full support of the Courtside Tennis Club in Venice, Fla., where Mertz is a teaching professional. It included a silent auction, food and music.

• Three Oregon teaching professionals - Brian Loomis, Scott Allen and Brian Leahy - were among the pros who donated their time at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center, where 40 players in the Friday hitting group donated their regular lesson fees to Lessons for Life. Decked out in Halloween costumes, the players enjoyed juice, coffee and bagels before hitting the courts.

This second-annual event raised $1,182. "We are especially eager to support this cause as two of our office staff have recovered from cancer," Logrnis said.

• San Diego's Kim Funk hosted a mixed doubles round robin at Aviala Four Seasons Resort, raising $700. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Use USPTA programs to entice players iL-_J'Oll plt!ll_l'ollr progiilllllllill:~ cillcllrlt!rjrli· .lOO.l, ll'c'rl li!·c· to ;·c·;uiilfl_)oll "l)()tlf ,t_fc.'/1' { 'S/ 1 1:·1 f'i'O,'.!,iifll/.1. l u t!rlrlitio;J to {·.\PI: I !iulc h1111i.i

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Champion of Champions5 M Chances are that you and the other USPTA professionals in your area trade favors by playing in an annual pro-am at each other's facilities and helping with other events. You also can share with fellow pros the excitement of another popular annual event - the club championship.

Many clubs have a long tradition of hosting a club championship.

Another level of play and excitement can be added when professionals combine their efforts to host a Champion of Champions tournament, bringing all the club champions together for highlevel competition.

There are a number of creative possibilities for a Champion of Champions event, which could rotate to a different facility each year and end up as a large city championship or a small, social short-set tournament ' and luncheon. Marketing Champion of Champions to club players may provide more incentive for them to enter the club championship. It could also be made into a team event, with players from each facility gaining points with each individual match toward a facility championship trophy.

Taken in another direction, the format might offer divisions that many facilities cannot fill in a members-only tournament, such as mother-daughter, father-son and husband-wife doubles.

By planning an event with fellow professionals, you might begin a new tradition that makes the club championship more meaningful for the tennis community.

Member-beginner guest5 M We all know that aside from being great exercise, tennis is a great way to make friends. As a tennis professional, you witness every day among your clients the friendships built around tennis.

Wouldn't you love to see the friends that your clients have outside of tennis become players too?

It often takes the influence of friends or family to draw non-tennis players to the sport. The USPTA member-beginner guest event is designed so that your clients are involved with their friends' introduction to the sport, and you get to showcase your staff, programs and facility.

A typical member-beginner guest event includes an instruction session and social play, which might be held over two days, such as Friday night and Saturday morning. The member will be partnered with his or her guest throughout the event. Using the right drills and the right ball make the event enjoyable for both of them, despite the difference in tennis skill levels. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

During a two-hour clinic, the member is a hitting partner for his or her guest so there is no waiting in line. The two will keep the ball in play (beginning without a net betW-een them and then moving to short-court tennis) as the staff move from pair to pair offering advice to the beginner players. The director of tennis or head tennis professional might act as a master of ceremonies, leading the group through different drills.

Then, a social round-robin tournament allows members and their guests to team up against the other participants. The rules should keep the matches fun, for instance, by limiting members to one serve and disallowing . them to hit winning shots against the beginners.

Though there are many factors that will ensure the success of the event, none is more important than the ball used. The low-compression Pro Penn Stars ball helps beginners experience success faster and equalize play between them and their more accomplished partners and opponents.

Adult Tennis League 5 M The US PTA Adult Tennis League was designed, as the name indicates, to be a league with a unique format that filled the gaps left by other leagues. The team format lends itself to a number of other programming ideas, as well.

The Adult Tennis League format has doubles teams of various playing levels that make up a squad. In other words, players with an NTRP rating of 4.5 are playing at their own level, but are part of a squad that includes teams at the 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 levels, too.

The recommended adult league has squads of eight teams each (two doubles teams at each of four NTRP levels). The number of games won by each team count equally toward the squad's final scores, so that 3.0 players are rooting for their 4.0 teammates, and vice versa. The teams can be men's, women's or mixed doubles, or mixed level (one women's doubles team and one men's doubles team at each level).

