Addvantage 2007 August

contents the total professional – enhancing your career 9 The Gilbert Rincon Jr. story: the power of tennis and true grit – by Barbara Johns with Gilbert Rincon Sr., USPTA 25 Bryan Shelton enjoys “the process” that led to picture-perfect win – by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

departments 3 CEO’s message 5 Vice president’s message 7 Cardio Tennis 11 Classifieds 13 USPTA mailbox

news

14 USPTA drills

2 USPTA welcomes new members

36 Career development

4 “On Court with USPTA” receives Award of Distinction

38 Industry action

6 ADDvantage wins Apex award 6 USPTA 80th anniversary trivia contest answers 11 USPTA pros setting the bar for giving back 32 Tennis Across America™ still running strong since its inception in 1990

2007 convention 16 17 24 28 30 31

Saddlebrook Resort – Fact sheet Schedule Saddlebrook ground transportation Registration form Hotel form International Championships form On the cover … Page Bartelt, women’s open singles winner of the 2006 USPTA International Championships at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis.

volume 31 • issue 8

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) 978-7780 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 ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/August 2007

1

USPTA welcomes new members Congratulations to the following new USPTA members who fulfilled requirements between April 1 and June 30.

Certified members California Alvin Alaman Sr. Byunghoon Bae John E. Elliott Kristen J. Grady Paul M. Healing Zeke Hindle Arata Ito Dongsung Kim Geusung Kim Cheryl Kindred Damion Liu Mike J. Longanecker Keyvan Maleki Cesar A. Mendoza John D. Nguyen Wilston Poon Thomas Spinosa Lori E. Trull Scott S. Wilson Eastern Miguel A. Astorga Richard K. Bates Gagik Bazyan Hashim Z. Bennett Ronaldo A. de Guzman Darren G. DiSanto Anthony L. Fleming David Kramer Thomas W. Levine Cristian A. Lopez Kaljaj Marjan Mark Martell Timothy A. Means Anthony R. Morano Frances S. Osei Krishn R. Panchal Petr Perecinsky James C. Urbelis Florida Mehdi Bahbaz Ors I. Bakonyi Rolf Bonnell Lee J. Cowan Peter Davis Taylor P. Dent Matthew C. Douglas Sean D. Edwards Marcelo A. Gomes Sarah L. Harkins Derek J. Klemish Taryn N. Lamonettin Steven S. LeRoy Anne-Marie Lunde Florian Meier Marine M. Nizri Gregory J. O’Connor Maria Pergamalis Mark Posta Karen Randazzo Eunice Rho Nolan R. Roesler Robyn N. Suto Richard Talbot Eric W. Taylor Anelise B. Tregansin Robert D. Vinal Jeffrey Wiedemann Intermountain Anna M. Alexander Ron Bachman Christopher P. Ellis Victor W. Harris

Robert W. Kirkendall Radka Lacjak Jessica Lundberg Schuyler S. Mastain Orhwerakpoje J. Okoh Albin S. Polonyi Eddy Rodriguez Ian B. Rothfels Jeffrey R. Sandoval Matthew A. Searle Noah A. Tondre Georgia Vanos International Aljosha S. Barath Tamas Bogyo Hector Botella Miguel A. Bravo Miles A. Bugby Alvaro Carbonell Tsz Kit Cheung Youngju Cho Brad G. Citrine Laszlo Fono Adrian Garcia Conor R. Gibney Tristan J. Harper Luis E. Hernandez Chun Lam Ka Jose M. Llamas Juan Pablo Lorente Damian G. Martinez Luis J. Mejia Ivan Navarro Joaquin Perez Felipe J. Ponce Luis M. Rangel Victor Romero Manolo Sandoval Israel Sevilla Juan Miguel Such JPTA Masanori Emori Miho Fukuda Masato Funada Reiko Goto Yusuke Hasegawa Tetsuji Hirano Masatsugu Hosokawa Daisuke Iida Junzo Ishida Jun Kawamura Yoshio Maeno Katsuhiko Mitsui Taiki Mizuhashi Yasuhiro Ohsima Tomohiko Orikasa Kazuhiro Oshima Tomohide Sawamura Kouichi Tamiya Daigo Tateishi Midwest Kevin D. Brundle Patrick M. Eagan Kevin M. Flannagan Keith A. Ginnetti Sebastien Glinzler Jeffrey M. Hagman Allison M. Halbert Gregory R. Hughes Alexander C. Ison Dimitri Kopilashvili Jason R. Leavitt Allison F. Maloney Brad J. McBride Matthew A. McClure Ellyn K. McOwen

Martin D. Meddles Morry L. Mikesell Marissa L. Muchow Scott W. Nickel Mark D. O’Bryan Anthony J. Orille Gregory H. Rentz Wonwoo Shon Kyle R. Shuberg Adam Slabodnick Alex J. Voss Christopher M. Warner Matthew B. Warner Scott E. Williford Mid-Atlantic Albert Asiedu-Ofei Daniel G. Ballesteros Jason S. Bivens Monty Cullum David J. Finlayson Jason E. Page Naveen V. Reddy Eric Y. Shih Jordan J. Walker Middle States Kyle M. Devlin Joseph P. Dianna Carol L. Hauspurg Jody B. Sambrick Josh Smith Jeremy G. Speicher Peter M. Stutz Missouri Valley Donna M. Austin Chandler S. Brass Jack Frankowicz Tanner C. Freeman David A. Fuhrig Matthew D. Hill Matt Johnson Zach W. Loomis Ryan A. Marick Kerwin R. Pietz Lisa A. Rutherford Rebecca S. Snodgrass John G. Speilbusch Isabelle A. TellkampMcClung Chris J. Williams New England Louis J. Blanchette Kimberly J. Brennan Eliot Campbell III Salim Chraibi Mark B. Cutter Thommas de Liefde Joseph M. Dunn Michael P. Flynn Rintaro Fukutomi Scott A. Hayes Kate Kaminer Michael Mashkevich Paul J. Newton Eric P. Olson Nancy C. Osborne Christopher W. St. John Northern Brian W. Laumeyer Winfield R. Stephens Northern California Lukas Burger Charles L. Clifton III Tiger Ginn

Elke Harms Rick A. Johnson Rima K. Kilgrow Enoch C. Leung Nicholas B. Saadi Ashvin Soin Thomas Whitten Jr. Pacific Northwest Tim C. Catlin Dylan R. Cohon James F. Dieveney Tom Gellner Charles C. Haselwood Matthew K. Look Eric W. Robbins Daron M. Santo Shawn P. Snook Aaron J. West San Diego Dave Outback R. Dickenman Kimberly Dollins David W. Geatz Jr. Todd M. Howard Mimi A. Loucks Southern John T. Avolio Mitchell E. Bailey Brian S. Baron Amal I. Basha Othman Bennis Kathryn Bradford Ne’ko M. Browder Dan J. Burch Melanie G. Burrows Danny E. Carlson Will Elliott Olivia B. Ellis Franklin B. Foshee Charlie H. Giles Marcella E. Houseal Batjargal Janchiv Thomas C. Klinck Joseph C. Mahaffey Hernan M. Palombo Clay D. Parrish Chris L. Poplin Fitzroy D. Robertson Mark J. Rowden Daniel S. Shidler Zachary Simpson Ramsey G. Smith Meghan S. Stubblebine Andrew Stubbs Cesar A. Vargas Laura L. Williams Christopher A. Wootton Ellen M. Yeung Southeast Asia Kok Long Hang Southwest Frank D. Anania Virginia A. Bellis Mary L. Bente Umesh Gadasalli Lesli Link Milos N. Ogrizovic Texas Zach H. Baker Stuart J. Bowden Matthew J. Brown Laura R. Carter Diego Chapela

Jaime G. Corteza Edward D. Javornik Otis L. Johnson Michael A. Jones Taisuke Kikuchi Tony Krause Linton H. Lewis Kieran T. McCartney Mike J. McGonagill Marko Milovanovic Diego A. Parada Sherry A. Rhoden Josh J. Rodriguez Andy Shields David L. Shimpock Frank Valerio Bennett T. Watts Jason P. White James F. Willis U.S. Territories & Canada Mayra Munoz Developmental Coaches California Linda Park George M. Wallims Eastern Stephen T. Chrisman Lawrence K. Hackney Stephen E. Levin John J. Parrilli Ryan M. Youngstrom Mark Zweifel Florida Carmen Boland Michael G. Edghill Karen Francis-Winston Sibongile G. Kangwa Hagin K. King David L. Williams Intermountain Melissa Arthur Andrew J. Book Kristen D. Ratto International Tai Chan Kai Cheung Chan Yin Him Chau Shing Man Hei Cheung Ming Choi Shu Kuen Chow Kwok Ming Fong Yun Man Hon Chi Min Hsu Xin Cho Leo Lee Cheong Kwong Lee Wai Tsz Ho Lee Anthea Look Yeung Ng Kwok Sun Wong Kin Yin Wong Kwan Yeung Ping Yuen Yin Ching Yuen Yip Kim Sum Yu Wing Mid-Atlantic Arthur S. Allmond Jacqueline C. Moehling Jose F. Ruiz Tonatiuh Sanchez Rojo

Tiffany B. Smart Robyn A. Taylor-Smith Steven G. Westnedge Middle States Allison M. Joanlanne David Musser Teresa Sieben Joann L. Yakscoe Midwest La Tanya A. Batton Trudy L. Coler Heather Conway-Visser Andrew C. Green John M. Hughes Alun B. Marsden Stephanie L. Platto Ray Summers Jesseca J. Taylor Todd Werner Missouri Valley Chris C. Carey Justin B. Hoffman Danna C. Seevers New England Philip R. Boulter Alan D. Cash Paul J. Cienki Christina Keiser Lianne Moses Charles A. Reid Northern California Adriana Espindola Richard L. Harris Jian Li Robert Pfeil Gregory Ross Pacific Northwest Kristen Cohon Karyle Kramer Rebecca A. Wiesehan San Diego Stephen J. Caro Southern Tom Boyd Bruce E. Culp Dianne Davenport Loni J. Hammons T. Scott Hampton Anne K. Hodges Brian M. Howell Keith Nethery Shannon L. Nichols Kara Reneau Brandon L. Rowe Sean M. Thompson Alex R. Wells Texas Brian H. Adkins Terry A. Carter Beverly England Charles S. Fletcher Shannon L. Jordan Vincent W. Pfeffer Jeff L. Pinkerton Corporate members New England Conde Nast Publication

CEO’s message Tennisplayer.net now available free on your USPTA personal Web site

T

echnology continues to deliver countless study the techniques of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, benefits to USPTA members, and we’re Justine Henin, and dozens more players, from every excited to announce yet another resource possible angle. that provides you with hundreds of instructional The interactive forum gives you a chance to videos, photos and articles that will increase the discuss these various resources, to ask questions, value of your tennis toolbox. This newest teaching and to interface directly with John Yandell, as well resource is offered through your very own USPTA the site’s other writers and other Tennisplayer.net personal Web site. subscribers.

Tennisplayer.net, founded by This new USPTA benefit is inUSPTA member John Yandell, is valuable on its own, but you can take now free to USPTA members. John it a huge step further because this colhas made a name for himself in our laboration not only provides you with industry for creating new teaching access to a wide range of information, resources, and many of his high-speed it also provides you with the digital film projects have been featured in our resources for state-of-the-art video cable TV show on the Tennis Channel analysis.

– “On Court with USPTA™.”

Every clip in the stroke archive John has designed a site that comcan be downloaded and is compatible bines articles illustrated with digital with Dartfish, a USPTA-endorsed photography and state-of-the-art video analysis software, and other Tim Heckler video. Among those sharing their software programs for side-by-side tennis expertise are coaches Robert Lansdorp, Rick analysis, either comparing one professional to Macci, Nick Bollettieri, Jack Groppel, Jim Loehr, Pat another or to your own students and players. John Etcheberry, Allen Fox, and many others who have has promised that in future issues of Tennisplayer. worked with Grand Slam champions. net that he will explain how to do this analysis in Aside from valuable insight from the world’s big- clear, step-by-step fashion, even for those who have gest names in tennis teaching, Tennisplayer.net also never used video in their teaching before. showcases the work of coaches you may not know This means you will be able to use this informanow, but who are likely to make a significant impact tion to assist your students with their games, and on the tennis world. The best part is that the site possibly write your own analyses. In fact, John hopes is packed with practical insights from your fellow this new collaboration will produce more writers and USPTA pros. contributors for his site.

