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January-December 1998-3001: US (Sprts Research Inc.]. GE (STEI. FR (Nielsen], IT ISITR/Nlelsan). JP (Capital R d v i s e r y C

contents the total professional - enhancing your career 9 Making your players self-sufficient - by Dave Gary, USPTA — Help your players become independent thinkers by developing their critical analysis skills.

departments 3 CEO's message 4 USPTA drill 5 Vice president's message

12 Revising our game plan for growth - by Alan Cutler, USPTA — Discover how partnering with public programs can increase the base of new tennis players.

11

18 Career developmenr 24

news 6 Proposed slate of 2003-2005 national Board of Directors

Classifieds

Industry action

4 uspta.

25 Display current USPTA endorsement banners

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special section This issue of ADDvantage features the annual USPTA Tennis Across America™ guide. It includes promotional tips, press information, a colorful poster and an outline for running a 90-minute clinic.

USPTA's

F3I On the cover ... Students from the greater Laredo, Texas, area participate in a Tennis Across America" event sponsored by The Laredo Country Club and Transmaritime.

volume 27 * issue 3 ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone-(71 3) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U Fax-(713) 978-7780 e-mail - magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Managing editor Circulation Advertising

Shawna Riley Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan John Dettor

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

The opinions expressed in ADDvantoge are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2003. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/March 2003

1

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Unified voice is critical tool for USPTA professionals

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SPTA has four published goals that few teaching profeswinning streak with HEAD. Obviously, we hope you understand sionals would argue about. The goals: to promote the that only through a unified voice can we make any program sucfinancial stability, image, membership services and uniceed or convince the industry that you are the delivery system for fied voice of its membership. Most interestingly, the first three goals tennis consumers. Only by proving you have the power to move are almost impossible to achieve unless the fourth one is achieved. and shape the market can you gain the respect to make sweeping changes in tennis and achieve all of your goals.

Our teaching professionals currently face a very important challenge. Before other companies and employers give us the respect we A unified voice helps USPTA achieve its goals in many areas, including those in endorsements and industry relationships. Recently, want, we must believe in ourselves and the collective power we have USTA's blue ribbon commission report concluded that its induswhen we speak, and act, with a unified voice. try support - including that from its sections and industry partTennis has always needed USPTA and its professionals to reach ners — is very fragmented. Many people disagreed with USTA's and serve a larger consumer base. This is obvious to our members vision for tennis and USTA's direction. Now the orwho teach every day, own pro shops or manage tenganization is charged with the awesome responnis operations. We provide advice to new and cursibility of revamping its programs and industry rent players on equipment and services ranging from relationships. racquets and shoes to tennis facilities.

Since last August, USPTA has used the pages of The industry, including USTA, has commissioned ADDvantage to give you "the rest of the story." The numerous surveys that consistently prove teaching editorial campaign attempted to explain what we professionals make up the single most powerful group knew was preventing allied associations and the when it comes to accomplishing tennis' growth obUSPTA from supporting USTA at the national levjectives, including the promotion of tennis programs el. The editorial messages were endorsed by USPTA's and products. In other words, if you want to reach Board of Directors and were very candid. You rethe American public, teaching professionals are the sponded with overwhelming support and appreciakey to your delivery!

Tim Heckler tion for the messages and for USPTA's efforts to repWhile USPTA is a trade association and not a resent you within the industry with a unified voice. union, we have often been urged by members to neYour support gave USPTA the strength to continue fighting for the gotiate on their behalf with a collective voice. Obviously, most of respect tennis-teaching professionals deserve. these suggestions have come from members who would prefer that USTA's recent actions seem to show a willingness to make some USPTA could forcibly influence the job market on their behalf, or, corrections to its relationships with USPTA and others. While USTA's conversely, prevent it from negatively affecting them. The only acfuture plans remain to be seen, we will be reducing the editorial tion that our corporate structure permits us to take is to recommend rhetoric in our messages in order to give its new administration a that all of our members become unified behind education, public fair chance to establish the new direction. We hope that this will relations and community projects that enhance their collective imallow us to develop some mutual respect and common programs age and respect in the public's eye. that will benefit all of tennis.

With recent changes in our industry, there's never been a more As you're reading this message, USPTA President Joe Thompson important time to express our unified voice in various other venues. and I will be meeting with Alan Schwartz, USTA's new president.

For example, we have just begun a new racquet and accessory Our hope is to discuss current issues and plan for a more producendorsement with HEAD and it may well be the most important tive future for the USPTA/USTA relationship. We have an opporagreement in USPTA's history. HEAD stepped up to the plate at a tunity that has not presented itself for several years — to rebuild a time when the endorsement market has seldom been softer. The comtrust that was lost. We think this goal can be accomplished if everypany demonstrated enormous faith in USPTA and its professionals one wants it to happen. and significantly improved the benefits of our members.

USPTA's unified voice can be powerful. It's up to you to make it It should not surprise you to know that racquet companies value so. It is responsible for our growth, the resources that provide you USPTA's endorsement because the companies we've endorsed since with benefits and our ability to garner support for change in the 1982 gained the No. 1 market share for racquets. This time, our chalindustry that supports us all. You and your fellow professionals can lenge is even greater, since other racquet companies are obviously only make it happen by speaking with one voice. ^° waging an intensive campaign to try to prove we can't continue our www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage/March2003 3

Intermediate/advanced

Figure 8 Purpose: To develop overall control.

Description: 1. Players are positioned as illustrated.

2. Instructor puts the ball in play to "A," who hits a forehand (1) down the line to "Q" and immediately runs to the other corner.

3. "C" hits a backhand (2) crosscourt to "A" and runs to the other corner.

4. "A" hits a backhand down the line (3) to "C" and immediately returns behind "B." 5. "C" hits a forehand crosscourt (4) to "B," who is waiting to go through the same sequence with "D."

Options: If students are having trouble controlling the ball, they can be moved up to the service line.

4 ADDvantage/March 2003

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

uspta Questions, questions, questions!

So, what are the answers?

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

W

hat's the big issue here? Is the USTA tryprudent and more cost-effective to involve a neting to control tennis in America? Where is work of several thousand professionals to partner and promote a super tennis month? tennis headed in our country? Is the Plan for Growth really working? Why can't we just get along?