In addition to a league, the format could be used for: ~

lnterfacility leagues using one doubles team at each level, plus substitutes

~

One-day tournaments, such as pro-ams

~

Singles competitions for juniors, with squads made up of players from different age groups or class levels ~

ADDvantage/February 2002

17

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from previous page A good way to distribute Player to Watch fliers to recruit juniors is through high school and junior high coaches. The fliers should be due back within three to four weeks of the start of the program. This will allow you enough time to plan a schedule for each player.

Once all the fliers are returned, you can synchronize the workouts. For example, team two players of equal ability to play a match against each other or team two advanced players to drill each other.

The schedules will also need to be synchronized around the junior's vacations and other activities. In order to aid in this process and allow their families the flexibility of last-minute plans, schedules should be made for one month at a time, especially in the summer season. The following information should be requested in the fliers in order to complete the schedules with as few conflicts as possible: ..,.. Name, address, phone number, school ..,.. Dates of junior development drills planning to attend ..,.. Dates and times of any private lessons scheduled ..,.. Vacation dates ..,.. Work or other related time conflicts Once you have completed the workout schedule, you will need to get the schedule back to the player no later than a week before the workouts begin. You need to make sure you inform the player they need to call you as soon as possible if there is a scheduling conflict.

What is tile cost of tile program?

Charge a flat fee for the effort of compiling a schedule. In addition to this fee, players must pay for usage of the ball machine, private lessons, drills and stroke focus. It is very important the parents understand that the flat fee does not include the additional programs. The following is an example: Player to Watch program

$30 per month Private lesson

$30 per hour

Ball machine $5 per hour

20

ADDvantage/ February 2002

Drills

$40 per week Stroke focus with a pro

$5 per halfhour Make sure the cost of each activity they are scheduled for is indicated in the first schedule to avoid a misunderstanding. This will allow them time to eliminate parts of the schedule that are not in their budget.

While a parent does not typically eliminate any part of the schedule for financial reasons, there could be potential difficulties with the parent if you do not dearly explain the additional costs involved.

ne schedule components Stroke focus: This tends to be the most popular part of the workout schedule with the juniors.

There are a couple of reasons for this. One is the price of $5 per half hour. The majority of teaching pros usually charge $12$20 per half hour, but this is a great way to show your clients it is not always about money. Charge the players $5 as a "tip" for the assistants to drill them. This is a great way for the assistants to pick up more private lessons in the future. The most important reason for the success of the stroke focus is that it is a teaching pro and not a friend who is drilling the juniors. They are getting valuable instruction as well as avoiding the temptations of joking around.

One important note - the only people eligible for the stroke focus are Player to Watch students!

Match days: Every teaching pro knows the importance of match play. It is not as difficult or time-consuming as you might think. As mentioned earlier, once you get all the fliers back, pair players of equal ability to play each other. You will also find that adults will enjoy playing against your juniors.

Tournaments: Putting tournaments on the schedule is a tremendous plus .. However, make it the players' responsibility to send in their applications for each tournament. Schedule tournaments that will be a good fit for each particular player to play in based on level and scheduling conflicts. You might also make note on the schedule of the other

Player to Watch players who are participating in that same tournament in case they are interested in a car pool. The greatest advantage of scheduling tournaments for the players is that it ensures the juniors play in the required amount of tournaments to receive a ranking.

Miscellaneous activities: The remaining parts of scheduling are quite easy. Serves, ball machine usage, and "hit around with a friend" go a long way.

You could also add a conditioning program with weight and endurance training.

Player ta Watch - A benefit ta high school coaches At the end of the season, grade each player and give.his or her high school coach a report. The following is what you should include in the coaches report: ..,.. Work ethic grade (Did that player show up for everything on his or her schedule? If not, did they call and cancel?

Did they give 100 percent to everything on the schedule?) ..,.. Results of match days ..,.. Tournament results ..,.. Conclusion: Note player improvements and the specific areas where he or she needs to develop further The high school coaches, as well as the junior high coaches, will appreciate your efforts. It is a great way for the coaches to know who played during the summer (or whatever season you chose) and who did not. If the high school coach requires their players to play a certain number of tournaments, the Player to Watch schedule will help the players make sure they fulfill the requirements, and the school coach will be informed of the results.