It’s easy to use, and the home page explains each The beauty of this new benefit is that it’s available of the menu items that are also listed on the left side. on your personal Web site and easily accessible from The “New issue” area describes what’s been added there. The reason we decided to use the personal Web to various menu groups within the site. Just a few of site as a portal for this and future resource sites is to enthe menu items include stroke archive, forum, clas- courage each member to use his or her own Web site, sic lessons, physical training, mental game, teaching which in itself is another valuable free benefit offered systems, high performance, future stars and much by USPTA. Each site is a great way to promote you more. The content is extensive. For example, the and your programs, and it’s definitely going to impress stroke archive alone examines the complete techni- your students and club members who visit it. Along cal games of more than 60 great players, frame by with club tennis news and program information, your frame, in digital video. More than 20,000 stroke members will be able to preview Tennisplayer.net. If clips – all taken from actual matches – allow you to they want to explore the site further, they will be able

This new USPTA benefit ... not only provides you with access to a wide range of information, it also provides you with the digital resources for state-of-the-art video analysis.

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

3

from previous page

to subscribe.

If you’re not familiar with Tennisplayer. net, visit it by either going to www.tennisplayer.net and then using the USPTA login on that page (under the Tennisplayer. net login area), or going directly to your personal Web site. If you go through Tennisplayer.net first and log in, you’ll be redirected to your Web site, where you’ll see a new link there to Tennisplayer.net. If you log in through your personal Web site first, you’ll be sent directly to the site and can start reviewing its features.

We’re excited to be able to offer you even more tennis resources, and we’re working on others – similar to our High School Coaches Resource Center – that will also be accessed through your personal Web site. Tennisplayer.net is like the many other member benefits USPTA provides to you for the price of your dues, including subscriptions to Tennis and Tennis Week magazines, liability insurance coverage, free and discounted products and much, much more.

We hope you’ll review Tennisplayer.net and check your e-mail and personal Web sites for new member benefits from USPTA. K

4

ADDvantage/August 2007

“On Court with USPTA” receives Award of Distinction

O

“

n Court with USPTA,” the cable TV show produced by the USPTA, received the Award of Distinction in the Videographer Awards 2007 competition. The episode titled “Tennis – In the Balance,” which aired on the Tennis Channel, won in the category of TV programs/sports.

The Award of Distinction is presented to entries judged to exceed industry standards.

About 17 percent of the entries received this honor.

“On Court” is a 30-minute instructional show featuring USPTA-certified professionals as guest instructors.

“Tennis – In the Balance” focuses on what players should do in different balance situations: off balance, in balance and ideal balance. The episode features guest professional Lorenzo Beltrame, USPTA member and director of tennis at the Human Performance Institute, discussing how balance affects a player’s strategy. He demonstrates many patterns and drills that will help players understand balance and how to improve their games much faster.

Joe Birkmire is the show’s director and editor, Brad Wadsworth is video editor/animator/graphic designer, and H.R. Topham is video editor/videographer. Other production team members are Rick Bostrom, Scott Bucic, Julie Myers, Shawna Riley, Fred Viancos and executive producer Tim Heckler.

Check local listings for the Tennis Channel availability and visit uspta.com for show times for “On Court with USPTA.” DVDs of “Tennis – In the Balance” and all other “On Court” episodes are also available for purchase online at usprotennisshop.com. K

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Vice president’s message USPTA – Our pros can practice what they preach

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

H

appy 80th birthday, USPTA! 1 in their age groups in 2006 – Julie Cass (women’s As our organization celebrates its mile- 35s), Mariana Routh Hollman (women’s 40s) and stone, onlookers might be surprised to Kathy Barnes (women’s 55s). learn how many of our quality teaching pros are or These women were very dedicated and commitwere quality players. ted to achieving their rankings by playing in at least Since I still enjoy lacing ’em up and playing tour- six tournaments in their age group and winning at least one gold ball. naments competitively, I thought I’d peruse our 2007 USPTA Membership Julie Cass won the National Clays, Directory for the names of the playGrass and Indoors. Mariana won the ers who have won our International National Clays, and Kathy won the Championships over the years.

Indoors. Many other women have excelled at the national level, but these The list is truly amazing. Names three show what kind of quality and like Bill Tilden, Don Budge, Jack ability our USPTA women pros posKramer, Bobby Riggs, Fred Perry and sess as players.

Pancho Segura jump off the pages.

The women include Kim Barry, Susan Three USPTA men were ranked Eastman and Cammy Salumaa.

No. 1 in their age groups – Guillaume Gauthier (men’s 30s), Val Wilder The USPTA is always promoting (men’s 45s), and Jim Parker (men’s the high quality and expertise of the Mark Fairchilds 60s). Val Wilder played in seven tourUSPTA teaching professional, but I truly believe that our organization should also naments in his age group, winning three gold balls at highlight the outstanding talent and expertise we the National Indoors, Grass and Hard Courts. Guillaume Gauthier played five tournaments, winning have as tournament players.

Sure, we can teach the game of tennis, but we the National Indoors and getting silver balls at the Grass and Hard Courts. Parker, a veteran competitor also can PLAY THE GAME. Our members not only participate in our USPTA in national and world senior championships, won national tournaments but also are a powerful force several tournaments in 2006.

I am so impressed by these pros because they are in the USTA national events. The final 2006 USTA national rankings for all the senior-age singles divi- able to play such a high level of tournament tennis yet sions had 34 USPTA pros ranked among the top still be quality instructors and USPTA Professionals.

As we turn our attention back to our USPTA five in the country. We also have an abundance of championships, please take a look at our 2007 USPTA pros ranked in the top 10.

A few things come to mind when looking at these USPTA Membership Directory. The directory lists the winners of all of our USPTA national events rankings.

First, how many different USPTA pros have won over the past 79 years, and the list is impressive.

It would be easy to pick out the players who have gold balls? The answer: hundreds or maybe even thousands of USPTA pros during our organization’s compiled an amazing number of USPTA tournament wins. The problem would be deciding which history.

Second, how many USPTA pros have won the person to highlight. Some people have more than 15 ITF World Championships? The answer could pos- USPTA career tournament wins; others have won the same tournament in the same age class for five sibly number in the hundreds.

The point I am trying to make is that at the end or more consecutive years.

I am very impressed with anyone who can win an of a national or world championship it is often a age group in singles for five straight years or more. To USPTA pro raising his or her arms in triumph.

Three USPTA women members were ranked No. me, that indicates that the player is not only talented

Ron Woods

First Vice President

Harry Gilbert

Vice Presidents

Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley Paula Scheb Mark Fairchilds

Secretary-treasurer Past President

Tom McGraw

David T. Porter, Ed.D.

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations Executive Assistant

Rich Fanning Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Publications Coordinator Public Relations Coordinator

Kimberly Forrester Poornima Rimm

Communications

Jill Phipps

Director of Marketing

John Dettor

Sports Marketing Coordinator

Rick Bostrom

Video Production Manager

Joe Birkmire

Video Editor

Brad Wadsworth

Video Editor

H.R. Topham

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Receptionist

Mary Jane Garza

Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Computer Services/ Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Divisional Stephanie Shipman Executive Administrator Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coordinator Membership

Sylvia Ortiz

Membership/ Melony DeLoach Insurance Assistant Financial Manager Payroll/Benefits Controller

Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler Ellen Weatherford

Merchandise/ Shelina Harris Accounting 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

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

5

from previous page

ADDvantage wins APEX award

Tips fromADDvantage themagazine pros received a 2007

but extremely dedicated and willing to put in the work needed to win our International Championships that many times.

As we enter the 80th year of our existence, the tournament committee has decided to offer its own reward to any player who wins a national surface championship. The USPTA will now give the USPTA gold star to the winners of these events.

Hopefully, as years go by, we can talk about people who have won maybe 20 or 30 USPTA gold stars. Who will be the first USPTA pro to win 10 stars? Who will win all four gold stars in singles in the same year?

As the National Surface Championships continue to gain exposure, the ability to win one of these gold stars will become more and more challenging.

Our Association’s goal is to recognize the quality of our professionals who not only teach at a high level but also play at an extremely high level. I hope I haven’t omitted any players who have truly reached great heights as tournament competitors.

The USPTA really does want the tennis industry as well as the general tennis public to know how well our USPTA pros can play the game of tennis. The singles winner of the first-ever International Championships was Vincent Richards. That was 80 years ago!

The question 80 years later is: “Who will be our 2007 international singles champions?”

Come to Saddlebroook September 17-22 and help show off how well we can play the game. Maybe it will be you who will be celebrating with an international championship in our 80th year. K

6

ADDvantage/August 2007

APEX award for publication excellence for the layout and design of the February 2007 issue.

Since 1996, ADDvantage has received a total of 13 APEX awards, including two Grand Awards: one in 2002 for an article series about employee relations for tennis directors and managers and one in 1997 for the online publication.

APEX 2007, the 18th annual awards for publication excellence, is sponsored by the editors of Writing That Works: The Business Communications Report. About 5,000 entries were received in 105 categories. K

USPTA 80th anniversary trivia contest answers No one answered all four of the questions correctly in the second trivia contest so there were no winners.

Answers for June: 1. January 1977; 2. 1969, Las Vegas; 3. Zbynek Mlynarik; 4. True; 5. False – they were first held the same year the organization was founded in 1927.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tips from the pros

Contact point: grassroots tennis and fitness programming

by David Robinson, USPTA

C

ardio Tennis programs are easy to start, expand and customize because teaching pros can target specific student groups.

Popular subcategories include: team, beginner (aka starter), advanced, extreme, kids, singles, family and senior Cardio Tennis. Many pros have already built their own customized program to suit their facility, staff and client interests.

Fitness for tennis and tennis for fitness Concentrating on a Cardio Tennis subgroup helps develop new players by drawing from the more than 56 million participants in the immense fitness industry. We have only just begun to scratch the surface in prospecting this proverbial goldmine of new players.

Tennis, like all traditional sports, has a perception problem to overcome. Only one in four people, tennis players and nonplayers alike, perceives tennis as a fitness activity.

Cardio Tennis has the ability to change this perception and potentially create a “modern tennis boom” if we develop the right mind-set and functional process to achieve this goal.

Integration of tennis with the fitness industry Approximately half of all fitness club members engage in aerobic activities, both in classes and on machines, as their primary use of the facility. Even many “purist tennis clubs” have expanded their fitness facilities at least once over the last 15 years. Example: A former tennis-only facility built in the mid-1980s now has more than 6,000 members, but fewer than 300 are tennis members using the 14 courts.

As the saying goes, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” and Cardio Tennis leads the way.

Successfully converting fitness enthusiasts into tennis members requires targeting www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Energetic USPTA Professionals who serve on the Cardio Tennis Speakers Team.

the beginner or, in more label-friendly terminology, “starter” players. We know from extensive research that starters have a low retention rate directly related to their initial experience with tennis. In other words, many quit. The 2005 USTA/TIA Participation Study showed that 76 percent of people who tried tennis without instruction and even 51 percent who began in a structured program never picked up a racquet again.

How: fun and fitness over intimidation, and initial skill acquisition Cardio Tennis can significantly improve those retention numbers and increase the total number of players by attracting – and keeping – more “samplers” from the aerobic-oriented public. Cardio Tennis is less intimidating than traditional tennis because of fun games, properly selected drills, less “tech talk,” and the use of starter equipment such as low-compression and foam balls and

short courts. This approach produces less performance anxiety and more excitement.

The 2006 USPTA World Conference in Las Vegas featured an eye-opening general session by Jack Groppel, Ph.D., on “The Health Benefits of Tennis.” This USPTA Master Professional offered many reasons why tennis, particularly Cardio Tennis, is an excellent and marketable form of exercise.

He explained that the No. 1 reason nonplayers said they could be tempted by tennis was “getting a good workout.” Tennis is a form of interval training that incorporates diversified, functional movement patterns, Groppel pointed out. It would take quite an array of boring aerobic machines to duplicate all the movements seen in an hour of tennis!

Survey says …

By now, most pros have learned of the TIA/USTA national studies comparing heart rates in Cardio Tennis to those of singles and

continued next page 7

ADDvantage/August 2007

from previous page

doubles players. The results demonstrated Cardio Tennis burns the most calories and creates the highest aerobic benefit. More recently, a pilot study was conducted comparing Cardio Tennis to traditional aerobic classes. This pilot study combined caloric expenditure with subjective values of the participants, who had an average NTRP rating of 2.4.

The results indicated that the participants, who were recruited directly from step classes and boot camps, 10 percent to 15 percent more calories, had a 15 percent to 25 percent greater enjoyment level, and 10 percent to 20 percent less (perceived) exertion in Cardio Tennis. Translation: They had more fun – working out harder – in Cardio Tennis!

Putting this information into play…

Does your facility offer aerobic classes?

As the Cardio Tennis fitness and research adviser, I was appointed to conduct the pilot study comparing other popular aerobic classes to Cardio Tennis. The initial challenge was recruiting the subjects. First, looking for the easy path, I approached the players in my regular Cardio Tennis classes.

