Addvantage 2007 December

contents the total professional – enhancing your career 21 Generating more revenue through marketing –

by Pat Guerry, USPTA – How to increase your sales using a strong marketing plan

departments 3 CEO’s message 5 First vice president’s message 7 Pro to pro

news

14 Question of the month 14 Classifieds

2 USPTA welcomes new members 12 Web site offers tips, drills for high school coaches

26 USPTA drills

13 USPTA pros honored as Racquet Sports Industry magazine’s 2007 “Champions of Tennis”

28 Career development 30 Industry action

23 Free promotion, teaching tools are yours with a USPTA personal Web site 24 Georgia’s Motevassel and Pennsylvania’s Lai capture singles title at the USPTA Hard Court Championships 25 Tennis industry contacts

HEAD contract 15 16 17 18 19 20

USPTA staff contract procedures USPTA staff contract 2008 Master Pro and Pro 1 order form 2008 Pro 2 order form 2008 Pro 3 and Developmental Coach order form Preferred pricing reorder form

Special insert – The role of the parent-coach

On the cover … Lorenzo Beltrame, USPTA, is a parent-coach to son Sebastian, 12, who is ranked in the top 20 in the Florida Section’s boys’ 12 age division.

volume 31 • issue 11

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/December 2007

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USPTA welcomes new members Congratulations to the following new USPTA members who fulďŹ lled requirements between July 1 and October 31.

Certified members California Edmond Avedisian Robert G. Bryant Aaron Davenport Abdellah El Farissi Marshall K. Gustafson Matthew S. Jones Anthony P. Nguyen Charles M. Nuwer Kirk R. Schaaf Ann Trondson Yuliya Ustyuzhanina Glenn Weiner Mark J. Windes Nina Yaftali Matthew A. Young Eastern Krystina A. Bachner Joshua D. Bartolotta Charles B. Capp Vijay K. Chaudhuri Jon P. Clair Matthew Deitch Genevieve G. Gramatica Peter D. Hufnagel Samuel J. Imburgia Billy R. Jackson Bashitha Kariyawasam Bandar I. Kayali Keith Kessler Zlata Kobzantsev Ewa B. Laskey Brian M. Leo Heather A. Leo Geoffre LoConte Justin A. Loeb Paul McDonald Michael A. Misiti Cleary A. Packard Marcin Polak David Przystasz Jared Rosenberg Travis M. Wilkerson Katlyn S. Yen Lauren Zieja Florida Steven H. Adler Benjamin T. Adrian William Almeyda III Luke A. Andreae Gary R. Clermont Geoff Cobb Brian D. Corder Mary Dailey Naomi J. Davies Michelle L. Denmark Robin E. Denton Simon G. Firth Jason A. Fonoti Radka Hovorkova Imeh Joshua Martin D. Kelly Pieter J. Kriek Ivan Lalic Ryan G. Lyke Carl J. Mimms Dan Moenning T. A. Niles Gervis Ochoa Mirko Pehar Shaun Pilling Anup S. Rashtrawar Horacio Rearte Albert Richards John A. Richards Ivona Strycova James E. Thompson Toy Tingsombutyout Joe Venezia Matthew S. Verborn John M. White Evin J. Wrighton

Intermountain Sean C. Amberg Ismael Blanco Steve Boorstein Royce D. Cappis Janessa A. Clark Mary K. Clarke Peter C. DeBooy Shiho Fukushima Martha D. Gonzales John Goodrich Jeremy C. Hynds Robb D. Julian Timothy D. King Stoyan K. Kirkov Sean J. Monk John K. Rhodes Klara Sprojcarova Perry B. Wright International Noam Behr Gonzalo J. Freile Petra Gaspar Gergely Hultai Daniel Lencina Petra Mandula Eduardo A. Marin Carlos Martin Martinez Ramon Pardo Rodrigo Pena Gary Purcell Tupac A. Venero Montes JPTA Norio Fukaya Tsukasa Ito Kazuki Kajigaya Yukinori Kajimaru Eiji Kumagai Naoki Kumaoki Yoshiyuki Kuwabara Masahiro Maeda Kei Mizuguchi Masami Nakamura Hideyasu Nobetoki Naoki Nomoto Takayuki Sato Kazunari Shiomi Norio Tanaka Masayuki Yamaguchi Taira Yoshida Mid-Atlantic Chris M. Akers Emre I. Baris Danny Cheng Tech K. Cheng Adam M. Comarow John Conway Steven E. Diamond Edward W. Hagens Micahel R. Huddleston Abdul R. Jordan Ashley E. Keefer Steven A. Krieger Deepak Lall Paul S. Maxwell Karima I. Mikou Michael D. Morrello James V. Pattan Jon Prenelle Mark T. Schminke Katerina Stecova Middle States Gino C. Carosella Ruth A. Hessert Christine Macur Kelsey M. Mansmann Jeff M. Monhait Bill D. Neal Bob Phillips Piotr Rusinkiewicz

Midwest Bradley C. Anderson Shawn S. Barone Robert M. Champlin Christopher A. Ciesla John D. Cincola Brian M. Cook Rebecca S. Dinsick Jacob R. Dowdell Kathy K. Flynn Ricky S. Garrett Cameron B. Genter Milo R. Glendenning Alan L. Goeppinger Richard K. Johnson Junyoung Kim Andrei Kisliak Mark H. Lundgren Jeff L. Modrow David J. Mullins Mark Nunez Richard Petak Jonathan M. Przybyl Rod Read Casey Reynolds Mark W. Richard Amanda L. Savage Stephen Schram Emilie O. Sechaud Scott L. Shafer Timothy J. Shaw Austin Soliz Larry H. Stark Joshua A. Surowski William C. Toulios Anna Volberg Chris K. Wagner Robert J. West Gregory A. Zilo Missouri Valley Amine Boustani Scott M. Elwell Cassin M. Foster Kyle C. Hansen James A. Lankey Steve R. Merkle Moira T. Roush Tylor A. Schlader New England Charles S. Bush Humberto E. Catter Loceilia S. Clay Joseph J. Denny Emmanuel Dodoo Scott B. Factor Cristelle G. Fox Peter G. George Sally A. Goldman Drew W. Goldstein Sari Guttin Christopher S. Hibbard Arthur B. Jerome Richard J. Lane II Nathan P. LeFevre Alyssa D. Niemiec Todd P. Nolen Michael A. Pearson Yaniv Rosenfeld Daniel R. Turpin Gene Valentine Rafael C. Vieira Elisabeth L. Von Brecht Northern Jesse A. Brauer Greg P. Hamman Brandon J. Heath Christopher C. Konecne Donna Ricco Jessica A. Rich Kara A. Schmitz