Chart tile players and past it an a bulletin board A chart is a great way of getting students interested in what the other players are achieving. Reward each player points for his or her efforts on the court. Everyone will receive points in this program as long as they show up and complete the scheduled activities. The chart gets kids excited and their competitive juices start flowing. Juniors can earn bonus points by www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

playing additional matches, drilling, attending stroke focuses, etc., outside of their scheduled activities.

While this program requires some time and effort, it does not require as much as you would think. Plus, the rewards are greater than the effort required. It is fantastic to see your tennis center or dub full of junior players excited about the game. In addition, not only will the Player to Watch program bring players to your tennis facility, but now you will also have a tool with which to monitor their progress. If the director of junior development at your facility gets too busy, an assistant pro can help make the monthly schedules. A certain number of players can be assigned to each pro. This is a proven program that has had a great deal of success. Give it a try - you will be impressed, as wiil be the parents, the players and the school coaches. 'ยง>David Minihan, USPTA, has been the director oftennis/manager at Westwood Tennis .Center in Norman, Okla., for the past five years.

for Growth needs the expertise, talent and energy of the USPTA professional to help maintain the health of our industry. The manufacturers need the tennis-teaching professionals' help in keeping the numbers of players up so that inventories can be moved. The big name tournaments need tennis interest to be maintained so the big corporate sponsors can be wooed to offer more prize money.

The USPTA professional is a major player in the industry.

All of the above entities need the teach-

ing professional to keep the engines of the tennis industry running.

If you really take a minute to analyze the big picture, the USPTA professional plays a very important role, if not the most important role, in the health and vitality of our great game of tennis.

Or should I say the great industry of tennis?

Keep up the great work fellow USPTA professionals! You are growing the industry by doing what you do every day you show up for work. 'ยง>-

Industry contacts correction The following information was incorrectly printed in the December 200 1 issue of ADDvantage: ATA Culver City, Calif. 90230 American Tennis Association A. Tuckwilkerson, Executive Director P.O. Box 3415

(31 0) 594-5826 (323) 294-7934 fax ata 1916@hotmail.com

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ADDvantage/ February 2002

21

The bear, the scarecrow aDd the fish: A lesson of

Y

'' Hit the bear with the scarecrow, l:Jut don't kill the fish. ''

ou probably read the title of this article and wondered if you were reading a book from the children's section of your local library. Well, you are not.

But I am going to ask you to think like a child again while you read this. Let me explain how this article came about. Tennis professionals teach thousands of lessons and clinics each year, sometimes to the same students, at the same time and same day. This process can result in a struggle to find new ways to teach our game. Once that struggle begins, the most difficult part of our profession also begins. This is the story of a lesson that taught me that every pro must keep - searching for that special way to get the point across, however far fetched. Let me introduce you to its eclectic cast of characters:

Kaitlyn: The student, a high school varsity tennis player

The bear: A giant stuffed brown bear The scarecrow: The character from the "Wizard of Oz" The fish: They swim in the water surrounding the Statue of Liberty Me: A USPTA teaching professional

Part I: The lesson I had been working with Kaitlyn for several months on changing her serve grip from an eastern to a continental grip. With this change comes several other minor adjustments that can be difficult to adapt to. As many pros know, this is one of the hardest things to teach teen-age players due to the low level of initial success, as well as the awkwardness of the change. Kaitlyn was extremely close to mastering this serve, but we needed one more big push to get it down. I had tried everything, yet I could not quite find the best way to put it all together. First we had to work on controlling the direction of her serve now that she wasn't hitting a completely flat ball. This called for a big target because the spin was making her serve move and she didn't know how to control it. All of her serves were going to the left and all of the normal targets did not seem to get the point across. We needed something bigger. This brings us to the beat.

Part II: The bear I brought out a big stuffed beat and set him in a chair in the middle of the service box.