Does the USTA really need its own academies What are the big issues that separate the philosophies for high-performance juniors? Why spend the of the USPTA and the USTA concerning the direcmoney when financial help could be offered to tion of tennis in America today? Why is branding such those academies that are already in existence and a huge concern with both organizations? Why does one successful? group want to share branding while the other group Why build super tennis facilities with USTA wants its brand on the whole herd? Is it better to have money in one or two areas of a community when one brand of soft drink or many to tennis needs to be taken to the neighchoose from? borhoods? Don't we need courts Should everyone in America drive where there are none? How about a Ford motor vehicle* or should there two courts per neighborhood spread be choices of transportation? Should throughout a community instead of there be one tennis brand to lessen 30 at one site? Do we need huge pubconfusion among tennis players belic tennis facilities funded by nontaxcause of the alphabet soup of tennis able USTA monies competing with organizations, or should all groups be private tennis clubs? Won't this have encouraged to promote the game to an effect on the health of established a variety of audiences? Should the private and taxable clubs and the inself-proclaimed governing body be come of teaching professionals at the dominant force in the game or those clubs? What will this do to the Ron Woods should there be sharing of monies health of tennis? from the U.S. Open and USTA membership dues to Is USTA building these facilities to garner more fund programs of other organizations that have tournament income from major events at these faexperience and proficiency in certain areas? Why concilities? Will new tournaments hurt existing major stantly re-invent the wheel by hiring staff to develop tournament events such as the Masters Series or programs that are already out there? Wouldn't other venues with high-profile players? Is the partnering with other groups to sponsor purpose to expand the revenue base of programs be less costly, more producthe USTA with new tournaments, and tive and reach more players than trywill this provide more monies to proing to do it all on one's own? Is it really duce more programs that conflict with productive to design programs that are existing programs and facilities of othin direct conflict with other organizations' er organizations and private clubs? programs?

Again, why wouldn't it benefit the Why does a program that is over 14 years USTA to spend some of its money from the U.S. old, such as USPTA's Tennis Across AmeriOpen and membership dues to support other ca 1M , have to compete with "Rock'n Tennis" tennis organizations that have been around for in the same month of May? Wouldn't it be many years — some as many as 75 years — and

What will it take to bring the tennis family together? continued next page www.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

Network Coordinator

Kelley Busby

Director of Marketing

John Dettor

Sports Marketing Coordinator

Scott Bucic

Multimedia

Andres Ballesteros

Video Production Manager

Joe Birkmire

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Educational Administrator

Donna Simeon

Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Receptionist

Lezly Guilliams

Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

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

Sylvia Ortiz Yvonne Hung R.J. Tessier

Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coordinator Membership Assistant

Danielle Mead

Membership Assistant

Gloria Myddleton

Payroll/Benefits Controller

Renee Heckler Ellen Weatherford

Insurance/ Charlene Davis Merchandise Coordinator Insurance/ Melony DeLoach Merchandise Assistant

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/March 2003

5

from previous page have experience running programs and promoting the great game we all enjoy? Why does it have to do it all? Can't the USTA share the brand of tennis with all the organizations in America? Is the American public unable to discern the difference between the USTA and USPTA, ITF, TIA, ATP, WTA, AAU, AAHPERD, NCAA, USOC, IHRSA, CMAA, WCT, WTT, PTR, NJCAA, NRPA, ATA, NFHS, ITHOF, NAIA, NIRSA, AFLCIO, AT&T, NATO, ACLU, AMA, AARP, BMOC, BYOB, WWF or whatever?

What will it take to bring the tennis family together? Who is going to compromise?

Again, has the USTA "Plan for Growth" really worked? Will the company with deep pockets and self-appointed governance of the game in America see its way to include all viable and successful programs of other associations in America under the proverbial umbrella of good will and support? Could this possibly be a way to not only grow the game, but also grow trust and instill an attitude of teamwork throughout the tennis industry?

Just asking. ^"

Proposed slate of 2003-2005 national Board of The national Nominating Committee has completed its task and proudly submits the following slate for the 2003-2005 USPTA national Board of Directors.

President

David T. Porter, Ed.D.

First vice president

Ron Woods

>

Harry Gilbert

Vice president

uspta* ^

Tom Daglis

_-j7 - ^

Randy Mattingley Paula Scheb

Secretary-treasurer Immediate past president

Mark Fairchilds Joseph Thompson

Additional nominations may be made by the general membership and submitted to the CEO by April 15. In order for a new candidate to be added to the ballot, he or she must be nominated by at least 20 members.

Only one nominee per office will be added to the slate.

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Making your players

self-sufficient

by Dave Gary, USPTA

re your junior and adult tennis players able to critically analyze and think on their own, or do they always look to you for the answers to their playing problems? Do you as I a tennis professional create an atmosphere of total dependence, or do you help your players become more independent in terms of play and swing analysis?

We all know and understand that there are distinct we are facilitating character development differences beand building relationships that will carry tween good and far beyond the court. average players.

We realize that even at equal skill levels, player motivation, including a willingness to take instruction, can be a key component to success and failure - winning and losing. For the sake of this article I will limit my discussion to a player's knowledge of the game, including technical, tactical and mental aspects.

By teaching independent thinking in our students,

As you work with players it is important to develop their independent-thinking skills.

To do this, you must help them

understand their mistakes, rather than merely point them out. A steady flow of questions about stroke patterns, shot placement, mental and emotional composure and tactical decisions is important to making the lesson real and applicable to tournament play. By developing their critical analysis skills and making them independent thinkers, you give them the ability to correct tactical, technical, mental and other errors on their own.

When teaching a tournament-level junior player, it is important to ask yourself some questions to design a specific lesson plan: 1. Where is the player in terms of the tennis season? Are tournaments days, weeks or months ahead? •* I, Would this player be better served by hitting with me directly, or by using a "sparring" partner to allow me to teach and coach from a different vantage point?

3. Will this player benefit more from stroke analysis or tactical emphasis?

With those questions in mind, I would like to recommend using a "sparring" partner when possible for the following reasons: continued next page

ADDvantage/March 2003 9

from previous page 1, The lesson takes on a match-like simulation because the student is hitting against a peer or accomplished adult player. The "fear factor" students may feel while hitting against someone other than their coach brings a competitive atmosphere to the court that heightens the coach's ability to seize teachable moments during the lesson.

Some closed questions I might use are: 1. Are you slowing yourself down?

2. Did you focus on the ball?

Where were you trying to place that shot?

Some open-ended questions I might use are: 1. Why did you miss that shot?

2. The teaching professional is better able to spot technical, biomechanical and mental errors.

Splitting the cost of the lesson between two or more players is more economical for the family, which might allow the players to come out to the courts more often.

What type of questions do you use during a lesson like this? Are they closed or openended questions? Using a combination of closed and open-ended questions can be a useful tool in developing your students' independent-thinking and analysis skills.

pendent thinking. Making your students become smarter players will allow them to play better during tournaments as they will be able to figure out what is going wrong on any given day.

2. Why did you lose or win that point?

What would have been better shot selection?

By teaching independent thinking in our students, we are facilitating character development and building relationships that will carry far beyond the court. In addition, we may be helping to develop America's new generation of world-class competitors by making them self-sufficient while they are competing. ^

What are your opponent's strengths and weaknesses?

Consider the mix of open and closed questions you ask your students during the lesson. Open-ended questions will facilitate independent thinking and force the student to analyze the reasons for the mechanical or behavioral patterns. While students may not always have the correct answers to the problems facing them, with your guidance, they can begin the process of inde-

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Dave Gary, USPTA, is the director of tennis at Wood Valley Racquet Club and is the manager of Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan. He is a USA High Performance certified coach, currently serves as the Missouri Valley vice president of education and was named the Missouri Valley Professional of the Year in 2001 and 2002.