The revelation One morning I arrived a little earlier than usual to discover the aerobics instructor who teaches boot camp using one of the indoor courts for her class due to its large size and the inclement weather. There were more people (23) on that one court exercising than all of the tennis players using the other 10 indoor courts combined! Ding! I asked the instructor if she would be interested in having this class try Cardio Tennis as a change-up for a couple of the normally scheduled classes.

The answer was a vibrant “Yes!” Like many tennis pros, she enjoyed a change and so did the fitness members. A new early-bird Cardio Tennis class was born and I had my first group of subjects for that pilot study!

Chapter 2 The aerobics instructors came to me. We all know the power of word-of-mouth, and both fitness members and instructors do talk. Within the following week of the “boot camp revelation,” the fitness director approached me wanting to add Cardio Tennis to the slate of aerobic class programming.

Initially, I played a little hard to get, just enough to guarantee profitability and another subject group (a former step class) for

8

ADDvantage/August 2007

the study. Cardio Tennis was then positioned prominently in the fitness brochures, fitness segments of the monthly newsletter and in local advertising, as well as on the bulletin board and facility Web site. These marketing expenses were budgeted and tasked (with my input) to the fitness department.

Bingo!

Study done! And I had fun, new equipment sales, additional private lessons, and new Cardio Tennis classes at a high profit! One of my observations from fitness-oriented starter groups was more of the participants owned heart rate monitors than racquets.

It didn’t take my pro shop long to address that incongruity! Note: HEAD and other manufacturers now make inexpensive adult racquets that are well suited for starter group loaners. The www.partners.cardiotennis. com Web site lists a discounted sponsor offer from HEAD Penn: Ti Agassi @$16 and the Ti Radical Elite for $24.

The “more-the-merrier” With pilot-study class sizes between 18-23 and just me (as the only tennis pro), I was concerned about maintaining the quality.

Much to my relief, I discovered I could lead that many, even on a single court with the aid of a fitness instructor and enough appropriate sideline exercise props and stations. More significantly, the participants had a blast and burned more calories than my lower-ratio traditional Cardio Tennis classes. Another interesting observation was the large-group fun factor; I found the larger scale group interaction was infectiously enjoyable and less intimidating. The participants of lesser natural ability seemed unaffected by any errors.

I would, however, recommend starting with lower ratios until you are more comfortable and confident leading a mega-class.

Since then, the tennis staff acquired skills from the fitness instructors on how to better run sideline exercises and conduct large fitness-oriented groups. This provides professional development and more work opportunities for the assistant pros. Also, becoming a USPTA Sport Science Specialist is another asset that would greatly enhance your knowledge and credibility, build up the fitness factor, and provide proficiency working with advanced players in the modern, more physical game.

Pro Penn Stars balls for starters I discovered my Playmate ball machines could

shoot the Pro Penn low-compression Stars balls we were already using for Cardio Tennis. The machine made it easier to have more participants and use extra court stations. I was concerned the Stars balls would jam in the machine like dead balls, but soon discovered that was not the case and the feeds were actually more even than with regular balls. Stan Oley is working on creating a “Ball Machine Drill Inventory” specifically for Cardio Tennis.

Designing and adjusting drills to fitness and skill level was quite easy. In a simple side-to-side volley drill, highly fit players moved along the service line, where they had to run farther and bend lower, while the less fit moved much closer to the net. This can also be applied effectively in elevating or decreasing individual heart rates to remain in the target-heart-rate zone. Skill level can be controlled by volley type and target difficulty. Players quickly learn the advantage of closing in on the net.

Conclusion Moral of this whole story: “One hand washes the other.” The fitness department was happy to add and support Cardio Tennis as part of its programming. The general manager and board realized they could better compete against the fitness-only facilities by marketing Cardio Tennis as fitness programming. The tennis department had new and increased streams of revenue from a tennis clinic disguised as a fitness class. Or is it the other way around? Both, but who cares!

I try to regularly meet with the fitness director and both departments’ staff to coordinate schedules and cultivate a healthy inter-department/industry relationship to grow the game, and also plan what to do with those fitness-seeking starters after they are hooked and ready for the next level!

A good time to schedule tennis activities for the fitness seeker is anytime the facility has high utilization of aerobic classes or equipment. While I found my best opportunity was with the abundant early weekday exercisers, when I also had more courts and staff available, you need to evaluate your own facility’s patterns and potential. K David Robinson holds a Pro 1 rating in the USPTA. He is certified as a fitness trainer by the American College of Sports Medicine, National Sports Performance Association and the American Council on Exercise. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The Gilbert Rincon Jr. story: the power of tennis and true grit

by Barbara Johns with Gilbert Rincon Sr., USPTA

C

an tennis save a life? Can it help a child overcome a world of pain and continue to bring meaning to that life in adulthood?

Gilbert Rincon Sr. thinks so. And he thinks his son’s life is a poignant example.

Twenty-five years ago, when he and his wife, Debra, were expecting their second child, they were blissful. Their daughter, Monica, was healthy and beautiful, all any parents could wish for. But just before Christmas – three months away from her anticipated delivery date – Debra went into premature labor after carrying a pile of gifts into a family party. Doctors fought to stop the birth, but hours later Gilbert Jr. was born, weighing just 2 pounds 13 ounces.

The baby immediately went into intensive care. Day by agonizing day, he struggled with his underdeveloped organs, his parents constantly by his side. He slowly gained strength and began to display the fighter instinct with which he had been blessed. But another bombshell was about to hit the young family.

Although it is against doctors’ orders, he keeps on playing. Gilbert has painful headaches after every hitting session, yet not even this deters his enthusiasm for the game.

Their two-week-old son was not only premature, but he also suffered from an extreme case of hydrocephalus, commonly known as “water on the brain.” In a person with hydrocephalus, for unknown reasons, normal cerebrospinal fluid is produced but not drained off. Because the skull plates of a newborn are soft and pliable, this increase in fluid creates an abnormal enlargement of the baby’s head.

Due to Gilbert’s birth size and the severity of his condition, doctors prepared his parents for the worst. If their son survived, he was unlikely to ever lead a normal life.

He might never master the skills of walking and balance, and his mental and emotional learning were likely to be stunted.

Gilbert Rincon Jr. with his father, Gilbert Sr., and younger brother Carlos. Photo by Tina Rutila.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

But the immediate need was to alleviate the hydrocephalus. In order to relieve the abnormal buildup of fluid, doctors inserted a tiny shunt and valve system into the baby’s head. The valve maintains normal pressure continued next page ADDvantage/August 2007 9

from previous page

within the brain and the flexible tube diverts the flow of fluid into the abdominal cavity, where it can be absorbed.

The surgery sounds like a simple fix, but it is far from it. Over the next 25 years, their son would undergo more than 30 surgeries to repair or replace the delicate mechanisms that kept him alive. “Every time he went through a surgery, doctors warned us about the outcome,” Rincon said.

But this born fighter would survive. In fact, under the watchful eye of his parents, sister and later, his little brother, Carlos, Gilbert Jr. blossomed. His progress was interrupted time after time with surgeries and other complications. At age 2 he contracted spinal meningitis, becoming so ill that doctors gave him just hours to live. He won the battle for life, but lost partial vision in one eye.

And as his father faithfully worked with him on physical therapy, Gilbert would learn to crawl and stand. He would learn to walk and talk, and he would take up tennis.

Toddling by his father’s side, he watched his older sister playing with a ball and racquet and he wanted one for himself. Privileged to accompany Dad to the tennis club, he begged for a chance to get on the court.

“We had to watch him carefully,” explained Rincon. “Physical exercise increases blood pressure and, in his case, the pressure causes intolerable head pain. His brain lacked the cushion of fluid that protects most of us, so if he went for a hard shot, the pain could intensify instantly. It wasn’t easy for him.”

But Gilbert Jr. loved the game. Both Rincon and his wife played in college and they had always expected that their children would play. They were not prepared, however, for their son’s drive and passion for the sport. It was way beyond that of other children his age. All through his junior years, though, Gilbert took a back seat to players who hadn’t played much and were less experienced.

“It had to be difficult for him to watch his sister and brother develop so quickly,” Rincon said. “My daughter picked up ten-

10

ADDvantage/August 2007

nis quickly and was a natural, playing in national tournaments and earning a scholarship to Ohio State University.” Carlos followed with his own success, eventually playing at Kalamazoo College.

“I think about how disappointed he must have been at times,” Gilbert’s father reflected. “But he kept pushing forward. Many times when he had a surgery ahead of him, he would beg me to go out and hit with him the night before because he was afraid when he woke up he might not be able to play anymore. It broke our hearts.

“But Gilbert’s story is a story of what tennis can do for people,” Rincon continued.

“For one thing, you can learn tennis in a group setting and develop at your own level … you can make friends and develop social skills. I saw him develop self-esteem through his training, and he started studying tennis videos, reading books about the sport, and going to seminars with me.

“I know the physical and mental training needed for tennis have been an advantage for my son,” Rincon said. “Now the exercises and training we developed for the past two decades have been put into a program to help my other students, especially older adults who want to maintain their competitive edge and those who are returning from illness or injury.”

Gilbert’s achievements are extraordinary, given the long odds against him. As a junior tournament player, he participated in USTA-sanctioned tournaments and was ranked in boys 18s in Northeastern Michigan. He played for his high school team as often as his health would permit.

Gilbert attended Mott Community College and expanded his skills as a teaching pro, running classes and attending seminars. He taught tennis 25 to 30 hours a week and even ran tournaments at the Genesee Valley Tennis Club in Flint, Mich., alongside his father.

“There were many times when I felt our family was cursed and other times when we felt God had blessed us,” Rincon said.

“Today the blessings are what we focus

upon because Gilbert Jr. has developed into the man that he is: thoughtful, considerate, patient, and a great listener. Everyone who meets him likes him instantly.”

Gilbert’s fight for good health continues.

On top of everything else, he was hit in the eye with a tennis ball while helping to teach an advanced-junior class. He suffered a fractured cornea, resulting in the total loss of vision in that eye.

In addition, it was discovered that brain fluid draining into his abdomen was not absorbing due to scar tissue from the many surgeries. Three weeks after his eye injury, he underwent his 35th surgery, which involved movement of the drain tube from the stomach to the main artery of the heart.

In less than two weeks, Gilbert received brain, heart and laser eye surgery.

Gilbert quit teaching tennis after his traumatic accident on court. However, he is still the first choice as a sub for leagues or for anyone eager for a good hitting partner.

He loves being involved with the sport, regardless of the level of play. His passion for the game is indescribable.

Although it is against doctors’ orders, he keeps on playing. Gilbert has painful headaches after every hitting session, yet not even this deters his enthusiasm for the game.

The most impressive aspect of Gilbert Jr. is his unbelievably positive attitude.

Through it all, he has exhibited tremendous amounts of courage and faith. Like everyone, he has his down moments, but he quickly rebounds with his desire to strike the tennis ball.

Can tennis save a life? You bet it can. K Barbara Johns is a freelance writer from California and has written articles that have been published in many national magazines.

Gilberto “Gilbert” Rincon Sr. is director of tennis at the Genesee Valley Tennis Club in Flint, Mich. He welcomes anyone with a story or question about hydrocephalus to e-mail him at grincon529@yahoo.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

CLASSIFIEDS BOOKS AND VIDEOS www.TennisExpress.com Wholesale prices on strings, balls, racquets, apparel, footwear, bags and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. (800) 833-6615.

www.netprofittennis.com Log on and see why NETPROFIT: The Business Program for Club Tennis Professionals by Dave Sivertson is a must for the career development of all tennis professionals or call (805) 493-9046.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Tennis club for sale. Four indoor courts, racquetball, Nautilus and free weights. Six outdoor courts with clubhouse and garage.

Web site info at www.toddsmith. usptapro.com. Phone (423) 7648444.

DRILLS/PROGRAMS w w w. j o b e a s i e r . c o m 300-plus drills and videoclips, 150-plus lesson plans, 100-plus programs, tennis tips, templates for fliers and newsletters and marketing ideas. It’s like hiring an assistant, but you get all the credit!

TENNIS PRODUCTS SLINGHOPPER DRILL BAGS: 20 PERCENT OFF TO USPTA PROFESSIONALS. Go to www.slinghopper.com and enter “USPTA” in the promotional code. See why legendary coach Nick Bollettieri and Brad Gilbert endorse SlingHopper Drill Bags and so should you.

TENNIS SOFTWARE iTennisSystem – Download Free Drills. Tennis instruction software for tennis professionals.

Organize your tennis knowledge.

Illustrate tennis drills and lessons graphically. An advanced and easyto-use system for representing and organizing your tennis programs.

Includes over 100 free drills.

Visit us at www.interTennis. com for more information. Call (919) 740-1403 or e-mail sales@ interTennis.com to order. iTennisRound-Robin & iTennis Ladder. New ladder and roundrobin software. Run and manage multiple tennis ladders and round robins simultaneously. If you are not running a ladder at your tennis facility, it’s time to get started.