Northern California Joseph K. Adams Akshay Arora Jose M. Esparza Richard Ess Joshua A. Halpin Scott Howard Dennis M. Maloney Christine C. Suard Arun K. Subramanian Katharina F. Winterhalter Jarett A. Wright Pacific Northwest John T. McElroy Mark S. Schneider Gary L. Summerfield San Diego Craig A. Belinsky Leif Meineke Abel Rullier James C. Theisen Oliver Vorwald Southern John Agori Rob Bakker Oscar Blacutt Lewis B. Bolin Jr. David L. Bowman Claire Conerly Robert T. Currier Elliot K. Elkins Perry Gaskell Patrick R. Hayes Jennifer J. Heifner Kofi P. Hemmingway Jordan J. Isom Curtis Jackson Christopher P. Jones Elizabeth D. Kernodle Johan Kjellsten Mark Kovacs Lisa Krupp John A. Lawrence Lynn K. Mallard Mike McDowell John R. Meyer Vu Nguyen Femi Odeyemi-Musa Anders G. Oding Corey Oliphant Karatina Petrovic Aaron M. Petty Haley A. Prevatt Louis ReVille Lisa H. Robinette Daniel A. Singer Jeff M. Stone Eric D. Street William R. Taylor Yann J. Thefaine Cameron L. Tinkham Robert T. Tomlinson Shannon Vivian Mark G. Wales Caroline T. Winebrenner William C. York Job G. Zarate John E. Zimmerman Southwest James A. Bongiovi Tamir A. Dossiea Eric M. Engelsgjerd Porfierio Gonzalez Seok Kang Lon C. Mlnarik Sharif S. Moustafa Steve Mulvihill Eyal Ran Robert J. Reyes Reilly O. Sith Ray D. Wardlaw Wesley N. Whitehouse Allison J. Wood

Texas Caleb B. Brown Ernest W. Cochran George A. Dennis Kelly M. Dugan David R. Erlich Douglas J. Fair Sanjay Gulati Matthew S. Hoover Brian J. Hull Anna Juaneza Clint D. Laukhuf Zachary T. Malmgren Seth H. McCarthy David McKinney Mark R. Milner Casey E. Morgan Trevor Ncube Mimi Nieporte-Bliss Dustin M. Noonkester Joe M. Olfindo Richard D. Perreras David P. Petros Carlos G. Quijano Eduardo Ramos Femi J. Thomas Brett Womack Developmental Coaches California Kim Ahaja Herbert R. Bartel Mark Braksator Scot Crofut Jim Cunningham Marc J. Herron Dennis A. Laws Euzebio Lee Craig A. Mott Charles R. Provencio Darren Stevens Eastern Ron Gentner Leon Yosef Gershman Scott M. Gilroy Cecilia Huang Gary C. Marshall Steven M. McGary Gary B. Petersel Kevin J. Pittz Gregory P. Stoffer Jerome Torres Susan M. Vidal Florida Stacey L. Allen William Amleyda Jr Charles Andrade Sheila A. Etchison Lou Ann Fortner Valerie M. Herrero James R. House Alejandro Ibarra Harold Imhoff Charles E. Melin Megan S. Miller Timothy J. Morey Martha Poitevent Bobby Ritacco Lilivette Rivera Jennifer Sideregts Graham Stuart Laura J. Toth Leslee A. VanBoven Roy A. Wallace Magali Weaver Intermountain Elizabeth H. Brower Robert Campbell International Jose Miguel Mesa

Mid-Atlantic Donald P. Reed Jr. Paul F. Rosenbaum Matthew Rosner Patricia Unger Angela M. Walters Middle States Nicole Bizuga Rae K. Fairfield Pennie S. Freet Connie A. Hill David O. Hopkins Jose Mieres Sunil K. Saxena Kathleen Yakob Midwest Anton K. Dimitrov Katrina M. Evans Sue Kaschalk Rebekah R. Leavey Kevin W. Shaffer Carla J. Sorg Steven I. Summers Valerie Wallace Missouri Valley Phillip L. Coughran Terry Sorensen New England Cheryl A. Connors Peter A. Holt Alexander C. Lloyd John Pirtel Ruthanne D. Rothman Ravi Saranu Northern Chris B. Anderson DiAnn E. Anderson Northern California Edward Dong Eloy R. Ortega Pacific Northwest Michael V. Brock Daniel M. Harris Laurie G. Olafson Mona Yarnall San Diego Nikki M. Gelso Eugenio Rivera Southern Kyle R. Berner Katherine P. Hearn Vincent T. Liu Bill S. Oliver Lewis Stiles Robert W. Tucker Southwest Roger Grantham Stewart Stanger Texas Dennis R. Daugherty Michael J. Gavion Alan B. Hubble Jennifer D. Jones Debbie C. Leecock Rodney B. Liebold Kevin M. Palmer Nancy L. Rushefsky Courtney J. Slater Michael Smart Edna Trevino Tina J. Wolfford

CEO’s message The teaching pro and parent-coaches Create well-rounded players with winning relationships

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ith this issue of ADDvantage, USPTA in any way that works with your particular program launches a series of articles on parent- and teaching style. Let them know how important they are to the overall development of the player. coaches.

In developing this first special insert, we tried Your inclusiveness might encourage their individual to anticipate the response of USPTA Professionals participation in tennis if they don’t already play, and to information that emphasizes the involvement of it may result in their referrals of other children and the parent-coach in the development of a tennis parents to you – which translates into more lesson revenue! player.

The insert in the middle of this magazine includes Many teaching pros are opposed to parental involvement and feel it is counterproductive to several parts. After a brief introduction, the insert explains the two pathways of “Learning” their efforts to develop a child and and “Playing” for all players. It details direct him or her without distracthe six general components of learning tions. Others worry that any promothat are necessary to learn the game of tion of parent-coach roles will result tennis or any discipline. The “playing” in fewer lessons for tennis teachers portion follows and describes one of and a diminished role for certified the most difficult of all topics for most professionals. The last thing USPTA parent-coaches to understand: the members want is to hand over the job requirements and progressions of the of coaching to inexperienced people, competitive structure of tennis and including parents. how to transition from one level to the Let me assure you that parentnext. I’ve outlined the nine distinct coaches are not a threat to your lesson Tim Heckler levels of competition in simplified base, your coaching duties or your terms. It explains how parents and jobs. First of all, most parents will never achieve the technical expertise of a certified coaches can take a player from the beginning stages pro, nor will they achieve the expertise in the general of Little Tennis all the way up to the ATP and WTA performance components of learning to be a threat to professional tours (or anywhere in between). It’s an absolute “must you and become read” for teachers his or her child’s Regardless of a parent’s involvement in his child’s tennis of all levels. primary tennis training, he or she coaches that child in many other areas that The insert also instructor. play a role in creating a successful player in both tennis and life. defines five levHowever, you els of the parentcan’t deny that every parent is a coach in every aspect of his or her coach. The levels clearly delineate the varying child’s life. Parents coach life’s lessons, whether it degrees of parental involvement.