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Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Ray by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.

Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.)

Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, ottn: XTOvanfoge classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are mode.

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Revisinci tifiitie •*^^ m+* SP our ^9 ^** nlcin for B^^I

growth

by Alan Cutler, USPTA

r

s the number of new tennis participants decreasing? The Tennis Industry Association says the number of new players fell slightly in 2001, but that it was not a significant amount.

However, any decrease in the number of participants requires our attention because it will affect the entire tennis industry, from tennis professionals to manufacturers. members, of the tennis-playing population. Have we been limiting our scope and target for students in our programs?

In 1994, the number of tennis players fell so significantly that the entire industry challenged us all to grow the game. At that point, it was a matter of survival. Perhaps it is time to consider what we learned from that experience and find out how we can use those lessons learned. Are we slipping into old habits and targeting only the upperlevel programs and players? Where is the majority of tennis players?

Have we been limiting our scope and target for students in our programs?

Before we jump right into finding new players, let's look at what already exists. In the final report of 2001, TIA tells us that 19.2 million people over the age of 12 played tennis at least once that year. Eightythree percent of tennis players are rated 4.0 or below. This means that just shy of 16 million people are beginners and intermediate players. And if we are only targeting upper-level players, we are concentrating on only 17 percent, or 3.2 million The Tennis Industry Association says

Perhaps the better questions to ask are: Where are the other 16 million players, and how do we get them more involved in tennis?

These 16 million players are hitting balls at the public parks and schools. Many of these players have never played in a tournament, never taken a lesson, play maybe once or twice a year, and just play for fun and social interaction. These are the players who, if they get introduced to basic tennis instruction, will probably learn from a public park and recreation program.

Partnering with the parks and recreational programs in local cities may be one of the best ways to reach these players. Cities can offer low-cost instruction and often free or very low-cost court rentals.

One of the most difficult concepts for the tennis professional to understand is that cities are not in the business to make money, but to provide recreational services to their communities. That is a very different mindset from the purely profit-driven business with which we are familiar. But don't be misled: In a public program, there are many untapped students, monies to be made and services to be provided.

that the number of new players

Set goals

fell slightly in 2001 ...

To start a public program in your community, first meet with the city staff and identify mutual long-term goals for the program. Most park and recreation supervisors are experts in dealing with grassroots programs, so be prepared to listen and learn from their expertise. They know how to reach their community and what will and won't work.

As tennis professionals, we will bring our knowledge of building quality tennis programs and instruction to the cities. Keep in mind that recreational programs are a service and will always be designed to keep costs down. Sometimes offering quality service within the price range that cities are willing

... any decrease in the number of participants requires our attention because it will affect the entire tennis industry, from tennis professionals to manufacturers.

1 2 ADDvantage/March 2003

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

to charge may be difficult, especially in the beginning stages of the program. However, offering quality programs consistently will eventually bring in the numbers to make the program self-sufficient, and allow the instructors to be paid a fair hourly rate. Sometimes, this will require small, baby steps but it will be worth it in the long run.

Evaluate Once you form a partnership with a city, look at what already exists. Evaluate the facilities and make recommendations for repairs if needed. Always remember that cities operate on fiscal-year budgets, and major expenditures have to be approved by an elected body quite a while before they can be expended.

classes. By doing this, you will form a strong base that will feed your upper-level classes.

Once this pattern is achieved and established, then you can start considering program expansion.

Try to provide racquets or arrange for lowcost racquets to be available for purchase by the junior beginner classes. That way, all students have to supply is their time and a pair of tennis shoes. You can purchase junior racquets for under $10 each and

USPTA educational opportunities and, as their skill levels and experience increase, encourage them to join USPTA. This not only makes for good instructors, but also makes the employees feel like they are receiving more than just money.

Start new instructors in the beginner junior program, which is a great place for handson training. Expect instructor turnover because they will move on to other things, such as college for your high school players, or to better-paying positions as they acquire more experience.

As USPTA tennis-teaching professionals, we must all do a better job off working to develop the base off new players for our sport.

Cooperate Meet with current recreation employees and see how they might best fit into the longterm goals of the program. These employees have the historical knowledge of what has been tried and done in the past. To get their cooperation, you will need them to buy into the goals of the program. Once you have that, design a timeline or a starting schedule that will allow you to grow in stages.

Start small The overall goal of the program may be to run pee-wee, beginner through advanced junior and adult group lessons, camps, clinics, semiprivate and private lessons. Nevertheless, unless you already have the numbers, it may be too ambitious to take on all at once.

Start small, concentrating first on offering high-quality classes. It is the quality of the instruction that tends to make the biggest difference for the city program.

Keeping the ratio of students to instructors low will help maintain the quality. This sounds easy, but remember that city programs are there to provide a service. Therefore, city programs tend not to limit enrollment or ratios sometimes at the expense of quality. An instructor to student ratio of l-to-8 or l-to-10 seems to be best.

When working with 3- to 5-year-olds, one instructor per six kids seems to work better. And a 50-minute group lesson will give you plenty of time to cover the material and also time to talk to parents and participants between lessons.

When programming, try to create a class pyramid. Structure the classes with twice as many beginner classes as intermediate, and follow the same pattern for advanced www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

may even be able to get them donated to your programs by USTA or racquet manufacturers. Remind manufacturers that brand loyalty starts early. Invite them to run racquet demo days for your upper-level players.

Rates Student costs and instructor percentages are two of the big issues with all employers, and working with a public program is no exception. Consider this example: If a beginner student is charged $25 for a fiveweek program ($5 per 50-minute session) and there are eight students on the court, that court hour brings in $40. Intermediate students might be charged $35 for a five-week program ($7 per 50-minute session), and advanced students might be charged $50 for a five-week program ($10 per 50-minute session). If the instructor's percentage is 60 percent and there are eight students in each class, then the hourly rates would be $24 for beginners, $33.60 for intermediates and $48 for advanced players. Other factors that may affect the rate charged are instructor qualifications and group size limits.

Hiring instructors As the program becomes more successful, you may find the need to hire additional, qualified instructors. Establish a mentor program that will be a good source of instructors. Look at the better players from the local high schools or colleges. Sometimes, even parents might be a good source. Provide them with training and encouragement, and identify their growth potential. These instructors should also be encouraged to attend

Attracting students Now, how do we get students into the program? Most cities will regularly send out a community service bulletin four to five times a year, before their classes start. These recreational classes are highly publicized, and the bulletins are generally mailed out to all residences in a community. Word-ofmouth though, seems to work better. Encourage students to bring friends and family members, who are also potential students. Running small, free clinics on a regular basis during the year should be part of the program. For example, you can advertise that every 10 weeks, a free clinic is available to everyone.

Running larger USPTA Tennis Across America™ events and partnering with racquet manufacturers is another way to promote your programs. Most cities have public access TV that can be used for this promotion. You might also find that your local newspapers will mention these events because they are city-sponsored clinics that are free to the community.