This beat is the extra large kind that you might fmd on the highest shelf in your local toy store. Kaidyn's job was to hit the beat anywhere. She did! Almost immediately she began to control the spin from the new grip and consistently hit the beat and keep a smile on her face. Having a target so outrageous and large did two things. First, by making her laugh, it relaxed her and took the stress out of a major change. Secondly, it made her realize that she didn't have to be perfect with her aim. She could hit the beat anywhere and her serve would be successful. After hitting the bear several times we were able to move on to the next step, which was to get her to relax.

22

ADDvantage/ February 2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA. com

imagination Part III: The scarecrow The scarecrow came in when I realized that Kaidyn was too tense with her arms and legs during the swing. She was holding her arms out completely straight with too much tension to allow a free relaxed swing. We began discussing how the scarecrow in the "Wizard of Oz" might serve. We decided that his arms would probably be flopping all over the place and he would most likely fall all over himself. After some laughs, she began to imagine serving as if she was the scarecrow. Her arms became relaxed, her racquet hand began to slowly loosen up and, as hoped, her swing speed greatly increased. She now had a fluid, one motion swing along with a new and fun way to remember the lesson.

We were having a great time working with this scenario but we were not quite finished yet.

Part IV: The fish

by Scott Ficks, USPTA

tossing arm like the Statue of Liberty holds up the torch. Again, we laughed a little and this lesson progressed into not dropping the torch because we didn't want to kill the fish. I realize that this is completely outrageous and many of you think this is nuts. The point is that it worked. Kaitlyn thought it was crazy, but she understood the point of each lesson. She understood these comparisons far better than the boring, straight and narrow explanation of shots and methods of teaching. '

Part V: The message to teaching professionals The amazing thing about this entire process is that we now have an unbelievable memory cue to use whenever Kaidyn is struggling and becoming frustrated with the serve. I just tell her to "hit the bear with the scarecrow, but don't kill the fish." This one, short sentence allows her to quickly focus on what she needs to do to be productive with her serve.

This story just goes to show that every student is going to learn differently and it is our job to work extremely hard to find the methods that work best and go after it. Tennis professionals have a difficult task in finding different ways to teach the same basic ideas to our students. That difficult task should also be the most enjoyable part of our jobs; we can make up anything in our imagination that we think might hit the spot for our clients. I have spent hours struggling to find ways to get the point across to players of all levels, sometimes it is difficult, but it is a task we must address head on in order to satisfy and improve our students. The key is to not stop trying to find that one idea that makes the lesson clear to your players. You would not accept your players not trying their hardest so they should expect nothing less from you.

The final step in getting this new serve to work was perfecting the toss. Kaidyn was having a problem controlling the toss because she was dropping her tossing arm too quickly. I tried to think of one more idea to tie the entire lesson together. It turned out to be the Statue of Liberty! We discussed the statue holding up the torch and how she never dropped her arm. But, if she did drop it, the torch would land in the water and kill all the fish. I told her to hold up her www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com â&#x20AC;˘

ADDvantage/ February 2002

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Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is requin~d ..Supply typed copy and include full nome, telephone number, credit cord number and exp1rot1on dote. (No agency or cosh discounts.)

Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover dote. Fox to {7 13) 978.7780, attn : ADDvontoge clossifieds . No clossifieds will be accepted by telephone . No except1ons ore mode.

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ADDvantage/February 2002

25

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A. Black and white unisex warm-up with embroidered star logo on front, USPTA embroidered on back. 100 percent crinkle supplex nylon . XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL. $53.

B. Fleece jacket with embroidered star logo. Charcoal with black trim or navy. 55 percent polyester/45 percent cotton brushed fleece. S, M, L, XL. $48.

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F. USPTA briefcase. This fashionable and practical bag has six generously sized compartments and padding to protect a laptop computer. The rear panel has a full size file pocket with Velcro closure. It has a comfortably padded removable adjustable shoulder strap and is made of heavy duty durable nylon. The zippered main compartment expands an extra 6" for more capacity when needed . $29.95.

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All levels

Poker tennis

by Rod Workman, USPTA

Purpose: To provide incentive for less ambitious juniors to give maximum effort. This drill is used in group lessons, and the strongest player rarely wins tennis poker. All you need is a deck of cards.

This drill can be implemented into any tennis program.