One parent-coach might focus solely on assisting is teaching a child proper etiquette, helping with schoolwork, guiding social interaction, or teach- as a volunteer in USPTA Little Tennis® programs, ing proper nutrition. So, regardless of a parent’s and defer all athletic development to the professional involvement in his child’s tennis training, he or she tennis coach. coaches that child in many other areas that play a Some parent-coaches are skilled at both playrole in creating a successful player in both tennis ing and coaching and include some of your fellow and life.

USPTA pros, much like Lorenzo Beltrame and his My advice would be to involve parent-coaches son, who are pictured on the cover of this magazine. continued next page

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/December 2007

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from previous page These people may choose to coach their own children.

Obviously, these parent-coaches have more expertise than the average parent, and most of them would rarely consider turning over most of their child’s training to another tennis coach. Still fewer parent-coaches, such as Yuri Sharapov, father of Maria Sharapova, or Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena Williams, take on the full-time role of a touring parent-coach or manager. These parents travel with their children to tournaments, oversee the player’s training and generally manage their children’s tennis life.

Let me assure you that parent-coaches are not a threat to your lesson base, your coaching duties or your jobs.

So, as you can see, the role of parent-coaches can be part of an extremely broad landscape. Nevertheless, history shows they play very important roles, regardless of their degree of involvement.

I hope you will become an active part of our work with parent-coaches. Whether you are a parent-coach yourself, or interact with any of the five levels of parentcoaches, we believe this material will be beneficial to your coaching and to your relationships with students and their parents. K

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

First vice president’s message USPTA Professionals are leaders

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tions and the World Conference provide continuing education, and the networking and interaction with your peers at educational forums alert you to the variety of methods that other tennis professionals use to accomplish the same tasks you do.

When working with our Professional Tennis Management students at Ferris State University, I often offer this analogy to them: We (the PTM program and university) will offer you (the PTM students) a complete buffet of information and educational resources. We invite you to come and sit at the table and eat from the buffet ... it’s all you can eat!

We all have heard of the phrase, “knowledge is power,” and it cannot be more true. Although our jobs and • “Leaders have the vision of what personal lives consume the majority needs to be accomplished. Leaders of our time, why not try to add to are aware of objectives and the stratthe total package? egy/tactics needed, versus Managers Tom Daglis Complete the chart below uswho are more analytical and see ing self-evaluation. Note the areas things more in black and white.” specific to your background that are average and • “Leaders are more flexible, versus Managers who below average. Strive to be above average. Strive to are more rigid and demanding.” be a leader! K eadership! USPTA-certified professionals are held in high esteem by the tennis-playing public as leaders in the industry. What does that mean? It means you are viewed as an expert in a multitude of areas: racquet repair and customization, teaching techniques, programming, court maintenance and construction, pro shop operations, and tournament management, to name a few.

Leaders are managers of people, however, there is a significant difference between leaders and managers.

Sivertson (1996) describes some differences between leadership skills and manager skills when working within an organization:

• “Leaders are willing to work, discuss and explain policies to staff, versus Managers who are interested in enforcing policies.”

• “Leaders are open to improving and growing within the guidelines of an organization’s policies, versus Managers who are often cautious about making changes.

A key to leadership is personal growth, which comes in a variety of forms. It can be knowledgebased, such as building on those skills you already possess; it can be activity-based, such as involvement with USPTA divisions and/or other tennis industry entities; and it can be mentally based, such as improvement in motivation and/or self esteem.

I would like to focus on the personal growth aspect that is knowledge-based. USPTA’s educational resources offer such a variety of learning opportunities. Our USPTA specialist degrees allow members to become proficient in a specific area of expertise, the many specialty courses offered at divisional convenwww.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Sivertson, D., Net Profit, A Business Guide for Tennis Professionals, Dallas (1996).

Area of Expertise Adult Programming

Below Average

Average Above Average

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Harry Gilbert

First Vice President Vice Presidents

Tom Daglis Mark Fairchilds Jack Groppel Randy Mattingley Tom McGraw

Secretary-treasurer

Paula Scheb

Past President

Ron Woods

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

H.R. Topham

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator 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

Competitive Player Development

Membership/ Melony DeLoach Insurance Assistant

Computer Technology

Payroll/Benefits

Court Construction Court Maintenance

Financial Manager Controller

Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler Ellen Weatherford

Merchandise/ Shelina Harris Accounting Assistant

Facility Management

Legal Counsel

Junior Programming

Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

Little Tennis Pro Shop Operations Sport Science Tennis Business Skills Tennis Technique Knowledge Tournament Operations Wheelchair Tennis

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

Central time

ADDvantage/December 2007

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ADDvantage/December 2007

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Lift the net, hide the lines, raise your game

by Jim Shull, USPTA Double trouble The predator stalking your match is not the opponent on the other side of the net – it is the net itself! The net is merciless, forever grabbing the ball and killing the point. Even advanced players have three times as many balls go into the net as they hit out.

But there is a second, and more subtle, problem caused by the net.

Only because the net is “transparent” can you see your opponent’s court from your own baseline. This view is insidious because it tempts you to aim directly at the opponent’s court. Unfortunately, this approach produces the second most common “error” in advanced tennis – the short ball. Gravity never sleeps, your opponent moves forward, and you pay! Simply put, when your opponent is back, you have to aim higher – period – and that requires a particular set of trainable skills, both physical and mental.

Overload with “windows” Experience shows that attempting greater depth by aiming directly at ground targets doesn’t work well. A better way to aim is to find a particular window over the net that will allow you to deliver the ball to your objective on the ground. This requires that the ball be hit with a proper combination of direction, arc, spin, and pace. (See the excellent article by Tom Nelson titled “Arc-ology 101” in the January ’05 issue of ADDvantage.) To acquire the mindset for this indirect approach, you need to use drills that make practice more difficult than matches. This technique can be called “overloading.”

Many sports use the idea in one form or another. Sprinters run sand dunes, baseball players swing weighted bats, and basketball players shoot at undersized rims. Equipment is now available that enables tennis players to overload too.

To overload, in most situations, the net has to be raised. Devices exist that raise the net, hide the net and opponent’s court completely, or impose a ceiling. Players must learn a new, and indirect, targeting technique to achieve the appropriate depth for each situation. To learn to hit a particular ground target, the key is to aim directly at a window in space along the net rather than aiming at the ground target itself; the ball finds the ground target indirectly.