Another way to publicize your program is to contact your local school districts to distribute fliers and offer to run a physical education class on tennis for them. Try volunteering time to provide free clinics to the local high school tennis teams. This will familiarize you with some of the local players, while allowing you direct access to a target audience.

USPTA and USTA have a couple of programs that help attract players. Using these programs, it is easy to start small leagues or competitive events within your continued next page ADDvantage/March 2003 1 3

from previous page

own programs, and it is also a method for allowing players to compete with each other. USPTA's Junior Circuit m gives beginner students the ability to compete with their peers and get familiar with tournaments without the pressure of more intense competition. USA Tennis Leagues also provide good structure for any program. The USTA National Junior Tennis League uses public facilities and offers 18 hours of instruction for $20. There may be some junior racquets and balls that are available if you run this program. Private schools are easier to approach and generally more willing to allow these programs than the public schools. Since families of private school students are used to paying for quality instruction, they are often the first ones to take advantage of these lower-cost programs.

In a public program, there are many untapped students, monies to be made and services to be provided. down time before the season or during vacations, may result in camp and clinic business. Having a "Stroke of the Month" clinic is another good idea. This will also allow you to target people who want to work on specific skills.

Consider the dead times that you have in your facilities. In most cases, courts are empty during the weekday hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Those who work at home or on alternate schedules can fill in these hours.

Find out what might interest them and create special programs to meet their needs. An example is a "Mommy/Daddy and Me" program during these hours.

Think about semiprivate or private lessons as other services you might provide.

Consider catch-up or group lesson supplements, students wanting individual attention or more advanced students. Although this is typically not a large source of enrollment for most park and recreation programs, it will need to be addressed to retain students in the program.

Expanding As the programs expand and facilities allow for it, you can consider expanding to multiple courts in the same hour. Another idea that works well is to offer both a beginner junior and beginner adult class at the same time. This way, the parents in the beginner adult class know their children are in a quality program while they get some exercise and learn to play at the same time. When a parent and child both take advantage of instruction, they have a built-in person with whom to hit. And best of all, it gives the parent and child some quality time together.

Targeting a specific group, such as a girls' high school tennis team during the required

Don't lose sight of the fact that in a public parks and recreation program, the goal is to get as many people started in the game of tennis as possible. Cities are not in the business of running tennis academies. Their main goal is to give students a positive intro-

duction to the sport and a great foundation.

And, when someone outgrows the program or needs services that you cannot provide, it is time to send that person to a facility that can better meet his or her needs. Dust off your USPTA roster, and refer that student to someone with the right style of teaching and the necessary expertise.

As USPTA tennis-teaching professionals, we must all do a better job of working to develop the base of new players for our sport.

We have a vested interest in sharing our enthusiasm and love for the game. Each person we meet, and each person he or she meets, is a potential tennis player. It's up to us to convince them it's time to pick up a racquet and hit that ball. *&°

Alan L. Cutler is a teaching professional at the Whittier Narrows Tennis Center in Whittier, Calif. He is a USPTA California Division secretary, a local excellence training coordinator, and has completed levels I and II of the USTA sport science certification.

He has a master's degree in computer science and more than 20 years of experience in technology and information services. Cutler was named a 1999 USPTA California Division District Professional of the Year and received the 2002 USPTA Industry Excellence Award.

"NEW" LONG TERM CARE program through USPTA with discounted rates.

For spouses and parents,too.

9

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SPTA's Tennis Across America™ is different than other free lesson programs because its focus is gaining recognition for USPTA-certified professionals.

Tennis Across America™ began in 1990 as a way to increase the player base, and hundreds of thousands have been reached. At the same time, USPTA members can piggyback local promotion of their own programs and businesses on the national publicity campaign administered by the World Headquarters. It's the perfect opportunity to enhance your grassroots programs your way.

Your Tennis Across America kit contains: H Ideas for optional activities H A sample lesson plan H Promotional tips that will help you publicize your event H A colorful poster for promoting your event U Press information. Fill in the appropriate blanks on the public service announcement and press release (photocopy or create your own) and deliver them to newspapers and television and radio stations.

H A free lesson sign-up sheet <•**

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H A form to register your event with USPTA H Grant information Tennis Across Amenta is a national program that is telebrated in May, George Bacso Month.

Run a 90-minute clinic Introduce yourself and your staff to the participants. Briefly discuss USPTA and how it promotes tennis at the grassroots level through the three segments of Tennis Across America and other programs including:

ennis Across America is a greaf opportunity to increase lessons, pro shop sales and exposure for you, your staff and your facility. The options are endless - put your imagination to work.

H H H H

Tennis Across America Tennis Across America multicultural clinics Tennis Around the World USPTA Little Tennis®

Point out tennis' lifetime benefits and how your teaching programs can help improve players' skills.

The depth of your clinic will depend upon the skill levels of your participants. Your clinic may include juniors and adults with various skill levels. The sample lesson plan is ideal for social-level players. It is designed to get the students playing quickly while having fun. For more advanced players, you may wish to incorporate a drill format.

Review the clinic Allow 10 to 15 minutes to review the points discussed in the clinic and have a question-and-answer session. Explain the importance of regular practice and offer practice tips, such as how to use backboards and ball machines. This is a good time to distribute information on lessons, clinics and pro shop merchandise.

Optional activities: Conduct a free demo If your facility has a pro shop, you may wish to conduct a free demo session to encourage clinic participants to try new products. This would also be an excellent time to have a pro shop sale, since most shops are fully stocked with spring and summer goods.

Run a sodal round robin Assign each player a number and begin with social round-robin doubles. Play may be divided into men's and women's doubles. This is a great public relations opportunity. Have the teaching staff socialize with the participants and offer advice and tennis tips.

AtUalumheon Your social program can include a reasonably priced luncheon or cookout at the courts. This is an opportunity to show off your facility's amenities.

Other programming options: Share the effort and rewards Combine efforts with other professionals. Hold the event at a facility that will open to the public. Have each professional run a different activity on each court and rotate participants at regular intervals. Each pro can provide literature about his or her programs, letting participants choose a follow-up program according to location, availability and rapport with the professional. ''' *•••,

Co on the road Take your free clinic to a community event, such as a health fair, that may be held in a city park with courts available or enough free space for a children's short court. Organizers often seek activities to add to community events.

Private dubs tan participate, too At a private club, promote a free clinic to members who don't regularly use the tennis facility or ask tennis players to bring a nonmember friend to a special clinic and social. Also, the Tennis Across America theme can be used for an event other than a clinic, such as a tournament.

he following lesson plan is based on a series of progressions to help tennis professionals handle clinic participants with varying degrees of tennis experience and ability. However, all players should not be expected to make it through every step of each progression. While this lesson plan concentrates on the forehand groundstroke, many of the same progressions may be used to teach the backhand. The lesson should last approximately 90 minutes.

I.

Introduction (2 min.)

II.

Warm-up (5 min.)

III.

Ball-handling drills (10 min.)

IV.

A. Bump-ups B. Bump-downs C. Bump-ups with a bounce Forehand basics (8 min.)

A. B. C. D.

V.