Let us show you how: www. interTennis.com. Automate your tennis events and save hours each week. Call (919) 740-1403 or e-mail sales@interTennis.com to order.

VACATION OPPORTUNITIES Vacation opportunities for tennis professionals at the No. 1 allinclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica and St. Lucia for you and your partner. Certification required. For information contact Mike Romisher at (847) 207-9475 or e-mail Vis10sPro@aol.com.

Five-Star Caribbean Resorts are Waiting for You! Working vacations available for certified tennis professionals. Family and Couple Resorts available. Contact: www.fitbodiesinc.com or call Denise Cox, (678) 778-4673.

USPTA pros setting the bar for giving back

R

esourceful volunteers can find many different ways to give back to their communities. Some lend a hand at food drives, help care for and befriend senior citizens, donate blood, give money to local and national charities or donate time to local programs for underprivileged children. While everyone has endless opportunities, one advantage that tennis-teaching professionals have above most people is that they can use tennis as a vehicle to help others.

Teaching professionals can run an event and invite their facility members or the public for a day of fun at the tennis courts. The cost could be $25 for an afternoon of tennis instruction, tennis matches, music and food. All the proceeds can go to the charity of their choice. Some of these charities may include the Tim and Tom Gullikson Foundation, American Cancer Society, American Red Cross, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, churches, and many smaller local charities.

Since the inception of the USPTA’s Lessons for Life™ program in 1999, USPTA members have been raising money for their favorite charities. From 1999-2006, USPTA members raised nearly $25 million, and in 2006 they surpassed the $4 million goal by raising $4,972,763 for local and national charities.

USPTA wants to continue to raise the bar on helping others in and around our communities. For 2007 we hope that our members strive to reach our $5 million goal for local and national charities.

Even though Lessons for Life is officially celebrated in October, an event can take place anytime of the year. So remind your fellow pros that they do not have to run huge charity functions to contribute because regardless of the event’s size the purpose is to reach out to those in need of help.

We encourage anyone who may be interested in participating in a Lessons for Life event to contact a USPTA Professional in their area. If you have any questions about reporting funds raised or are interested in contributing silent auction items to benefit the Lessons for Life Foundation, please contact Rick Bostrom at sports@uspta. org or at (800) 877-8248. K

Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.) Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone.

No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

11

USPTA mailbox Role model Dear USPTA, I am a first-time “tennis mom” and have come upon an outstanding tennis pro/coach, Tim Barnes. He is currently in Mesa, Ariz., at the Dobson Ranch facility. I wanted to call your attention to him because as a teacher myself, I find his attitude, professionalism, skill in positive teaching and true love of the sport quite refreshing. Further, he has consistently been a terrific role model, athlete and positive influence on my daughter. He has absolutely been the one person to make a difference in both her tennis skills and mental part of the game. His constant positive cueing, modeling, and progression of drills has been nothing short of perfect for my daughter.

Our family is so very thankful that we have found this true “gem” in the desert! We had not been a tennis family, more into other sporting activity, but this is something we will definitely make room for in our lives because of Mr. Barnes.

I assume he had to be trained under your “umbrella” as I don’t even know how the USPTA works. I will need to become more familiar but just wanted someone to know what a great addition the sport of tennis has in Mr. Tim Barnes.

Sincerely, Janice Rodrigue Chandler, Ariz.

USPTA certification Dear USPTA, The June issue of ADDvantage magazine contained a letter to Tim Heckler, CEO, from Rod Hotz of Houston. He indicated

age 65 was too old for certification and that no one would be interested in a pro of that age.

My USPTA Pro 2 certification was obtained at age 73. I have players young and old who are interested in my lesson programs at my present age of 79.

Certification is not an easy process. I suspect that may be the determining factor rather then age.

Ten years from now I expect to still have players interested – not because of my sterling personality, but my certification and dedication to USPTA teaching methods.

Sincerely, David G. Hendricks, USPTA Tucson, Ariz.

Hall of Fame induction Dear Bob Love, Congratulations on being inducted into the Midwest Hall of Fame. The USPTA is proud of you.

Hope to see you at Saddlebrook for the USPTA World Conference.

Yours truly, Ron Woods, USPTA President Corpus Christi, Texas Dear Ron (Woods), It’s weird, but 2007 has been one heck of a year for me. In May I was also named the Southern Division Pro of the Year.

I guess that trip to Texas brought me a lot of luck! I know it was one of the nicest weekends I have ever had in my USPTA life.

The really rare phenomenon about all this is that I have not had a regular job in a tennis club for 25 years but have been driven

to work hard within the USPTA framework and seized opportunities to serve whenever possible.

To me the USPTA is a “land of opportunity” for personal and professional growth. It’s been one beautiful ride, and, if God permits, I’ll keep on “trucking.”

For example, I will be the lead instructor at a wheelchair tennis camp in a couple of weeks. It will be, of course, a Tennis Across America event.

Take care.

Bob Love, USPTA Master Professional Elizabethtown, Ky. Division convention Dear USPTA, I just came back from attending the Southern Division convention, and it was great.

The high point of the convention was the specialty course

by Fernando Velasco, “Managing a Tennis Center.”

Thank you for all you do for the USPTA members.

Sincerely, Paul Bartholomai, USPTA Norcross, Ga. Junior Circuit Dear Randy (Mattingley, USPTA vice president), I just wanted to say thank you so much for calling and telling me about the Junior Circuit.

Rebecca absolutely had a blast!

Believe it or not, I could even see a big difference in her by the second match. She learned a lot. I guess sometimes you just have to jump in there and give it a shot!

It was a perfect venue for her first tournament. Actually, this was her first match of any kind.

I thought you would get a kick

out of knowing that she had her private tennis lesson today at 1:30 after the tournament and it was like a different child showed up for the lesson. She was soooooo motivated and working harder at her lesson than she ever has before. It’s amazing what a little competition and a trophy can do!

Thanks also for giving trophies to all of the 10-year-olds. She knows she won consolation runner-up, but I don’t think she has any clue that that means she got fourth out of four. Oh well, some things are better left unsaid! We have one fired-up little girl about tennis!

Thanks so much.

Angie Molina Lubbock, Texas Find-a-Pro Web site Dear USPTA, The Web site is great. It was simple to get my job announcements on the site. I received five resumes from the ad I placed.

I have yet to hire anyone due to relocation issues. I remain optimistic that the right pro will turn up. I will definitely use the site again.

Thanks for your service.

Bill Damron, USPTA Park City, Utah Dear USPTA, Thank you for letting us post on your Web site. We received a number of applicants through your service and hired our tennis director.

I look forward to utilizing the Web site next hiring year.

Sincerely, Dave Skolnik New York, N.Y.

Send your letters to the editor, along with a daytime phone number or e-mail address, to ADDvantage, USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042; fax to (713) 978-7780; or via e-mail to kim.forrester@uspta.org. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

13

USPTA drills Crosscourt down-the-line groundstrokes prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles Level: Int./adv./competitive

Category: Warm-up and stretching Suggested time: 10 minutes

Description and goals: This is a cooperative groundstroke warm-up drill. Player A will rally crosscourt and Player B will rally down the line.

Organization: Pair up players of equal ability in both movement and stroke production. Emphasize hesitation split-step in recovery spot prior to continuing to opposite side for next shot.

Key points: Have players switch roles after five minutes. You can also have players hit a specific spin, i.e., slice down the line, topspin on crosscourt hits, or down-the-line backhands with slice, etc.

High-low

prepared by David T. Porter, Ed.D., USPTA

Type: Singles Category: Lob, overhead, warm-up and stretching Levels: Int./adv./competitive Suggested time: 8 minutes

Description and goals:

Using half of one court, players warm up volleys and overheads, preparing shoulder for service warm-up.

Organization:

Players start in the middle of a service box. Players begin to volley at a controlled level. Players on one side gradually move back until they reach rally distance behind baseline. Players on baseline alternate rally-feeding one volley, followed by one lob and so on. Players positioned at the net return all balls deep and controlled to maintain rally. Drill continues for up to four minutes. On the coach’s command, baseline player stops feeding lobs and begins moving up toward net as volley feeds continue.

When players are once again volleying from within service boxes, player who was at net moves gradually back to beyond baseline and alternates volley and lob rally feeds. Drill continues for up to four minutes.

Key points:

Difficulty of feeds (pace and variety of volley feed and depth of lob feed) increases as skill level of players increases. With intermediate players control of feeds and volleys/overheads is of primary importance.

One serve and return crosscourt prepared by Wayne Bryan, USPTA

Type: Doubles Category: Serve, serve-volley, service return Levels: Int./adv./competitive Suggested time: 10 minutes

Description and goals: Focus on serve and return for doubles and playing points crosscourt.

Organization: Players serve to returners and play out point. Servers only get one serve and you only play 1 point to keep drill moving with multiple players. Players must play out point crosscourt.

Key points: Focus on serve and playing point crosscourt. For variation, make servers serve and volley or make returners chip and charge.

14

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA drills Swing volleys around the cone prepared by Tim Heckler, USPTA

Type: Singles Level: Advanced

Category: Volley Suggested time: 8-10 minutes

Description and goals: A drill to work on the swinging volley and movement.

Organization: Set up a cone 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet) behind the “T.” Have players start at the cone and move diagonally forward to attack a shoulderhigh floating feed with a swinging forehand volley. The player will then recover back around the cone for the backhand volley. Hit a predetermined number and rest or, if multiple players, go to end of line.

Key points: Important for the player to run around the cone for recovery as it helps with all aspects of the volley – footwork, contact point, how much of a swing, etc. Keep feed high and slow to allow players to make contact in the upper-level strike zone. Players should hit slightly upward to generate topspin. For boys, recommend forehand volleys from both sides. For girls, recommend two-handed backhand on backhand side (if they hit a two-handed backhand).

Team mini-tennis prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles, doubles Category: Backhand, forehand, groundstrokes Level: Beginner/intermediate Suggested time: 8-10 minutes

Description and goals: A groundstroke warm-up drill that incorporates cooperation and competition in the warm-up.

Organization: Players line up as shown. Use service boxes as boundaries. Players on deuce side hit deuce to deuce. Players on ad side hit ad to ad. Each player hits one groundstroke, then switches with partner on his side.

Variations: Make it a game – play out the point. Game to 7 and then switch to the other side. Use only the outside stroke for either the warm-up or the game. Right-handed players hit only forehands from the deuce court and backhands from the ad court.

Key points: 1. Warming up the body 2. Hitting controlled groundstrokes 3. Cooperation

Team sprints with racquets prepared by David T. Porter, Ed.D., USPTA

Type: Singles, doubles Levels: All

Category: Conditioning Suggested time: Varies

Description and goals: A conditioning drill that emphasizes explosion, change of direction, agility and quickness. Trains players to run and stay balanced with their racquets.

Organization: Players start on the side of the doubles sideline. Players touch lines with racquets. Players must touch singles sideline and come back, then touch center service line and come back, then touch other singles sideline and come back, then touch the far doubles sideline and come back. Competition as individuals and/or doubles teams also recommended.

Key point: Focus on explosive first step.

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

15

Saddlebrook Resort Fact sheet Description:

Located in west central Florida 30 miles north of Tampa International Airport, Saddlebrook Resort is a secluded retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life. The award-winning resort offers a variety of facilities and amenities for its guests including The Spa at Saddlebrook, the Saddlebrook Tennis Program, 45 tennis courts in all Grand Slam surfaces, Arnold Palmer Golf Academy, two signature golf courses, the Sports Village, Team Building Course, and an assortment of dining options.

In the heart of the resort, the Walking Village includes all meetings, recreation and dining facilities surrounding the SuperPool. Guest accommodations border the Walking Village, making transportation needless. The resort opened in 1981 and has been undergoing several multi-million dollar renovations since 1997, including the addition of The Spa, the Sports Village, the Grand Pavilion, the Fountain Courtyard, the ClearSpan Tent and the new Royal Palm commons.

Accommodations:

Saddlebrook features 800 deluxe guest rooms, and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Complete with kitchens, all suites have either a patio or balcony overlooking the golf courses, SuperPool or nature areas.

Reduced weekly, monthly and annual rentals are available in Lakeside Village, located a short walking distance from the center of the resort. The resort has high-speed, wireless Internet access throughout.

Tennis:

Featuring 45 courts in all Grand Slam surfaces, Saddlebrook’s tennis complex is the regular practice facility for touring pros. The tennis courts include 31 Har-Tru, 10 Deco-Turf, two Rebound Ace, two grass and two red clay courts. Players can also enjoy night play on the five lighted courts. Low-lying fences keep balls from straying and covered drink stations between courts keep players cool during breaks. Tennis is complimentary for USPTA registered resort guests. There will be a fee for usage of the grass courts.