Ground targets remain the ultimate goal for each shot, of course, but the technique for reaching the goal needs to be modified. With the new approach, success is achieved indirectly. Furthermore, realistic ground targets are not what you might think. They should consist of a 6-foot diameter circle and a 6-foot diameter semicircle for ground strokes, a 2-foot diameter circle for serve, and a 6-by-3-foot www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

rectangular target for doubles (see photo below). Of course, when ground targets are needed in live drills, safety concerns dictate the use of flat targets (target dots or dashes) rather than PVC pipe. All of these targets might look huge up close, but they are amazingly hard to hit in a match. The key to hitting them lies in the indirect approach. Both consistency and accuracy are learned faster when you direct each shot through a zone in space, a window, above the net. To advanced players, who learned the game aiming at the court surface, this major mental shift will feel strange at first. New imagery, which will produce greater accuracy, particularly more depth, has to be internalized by repetitive and sequential training over time; it cannot be just “willed” on match day.

Temporary ground targets help to picture proper target windows in the space above the net.

The overload progression With apologies to BASF, “We don’t make the drills you use; we make the drills you use better!” Pros, coaches and players, don’t abandon your tried-and-true drills that have proved their worth over the years.

Just overload and shift the emphasis by adding the indirect approach embodied in the Lifter Target progression which follows. Here is how the five-step progression toward new imagery works: Step I: For groundstroke depth (passing shots, serves, and service returns follow similar principles), do the drill you have chosen by hitting over a standard net with 6-foot diameter targets (dot circles or dashes) in place on the ground. This will reveal your current skill level and will establish a baseline for comparison purposes later. Having done that, four steps follow, not necessarily on the same day: continued next page ADDvantage/December 2007 7

from previous page Step II: To battle the short ball, create target windows by lifting the net and using properly placed target rod pairs for the same drill you just did. As an example, picture a groundstroke situation from the deep right corner. Photo No. 1 demonstrates the width of the target windows over the net (roughly four feet), which are dictated by the lines of sight crossing the net from the edges of the 6-foot targets. The harder you typically hit, the less the net has to be lifted, but it does have to be lifted – and higher than you think!

As an advanced player, you probably aspire to “keep the ball deep.”

In fact, your coach or pro may already be trying various methods to increase your depth. Unfortunately, a well-struck ball feels good, whether or not it lands deep, and you may be failing to really notice that it has landed short. Why is it, when two players seem equally matched, the same player consistently loses? Often it is because, under pressure, one player tends to land the ball a little short! A worthy opponent moves forward into that short ball and proceeds to dictate play with power or placement. With a lifted net in place, you get instant feedback if your habitual trajectory is too flat; the ball simply doesn’t clear the net!

Step III: Take away the ground targets completely by using an opaque net and target rods in the same positions used in the earlier drill (photo No. 2). The opponent’s side of the court has now become invisible from your baseline. The opaque net leaves no doubt that you are finally aiming at a window in space; there is nothing else left to aim at! Your drilling partner/opponent will give you one-word feedback about where your ball lands. Often when players drill “blind” this way, they report “less distraction” and that “it feels like bowling by the marks.” Competitive points or games played over an opaque net quickly highlight your need for depth control and a higher margin of safety.

Step IV: Use a lifted headband (some prefer a lifted cable for volley-to-volley drills) with target rod pairs still in the same positions, that puts the window for a deep ball above the lifted headband but the window for a short, wide passing shot is below or barely above it (photo No. 3). The deep groundstroke and the short, wide crosscourt require different trajectories, and therefore different spins and pace, but these shots can be practiced in the same drill using a lifted headband. The opponent’s court is again fully visible, and the overand-under configuration offers a unique, and useful, perspective.

Remember, in doubles, when groundstrokes are sent short and wide, and in volleying rallies at the net, the target window shifts from left to right as opponents shift, and is below the lifted headband between the opponents most of the time. The ability to hit the low, middle window is an essential skill because it automatically delivers the ball to the opponents’ feet. This, in turn, elicits a high ball or even a sitter.

In doubles, it is trite but true, “Hit feet to defeat; hit high and die.”

Effective low-ball drills require a ceiling!

Step V: Complete the progression by returning to the conventional net at conventional height with no target rods. Do the drill again, but with new insight. The net will feel low and the drill will feel easy. Although hard to quantify, your skill level will have risen even in a single practice session, and almost certainly you will have new insight into trajectories and targets.

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In competition, an almost malicious net looms as a double menace.

It either grabs the ball outright, or it offers an expansive view of the opponent’s court, which can lull you into hitting short. Both threats can be countered using this progression. Proper training can change shot elevation and raise your game. However, you have to overload, which means you must make targeting in practice more demanding than in a match. Although this usually requires you to lift the net, occasionally you must impose a ceiling. With a lifted net and revised imagery, an entirely new mind-set is the goal, where the primary target is a window in space – high and close – the ground target is secondary, and depth control is born of the indirect approach. K For more information on the Lifter Target system, call Advantage/ Thomco at 800-328-0075 or e-mail ask_adv@libby.org.

Photo No. 1

Photo No. 2

Photo No. 3 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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Web site offers tips, drills for high school coaches

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he USPTA High School Coaches Resource Center is a Web site that features extensive resources for high school tennis coaches and others who work with high school tennis teams and players. This site is free to USPTA members and is offered on a subscription basis for nonmembers.

This Web site offers materials that are unique to the site and cannot be found on USPTA’s other Web sites. USPTA developed the new site, at www.highschoolcoaches.uspta.com, to assist high school and other coaches who shape thousands of young tennis players each year. Its goal is to help coaches organize effective team practices for large groups.

USPTA is offering a one-day free trial for non-USPTA members.

Great benefits of this site include: 1. Team practice template. This can be modified with resources from the site with simple cut-and-paste options for various levels of players and for every type of practice session.

2. Large library of drills and games. To be used in conjunction with the practice template, the drills and games can be pasted into the practice template. The drills are developed specifically for the team environment and help coaches keep large groups of players actively engaged on court. Many of the drills also include a video demonstration.

3. Video tips. These tips demonstrate new approaches for teaching and observing your players during practices or matches. New tips are added regularly.

The site provides the ideal tools to promote “no-cut tennis” for high school teams by benefiting both new and experienced players, according to Jane Brown Grimes, president of the United States Tennis Association.

“High school tennis plays a critical role in growing the game,” says Grimes. “We need to do all we can to provide high school coaches with the tools they need to run effective programs. The USPTA’s High School Coaches Resource Center will do just that. We are particularly excited about how this can help develop more ‘no-cut’ high school teams.”

The site, www.highschoolcoaches.uspta.com, represents possibly the largest collection of resources on teaching and playing tennis.