Demonstrate the grip.

Practice self-feeds with the nondominant hand.

Explain contact point and the length of the backswing and follow-through.

Have players drop-hit balls from 5 feet from the net, from the service line and halfway between the service line and the baseline.

Toss and hit (10 min.)

Have pairs face each other across the net, each standing inside the service line. Place targets midway between the net and the service line.

VI.

A. Teach players to feed one another by controlled toss.

B. Have one partner toss and the other hit the ball back, using controlled toss and hit and then switch.

C. Let the players take two steps back and then try to rally with one another using the same gentle taps again.

D. When the players reach the service line, have them start points with a self-drop and rally until they miss. If the players can get five in a row, move them farther back.

E. Have the players count consecutive hits as partners or hold a contest for most consecutive hits.

Play mini-tennis (8 min.)

VII.

Serve (25 min.)

A. Trap - Students extend their arms, reaching their racquets upward, use an underhand toss and trap the ball against the fence as it reaches its peak. Discuss proper grip.

B. Tray - The forearm and palm of the hand are laid back so that the racquet face is in the position of a tray carried above the head of a waiter.

C. V position - The elbow is high with the racquet hung back from the wrist (almost in back-scratch position).

D. Full serve - Racquet drops behind the back, making a loop before coming forward to trap the ball as it reaches its peak.

Note: Students may not progress to a full serve in this lesson. Throughout the service lesson, ask them to use the service motion closest to the full serve with which they have success.

E. Use the step of the service motion progression with which the students are most comfortable (e.g., the trap, tray, V position or full serve).

1. Throw at the target 2. Shadow a serve 3. Serve at the target If players do not hit the target with the serve, have them continue to throw, shadow and then serve. When they hit their target, players should take one step back and repeat the sequence.

Note: If the toss is keeping players from having success, have those players return to the toss and trap the ball as in the first serving practice drill.

F. Target game (5 min.) - Let the players at the net and the fence serve every ball. They must make one of every two serves (in the service box or in the target area) in order to take a step backward.

G. Scoring game (5 min.) - Again, half the players are on the service line facing the net and half are facing their targets on the fence from 6 feet away. Explain the tennis scoring system, and then have the players play a game. Players should get two serves for each point. If they make their first or second serve, they win the point. If they double fault, they lose the point. Without alternating from deuce to ad court, have the players keep score for an entire game.

VIII. Serve and return (10 min.)

Place two players on each end of the court. The four players each serve once and return once before the whole group is replaced by four more players. The goal of the returners is to get the ball back, aiming for the middle of the court. Points should not be played out.

Those waiting may want to shadow the serve or return.

IX.

Doubles play (10 min.)

Place a doubles team on each baseline. Again, each player should have a chance to serve (each should get two chances at a successful serve) and return. This time, the points should be played out. After four points have been played, bring new doubles teams onto the court.

Be sure at this point to promote your follow-up program, such as Little Tennis or adult clinics. This is a critical time for these players. If they do not continue through some type of follow-up program, many will not continue at all. * If you would like a more detailed sample lesson plan, please contact the World Headquarters at (800) USPTA-4U.

Additional notes: Breaks 1. Offer breaks between the forehand and service portions of the lesson. Have half the class break while the other half plays more mini-tennis, and then switch.

2. Offer another break after the service lesson and before practicing the serve and return. Have half the class serve, return and play out the points while the other half breaks, and then switch.

3

•S

Organize committees or solicit pros to assist with various aspects, such as public relations, refreshments and invitations to local dignitaries.

•S

Contact local VIPs or dignitaries, such as city council members, the mayor or local celebrities, and invite them to your clinic. Make one of them an honorary chairman, which would provide good photo opportunities for advance news releases and encourage greater publicity through local media.

S

Contact local volunteer groups, such as the Boys Club, the Girl Scouts, community tennis association, high school coaches or the local chamber of commerce, to help organize the event and to increase the number of participants.

S

Ask your facility, CTA, coaches or local parks and recreation department to donate racquets and tennis balls for participants who can't provide their own.

If local contributions aren't enough, contact USPTA.

S

Compile a local media list of daily and weekly newspapers, television and radio stations, regional tennis publications, community newspapers and Web sites, as well as contacts at the USPTA national office. You may also wish to include the chamber of commerce, the local tourism bureau and school newspapers. Be sure to gather information regarding deadlines, too.

ennis Across America is an excellent opportunity to promote tennis as a fun means of physical fitness and to generate publicity for you and your facility. Whether your event is for the public or for club members only, the following steps to promote your clinic can help ensure its success:

Your media list should include the names of contacts for: Newspaper: Sports editor, tennis writer, lifestyle editor, photo editor Television: Sports director, news director, assignments editor Radio: News director, sports director, community program hosts Internet: Editors and directors for newspaper, TV, radio and independent Web sites with local and/or event calendars

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association Inc. 2003. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this material is not permitted without written permission of the publisher.

•S

Send a news release to those on your media list announcing the event. Type the appropriate information in the blank spaces on the sample news release provided, or create your own. If you write your own news release, remember these basic rules: The release should be typed and doublespaced; provide your name and phone number where people may reach you for more information; number and label each page; and check for proper spelling and that all facts are correct.

•S

Send.a public service announcement to the television and radio stations on your media list. You may use the sample public service announcement provided or create your own. If you write your own, follow the same basic rules for news releases and be sure to include the length (30 seconds or 60 seconds) of the announcement for programming purposes. Remember that public service announcements are much shorter than releases for print media.

S

Encourage local soft drink bottling companies, snack distributors and restaurants to gain public exposure by providing free or low-cost refreshments for participants during the event. Hold drawings for donated prizes.

S

Encourage your students to invite friends and family to participate in the event.

•S

Display the poster and sign-up sheet included in this packet at your facility or other locations where people will see them.

•S

Appoint three people to take photographs of your event and send copies to the local newspaper, the USPTA national office and to other tennis-related publications. Remember to identify those in the photo (from left to right), the location of the event and the host professional. Also, be sure to include your name and phone number and mention that you are a USPTA professional.

S

Create a follow-up news release with information on the attendance, location, pros who participated and any notable happenings. This release should be sent to those on your media list within 24 hours of the event (preferably the day of the event). Try to write the release before the clinic, so that you may simply fill in the details at the end when time is more pressing.

Grant Information: For more information on grants or donations, such as Growing Tennis 50/50, please contact the TIA (Chris Mireles) at (703) 933-7048 or chris@tennisindustry.org.

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NEWS RELEASE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • fax (713) 978-7780 (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) e-mail: uspta@uspta.org • www.uspta.com

CONTACT:

(date)

(phone)

.

•

•

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Free tennis lessons offered through USPTA's Tennis Across America

(club/facility)

(city)

be part of the nation's biggest tennis event in May that will involve hundreds of thousands of players hitting millions of tennis balls, according to

_, tennis professional at (pro)

(club/facility)

The 1 4th annual USPTATennis Across America™ program is sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association. !^S?O>;; f - - - . • .-.