Based on the teaching fundamentals of the legendary Australian Davis Cup coach Harry Hopman, the Saddlebrook Tennis Program provides instruction for players of all levels from beginners to touring professionals. Players receive a minimum of five hours’ daily instruction in small groups of no more than four players and are often videotaped for analysis by one of the 35 professional instructors.

Junior players interested in training year-round can enroll in Saddlebrook Preparatory School, offering daily academics and tennis instruction.

The Tennis Shop arranges rental equipment including ball machines and video equipment with playback capability, player game matching, stringing service, court times and private lessons.

Golf:

Set on rolling terrain and surrounded by lagoons, tall cypress and palm trees, two 18-hole signature golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer challenge golfers of all skill levels. Golf greens fees for resort guests range from $50 to $145, depending on the season.

Saddlebrook is home of the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy (APGA), where top professionals trained in Palmer’s philosophy teach the five fundamentals of the game, course strategies and professional practice tips. Tailored to the individual player, APGA offers clinics year-round and guarantees a maximum adult student-teacher ratio of 4 to 1. continued Page 22

16

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Schedule Sunday, Sept. 16 1 – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

Monday, Sept. 17 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Continuing education for the High Performance Coaching program (by invitation only)

Boardroom 1

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

International Championships

Tennis center

7:30 – 9 p.m.

Tournament player party

Grand Marquis

Tuesday, Sept. 18 7 – 8 a.m.

Cardio Tennis TennisCize – early bird tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Executive Committee meeting

Pegasus East, East 1-4

9 – 10:30 a.m.

TennisCize – spouses tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

International Championships

Tennis center

Noon – 4 p.m.

Specialty course 1: Technical solutions to tactical problems: The how to’s of the forehand topspins, Brett Hobden

Royal Palm East and Stadium court

Specialty course 2: Motor learning/Sport psychology, Mike Kernodle, Ph.D./Dan Gould, Ph.D.

Pegasus West 3-4

1 – 6 p.m.

Upgrades (on court, English/Spanish)

Tennis center

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Dynamite doubles, Helle Viragh

Stadium court

Developing character through tennis, Bob Heller

Grand Pavilion

Footwork, focus and flow, Michael Friedman

Stadium court

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Welcome back the 50-plus player to tennis, Anne Davis

Grand Pavilion

6:30 – 7 p.m.

One-on-one doubles presentation, Ed Krass

Stadium Court

7 p.m.

Division parties

7 – 9 p.m.

One-on-one doubles tournament

Courts 5-7

Wednesday, Sept. 19 7 – 8 a.m.

Cardio Tennis TennisCize – early bird tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian Division women’s liaison meeting

Pegasus West 1-2

Executive directors/administrators meeting

Pegasus West 3-4

Special Populations Committee

Boardroom B

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

8:30 – 10 a.m.

General session: Developing a solid foundation and balance and movement, Nick Bollettieri

Stadium court

8 a.m. – noon

Seminar Contest

Boardroom 2

CRC (English)

Royal Palm West 1

CRC (Spanish)

Royal Palm West 2

9 – 10:30 a.m.

TennisCize – spouses tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

17

9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

International Championships

Tennis center

10:30 a.m. – noon

General session: Training the genuine all-court player, Todd Martin

Stadium court

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Spouses luncheon

Lagoon Pavilion

1 – 2:30 p.m.

General session: Emilio Sanchez Vicario

Stadium court

1 – 4 p.m.

CRC (English) CRC (Spanish)

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

3 – 4 p.m.

3 – 5 p.m.

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Specialty course 3: Advanced stroke production: teaching the game in a modern way, Stan Oley – Win a Playmate Smash Ball Machine! All registered attendees will be eligible.

Court 7

Specialty course 4: The essentials of shot making, John Yandell

Pegasus East 1-2

America’s plan for 10-and-under tennis, Paul Lubbers, Ph.D./Anne Pankhurst

Stadium court

Dealing with food and exercise obsession with tennis players, Page Love

Pegasus East & West

Multicultural Committee/Multicultural division liaison meeting

Boardroom C

National Education Committee meeting

Boardroom 2

Guidelines to an expert lesson, Sophie Woorons-Johnston, Ph.D.

Stadium court

Grant writing, Linda Mann

Pegasus East & West

Seminar (Spanish), Francisco Vicent

Boardroom B

On court with Jose, Jose Higueras

Stadium court

Maximizing your productivity and efficiency with Microsoft Office, Kevin Jackson

Pegasus East & West

6 – 7 p.m.

USPTA women’s open meeting

Boardroom C

6:45 – 7:30 p.m.

International Team Championships captains meeting

Boardroom B

7 – 10 p.m.

HEAD/Penn welcoming party

Grand Pavilion

Thursday, Sept. 20 8 – 10 a.m.

Awards breakfast

Royal Palm East

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

10:30 a.m. – noon

General session: Help! I have it all, but I have no life!, Barbara Braunstein

Pegasus East & West

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tennis Buying Show setup (exhibitors)

Grand Pavilion

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

International Championships

Tennis center

Noon – 1 p.m.

National Cardio Tennis feeding contest qualifying

Stadium court

1 – 2:30 p.m.

General session: Jack Groppel, Ph.D.

Pegasus East & West

1 – 4 p.m.

Manufacturers on-court demos

Tennis center

2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Specialty course 5: Little Tennis®, Townsend Gilbert

Pegasus East 1-2

Specialty course 6: Sport Physiology/Nutrition, Scott Riewald, Ph.D./Page Love

Boardroom 2

Seminar, Luis Mediero

Stadium court

Control your mind to win, Anne Smith, Ph.D.

Pegasus West 1-4

3 – 4 p.m.

3 – 6 p.m.

International team championships

Tennis center

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

Developing world-class fundamentals for young players, Nick Saviano

Stadium court

The serve and volleys, Dr. Martin Baroch

Pegasus West 1-4

Seminar (Spanish), Francisco Vicent

Pegasus East 3

5 – 10 p.m.

Tennis Buying Show

Grand Pavilion

6 – 9 p.m.

Silent auction

Grand Pavilion

6:30 – 8 p.m.

Tennis Buying Show reception

Grand Pavilion

Friday, Sept. 21 7 – 8 a.m.

Cardio Tennis TennisCize – early bird tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian

7 – 8:30 a.m.

High school coaches breakfast

Royal Palm East 2-3

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration

Pegasus South

8:30 – 10 a.m.

General session: The journey of molding a player from day 1 to the pros, Rick Macci

Stadium court

8 a.m. – noon

Certification Exam

18

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

9 – 10:30 a.m.

TennisCize – spouses tennis aerobics, Donnia Bondallian

10:30 a.m. – noon

General session: A traditional approach to the modern game, Bill Tym/Tommy Wade

Stadium court

Noon – 1 p.m.

National Cardio Tennis feeding contest finals

Stadium court

Noon – 1 p.m.

Past presidents forum (lunch included)

Dempsey’s Steakhouse

1 – 2:30 p.m.

Advisory Staff meetings

Pegasus East & West

Team practices for multiple players and limited courts, Jason Jamison/Kirk Anderson

Stadium court

1 – 6 p.m.

International Team Championships

Tennis center

1:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Specialty course 7: A system for supervision, Barbara Fackel

Boardroom 2

Specialty course 8: Biomechanics/Sports medicine, Scott Riewald, Ph.D.,/Cori Thompson

Boardroom 3

3 – 4 p.m.

3 – 5 p.m.

4:15 – 5:15 p.m.

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

High performance drills, Kim Davis/Diane Selke

Stadium court

Exploring the myths: video and the truth, Warren Pretorius

Pegasus East & West

Written test (English)

Boardroom 4

Written test (Spanish)

Boardroom C

Combining technique and tactics to develop players, Lorenzo Beltrame

Stadium court

How to tap into the power of rituals in tennis, Desmond Oon, Ph.D.

Pegasus East & West

High School Coaches Resource Center, Tim Heckler

Royal Palm West 3

Administrando un complejo de tenis (Spanish), Fernando Velasco

Boardroom B

Panel discussion – Public park pros

Royal Palm East 1

Panel discussion – Resort pros

Royal Palm East 2

Panel discussion – Commercial club pros

Royal Palm East 3

Panel discussion – Country club pros

Royal Palm East

Saturday, Sept. 22 8 a.m. – noon 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Specialty course 9: Speed, agility and quickness, Pat Etcheberry

Stadium court

Specialty course 10: Cardio Tennis, Michele Krause

Boardroom 2

Certification Exam

Tennis center

Hawaiian

shirt contest Dig into your closets, and get out your coolest Hawaiian shirt! Head Penn Racquet Sports will be bringing you back to Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville – at the USPTA World Conference welcoming party, Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Do you have the best Hawaiian shirt?

Head/Penn Racquet Sports will hold a Hawaiian shirt contest for many different categories and prizes throughout the party. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

19

Saddlebrook from page 16 Special camps for junior players, ages 12-18, are also offered. Junior players interested in training year-round can enroll in Saddlebrook Preparatory School, an accredited college preparatory program that offers a combination of academics and intense golf instruction.

The extensive practice area features a three-and-a-half-acre driving range and the “Scoring Zone,” a short game area that allows golfers to practice on a variety of terrains and grass surfaces using different swings.

Private lessons and tee times are arranged through the Golf Shop, which offers equipment, rental clubs, apparel and golf bag storage.

The Spa:

The Spa at Saddlebrook offers a variety of body treatments, facials and salon services. The treatments, designed for both men and women, are available to resort guests, local residents and area visitors.

The 7,000-square-foot Spa includes 12 private treatment rooms, a couple’s room with soaking tub, a hydromassage tub, vichy shower room, men and women’s dressing rooms, whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, full-service salon and a courtyard terrace.

The professionally trained and licensed staff uses natural spa products by Pevonia Botanica, Pharma Skin Care and Epicuren, which are available for purchase along with spa gift certificates. Guests can select treatments a la carte or choose from a variety of packages.

Fitness options:

Saddlebrook’s Sports Village offers guest, groups and meeting planners a variety of new activities and fitness options overlooking a tranquil setting. The Sports Village features a Fitness Center, one grass and one sand volleyball court, a regulation basketball court, a bocce ball court, soccer and sports fields, 14 tennis courts, a swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness trail.

The Fitness Center offers special fitness evaluations, personal training sessions, and top-of-the-line cardiovascular and strength training equipment. All the fitness programs are under the direction of Pat Etcheberry and the Etcheberry Sports Performance division.

The centerpiece of the resort, the SuperPool is 270 feet long and features 25-meter racing lanes, water volleyball and basketball. Two whirlpools, the Swim Shop, the Poolside Cafe and Bar and a children’s play area surround the pool. A second pool is located in The Fountain Courtyard area.

22

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Group activities:

Providing a dynamic element to any meeting, the five-acre Team Building Course helps groups improve teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. Dr. Nick Hall, a certified course instructor, leads groups through activities using ropes, logs, tree stumps and ladders designed to improve communication skills, productivity and cohesiveness. A debriefing session after each activity helps participants learn from their actions.

The Sports Village is also the site for many group activities. Groups can spend the day at the two-anda-half-acre Sports Village participating in a number of team-building games utilizing the volleyball courts and activity field. The day can end with a fun, themed dinner party.

For small groups and/or spouses, the Saddlebrook Group Activities Department offers a diverse selection of programs, both on and off property. A quick daytrip can be arranged to the many sights surrounding Saddlebrook including a wilderness canoe experience, shopping at International Plaza or a bay cruise with a tour of the Florida Aquarium.

Dining facilities:

Saddlebrook offers five different dining options: •

•

•

•

•

Cypress Restaurant – Dine in casual elegance at this award-winning restaurant, which features market fresh seafood for dinner, seasonally. Guests have the option of eating outdoors at Terrace on the Green, overlooking the cypress lagoon and the 18th green.

Dempsey’s Steakhouse – Dempsey’s offers quintessential steakhouse dining in a cozy environment.

Guests can choose prime beef in a variety of cuts, fresh pasta, tableside Caesar salad, family-style side dishes and delectable desserts.

TD’s Sports Bar – Adjacent to Dempsey’s, the renovated and expanded TD’s Sports Bar has eight large-screen televisions for watching sporting events. Snacks, microbrews, cocktails and a special menu is available nightly.

Poolside Cafe and Bar – Enjoy dining alfresco at the Poolside Cafe and Bar, where guests can select from a variety of sandwiches and food items including ice cream and other frozen treats. The bar also serves a variety of tropical coolers and cocktails.

The Polo Lounge – Serving up everyone’s favorite drinks and eclectic dishes, The Polo Lounge provides nightly live entertainment and dancing. K

Information provided by Saddlebrook Resort. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2007

23

Saddlebrook ground transportation

S

addlebrook has arranged dedicated, nonstop transportation to and from Tampa International Airport

by Premier Limousine, an independent contractor.

Reservations are required – call (813) 907-4455. Van service is available from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. by reservation only, 24 hours’ advance notice.