The information comes from many sources, including almost four years worth of TV show productions for “On Court with USPTA™” and video recordings of both specialty courses and seminars from past USPTA World Conferences. In addition, many

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ADDvantage/December 2007

The USPTA High School Coaches Resource Center offers drills with video demonstrations. The drill diagram can be copied and pasted into the team practice template.

of the drills have been contributed by coaches well known in the tennis industry, including Rick Macci, Brett Hobden and David T. Porter, Ed.D. The site is updated weekly.

It provides user-friendly resources with which coaches can plan and execute practices. Students benefit from organized instruction and the additional education imparted by their coaches.

There are two convenient subscription plans for nonmembers, each of which offers a five-day money-back guarantee.

• Quarterly subscription is $35 • Annual subscription is $95, and yearly subscribers receive an education certificate and 2 USPTA education credits.

Many subscribers can get reimbursed by their employer/school since the Web site provides a continuing education opportunity.

“We encourage all USPTA members to take a look at the site and refer it to nonmember high school coaches, especially those who weren’t trained as tennis coaches,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “The team practice template and drills make team organization and practices more efficient and effective for coaches and players. “ K www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA pros honored as Racquet Sports Industry magazine’s 2007 “Champions of Tennis”

T

he Racquet Sports Industry magazine just announced its 2007 “Champions of Tennis” and among the recipients were several USPTA members. The USPTA Member of the Year award went to Mike Van Zutphen of Mesa, Ariz. Van Zutphen, a Master Professional and member since 1985, has utilized the USPTA’s vast resources to offer diverse programming to his students. He was chosen for this award due to his dedication to the USPTA and the profession of tennis.

“Mike, a former Southwest Division president, is a great supporter of the USPTA,” said CEO Tim Heckler.

“He is a dynamic teaching professional who contributes to the sport through teaching, administration and volunteering. We are truly pleased to have such an outstanding and loyal member who is committed to growing the game of tennis in all aspects.”

Junior Development Champion of the Year went to Craig S. Jones of Martinez, Ga. Jones, a USPTA member for 22 years, holds a Pro 1 certification. Jones was honored with the award as a result of his commitment to growing the game of tennis and especially because of his many accomplishments in bringing tennis to kids. Jones was recently honored by USPTA with the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award.

Jason Harnett of Mission Viejo, Calif., was named Wheelchair Tennis Champion of the Year. Harnett, a Pro 2 and member of the USPTA since 1997, has been a mentor for wheelchair tennis players both on and off the court for years. He received this prestigious award for his dedication to the development of wheelchair tennis and its players.

Member Adam Kahn and his wife, Debra, were honored with the Private Facility of the Year award for Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness in Lakewood, Colo. Kahn, a USPTA member since 2005, holds a Pro 2 certification. When they took over ownership, they felt it was important to keep the staff intact while updating and remodeling the club. Today, the facility is thriving with nearly 1,000 members, seven outdoor and three indoor courts, a fully stocked pro shop, fitness center and several programs for all ages and levels.

For a complete listing of all the Champions of Tennis, visit www.racquetsportsindustry.com. K

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/December 2007

13

Q Q

CLASSIFIEDS

uestion of the month ...

BOOKS AND VIDEOS www.TennisExpress.com

If you have a question for USPTA, you may send it to the World Headquarters mailing address or the ADDvantage magazine e-mail address listed on Page 1 of this issue.

Wholesale prices on strings, balls, racquets, apparel, footwear, bags and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. 800-833-6615.

Can I pay my dues and buy insurance online?

The Web site (uspta.com) is now accepting dues and insurance payments for 2008. However, if you need to purchase additional insurance, a certificate of insurance, or nonmember insurance for 2007, you are not able to do so online. The pay dues site is only accepting payments for 2008. Contact the Insurance Department to purchase insurance for 2007.

When you log on and pay dues for 2008, you will automatically receive an insurance verification for 2007. The e-mail will inform you that you will receive an updated insurance verification after Dec. 15 with the new policy information.

Once we have received the new policy number, we will e-mail insurance verification letters to members already paid for 2008.

If you need an insurance verification for 2007 and do not wish to pay for 2008 yet, you will need to speak to Melony DeLoach in membership, who will issue a letter to you.

www.uspta.com

Calling all writers …

Writing for ADDvantage magazine offers USPTA members numerous benefits. They can share knowledge from their field of expertise, such as coaching, pro shop management, sport science and club management. Having an article published can enhance a pro’s career or add to a resume. Also, being published in ADDvantage is worth 25 points toward USPTA Master Professional certification (a maximum of 50 is allowed).

5 Articles should be approximately 2,000 words long.

5 Articles should cover some aspect of a teaching professional’s job.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Beautiful Costa Rica Tennis Club for Sale. Hard and clay courts, open and covered. Includes residences, club house. Call 503-6583850 in United States.

Tennis and Health Club for Sale.

Four indoor courts with Nautilus and free weights. Pro shop and racquetball courts. Six outdoor courts with clubhouse and garage. www. toddsmith.usptapro.com. Phone 423-741-3484.

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.

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 919-7401403 or e-mail sales@interTennis. com to order.

5 Articles must be typed in a narrative form. The article should not be an outline or

written as notes.

5 Contributions will be edited for magazine format and focus, and a copy will be sent to

the author to review.

5 Please send good quality, in-focus photos related to the topic, if available. Digital

files should be sent as TIFF or JPEG files and must be at least 300 dpi.

5 Articles submitted to ADDvantage are forwarded, with the name of the author

removed, to the USPTA Technical Review Committee for approval.

5 Authors must sign a release form for any work submitted to us. This form assures us

that the article is your original work, that you have not released the article previously to any other publication and prevents you from releasing it for further publication for a period of six months from the date of the agreement.

5 Please include a brief biography and a black and white photo (bust shot).

5 Send articles to the attention of the managing editor at the USPTA World

Headquarters or via e-mail to magazine@uspta.org.

5 ADDvantage magazine does not pay authors for their articles.

14

ADDvantage/December 2007

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

USPTA Staff Contract Procedures Enclosed in packet: HEAD/Penn Welcome Letter HEAD/Penn-USPTA Staff Contract Procedures USPTA Staff Contract HEAD/Penn Af¿liation Form List of District Sales Managers (DSM) 2008 USPTA Master Pro and Pro 1/Wheelchair Order Form 2008 Pro 2 Order Form/Paid Order Form 2008 Pro 3 and Developmental Coach and/or Preferred Player Pricing Order Form (PPP) How to receive your product: Fill out HEAD/Penn contract completely. This can be done online at WWW.USPTA.COM. Check district sales manager list and note your DSM’s name on the contract.