The events will be free to the public and will feature an instructional tennis clinic. Beginners and advanced players, both juniors and adults, as well as those who have never played tennis before, are invited to beginning at (date)

to participate in (time)

this nationwide tennis event.

"Millions of Americans have already discovered that tennis is an enjoyable way of keeping fit," said Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA. "Through this event, we hope to show millions more that it can be fun for. them, too, and that tennis is a sport for life."

USPTA is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals. Tennis Across America is designed to promote tennis as a means of exercise and fun, bringing new players to the game and former players back to the courts.

For more information on USPTA's Tennis Across America, call , or contact the USPTA World Headquarters at (800) USPTA-4U. Information about the nationwide (number)

program and player tips are also part of USPTA's Web site at www.uspta.com. ####

uspta NEWS RELEASE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • fax (713) 978-7780 (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) e-mail: uspta@uspta.org • www.uspta.com

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

:30

TIME: CONTACT:

(phone)

Join the fun

for a free Tennis Across America™ clinic at (date)

. The event, sponsored by the United (club/facility)

to

States Professional Tennis Association, will be held from (starting time)

(ending time)

Be among the thousands of players hitting millions of tennis balls in this 14th annual nationwide celebration of the sport for a lifetime. Contact (phone)

for more details.

USPTA is a nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals.

####

r

USPTA's TM

Free lesson sign-up sheet Date

REGISTER! REGISTER! REGISTER! reated expressly to help grow the game, USPTA's Tennis Across America™ is for new players looking for a fun, social way to exercise, current players who want to play more and former players who would like to get back into the sport.

USPTA's Tennis Across America brings the sport to nearly 150,000 players each year.

What is Tennis Across America™?

Why register?

Sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association - the world's oldest and largest organization of tennis-teaching professionals - Tennis Across America is an exciting instructional grassroots program consisting of three segments:

USPTA promotes Tennis Across America through national advertising and publicity campaigns. Calls to USPTA from the public are referred to local pros and clinics nationwide.

The public also can find a list of local events at www.uspta.com.

H

Free clinics held during the month of May at public and private facilities across the nation

1

Multicultural clinics to introduce the sport to groups that do not normally have the opportunity to play

1

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

Division awards 1. Member participation in TAA counts toward the annual Division of the Year Award.

2. Plaques will be awarded to the three divisions that recruit the highest number of participants in Tennis Across America.

3. Plaques will also be awarded at the World Conference to the three divisions with the highest percentage of members participating in this program.

Who can run clinics?

Any USPTA professional or tennis enthusiast who wants to help grow the game can participate.

To register your event, return the form below to USPTA or sign up on the Internet at www.uspta.com. Your registered clinic earns your division points toward national USPTA awards and helps promote your event.

Register for USPTA's Tennis Across America!

Copy this form, complete every line and mail to the address below. To sign up online, go to www.uspta.com.

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

_ J host professional USPTA member

J assistant J yes

I no Member number

Contact number My clinic/social will be open to —I the public

Date of clinic and time

I members only

Facility name Street address City

State

Facility phone The following people will assist at my event: _ USPTA member

I yes

Member number

__ USPTA member

J yes

Member number Member number Member number

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

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

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

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

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

COMING TO YOUR REGION THIS VEflRI TENNIS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM

The Official Handicap System of the USPT/T For more information, call 913-789-8580 or e-mail at tencap@aol.com.

B L A K E j HEWITT [ A G A S S I pSAMPRAS | H A A S ^ f R O D D I C K

TENNIS J u s T G o T HOTTER WESTSIDE T E N N I S CLUB | HOUSTON, TEXAS y^SRSW^

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CHAmpioiysHiPS April 21-27,

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Defending champion Andy Roddick joins Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, Tommy Haas, Jan-Michael Gambill and James Blake as early commitments to the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships.

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prestigious Tennis Masters Cup crown.

For Ticket Information Call 713-783-1620

FREE SETUP 3-5 Day Turnaround

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Strengthen your game. Use Stamina string.

It's 25% more durable than other synthetic guts.

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Based on results from a test 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.

Career Development Conventions (5 credits for division)

March 8 1 0 Middle States Division

exams, upgrades & certification training courses

Hershey, Pa. May 8-11 May 9-10

New England Division Newport, R.I. Eastern Division Flushing. N.Y.

developmental coaches workshops (2 credits) March 1 March 3 March 7 March 7 March 15 March 28

May 18

Florida Division Plantation, Fla. Midwest Division Columbus, Ohio Middle States Division Hershey, Pa. ' Missouri Valley Division Des Moines, Iowa Florida Division Bonita Springs, Fla. Southern Division Louisville, Ky. Florida Division Tampa, Fla.

(4 credits for CTC segment) March March March March March March March March March March March March

2-3 5-6 6-7 7-8 7-8 8-9 8-9 15-16 15-16 15-16 15-16 17-18

Williamsburg, Va. LaQuinta, Calif.

Flushing, N.Y Mesa, Ariz.

Minneapolis Jackson, Miss.

Northridge, Calif.

Coral Springs, Fla. Chagrin, Ohio Los Gatos, Calif.

Seattle Houston*

March 22-23 March 22-23 March 22-23 April 5-6 April 12-13 April 12-13 April 26-27 April 26-27 April 26-27 April 26-27 May 2-3 May 9-10

Dalton, Ga. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Providence, R.I. Aurora, III. Tuscaloosa, Ala. Bonita Springs, Fla. Big Rapids, Mich.

Fayetteville, N.C. Nashville, Tenn.

Industry Hills, Calif.

Evergreen, Colo.

Flushing, N.Y.

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

Little TennisÂŽ Facility Management

Call the USPTA Membership Department for more details.

certification testing

Sport Science Competitive Player Development

(3 credits) March 10 March 13 March 16 March 23 March 30 April 5 April 6 April 6 April 6 _ April 6 April 13 April 27 April 27 May 2 May 10 May 17 May 17 May 17

Computer Technology

Orlando, Fla. West Lawn, Pa. Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Northern New Jersey Hilton Head Island, S.C. Lincoln, Neb. Birmingham, Ala. San Diego Boulder, Colo.

Brooklyn, N.Y. Kansas City, Kan. Chicago Fitchburg, Mass.

Lansing, Mich.

Boca Raton, Fla. Denver Albuquerque, N.M. Pittsburgh

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

Pro Shop Operations Wheelchair Tennis

Degree

Date/location

Deadline

Competitive Player Development

Aug. 13-18/College Park, Md.

May 15

Competitive Player Development

Nov. 12-17/Atlanta

Aug. 15

Competitive Player Development

Jan. 2-7, 2004/Key Biscayne, Fla.

Oct. 15

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

For more information about USPTA's specialist degrees, including applications, please visit our Web site at www.uspta.com or contact the USPTA Education Department at (800) USPTA-4U or education@uspta.org.