Description: 1. Pro feeds forehand groundstroke, backhand groundstroke, forehand approach , backhand volley, forehand vc;:>lley and overhead or any appropriate variation of strokes.

2. Before the students begin , pro tells each student how many of the six shots he or she needs to hit successfully to receive a card. (A 7-year-old may only need to make two of the six shots, while a 12year-old may need to make five.)

3. When students make their target number, they run over to get a card from the pro (feeder) and immediately run back to the hitting line.

\

\ \ \

''

''

'' Pro

4. Once all cards have been awarded , pro calls students up to the net.

This is where the student with the best poker hand wins the drill and does not have to pick up the balls.

Options: 1. "Bonus cards" can be awarded for good form or strong footwork.

2. Drill can also be used to teach composure and controlling emotions on the tennis court. Use the analogy of acquiring a "poker face" to not show the highs and lows during match play.

28

ADDvantage/ February 2002

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Career Development Conventions (5 credits for divisional)

Feb. 8-10 Feb. 1S.17

Feb. 21-24 March 1-3 March 2-4

Mluourl Valley Division Leawood, Kan. .........,. CaHfornla Division Mlirfleld, Calif. ,.._ Division Fort Worth, Texas Mid-Atlantic Division Williamsburg, Va. Midwest Division Columbus, Ohio

March 8-10 April26-27

Mlclclle 8tatee Division Hershey, Pa. Eastem Division Flushing, N.Y.

May 1-5 May9-12 May 28June2 May 31June

Intermountain Division Denver. Colo.

New England Division Newport, R.I. Southam and florida divisions Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Pacific Northwest Division Walla Walla, Wash.

Activities/meetings 12 credit and up)

(1

Feb. 8-9 Feb. 21-23

Mldwoet Division Troy, Mich.

1Uae Division

Feb. 23

Fort Worth, Texas Mldwoet Division

March 2 March 2-4

Mlclweet Division Eaetern Division

March 23

Eaetam Division

April 13-14

Northom California Division North Bay, Calif.

Mlclwoet Division

DeWitt, N.Y.

Chicago

~

â&#x20AC;˘

::1

March 15-16 March 16-17 March 16-17 March 16-17 March 17-18 March 18-19 March 23-24 March 23-24 March 24-25 April 3-4 April 5-7 April 6-7 April 6-7 April6-7 April 13-14

Joplin, Mo. Bonita Springs, Fla .

Chagrin, Ohio Los Gatos, Calif.

Altanta Houston * Providence, R.I. Charleston, S.C. Augusta , Ga. Merrick, N.Y. Leawood , Kan. Birmingham , Ala. Edmonds, Wash .

Aurora, Ill. Industry Hills, Calif.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

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 upgra de fee is forfeited . Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

(2 credits per four-hour course)

,...,. coachiiJfl, Feb. 8, Leawood, Kan., (4 hours), D. Porter

March 15

certification testing

(4 hours), S. Oley

Group drillâ&#x20AC;˘ for tho new _,llennlulft, Feb. 16, Fairfield, Calif., (4 hours), J. Dinoffer Slllfllee patterns of play, Feb. 18, Fairfield, Calif., (4 hours), G. Patton Nlarketlllfl and prornotlone, Feb. 21, Fort Worth, Texas, (4 hours), J. Dinoffer NlaldiJfl Uttle Tennis lor you, Feb. 24, Whittier, Calif., (4 hours), E. Mann

"""*

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. This schedule is subject to change. Call the USPTA Membership Departus ta. ment for additional information or write via e-mail to membershi

coaches workshons (2 credits)

(3 credits) Feb. 10 Feb. 16 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 17 Feb. 17 Feb. 24 Feb. 24 Feb. 24 Feb. 25 March 2 March 3

Mesa, Ariz.

Industry Hills, Calif.

Rochester, N.Y. Dallas Houston * Evergreen, Colo.

Coral Springs, Fla .

Gastonia, N.C. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Minneapolis Williamsburg , Va .

Flushing, N .Y. Las Cruces, N.M. Tarzana, Calif.

Lexington , Ky.