DO NOT send contracts to your district sales managers or to the USPTA. Fill out PPP forms for any additional equipment you need.

Mail or Fax: HEAD/PENN, ATTN: TEAM HEAD 306 S. 45th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85043 FAX: 888-329-7366 Send your contract as soon as possible, and no later than Jan. 31, 2008.

Please call TEAM HEAD at 800-289-7366, Option 1, if you have any questions.

PLEASE NOTE: 1.

“*” If a member who has a contract with HEAD purchases $1,000 worth of HEAD products through his shop, to be sold at retail, he will receive one additional HEAD racquet free. This is to be documented by HEAD and the retailer. If the facility has more than one member on a HEAD contract (i.e. three pros), and that facility purchases several thousand dollars in HEAD product, the additional member pros at that facility (who have a HEAD contract), will also receive one free racquet for the additional $1,000 increments of product purchased (i.e. $3,000 purchase will cover three pros at one racquet each). This offer is limited to one racquet per member.

- - OR - A USPTA member who has a contract with HEAD but does not have a pro shop and works at a facility that does not have a pro shop can also bene¿t from a different program. HEAD will offer a “Friends and Family Program” a minimum of twice a year. This program will allow any USPTA member to purchase up to $600 worth of HEAD products during each of these promotional periods at Preferred Player Price. If that member, with a HEAD contract, purchases a cumulative $1,000 worth of product during the promotions, they will receive one free racquet.

This offer is limited to one racquet per member. The above options cannot be combined.

2.

All contracts must have a U.S. address. We DO NOT ship internationally.

3.

All contracts are due on or before Jan. 31, 2008.

4.

Product will ship in March 2008.

5.

Pro 2 contracts are on a separate sheet. You must ¿ll out the form complete with credit card information to receive “buy one, get one free” (one time only). Additional product can be purchased at preferred player pricing (see additional form).

6.

Pro 3s and Developmental Coaches are eligible for preferred pricing and should use the preferred pricing order form. Credit card information must be complete before order will be processed.

7.

8.

Contracts must be ¿lled out legibly and completely. If not, order entry may be delayed.

There is a “No-Exchange” policy on racquets and equipment. If it is an order entry or shipping error, we will exchange up to 30 days of receipt of product.

9.

Please check your con¿rmation received by e-mail for correct product and address information.

10. HEAD/Penn is not responsible for product shipped to an address that is no longer valid. It is your responsibility to notify Team HEAD of any changes to the address once the contract has been submitted.

11. HEAD/Penn is not responsible for lost or stolen goods.

12. You can enter your contract online at the USPTA Web site, www.uspta.com and click on the link to ¿ll out your form. One more example of the high level of service we are committed to showing you. Be sure to put a number in each box for racquet, grip and string choices. If you put anything other than a number in the box, you will not receive your product.

13. Other options are to fax (888-329-7366) or mail. No phone orders.

14. If your order includes a credit card, your credit card will not be charged until your order is shipped out.

16. E-mail address – please print clearly as this is our communication tool to reach you.

USPTA Staff Contract Professional Name: ___________________________ DSM Name ____________________________ As a member of the HEAD/Penn USPTA STAFF, I hereby understand and agree to the following terms and conditions.

(Please initial each point.) ____

I will use HEAD racquets, accessories (including strings, grips, and bags), and court equipment exclusively in the course of all activities related to my sport including instruction, promotion and tournaments.

____

If I do not have an active shop at my facility, I will work closely with an account agreed upon with the HEAD/ Penn DSM to refer all of my players to purchase HEAD/Penn equipment.

____

Speci¿c racquets and accessories that I use will be available at my af¿liated retail account.

____

I will be knowledgeable about the full line of HEAD racquets, accessories, and technologies so I can recommend the best products for my students.

____

I will represent HEAD/Penn as an ambassador, and promote all product categories stated above to the best of my ability. I will ensure that the HEAD logo appears proudly stenciled on my racquet strings at all times.

____

I will make an effort to assist the HEAD/Penn DSM in my territory to promote HEAD tennis racquets and support USPTA events, in particular grass roots events and events for those who are underprivileged.

____

I will continue to provide the DSM with input on trends with regards to the sport, the selling programs and products that HEAD/Penn is providing. When requested, I will play test product and promptly return test reports.

____

I will assist the DSM in actively recruiting key juniors for the National Junior Team and Elite Team. I will speci¿cally recommend HEAD/Penn products to all of my junior students and submit recommendations of top players.

____

I am in good standing as a certi¿ed member of the USPTA.

____

I will not sell or give away equipment that was furnished to me by HEAD/Penn.

____

If I need personal HEAD/Penn equipment in addition to product provided in the contract, I will purchase additional product needed throughout the year from the HEAD/Penn USPTA Preferred Player Pricing Program.

Product purchased through Preferred Pricing will be for my own personal use only.

____

Upon receipt of new product, I will consider donating used equipment provided to me by HEAD/Penn to programs that help grow the game in a mutually accepted way by HEAD/Penn and the USPTA.

____

I will not string racquets if I do not wish to keep them.

____

I understand that all contracts must be signed and returned to Team HEAD on or before Jan. 31, 2008. (Please send the Pro Order Form – the correct Pro level for you – Staff Contract and Account Af¿liation sheet.)

It is understood that HEAD/Penn is not responsible for lost equipment, travel or expenses of the staff member.

Term of this agreement is valid through Dec. 31, 2008. HEAD/Penn has the right to terminate agreement if stated conditions are not met. _______________________________________ USPTA – HEAD Staff Pro / Date

_______________________________________ Team HEAD/Penn / Date

2008 MASTER PRO AND PRO 1 ORDER FORM First Name

Street Address

Last Name

(Print clearly)

Retail Account Affiliation

(No P.O. Boxes / U.S. address only)

(mandatory)

Street Address

City, State ZIP

City, State ZIP

County

Phone

Retail Phone

Fax

E-mail Address (Print clearly)

HEAD/Penn Account No.

USPTA No.

District Sales Manager

(mandatory)

MASTER PRO (42016)

PRO 1 LEVEL / WHEELCHAIR (42017)

Choose 2 racquets and 6 sets of string

Choose 1 racquet and 2 sets of string

Includes 1 Tour Team Combi Bag, 1 Hat, Ink and Stencil

Includes 1 Tour Team Combi Bag, 1 Hat, Ink and Stencil

See how easily you can earn an additional free racquet, see No. 1 "*" on the USPTA Staff Contract Procedures page.