Upon arrival at Tampa International Airport, take the escalator indicated for your airline down to baggage claim on the ground level. The airport is color-coded into two sections, the Red Side and the Blue Side. Your luggage will go to a carousel on one of these sides.

For shared-ride van service: A Premier van will pick you up at the waiting area designated for either the Red Side or the Blue Side, depending on the side to which your baggage is sent. After you have retrieved your luggage, proceed to the waiting area through the correct exit doors as follows: Red Side: Go out exit doors Red 1 or 2, at either side of the terminal. Blue Side: Go out exit doors Blue 1 or 2, at either side of the terminal.

Private car service: Premier Limousine private car service can be arranged for pickup and drop-off at any time. Advance reservations are also required.

To reserve a private car, call Premier at (813) 907-4455. K

24

ADDvantage/August 2007

One-way airport transfers: Vehicle

Passengers Airport

Total

Sedan SUV Limousine Sedan SUV Sedan SUV Shuttle*

2-3 4-5 5-6 2-3 4-5 2-3 4-5

$75.24 $91.08 $132.00 $82.50 $99.00 $283.80 $336.60 $36.00

Tampa Tampa Tampa St Pete/ Clearwater St Pete/ Clearwater Orlando Orlando Tampa

*The shuttle is the only rate that is per person for one way.

All shuttle reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

All private car reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. There is a 24-hour cancellation policy for all reservations.

“Meet and Greet” service is an additional $25 per reservation where the chauffeur meets the guest at baggage claim with a name sign.

By request only. “Greeters” for corporate/social groups are $25 per greeter per hour, with a four-hour minimum. Our staff will be at baggage claim greeting the guests with a Saddlebrook sign or a sign provided by the company. By request only.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

couple of years ago, members of the Georgia Tech women’s tennis team indulged in a little wishful thinking for the team poster they shoot each fall – mainly for themselves.

They staged a photo with the captain standing in the middle of the court while her teammates ran toward her, thrusting their fists in the air and yelling ecstatically, as if they had won the national championship.

Somehow that make-believe moment turned into a dream-come-true when Georgia Tech pulled off a 4-2 victory over the University of California at Los Angeles in the NCAA championship match this May in Athens, Ga. “I guess we didn’t do a very good job with the poster picture,” said Bryan Shelton, head women’s tennis coach at Georgia Tech.

Only the real thing – the photo snapped in the emotional, kinetic moment when the team’s No. 2 singles player clinched the championship – could truly capture the feeling, he explained.

This USPTA Pro 1 has helped transform a struggling squad into the Cinderella

team of collegiate tennis – season by gutsy season – over the past eight years. The team won its 21st straight match to finish the past season at 29-4.

Within a few weeks of their big win, the young women flew to Washington, D.C., to meet the president of the United States and hear a band strike up the “Ramblin’ Wreck” fight song on the White House lawn.

“People think we’re still riding high from the national title,” Shelton said in late July. “It’s a great feeling, but we’re back down to earth and seeing all the things we can improve. We’re putting our focus into development of players even through the summer months.

Coach Bryan Shelton, far left, joins his team in flashing the “No. 1” sign. They have the championship trophy (at center) to prove it. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

“If we continue to work hard and get better we’ll have another opportunity to win a national championship. It comes from concentrating on the right things.

“I’m busy recruiting for 2008,” Shelton said. He was on a recruiting trip in Memphis, Tenn., during the Girls 18s National Clay Courts, when he took time for a phone interview.

The Intercollegiate Tennis Association named Shelton the Wilson/ITA National Coach of the Year the same day his team won the national championship.

“I don’t live and work for that type of recognition, but it’s nice,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized by your peers as somebody who stands for something, has done a good job, done things the right way.” For example, “We’ve really tried to do it primarily with American players; we could have gone the international route.

“It also means having players who are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to get better,” Shelton pointed out. “There are so many things involved in trying to develop a complete player. Footwork, stroke production and learning how to compete are obviously huge components.

“We really put our focus on the intangibles the last six weeks of the season – the attitude, mental toughness, perseverance, the team unity – and that turned out to be very profitable to us.

“We have had so many supporters through our run,” Shelton said. “It meant the world to us, gave us the energy to get out there and put it all out on the line, to play fearless,” he said.

Shelton said the team effort has involved not only the coach and players, but staff, trainers, academic advisers, professors alumni and parents. He also credits his own family and USPTA Master Professional Bill Tym, who is his former coach and still a mentor and good friend. continued next page ADDvantage/August 2007

25

from previous page Shelton, who grew up in Huntsville, Ala., said his life changed at the age of 13, when Tym moved to town and became his coach.

“I thought I knew what hard work was – I didn’t have a clue,” the younger teaching pro joked. “He quickly showed me.”

Shelton said he gained “a wealth of information, knowlege and support” from his coach, and that is the type of relationship he wants to have with his own players.

“There is a small level of fear,” Coach Shelton said with a laugh, “fear of disappointing, of me getting on them. I’m not afraid to push. But there’s a much bigger level of respect, and an even bigger level of love, like a father and his children. From tears, to jubilation, we have experienced all those things, having gone through so much together.”

In other words, “These players are my extended family,” the father of two young children said.

The 41-year-old Shelton (whose bio can be found on Wikipedia), played for Georgia Tech from 1985 to 1988, earning all-American honors his senior year and induction into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1993.

He played professionally from 1989 to 1997, winning four ATP tour titles and ranking as high as No. 55 in the world in singles (1994) and 52 in doubles.

“I had wins over some top-10 players, but honestly, nothing compared to our winning the title this year,” Shelton said.

After retiring from the tour, he coached MaliVai Washington, then served as a USTA national coach from 1998 to 1999.

“I had just left the USTA. My job was a great position, but it wasn’t a perfect fit for me after coming off the circuit,” Shelton said. “Back in Atlanta, I was trying to figure out what I was going to do next, when Kenny Thorne called.” Thorne, his former Georgia Tech teammate and doubles partner, is head men’s tennis coach at their alma mater.

“He said the position is open for women’s tennis, would you be interested in coming in and interviewing? I said yeah, absolutely.

A couple of weeks later it was a done deal.

“After the first year I wasn’t sure if it was going to be a long-term relationship; I wasn’t sure this was the place I was meant to be,” he allowed.

Shelton and his players clearly had their

work cut out for them. When he signed on, the Yellow Jackets had yet to appear in an NCAA tournament and had yet to finish higher than fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

In his first season as coach, his team went to the second round of the NCAA tournament. And that was only the beginning. His teams have made seven NCAA appearances over a span of seven years, captured two Atlantic Coast Conference championships, and have had some of the nation’s top-ranked players.

“I thought honestly that we could end up a top-10 program with a lot of hard work and bringing the right people in,” Shelton said. “It took five years to get into the top 10, and then from there we started setting our sights and goals a little higher.

For the last year our goal was to win a national championship. We had been knocking at the door the last couple of years.

“It’s been a lot of fun, but you’ve got to enjoy the process,” Shelton said. “If you’re only interested in the goal, once you accomplish that, where do you go from there? It’s all about buying into the process, enjoying putting it on the line every single day.” K

The players and supporters react to their hard-won victory.

26

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA conference registration form Register by August 15 and save up to $100.

Main registrant Name ______________________________________USPTA member No. ____________ Division____________________Nonmember T Address ____________________________________ City _________________________________ State______ ZIP _________________ Daytime phone number (_______) _____________

Fees

E-mail _____________________________________ Please indicate parties you plan to attend: T Wednesday night T Thursday awards breakfast T Thursday night T

By Aug. 15 $290 $335

Member Nonmember

After Aug. 15 $340 $385

Subtotal 1 _______

Specialty course fees

Check here for vegetarian meal option.

Specialty courses

First course

$40

________

Second course

$35

________

All additional courses $30 ea. X

T No. 1

T No. 2

T No. 3*

T No. 4

T No. 7

T No. 8

T No. 9

T No. 10

T No. 5

T No. 6

=

Subtotal 2 _______

*Eligible to win ball machine

Guest registration Must be registered to attend parties.

Name _____________________________________ USPTA member No. _____________ Division ___________________ Nonmember T Please indicate parties you plan to attend:

Fees

T Wednesday spouse/guest luncheon

Guest

T Wednesday night T Thursday awards breakfast T

By Aug. 15

T

$130

Thursday night

$180 Subtotal 3 _______

Check here for vegetarian meal option

Child registration Child’s menu at parties for ages 5-12.

Fees per child

Ages 13-18 receive adult package.

Child 1 ________________________________________ Age __________

Age 5-12

_____ X $55

Age 13-18

_____ X $105 + ______

Child 2 _________________________________________ Age__________

Payment options Make check or money order payable to USPTA, or charge my T Visa

After Aug. 15

T MasterCard

T American Express

Name printed on card ____________________________________

______

Subtotal 4 ______

Arrival date: ___________ Departure date: ____________ Are you staying at the Saddlebrook Resort? yes T no T If not, why? __________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

Card No. _______________________________________________

Total fees

Exp. date_______________________________________________

Subtotal 1 _____________

Signature ______________________________________________

Subtotal 2 _____________

Return this form with payment to: USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One z Houston, TX 77042 fax (713) 978-7780 z or register online at www.uspta.com For airline reservations, go to www.atcmeetings.com and click on Meetings, then click on Air-Meetings and Leisure (TravelASP). When you register online, please enter USPTA in the organization ď€ eld.

Subtotal 3 _____________ Subtotal 4 _____________

Total

_____________

Give your Little Tennis program a HEAD-Start!

A

C D

B E

F

G H A. HEAD-Starts Tennis Nets Children can feel like they’re on a real court anywhere this net stands. This 10-foot version is perfect for small areas. Fit six or eight on a regulation-size court or set it up in a gym or on a playground or driveway – wherever there’s space to teach and play. It’s easy to set up and take down, and tucks away in a carry case just like a portable chair. (Also available in a 17-foot width.)

10-foot – $89.95 17-foot – $109.95 B. HEAD-Starts Court Lines De¿ne any court space with bright yellow markers for lines and corners. They make your portable net a complete portable court, and help with safety issues. Each set contains eight lines and four corners. $26.95 C. Ti.Agassi25 Intermediate or big-kid beginners will enjoy 105 square inches of string bed on this 25-inch racquet. It has a 21-mm I-beam frame, a 3 7/8-inch grip and weighs 8.3 ounces unstrung. Recommended for children age 8-plus or 50 inches to 55 inches tall. $13.99 D. Ti.Agassi23 Beginner children can maneuver this 23-inch racquet and enjoy lots of hitting area on a 98-square-inch string bed. It has a 21-mm I-beam frame, a 3 3/4-inch grip and weighs 7.2 ounces unstrung.

Recommended for children age 6-plus or 45 inches to 49 inches tall. $13.99

E. Pro Penn T.I.P. 2 This is the ultimate teaching ball, especially for young children and beginner adults. The low-compression core provides a consistent bounce and slows the ball to give new players more time to react and the ability to hit with a full stroke and keep the ball under control. It’s also great for teaching footwork and spins to more experienced players. Same great quality as the Pro Penn Stars ball – color changed to meet ITF regulations. $3 F. HEAD Drill Cones These bright, 9-inch cones are ideal as targets or markers for any drill, exercise or game. A set includes four numbered cones. Sold in packs of eight (two sets). $26.95 G. Penn Ring Targets These 15-inch rings, made of durable, non-slip, fade-resistent rubber, can be used to mark players’ court positions or de¿ne targets. Sold in six-packs of three assorted colors. $21.95 H. Penn Ball Spots Mark court positions or de¿ne targets with these 10-inch spots made of durable, non-slip, fade-resistent rubber. Sold in six-packs of three assorted colors. $21.95

Hotel room reservation

1927-2007

(Please use this form for reservations)

Please complete this form and return it to the Saddlebrook Resort no later than August 15, 2007 You may also make reservations by calling and identifying yourself as a USPTA conference attendee.

Send to: Saddlebrook Resort 5700 Saddlebrook Way Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 (800) 729-8383 (813) 973-4504 (fax)

Celebrating 80 years of excellence

Conference: USPTA World Conference on Tennis Saddlebrook Resort Sept. 17-22

Last name (print legibly) _________________________________________First name ________________________________ Middle initial ________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________________State ______ ZIP ______________ Telephone (

) _________________________

Hotel arrival time ____________________Share a room with _________________________________________________________________________________ e-mail __________________________________________________________________________ Fax: (

) ________________________________

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

Rates:

Arrival date:

T

$85 – Deluxe guest room

T

$120 – One-bedroom suite

T

$175 – Two-bedroom suite

______________

The published room rates do not include a 9 percent tax or a $7 per room daily resort fee. Any additional gratuity to the hotel staff is at your discretion.

Departure date: ________________

Children age 13 and under may share a deluxe guest room or one-bedroom suite with an adult at no extra charge. These rooms and suites can accommodate two adults. An extra charge of $20 per person per day will be assessed for each additional guest age 14 and over.