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

18

ADDvantage/March 2003

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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XVIII INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

OPEN SPORTS CLUB

BARCELONA, APRIL 1 9 - 2 2 , 2003

TRAINING PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYERS OUTLINE: The keys of Spanish success • Emilio Sanchez Vicario • Luis Mediero Developing professional players • David Serrahima Practice sessions on court • William "Pato" Alvarez • Manuel Orantes • Jofre Porta • Angel Gimenez • Antonio Hernandez Sports medicine & injury prevention • Dr. Angel Ruiz Cotorro Double game: present and future • Sergio Casal Professional equipment for players: racquets &strings • Xavier Segura Coaching ATP players • Antonio Martinez Cascales/Ferrero • Juan Bosch/Moya • Jose Perlas/Costa • Javier Duarte/Corretja Planning & periodization for tennis players • Jofre Porta • Juan Forcades Physical training sessions • Miguel Maeso • Juan Forcades New technology for professional players • Luis Bruguera Panel discussion: Tennis Academies in Spain • Sanchez-Casal • Top Team/Bruguera • ProAB • Bonasport/Orantes • Andres Gimeno HCS • Centre de Tecnificacion EBE/Porta • Equelite/Ferrero • Altur/Alvarino • Tennis-Comp/Montemar • Club SEK • RibaCompeticion

AND Visit on site of the best Spanish tennis academies in Barcelona area: • Sanchez-Casal • ProAB/Arenas-Budo • Bonasport/Orantes • Andres Gimeno HCS • Top Team/Bruguera • Riba Competicion _„..//_,

USPTA CEO /Tim Heckler One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Tel. (I) 713 978 7782 • Fax (I) 713 978 7780 E-mail: uspta@uspta.org

npr REGISTRO PROFESIONAL DE TENIS CEP/Luis Mediero Av. Pio XII, 92 - 2°4 • Edificio Ural 28036 Madrid Tel. (34)917663511 • Fax (34) 917 666 448 E-mail: rpt@terra.es www.rptgroup.org

Visit on site the Open SEAT Codo: • First round matches all day • .$ 1.000.000 prize money with the best clay court players • Tournament Tour to all departaments • Conference about the history of 50 years of Open SEAT Godo

OPEN

RpT

SANCHEZ-CASAL TENNIS ACADEMY Autovia de Castelldefels C-31, km. 191 08820 El Prat deLlobregat Barcelona Tel. (34) 934 791 616 • Fax (34) 934 791 610 E-mail: openclub@infonegocio.com www.opensportsclub.com

RPT / Europe CEO / Adrian Rattenbury 16 Bark Meadows - Dodworth Barnsley - South Yorkshire,S75 3JB Tel/Fax (44) 1226 779 278 E-mail: adrian@RPTeurope.com www.rpteurope.com

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USPTA Gift Shoppe, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (800) USPTA-4U, (713) 97-USPTA, fax (713) 978-5096 e-mail- proshop.'fuspta.oig www.usprotennisshop.com PAYMENT METHOD:

QVisa

[^MasterCard

Q Check (payable to USPTA)

Name as it appears on credit card Exp. date

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

fjResidence _| Business

Name Street ZIP

State

City

Member No.

Daytime phone No.

Nonmember Member cost cost

Item

Size (circle)

(A) Child's 50/50 T-shirt

S(6/8), Mfctd/12).

1(14/16), XL (adult S)

$ 6.75

$ 5.00

@ Little Tennis dress

S (4T), M (5-6)

12.00

9.00

©Cap (white, embroidered with logo)

one size, adjustable

15.00

11.00

©Wristband (with embroidered logo) ©Nylon banner

4'x4'

2.00

1.50

52.00

40.00

Qty

SUBTOTAL Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax Other Texas residents add 7.25% tax U.S. orders: Add $7.95 shipping and handling fee (Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories and Canada - additional fee required to cover air freight)

International orders: via express mail only (contact USPTA) TOTAL

Total

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1

*sssr

Complete Guide to Little Tennis

Instructional program book

$44.95

$29.95

SEND ORDER TO: USPTA Gift Shoppe 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Tel (713) 978-7782 • Fax (713) 978-5096 www.usprotennisshop.com PAYMENT METHOD: a VISA

Item

Package description (all items are in full color)

Non-

member price

Member price

Total qty.

Amount

Nylon banner

4'X4'

$52.00

$40.00

Star charts

6 charts per package

$4.00

$3.00

Stickers

600 stars per package

$2.00

$1.50

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

Name tags

25 tags per package

$3.50

$2.75

Credit card No. / Exp. date

Poster

11"X17" poster

Wristband

w/embroidered logo

$2.00

$1.50

Pin

1 Vz" logo pin

$1.75

$1.25

Tattoos

25 tattoos per package

$6.50

$5.00

Can cooler

w/embroidered logo

$2.75

$2.00

Certificate

Features Sampras & Graf

NO CHARGE. Call USPTA for details.

$.75

$.50

a

MASTERCARD

a

CHECK

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

[3 Residence

Name Address

City State ZIP •,•** " Subtotal Houston (MTA) residents add 8.25% tax; other Texas residents add 7.25% tax

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e-mail

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

Members Jaime O'Donnell, USPTA, recently received the 2002 Virginia and Chuck Landis High School Coach of the Year Award from the USTA Eastern Section. O'Donnell coached the West Orange (N.J.) High School girls' team to a 24-3 record, earning a place among the top 15 teams in the state for the first time in more than 15 years.

USPTA member Pat Curry is the new director of tennis/activities at Creekstone Estates in Gumming, Ga. Curry was previously director of tennis for four years at Towne Lake Hills Tennis Club in Woodstock, Ga. Todd Taylor, USPTA, has left his job as director of juniors at River Oaks Country Club in Houston to become the director of tennis at Pebble Creek Country Club in College Station, Texas.

USPTA member lain Pound was recently named tennis director of The Club in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Pound is joined by USPTA assistant professionals Allison Pfeifler and Scott Baehr.

USPTA member Delaine Mast and her family were selected as the 2002 USTA Middle States Family of the Year. Mast has been the national program coordinator for World TeamTennis for 17 years.

24

ADDvantage/March 2003

The USPTA Eastern Division recently elected officers for 2003. They include Peter Heffernan, president; Daniel Burgess, regional vice president and head tester; Steve Diamond, first vice president; Patrick LaSalle, second vice president; Steve Pekich, treasurer; and Debbie Magarrell, secretary. The division is planning its annual convention, scheduled for May 9-10 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing, N.Y. For more information, contact Jill Phipps at (800) 877-8248, ext. 114.

HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports awarded Royal Oaks Country Club and USPTA member Joey Molina of Dallas, Texas, with the 2002 Elite Retailer of the Year Award. Molina owns and runs one of the busiest tennis shops in the Dallas area and is an active participant in the Dallas tennis community.

Joey Molina, USPTA (center)

HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports provided equipment and clothing to students in this year's Inner City Youth Opportunities Future Stars tournament held at Court Yard Sportsplex in Westchester, Ohio. ICYO provides inner-city children with life skills and teaches them to be successful in school through the medium of tennis.