GRIP KEY:

4 1/8

4 1/4 QTY

MIGROGEL SERIES

4 3/8

4 1/2

METALLIX SERIES

230218

MG RADICAL MP

230007

METALLIX 10

230208

MG RADICAL OS

230008

METALLIX 6

230228

MG RADICAL MP PRO

230018

METALLIX 4

230238

MG EXTREME

230028

METALLIX 2

230248

MG EXTREME PRO

230269

MG PRESTIGE MP

4 5/8 QTY

AIRFLOW SERIES

230279

MG PRESTIGE MID

230107

AIRFLOW 7

230289

MG PRESTIGE MP PRO

230117

AIRFLOW 5

230127

AIRFLOW 3

230128

AIRFLOW 1

TEAM SERIES 230318

MG RADICAL TEAM

230308

MG EXTREME TEAM

STRING (circle guage)

CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES

281018

C3 ROCKET (16 / 17)

281028

SONIC PRO (17)

283248

TOUR TEAM COMBI

1

281006

FXP (16 / 17)

287028

HEAD HAT

1

281007

FXP POWER (16 / 17)

952227

BLACK STENCIL INK

1

281065

SYN GUT PPS (16 / 17 / 18)

286008

HEAD LOGO STENCIL

1

USPTA MEMBER SIGNATURE / DATE: FAX: 888-329-7366 OR MAIL TO: HEAD/Penn, Attn: Team HEAD, 306 S. 45th Ave., Phoenix AZ 85043 Additional product may be purchased for personal use only with the Preferred Pricing form.

The limit is $600 on additional product through the Preferred Pricing Program. .

Enroll direct via the Web at www.uspta.com and click on the link for all forms .

Orders MUST be received by Jan. 31, 2008.

(42016-17/UZ0/MP-P1)

2008 PRO 2 ORDER FORM First Name

Last Name

Street Address

(Print clearly)

Retail Account Affiliation

(No P.O. Boxes / U.S. address only)

(mandatory)

Street Address

City, State ZIP

City, State ZIP

County

Phone

Retail Phone

Fax

E-mail Address (Print clearly)

HEAD/Penn Account No.

USPTA No.

District Sales Manager

(mandatory)

PRO 2 Level - Purchase one racquet, get one free!

Includes 2 sets of string, 1 Tour Team Combi Bag, 1 Hat, Ink and Stencil This form is for the initial contract only and is limited to one use. For additional product use "Preferred Player Reorder Form."

See how easily you can earn an additional free racquet, see No. 1 "*" on the USPTA Staff Contract Procedures page.

GRIP KEY:

4 1/8

4 1/4

4 3/8

PURCHASE RACQUET QTY: 1 MIGROGEL SERIES

4 1/2 FREE RACQUET QTY: 1

QTY

Free racquet of equal or lesser value than purchased

230218

MG RADICAL MP

$

108.00

230208

MG RADICAL OS

$

108.00

230228

MG RADICAL MP PRO

$

108.00

230238

MG EXTREME

$

97.20

STRING:

230248

MG EXTREME PRO

$

97.20

281018

C3 ROCKET (16 / 17)

230269

MG PRESTIGE MP

$

121.50

281028

SONIC PRO (17 ONLY)

230279

MG PRESTIGE MID

$

121.50

281006

FXP (16 / 17)

230289

MG PRESTIGE MP PRO

$

121.50

281007

FXP POWER (16 / 17)

281065

SYN GUT PPS (16 /17 /18)

TEAM SERIES 230318

MG RADICAL TEAM

$

104.40

230308

MG EXTREME TEAM

$

91.80

METALLIX SERIES

4 5/8

FREE: QTY

(Choose 2 sets free & circle gauge)

CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES 283248

TOUR TEAM COMBI

1

287028

HEAD HAT

1

230007

METALLIX 10

$

154.80

952227

BLACK STENCIL INK

1

230008

METALLIX 6

$

133.20

286008

HEAD LOGO STENCIL

1

230018

METALLIX 4

$

120.60

230028

METALLIX 2

$

108.00

PAYMENT:

VISA

AIRFLOW SERIES

MC

AMEX

(Order will not be processed without a credit card)

230107

AIRFLOW 7

$

120.60

230117

AIRFLOW 5

$

108.00

230127

AIRFLOW 3

$

97.20

230128

AIRFLOW 1

$

91.80

PRODUCT TOTAL

Credit Card No.

Exp. Date

Cardholder Name (print clearly)

+SHIPPING (UPS ground) +TAXES TOTAL

USPTA MEMBER SIGNATURE / DATE

FAX: 888-329-7366 OR MAIL TO: HEAD/Penn, Attn: Team HEAD, 306 S. 45th Ave., Phoenix AZ 85043 Additional product may be purchased for personal use only with the Preferred Pricing form.

The limit is $600 on additional product through the Preferred Pricing Program.

Enroll direct via the Web at www.uspta.com and click on the link for all forms.

Orders MUST be received by Jan. 31, 2008.

(42018/UZ0/P2)

2008 PRO 3 AND DEVELOPMENTAL COACH & PREFERRED PRICING REORDER FORM First Name

Last Name

Street Address

(Print clearly)

USPTA No.

(No P.O. Boxes / U.S. address only)

(mandatory)

Phone

E-mail Address (Print clearly)

City, State ZIP

County

GRIP KEY:

4 1/8

4 1/4

MIGROGEL SERIES

QTY

4 3/8

4 1/2

TOUR TEAM SERIES - BAGS

4 5/8 QTY

(limit 1 per model)

230218

MG RADICAL MP

$ 108.00

283268

TT TRAVEL (wheels)

$

43.20

230208

MG RADICAL OS

$ 108.00

283218

TT TENNIS

$

36.00

230228

MG RADICAL MP PRO

$ 108.00

283238

TT SUPERCOMBI

$

29.25

230238

MG EXTREME

$

97.20

283248

TT COMBI

$

24.75

230248

MG EXTREME PRO

$

97.20

283228

TT SPORT

$

21.60

230269

MG PRESTIGE MP

$ 121.50

283258

TT BACKPACK

$

19.80

230279

MG PRESTIGE MID

$ 121.50

283278

TT URBAN BRIEFCASE

$

13.50

230289

MG PRESTIGE MP PRO

$ 121.50

230299

MG INSTINCT

$

91.80

TEAM SERIES

STRING SETS (circle guage) 281018

C3 ROCKET (16 / 17)

$

11.90

281028

SONIC PRO (17 only)

$

11.05

230308

MG EXTREME TEAM

$

91.80

281104

ULTRA TOUR (16 / 17)

$

8.85

230318

MG RADICAL TEAM

$ 104.40

281006

FXP (16 / 17)

$

9.35

230307

FXP PRESTIGE TEAM

$ 115.00

281007

FXP POWER (16 / 17)

$

10.65

235816

FXP INSTINCT TEAM

$

281044

FIBERGEL POWER (16 / 17)

$

8.00

281099

RIP CONTROL (16 / 17)