I bouflht a ball lftiiCitlne. Now what do I do?, Feb. 10, Leawood, Kan.,

Syracuse, N.Y.

cM

Feb. 7-8 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 15-16 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 18-19 Feb. 23-24 Feb. 23-24 Feb. 23-24 Feb. 23-24 March 1-2 March 3-4 March 6-7 March 8-9 March 9-1 0 March 9-10

8an Diego Division San Diego MlclwMt Division Jackson, Wis.

April 21

(4 credits for CTC segment)

Chicago

Columbus, Ohio March 10

exams, upgrades & certification training courses

Mountainside, N .J .

Boca Raton, Fla. Palm Coast, Fla .

Orlando, Fla. Ventura, Calif.

Boise, Idaho Birmingham, Ala .

Dallas Chicago Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Antioch, Tenn.

Brooklyn, N.Y.

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

March 2

Midwest Division Columbus, Ohio

Dogroe

Dato/locatlon

Deadline

CPO CPO CPO

May 7/Chicago Aug. 12-18/Western U.S. Nov. 11-17/Atlanta

Feb. 15 May15 Aug. 15

Applications are available by contacting the USPTA Education education@uspta.org.

Department or

CPO - Gained through the USA Tennis High Performance Coaching Program administered by USA Tennis Coaching Education Department.

ADDvantage/ February 2002

29

Members Drew Robinson, USPTA. recently held a fund -raiser to benefit the September 11 th Fund at Boonsboro Country Club in Lynch burg, Va. Rob inson played 18 consecutive hours with 20 opponents, accumulating 22 sets during the event. The marathon raised more than $2,500.

USPTA member Tom Dundis has accepted the head tenn is professional position at the Laguna Niguel Racquet Club in Laguna Niguel, Calif.

The new Ritz-Carlton Sarasota has just signed USPTA Master Professional Dave Kozlowski as its new tennis director. Kozlowski was also recently presented with the Jim Martz Media Excellence Award by USA Tennis Florida .

USPTA member Patricia Purcell was awarded the Delaine Mast Award at the World TeamTennis nationals last November. This award is given to the top female WTT league director in the United States based on league participation and community service.

Jeff Kupers, USPTA, has accepted the tennis di rector/ head professional position at the Vicksburg Country Club in Vicksburg , Miss. Kupers will direct all tennis programming, instruction, court and ground maintenance, and will own the pro shop.

USPTA member Clint Greene is the new director of tennis at the Freder-

30

ADDvantage/ February 2002

icksburg Country Club in Fredericksburg , Va. He was formerly head tennis professional at Willow Oaks Country Club in Richmond , Va.

Timmer Halligan, USPTA, has been named general manager for Mid -Town Tenn is Club in Ch icago, which is owned by Tennis Corporation of America.

Halligan brings to Mid Town a successful ca reer as a manager, tennis di rector, teacher and player.

USPTA member Mark Maslowski has been named general manager of the new European Racquet Stringer's Associa tion. The Association has just published its second issue of Racquet Tech magazine and the Stringer's Digest in German, and is offering workshops and certificat ion in German .

Todd Upchurch, USPTA, was recently hired as director of tennis at Carmel Coun try Club in Charlotte, N .C . He will take over the , l h h responsibilities upc urc of Fritz (USPTA) and Bev Earle who retired in 2001 . The club boasts a staff of all USPTA professionals including John Trimp, Bill Greg and Jarrell StarTrimp nes.

USPTA members Rochelle Seilhamer and Kristopher David have joined the Oxford Athletic

This year's co-winners ofthe USPTA Southern Division Arkansas Pro of the Year 1-wa:d are Pat and Teri Hennessy. The award is presented for outstandmg mvolvement in USTAIUSPTA programs, promoting tennis and for charity service.

Club in Monroeville, Pa. Seilhamer is the new ten nis program director and David is the new head tennis professional.

USPTA pros who received 2001 annual awards from the Georgia Professional Tennis Association include Ronnie Hass and Brad Olson, Tennis Directors of the Year; Matt Grayson and Mark Pachtner (also received the all-court award) , Head Tennis Professionals of the Year; Cannon Campbell, Player of the Year; and Dave Dvorak, President's Award.

able in March. For more information, visit www.tennisconfidential.com.