Associations The Glenview Champions Tennis Club in The Villages, Fla., received the United States Tennis Court and Track Builders Association's Outstanding Tennis Facility Award last December. The award recognizes excellence in design and construction.

USPTA member Martha Gjurich is tennis director for the facility.

of creating and saving teaching drills in the memory of a hand-held computer. No longer will drills have to be set on the court. For more information, contact Tina Yarur at (800) 776-6770 or Stan Oley at (888) 759-6283.

Gamma introduces Permanent Pressure tennis balls for 2003. These new balls

Manufacturers Metaltek, the manufacturer of Playmate Ball Machines, introduces the first wireless, pocket PCcontrolled tennis ball throwing machine. The machine offers the ease

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

are designed for maximum durability, blending the characteristics of pressurized and pressureless balls. The semipressurized balls are constructed with a super strong rubber core and 35 percent longer-lasting felt, and offer a lifetime guarantee to never lose their bounce. Gamma also introduces the Tacky cloth towel that you press on your hands, racquet, grip or glove for greater gripping power. The cloth repels moisture and doesn't leave a sticky residue.

The cloth lasts three to six weeks and retails for $5.95. For more information, visit gammasports.com.

Miscellany Join thesportsbuddies.com directory to find new friends or partners for a game of your favorite sport. This one-of-a-kind sports enthusiasts' directory has hundreds of players listed nationwide.

A new DVD offers a glimpse into the lives of Venus and Serena Williams.

The documentary chroni-

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

cles their road to tennis greatness and includes rare home movies, exclusive interviews, behindthe-scenes footage and the real story behind their controversial father.

The DVD, "Raising Tennis Aces," is available at major retail stores.

For more information, contact Ann Noder at (480) 664-3017 or ann@ orcacommunications.com.

A new Web site has been set up to help players trying to find additional prize money and wildcard events across the country - prizemoneytennis.com.

The site will list every tournament in all of the USTA sections with dates, contact information and the amount of prize money being offered in each event. To help improve the strength of tournaments across the nation, please e-mail information about opportunities for prize money or wildcards including ATP and WTA circuit scheduled events, noting when, where, contact informa-

Display current USPTA endorsement banners If you support USPTA-endorsed equipment and promote it with banners in your pro shop or on the court, please make sure you have the latest signage.

USPTA now endorses HEAD racquets, accessories and court products.

If you are still displaying Wilson racquet and accessory banners with the USPTA logo, these must be removed or switched with appropriate replacements. USPTA continues to endorse Pro Penn tennis balls and Wilson apparel and footwear.

It's important that the Association's endorsement relationships are clearly designated. If you need new or additional banners, please contact the HEAD/ Penn district sales manager for your area. A list of these managers may be found at www.uspta.com.

tion, name of event and prize money offered, to p1111@aol.com.

Human Kinetics introduces the book Jump Rope Training by Buddy Lee. A six-time U.S. national wrestling champion, Lee has used his techniques to train top amateur and professional athletes in all sports. Learn how to improve speed, agility, balance, strength, power and endurance. Available in May 2003, the book retails for $16.95. For more information, visit humankinetics.com.

Callaway's Mountain Creek

Tennis Center in Pine Mountain, Ga., ranked in Tennis as one of the 50 greatest U.S. tennis resorts, is offering special overnight packages and competitive tournaments.

For the 2003 tennis tournament schedule, contact the tennis center at (800) 225-5292 or visit callawayonline.com.

ADDvantage/March 2003

25

5

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ORK™ TENNIS CLUB IS FUN FOR YOUR EXISTING KIDS, ATTRACTS NEW ENTRY LEVEL KIDS MORE REVENUE FOR YOU!

A PROVEN SUCCESS.

Over 1,500 Tennis Pros participated during the first year of the program.

RUN IT WITH LITTLE TENNIS "/ ran the Cartoon Network Tennis Club this summer in my Little Tennis program and the kids loved it! The Cartoon Network Tennis Club doubled my enrollment and created a lot of fun and excitement for the 38 kids and their parents. I'm definitely going to run it again in my Little Tennis program!"

Patrick LaSalle, USPTA Pro, Somers, NY

IT'S EASY TO IMPLEMENT! We give you everything you need to promote the program to kids and parents in one low cost promotion kit.

RUN IT ALL YEARLONG!

THE COMPREHENSIVE PROMOTION KITS INCLUDE: • Scooby-Doo Stand Up » 3' x 6' Banner • S I Fivers • Posters • "How-To" Manual

* Sample Merchandise Package including Cartoon Network Tennis Club Backpack, Scoob Tee Shirt/ Cap'Water Bottle'Tennis Activity Bo<

Practice Ball and Scooby-Doo Bobble-head Tro

BONUS! "Recipes For Success" Marketing Supplement

What a deal! Normally the kits cost $49.99, but for a limited time (while supplies last) USPTA members can receive a promotion kit FREE by just paying $15 for shipping and handling.

Scooby-Doo Stand Up / Actual size: 6' x 3'

OR CALL US AT 1-866-TENNIS-6 (1-866E ARE HERE TO HELP YOU MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 AM - 6 PM EASTERN TI Howie Rubenstein ext. 133 / hrubenstein@leadin3edsepromo.com Ken Gamble ext. 162 / k3amble@leadinged3epromo.com • Blane Galatas ext. 183 / b3alatas@leadin3ed3epromo.com VISIT US ON-LINE AT WWW.CARTOONTENNISCLUB.COM U SA* T E A M TENNIS

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UHfeon 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 • H Y P E R DRY soft moisture, management fabrication to quickly wick away moisture • H Y P E R 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

<\n Tennis \® pr 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.

1-800-990-0000.

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SAVE $1.20 PER CASE ON PRO PENN BALLS. (For USPTA Members Only.)

Regular. Extra Duty or High Altitude

FOR EVERY CASE PRO PENN TENNIS BALLS PURCHASED:

I -24 Cases 25+ Cases (24-576 Cans)

(600+ Cans)

Regular Price

$63.60/Case $62.88/Case

USPTA Discount Price

$62.40/Case $6l.68/Case

($2.65/Can)

($2.60/Can)

($2.62/Can)

($2.57/Can)

• $1.20 discount directly to the USPTA Pro • 60(zi cash rebate to Pro's Division • 60?! cash rebate to USPTA Headquarters

Freight prepaid on 16 cases of tennis balls (384 cans)

These funds are used to help support programs for

shipped at one time to one location. Terms: Net 60

your association.

days. Pricing subject to change without notice. All qualifying orders shipped and invoiced during the

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

months of March, June, September and December are eligible for the USPTA Quarterly Discount.

O f f i c i a l Ball of the USPTA

Jtenn.

1 -800-BUY-PENN www. p e n n r a c q u e t . c o m

Pro Penn is the #1 choice of USPTA teaching professionals. Why? Because no ball is subject to more stringent testing standards than Penn. Ensuring every ball is built for maximum consistency, durability and play. Penn is the acknowledged standard for professionals. Make it yours.

The

Ball M a t t e r s | w w w . p e n n r a c q u e t . c o m

^ 'never know where we'll spring up!

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