Please reserve ______ room(s) for ______ person(s).

Requests: T T

Smoking room Nonsmoking room

T T

King Double/double

T

The two-bedroom, two-bath suites can accommodate four guests. Most of these suites have two beds and a pullout.

Crib

Please note, requests are honored based on availability upon arrival.

Deposit:

T

Check

T

Credit card: ___ AmEx

___ MC

___ VISA

___ DC/CB

Card No. _______________________________________________________________________Expiration date _________________________ Name printed on card ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Billing address _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Authorization signature ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check-in time is after 3 p.m. – Check-out time is at noon General information • All reservation requests must be received by

August 15, 2007. Requests received after this date, or for dates other than the main conference period, will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

• Cancellation notice of seven days prior to arrival is required for a refund. Changes and cancellations should be done in writing. When canceling or changing your reser vation by telephone, be sure to obtain a cancellation number in writing.

• Please include a deposit for the first night’s room revenue and 9 percent tax as a deposit in the form of credit card (with an expiration date valid through date of departure) or check, which will hold your room until midnight of the arrival day.

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

• Early departures will be charged one night’s room/tax.

2007 USPTA International Championships Sanctioned by USPTA and USTA What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories When: Sept. 17-20. Starting times for first-round singles matches will be posted on Sept. 12 at http:\\tournaments.usta.com.

Enter the tournament ID number: 153302807 Where: Saddlebrook Resort Surface: Clay courts Entry fees: $50/singles, $20 each/doubles. Tournament players must register for the World Conference on TennisSM; tournament and convention fees must be paid separately (see conference registration form). Singles entry and fees deadline, September 4. Doubles may register at tournament site, preregistration encouraged.

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

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

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

Player eligibility: Current USPTA-certified professional members in good standing who preregister for World Conference on Tennis.

All certification requirements must be completed by July 1 to allow for processing application and grading exam. USPTA Prize money: Each event will have a minimum fixed amount of prize money.

Additional prize money for each event will be based on the number

of entries. For more information, go to www.uspta.com, click on the “2007 World Conference,” then click on “Tournament prize money.”

Player/event regulations: Each eligible player is limited to two events. An event is two players or teams competing. Men’s open limited to a 128-draw.

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

Starting schedule: Sept. 17: Monday 9 a.m. Start all singles Noon Sign-up ends for all doubles Sept. 18: Tuesday 1 p.m. Start all doubles & MXD Players are advised to arrive one day before first scheduled match.

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

Registering online: If you would like to sign up online, go to HTTP:\\tournaments.usta.com and enter ID number: 153302807.

All tournament play will be on site, therefore no transportation will be needed for tournament play.

Name ___________________________________________ Street ___________________________________________ City ___________________ State ______ ZIP __________ Phone ( ) _____________________________________ e-mail __________________________________________ Birthdate _______________ SS No. __________________ USPTA No. _____________ USTA No. ________________ Doubles partner ___________________________________ Birthdate ______________SS No. ____________________ Mixed doubles partner _____________________________ Birthdate ______________SS No. ____________________ I, _____________________________________, hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association, its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA divisions and tournament sponsors, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA International Championships. I assume all risks inherent in my participation.

Ranking TATP/WTA _____________ TUSPTA ________________ TUSTA sectional _________ TUSTA national __________ TState __________________ TW/L record _____________ Attach past and current ranking information if needed.

Fees Singles $50 $ _______ Doubles $20/person $ _______ Mixed doubles $20/person $ _______ Total enclosed $ _______ Entry deadline September 4 Convention registration and

Mail this entry, along with your payment, to: hotel reservations by August 15 USPTA International Championships 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042

Men’s T MOS T M35S T M40S T M45S T M50S T M55S T M60S T M65S T M70S T M75S T M80S T M85S Women’s T WOS T W35S T W40S T W45S T W50S T W55S T W60S T W65S T W70S T W75S

T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T

Wheelchair T MOS T T WOS T T T

MOD M35D M40D M45D M50D M55D M60D M65D M70D M75D M80D M85D WOD W35D W40D W45D W50D W55D W60D W65D W70D W75D MOD WOD

Mixed doubles Mixed 75 doubles

Tennis Across America™ still running strong since its inception in 1990

U

SPTA would like to thank all of its members who participated in the 18th year of Tennis Across America. Many successful events were run throughout the country and globe through Tennis Around the World in Canada, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Even though the Tennis Across America month of May has come and gone, a number of events are still scheduled to take place during the remainder of the year.

The registration deadline was extended this year from July 1 to July 15 to give all our members extra time to register their Tennis Across America events in order to receive credit for themselves and their divisions. If you forgot to register your event this year or turned in your registration form after your event, you missed out on a great opportunity to gain exposure for yourself and your club. We encourage all USPTA members who want to run a Tennis Across America event next year to register their events well in advance to take advantage of all of USPTA’s marketing initiatives. You will bring new exposure

to your event and bring more new, current and returning players into the grassroots level of the game and into your facility’s programs.

USPTA has continued to generate more exposure for its members with Tennis Across America. For the second year in a row we aired a commercial on the Tennis Channel during our TV show, “On Court with USPTA,” in April, May and June. We had numerous calls from consumers asking for clinics in their areas. We referred them to our Tennis Across America section on our Web site that listed all of the registered events that were open to the public. We

Kim Davis, USPTA, brings smiles to the faces of Girl Scouts who earn tennis patches during Tennis Across America clinics in Colorado Springs, Colo.

32

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

also provided them information on USPTA Find-a-Pro, so they could look for professionals in their areas and inquire about specific events.

Marketing tools that were at the professional’s disposal were the program guide, sample press release forms, information on the Web about Tennis Across America, and a Tennis Across America poster in the March issue of ADDvantage. We hope everyone who ran an event took the time to use these publicity tools. If you did not, we suggest you try to use them next year.

You will be surprised at the difference it makes in your event.

Hundreds of events were held throughout the year all over the country. Our New England Division ran a Tennis Across America event during its annual convention on May 20 at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster, Mass. USPTA pros who helped make this event possible were: Jerri DiCamillo, Doug Eng, Jacques Faulise, Bob Kimnach, Keith Kreeger, Erik Krig, Jim Leahy, Wes Martin, Michael Mercier, Lynne Miller, Avis Murray, Steve O’Connell, Nancy Osborne, John Ratto, Al Rogers, Hans Romer, Marcy Rubinstein, Anne Schwartz, Bailey See, Scott Smith, Mike Smookler, Chris Stevens, Henry Tiberio, Wayne Turner and Ann Webb.

The Balboa Tennis Club in San Diego hosted its seventh annual Tennisfest for Tennis Across America on May 6.

More than 1,000 players participated in fun games and activities for over four hours on Balboa’s 25 courts. USPTA pros who helped make this event possible were: Ralph Acosta, Nelson Alapi, Fred Aryee, Carri Barish, Steve Bickham, Ernie Blando, Doug Bradley, Ed Collins, Curt Condon, Andrew Cretella, Vincent Darmohusodo, Jeff Dollins, Geoff Griffin, Monte Grout, Mike Hansan, Steve Kappes, Chad Kawahara, Taffy Lewis, Conan Lorenzo, Mimi Loucks, Gretchen Magers, Eric Mann, Isaac McBroom, Huong Nguyen, Tom Nygaard, Debbie Ouye, Kent Parrot, Dophie Poiset, Ben Press, Jose Ruelas, Randell Thomas and Juan Villanueva.

Free tennis clinics for Girl Scout troops were also held during the USPTA’s Tennis Across America month in Colorado Springs, Colo., on May 19, 20, and 29.

The clinics were held at the Colorado Springs Park and Recreation Woodmen www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Valley Park site and advertised through connections with Girl Scout troop leaders and the Web site WoodmenTennis.com.

The USPTA Intermountain TAA coordinator, Kim Davis, headed the clinics. Davis chose to dedicate free lessons to the Girl Scouts this year for TAA in tribute to her daughter, Krista Davis, who is a Brownie Girl Scout.

The free clinics focused on the fun of tennis while introducing the basic strokes

The success of the event was evident by the smiling faces and inquiries about the Woodmen Valley summer tennis lesson program. The event gave the girls a positive exposure to tennis and inspired many to continue learning more about the game.

Each year, tennis industry stars support Tennis Across America by serving as honorary co-chairs. This year’s co-chairs are former President George Bush; Billie Jean King, sports legend and social pioneer; the World’s

Tennis Across America 2007 at Quince Orchard Swim and Tennis Club in Gaithersburg, Md. Tennis professionals making this event possible: Dr. Tim R. Harvey, executive director, USPTA; Brian K. Fankhauser, director of tennis, USPTA; Mike Cianflone, associate professional; Emi Donadi, associate professional; Dean Floria, associate professional, USPTA; Joe Parish, associate professional, USPTA; Guillermo Osorio, associate professional; and Favio Osorio, associate professional.

of the volley, forehand, and serve. The clinics helped the Brownie Girl Scouts (ages 6-8) receive a sport try-it patch while many of the older Girl Scouts became motivated to take their first step in earning their tennis patches. To receive a tennis patch, Girl Scouts must learn the basic strokes of tennis in a USA Tennis 1-2-3 class or similar series and learn the rules of tennis and scoring. In addition, Girl Scouts must do one other tennis-related activity like attend a tennis competition, find information about a touring tennis player, or volunteer to help at a local tennis program or event.

There was lots of exercise, fun, and excitement with a total of 35 Girl Scouts attending the free clinics. All participants were grateful for the opportunity to take part in USPTA’s Tennis Across America and everyone received prizes that were donated

by Davis Tennis.

No. 1-ranked men’s double team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former touring pros Leslie Allen, Tom Gullikson, Stan Smith and Fred Stolle; Pam Shriver, TV analyst and former touring pro; world-renowned tennis coach and Master Professional Rick Macci; author, speaker and Master Professional Peter Burwash; sports science expert Jack Groppel, Ph.D.; and Wayne Bryan, USPTA member, and father of Mike and Bob Bryan.

USPTA would like to thank everyone who participated in or is planning a 2007 Tennis Across America event. We would also like to offer sincere thanks to HEAD/ Penn Racquet Sports for providing special USPTA Pro Penn Tennis Across America balls as souvenirs.

For more information about Tennis Across America or Tennis Around the World, please contact Rick Bostrom at (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) or sports@ uspta.org. K ADDvantage/August 2007

33

&OR 4ENNIS The No. 1 Performance Analysis Solution!

COMMUNICATE

Bridge the gap between perception and reality, because seeing is believing. > The best learning method is visual - the reason why today’s best instructors teach visually

ANALYZE

Capture the action live or study later - analyze both on and off the court. > See detailed slow motion analysis of a player’s foot work, the trajectory of a ball in flight or of a stroke

> With instant visual feedback, learning is accelerated and player improvementt is immediate

> Break down and analyze, frame-by-frame, each key element of a stroke with precision and accuracy

SHARE

Share best performances and match strategies to optimize communication between player and coach. > Combine video, audio, text and advanced analysis tools to maximize and individualize communication between player and coach > Create customized practice and performance tools for your team or facility

> Smart practice with use of correctt techniques means

> Compare techniques side-by-side, of an athlete’s or

faster and improved performance. Idenfity the cause

client’s progress over time, by seeing specific

of stroke flaws and correct immediately

correction of targeted techniques

> Clear and accurate communication between player and

> Compare your player’s performance to tennis greats

coach, develops coaching credibility and player success > Begin the process of breathrough tennis training with significant results through visual instruction

> Continue practice off the court > Develop remote coaching access for off season training sessions > Increase program, facility orr individual revenue by creating CD’s for camps, clinics, tournaments > Deliver your analysis via e-mail, CD/DVD, Web, print or videotape

I would like to be contacted by Dartfish

endorsed by the USPTA

If you would like to know more about Dartfish products, send an e-mail to usa@dartfish.com, visit www.dartfish.com/contact or contact your closest Dartfish representative by calling 1-888-655-3850.

S O F T WA R E F O R V I D E O A N A LY S I S

Tennis Coaches: You Can Become Etcheberry

Certified

In Strength, Conditioning & Movement PAT ETCHEBERRY A legend in the field of tennis fitness and movement, Pat Etcheberry has trained nearly two dozen Grand Slam winners who have won 28 Australian Opens, 18 Wimbledon Tournaments, 22 US Opens,

Some of Pat Etcheberry's Pro Athletes:

22 French Opens, and 15 Olympic Medals. The list of his Champions read like a Who’s Who of Tennis.

And now, for the first time, Pat is offering a certification program to pass along his fitness, strength and conditioning philosophy and techniques to a new generation of coaches and trainers.