Associations

Member product showcase

The Czech Professional Ten nis Association is pleased to announce that Karel .

Jandus Jr., USPTA, will direct a new sports law program at Charles University in central Europe.

The purpose of the program is to "encourage study of the relationship between the law and all aspects of amateur and professional sports , to promote informed and ethical practices in the sports industry, and to serve as a resou rce for sport professionals."

Paul Fein, USPTA. has writ ten a new book, Tennis confidential: Today 's greatest players, matches and controversies. The book, publ ished by Brassey's Inc., will be avail-

The Georgia Professional Tennis Association has elected new officers for 2002. USPTA members elected include Bill Ozaki, chairman of the board and president; Mark www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Pachtner, first vice presi dent; Cannon Campbell, treasurer; and Paul Bartholomai, secretary.

Ronnie Hass is the d irector at large; and Jim Carella is the immediate past president.

survey sent out to more than 4,000 members of the USRSA, asking them to vote on strings they frequent ly install in four categories: playability, du rab ility, overall preference and comfort.

Manufacturers

USTA

W ilson 's NXT 17 was voted the No. 1 synthetic gut in playability and comfort according to the USRSA 2001 String Survey/ Members' Choice Awards. The award is based on the rest..~ Its of a

USPTA award recipients of the USTA Missouri Valley 2001 Sectional awards include Garry Nadebaum, Adult Player of the Year; Dave Gary, Community Service ; and Pat Purcell, Outstanding

Paul Annacone, former touring professional and coach to Pete Sampras, has been named USA Tennis High Performance managing director of the restructured and renamed USTA division that will facilitate the development of world-class American ten¡ nis champions. Other key members of the USA Tennis High Performance senior staff include: USPTA member Lynne Rolley, director of programs, will continue to manage high performance programs related to international competition and professional and touring pro team activities for men and women, while directly overseeing women's touring pro teams.

USPTA member Nick Saviano, director of coaches education. will direct efforts to strengthen high performance coaching, including continuing education opportunities and expanded USTA section coaching education programs.

Jose Higueras, a special adviser to the USTA since 1988 and a former top 10 professional.

USPTA member Rodney Harmon, currently the multicultural d1rector in the USTA's Community Tennis Division, returns to the High Performance unit to direct programs working with the most promising multicultural prospects and as the USA Tennis High Performance liaison to the college game.

USPTA member Paul Roetert, who recently rejoined the USTA as the director of administration for the High Performance program. will be responsible for all administrative functions related to the USA Tennis High Performance department. He will work to integrate High Performance initiatives at all levels. www.ADDvanta geUSPTA.com

Billie jean King and Elton John's annual charity event sponsored by Tjco International raised $450,000 for the Elton john AIDS Foundation and local charity, Capital City AIDS Fund in Sacramento, Calif King and john hosted an auction that helped raise $268, 000. The top auction bid was $30, 000 for an autographed Carlos Santana guitar. King auctioned a trip to the 2002 Wimbledon Championships, along with her personal Centre Court tickets for $29, 000. (Photo credit: Bill Putnam, Tjco World Team Tennis) Contributor to USA League Tennis.

Miscellany The International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Interna tional Tennis Federat ion inaugurated a new Fed Cup Award of Excellence during the Fed Cup World Finals to honor people who represent the ideals and sp irit of the Fed Cup competi tion . Honorees must be a member of a past or current Fed Cup team and must be from the coun try/ region where the final is being held .

Pete Sampras, in addition to signing up Tom

Gullikson, USPTA, to be his new coach , has signed on w ith The Tennis Channel as an investor, spokeman and consultant. The Tennis Channel is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2002.

The Swingtime Pro-Celebrity Pro-Am Tennis & Golf Tournament to benefit the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation , held last November in West Palm Beach , Fla ., raised $65,000 to assist brain tumor patien t s and their fam ilies. Since it was established in 1995, the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundat ion has ra ised more t han $2 mill ion .

Tennis tips correction: ADD vantage magazine incorrecdy printed the author of the Pro to pro tennis tips in the January 2002 issue. The correct author is Johnny Tallent.

ADDvantage/ Februa ry 2002

31

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