CERTIFICATION CLINICS: This program has only one level of certification and is designed for both coaches and trainers. It consists of a 12-hour, two-day, hands-on Clinic that includes classroom presentations and in-gym and on-court workout sessions. Candidates must successfully pass both written and performance tests on the materials presented in both settings. These clinics are tennisspecific, and focus on information you need to train your players to be healthier, stronger, faster and mentally tougher with far greater stamina … the Etcheberry way.

AVAILABILITY: Clinics in 2007 will be offered at the Etcheberry Sports Performance Center in Tampa, Florida, and at regional locations throughout the US. Enrollment is limited.

Sept. 10 & 11

Bannatynes Health & Fitness Club

London, UK

Sept. 22 & 23

USPTA World Conference

The Saddlebrook Resort

Nov. 3 & 4

Springhurst Tennis Club

Lexington, KY

Dec. 17 & 18

ITA Convention

Naples, FL

VALUE-ADDED: As an Etcheberry Certified coach or trainer, you can advertise your unique qualifications and charge more for your distinct expertise. But there’s more! A few of the more than a dozen extra financial and marketing benefits you receive include …

•

Pat's new book My Secrets to Championship Performance

•

Pat’s DVD series Strength & Conditioning for Serious Tennis: Coaches’ Edition

•

Free advertising space and your bio on our website.

•

A referral system to hook you up with prospective clients.

•

A Press Kit including press releases and pictures of you and Pat.

•

Earn extra income with our Affiliate Program.

USPTA Members are Eligible for a $100 Discount & 4 CEUs.

EtcheberryExperience.com

Sampras Agassi Henin-Hardenne Seles Fish Capriati Courier Blake Bruguera Sanchez-Vicario

Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; World Conference, 8 credits) Aug. 24-25

Texas Division Grapevine, Texas

Sept. 17-22 USPTA World Conference on Tennis Wesley Chapel, Fla. Oct. 8-9

Hawaii/San Diego divisions TBD

Oct. 26-27

Southwest Division Scottsdale, Ariz.

specialist degrees ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Little Tennis® Facility Management Computer Technology Sport Science Competitive Player Development Pro Shop Operations Wheelchair Tennis

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for CRC segment) Aug. 13-14 Aug. 17-18 Aug. 18-19 Aug. 18-19 Aug. 18-19 Aug. 24-25 Aug. 24-25 Aug. 24-25 Aug. 27-28 Aug. 30-31 Sept. 7-8 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 9-10 Sept. 29-30 Sept. 29-30 Oct. 6-7

Torrance, Calif.

Lexington, Ky. Atlanta San Diego Rochester, N.Y. Gastonia, N.C. Laie, Hawaii Nashville, Tenn.

Sacramento, Calif.

St. Charles, Mo. Minneapolis Aurora, Ill. Boca Raton, Fla. Greensboro, N.C. McLean, Va. Augusta, Ga. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Industry Hills, Calif.

Oct. 6-7 Oct. 10-11 Oct. 12-13 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 13-14 Oct. 14-15 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 22-23 Oct. 24-25 Oct. 27-28 Oct. 27-28 Oct. 27-28 Nov. 3-4 Nov. 3-4

Rochester, Mich.

Flushing, N.Y. Oklahoma City St. Paul, Minn.

Hartsville, S.C. Hot Springs, Ark. Fort Worth, Texas Atlanta Frederick, Md. Tallahassee, Fla. Houston* Mesa, Ariz.

Brunswick, Maine Fayetteville, N.C. College Park, Md. Charleston, S.C. Mequon, Wis.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Exam reser vations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CRC 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.

specialty courses CPD (Competitive Player Development) – 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.

cardio tennis Oct. 1

Midtown Tennis Club – Chicago

Incorporating modern video analysis technology into tennis instruction, Aug. 25, Grapevine, Texas, W. Pretorius Technical solutions to tactical problems: The how to’s of the forehand topspins, Sept. 18, Wesley Chapel, Fla., B. Hobden Motor learning/sport psychology, Sept. 18, Wesley Chapel, Fla., M. Kernodle, Ph.D./D. Gould, Ph.D. Advanced stroke production, Sept. 19, Wesley Chapel, Fla., S. Oley The essentials of shot making, Sept. 19, Wesley Chapel, Fla., J. Yandell Little Tennis®, Sept. 20, Wesley Chapel, Fla., T. Gilbert Sport physiology/nutrition, Sept. 20, Wesley Chapel, Fla., S. Riewald, Ph.D./ P. Love A system for supervision, Sept. 21, Wesley Chapel, Fla., B. Fackel Biomechanics/sports medicine, Sept. 21, Wesley Chapel, Fla., S. Riewald, Ph.D./C. Thompson Speed, agility and quickness, Sept. 22, Wesley Chapel, Fla., P. Etcheberry Cardio Tennis, Sept. 22, Wesley Chapel, Fla., M. Krause

Please visit www.growingtennis.com (workshops) to register online.

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. Schedule is subject to change.

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information or e-mail education@uspta.org.

Earn education credits from World Conference DVDs (Seminar DVDs, ½ credit/specialty course DVDs, 2 credits) Receive your education credit report card via e-mail by visiting the members-only section of uspta.com.

36

ADDvantage/August 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

industry action Members Zach Kleiman puts a new spin on the term “mental game.”

This USPTA Professional prompts his students to look at their emoKleiman tional issues as well as the ball. Kleiman combines talk therapy with physical activity – tennis instruction – to help clients improve both their mental state and personal relationships. Kleiman is based at Studio City (Calif.) Tennis and Golf Club and Toluca Lake Tennis Club in Los Angeles.

He also travels to private courts. His clients include Hollywood actors, film producers and screenwriters, as well as people from other walks of life. He has appeared on “Good Morning America.” Although he uses techniques from Freud and Jung, Kleiman is not a licensed therapist and makes that clear to his clients. However, he does receive referrals from mental health professionals in the Los Angeles area.

A USPTA member since 1976, he has been teaching tennis for 30 years and has led clinics all over the country.

Tim Beyer, USPTA, has been hired as a new markets sales associate for Lee Tennis. Beyer’s efforts will center on creating HarTru® and ClayTech™ playing experiences for players in nontraditional clay court markets such as northern and southern California and Arizona. The addition of Beyer is a result of Lee

38

ADDvantage/August 2007

Tennis’ commitment to advancing the clay court experience nationally by further educating pros, club owners and players about the benefits of clay tennis surfaces. In his previous role as director of research and statistical marketing with USPTA, Beyer served as a valuable resource for the association by representing USPTA at national shows and working on various initiatives such as the Player Development Program. Beyer is a graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management Program. He currently lives in Charlottesville, Va.

Miscellany In May, coaches at Frog Hollow Racquet Club in Lansdale, Pa., volunteered their time to teach tennis to kids in wheelchairs or with mental disabilities. The coaches recently were certified in wheelchair tennis

by Dan James, USPTA, USTA’s national manager for wheelchair tennis. The newly certified wheelchair tennis pros taught the kids skills in mobility, stroke production, strategy and finally wheelchair tennis integration. Frog Hollow has seen the progression of wheelchair tennis and how the Paralympics are quickly becoming one of the world’s biggest sports.

Frog Hollow coaches wanted to give back where they know they can make an impact. In order to continue this development, Frog Hollow will now offer regularly scheduled wheelchair tennis clinics.

Donna Yuritic Raises $12,000 for charity in 24-hour marathon USPTA Professional Donna Yuritic played a 24-hour marathon of tennis for charity at the Village Health & Racquet Club in Phoenix, Ariz., last April. She raised more than $12,000 for Phoenix After School Sports (PASS), an organization that promotes education and opportunities to disadvantaged children through tennis.

Yuritic played an amazing 381 games during the marathon.

Her competitiveness as a past national doubles champion and ranked player fueled her Herculean effort. Her serve was only broken once during the entire 24 hours.

Her quest began on Saturday morning at 8 a.m. She had two simple rules: 1) She was allowed one five-minute break every hour. 2) Every hour three new participants would make a donation to play doubles with her.

She also battled a fourth opponent, the weather. Within the first five hours the tempera- PASS professional Tony Reyes, USPTA, ture had risen to a brutal and Yuritic with some of the PASS kids.

101 degrees.

Many friends were cheerleading throughout the night and motivating music helped her cruise to the 8 a.m. finish on Sunday morning.

One of the Village members, Sam Evans, sold lemonade all day to help Yuritic’s cause to support the PASS kids.

Yuritic is the tennis adult program coordinator at the Village Health & Racquet Club. She has been a teaching professional for 30 years. She has volunteered for many community service projects and was recognized as the Professional of the Year by the Southwest United States Professional Tennis Association in 2005.

Yuritic (second from right) and three participants after 22 hours. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

industry action The 27th Annual International Tennis Hall of Fame gala in New York – now called “The Legends Ball” – will be held Sept. 7 to honor the 2007 induction class and celebrate the sport.

The 2007 Hall of Fame inductees are Pete Sampras, Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Russ Adams and Sven Davidson. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the second annual Eugene L. Scott Award to Andre Agassi.

The award honors an individual who embodies Scott’s commitment to communicating honestly and critically about the game, and who has had a significant impact on the tennis world. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the event, call (212) 843-1740 or e-mail legendsball@ hgnyc.com.

Trinity University in San Antonio hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Clarence Mabry Pavilion at Delavan Tennis Stadium in May. The pavilion, which will serve as a tournament headquarters and press box for varsity tennis matches, is named for Clarence Mabry, a former coach of the Tiger men’s tennis team who retired in 1974. An initiative spearheaded by alumni of the Trinity tennis program secured pledges of more than $518,000 for construction of the pavilion.

Mabry, now 81 years old, is considered the “father of Trinity tennis,” having coached the teams from 1956 to 1974. He amassed a record of 319-036 and led the team to the 1972 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

NCAA Division I National Championship. Mabry was inducted into the inaugural Trinity University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999. He is also a member of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, and the University of Texas Hall of Honor, and the USPTA Hall of Fame.

The St. Paul (Minn.) Urban Tennis Program, under the direction of Susan Furtney, USPTA, was one of 17 organizations nationwide, and the only one in the USTA Northern section, to receive a Tennis and Education Foundation Grant from the USTA. St. Paul Urban received $15,000. The USTA Tennis and Education Foundation offers aid to nonprofit organizations that support efforts to help disadvantaged and at-risk youth and adults with disabilities.

Consideration is given to NJTL programs and those following the “Aces for Kids” model. The mission of the St. Paul Urban Tennis Program is to integrate the diverse cultures that compose our community and provide an arena where all youth, from all circumstances, can learn and play as one.

Roald Flater, longtime USPTA pro from Evergreen, Colo., won the USTA National Indoor 80

Singles Championship at Vancouver, Wash., defeating the No. 1-ranked player in the United States, Bob Meyerdirks (Fla.) 6-4, 7-6 in the final. A few days later, Flater also won the USTA National Hardcourt 80 Doubles Championship at Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., with partner, Graydon Nichols, (California) over Roberts and Smith (Texas) 6-3, 6-3 in the final. Flater also was the finalist in the 80 singles division. Flater now has won 10 gold and silver balls in U.S. National Championships and has won 15 USPTA National Championships.

Peter Burwash International (PBI) has signed an agreement to direct the tennis operation for the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi beginning Oct. 1. Kempinski Hotels operates the Emirates Palace, located on Abu Dhabi’s beautiful sandy beach. The elegant Emirates Palace (www.emiratespalace.com) opened in 2005 at a reported cost of $3 billion. It features four lighted cushioned hardcourts, two pool landscapes, two fitness centers and a spa, as well as 302 rooms and 92 suites.

World leaders and celebrities – ranging from Hollywood actors to Jordan’s king and queen – have been guests there. Peter Burwash International is the world’s largest tennis program/management firm with 93 professionals staffing 52 tennis resorts, hotel and clubs around the world. It is directed by USPTA Master Professional Peter Burwash.

Passings Gordon Jorgensen, 86, of Indian Wells and Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., passed away June 10 at his home in Indian Wells. He was an active member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board and Executive Committee from 1984 to 1994.

At the outset of World War II, Jorgensen secured an appointment at the USMS Radio Communication School, graduating eight months later with the grade of ensign. He served in the North Pacific, Indian Ocean, and South Pacific theaters of war, receiving his discharge papers as Lt (Jg) from the U.S. Coast Guard in December 1945. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1948 from the University of Washington. He joined the consulting engineering firm of R.W. Beck and Associates, rising rapidly in the firm, becoming a partner in 1964 and subsequently president of its international operations.

Jorgensen also pursued his favorite sport of tennis, playing in amateur events in the United States, Europe and Canada. and found time to be of assistance in the administrative aspects of the game, serving as president of the Phoenix District Tennis Association; the Southwestern Tennis Association; board member of the United States Tennis Association; chairman United States Davis Cup Committee (seven years); chairman, U. S. Open; and president of the United States Tennis Association (1987-1988).

Flater ADDvantage/August 2007

39

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

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