$

8.20

281065

SYN GUT PPS (16 / 17 / 18)

$

3.85

81.00

METALLIX SERIES 230007

METALLIX 10

$ 154.80

230008

METALLIX 6

$ 133.20

STRING REELS

230018

METALLIX 4

$ 120.60

281128

SONIC PRO (17 only)

$ 153.00

230028

METALLIX 2

$ 108.00

281106

FXP (16 / 17)

$ 136.00

281054

FIBERGEL PWR (16 / 17)

$ 110.50

281095

SYN GUT PPS (16 / 17)

$

59.50 47.52

AIRFLOW SERIES 230107

AIRFLOW 7

$ 120.60

230117

AIRFLOW 5

$ 108.00

GRIPS & OTHER ACCESSORIES

230127

AIRFLOW 3

$

97.20

285004 HYDROCONTROL

$

230128

AIRFLOW 1

$

91.80

285014 HYDROSORB

$

47.52

285206 AGASSI PRO

$

31.50

285104 XTREMESOFT (wh/bk/bl/rd/yl)

$

30.24

285088 SUPER COMP

$

25.80

285068 WRISTBANDS 2.5" (wh/bk/bl/rd)

$

2.00

287028 HATS-TOUR/RAD(38)/EXT(18)

$

8.00

GROMMET SETS

$

2.70

RACQUET: PAYMENT:

VISA

MC

AMEX

(Order will not be processed without a credit card)

PRODUCT TOTAL +SHIPPING (UPS ground) +TAXES

Credit Card No.

Exp. Date

TOTAL (Max $600)

Cardholder Name

(print clearly)

USPTA MEMBER SIGNATURE / DATE

FAX: 888-329-7366 OR MAIL TO: HEAD/Penn, Attn: Team HEAD, 306 S. 45th Ave., Phoenix AZ 85043 Additional product may be purchased for personal use only with the Preferred Pricing form.

The limit is $600 on additional product through the Preferred Pricing Program.

P-3s can enroll direct via the Web at www.uspta.com and click on the link for all forms.

Orders MUST be received by Jan. 31, 2008.

(42013/UZ0/P3-DC)

PREFERRED PRICING REORDER FORM

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

(Print clearly)

USPTA No.

(No P.O. Boxes / U.S. address only)

(mandatory)

Phone

E-mail Address (Print clearly)

City, State ZIP

County

GRIP KEY:

4 1/8

4 1/4

MIGROGEL SERIES

QTY

4 3/8

4 1/2

TOUR TEAM SERIES - BAGS

4 5/8 QTY

(limit 1 per model)

230218

MG RADICAL MP

$ 108.00

283268

TT TRAVEL (wheels)

$

43.20

230208

MG RADICAL OS

$ 108.00

283218

TT TENNIS

$

36.00

230228

MG RADICAL MP PRO

$ 108.00

283238

TT SUPERCOMBI

$

29.25

230238

MG EXTREME

$

97.20

283248

TT COMBI

$

24.75

230248

MG EXTREME PRO

$

97.20

283228

TT SPORT

$

21.60

230269

MG PRESTIGE MP

$ 121.50

283258

TT BACKPACK

$

19.80

230279

MG PRESTIGE MID

$ 121.50

283278

TT URBAN BRIEFCASE

$

13.50

230289

MG PRESTIGE MP PRO

$ 121.50

230299

MG INSTINCT

$

91.80

$

11.90 11.05

STRING SETS (circle guage)

TEAM SERIES

281018

C3 ROCKET (16 / 17)

281028

SONIC PRO (17 only)

$

230308

MG EXTREME TEAM

$

91.80

281104

ULTRA TOUR (16 / 17)

$

8.85

230318

MG RADICAL TEAM

$ 104.40

281006

FXP (16 / 17)

$

9.35

230307

FXP PRESTIGE TEAM

$ 115.00

281007

FXP POWER (16 / 17)

$

10.65

235816

FXP INSTINCT TEAM

$

281044

FIBERGEL POWER (16 / 17)

$

8.00

281099

RIP CONTROL (16 / 17)

$

8.20

281065

SYN GUT PPS (16 / 17 / 18)

$

3.85

81.00

METALLIX SERIES 230007

METALLIX 10

$ 154.80

230008

METALLIX 6

$ 133.20

230018

METALLIX 4

$ 120.60

281128

SONIC PRO (17 only)

$ 153.00

230028

METALLIX 2

$ 108.00

281106

FXP (16 / 17)

$ 136.00

281054

FIBERGEL PWR (16 / 17)

$ 110.50

281095

SYN GUT PPS (16 / 17)

$

59.50 47.52

STRING REELS

AIRFLOW SERIES 230107

AIRFLOW 7

$ 120.60

230117

AIRFLOW 5

$ 108.00

230127

AIRFLOW 3

$

97.20

285004 HYDROCONTROL

$

230128

AIRFLOW 1

$

91.80

285014 HYDROSORB

$

47.52

285206 AGASSI PRO

$

31.50

GROMMET SETS

$

GRIPS & OTHER ACCESSORIES

2.70

RACQUET: PAYMENT:

VISA

MC

285104 XTREMESOFT (wh/bk/bl/rd/yl)

$

30.24

285088 SUPER COMP

$

25.80

285068 WRISTBANDS 2.5" (wh/bk/bl/rd)

$

2.00

287028 HATS-TOUR/RAD(38)/EXT(18)

$

8.00

AMEX

(Order will not be processed without a credit card)

PRODUCT TOTAL +SHIPPING (UPS ground)

Cardholder Name

+TAXES

. .

Credit Card No.

Exp Date

(print clearly)

TOTAL (Max $600)

USPTA MEMBER SIGNATURE / DATE

FAX: 888-329-7366 OR MAIL TO: HEAD/Penn, Attn: Team HEAD, 306 S. 45th Ave., Phoenix AZ 85043 Additional product may be purchased for personal use only with the Preferred Pricing form.

The limit is $600 on additional product through the Preferred Pricing Program.

P-3s can enroll direct via the Web at www.uspta.com and click on the link for all forms.

Orders MUST be received by Jan. 31, 2008.

(42013/UZ0/P3-DC)

Generating more revenue through marketing

by Pat Guerry, USPTA

W

hy are you not maximizing the money you are bringing into your business?

You work very hard giving lessons and trying to drive sales through your pro shop, but the proceeds do not meet your expectations. Why not?

USPTA Professionals are experts at teaching tennis, not experts at marketing. Not to say that we are not good marketers. But you may not have used your marketing muscles for many years. What I want to do is give you some general questions to answer that will start you on the path to increasing your sales through a strong marketing plan.

You only have a certain number of hours in the day to teach lessons and to run your pro shop. You get your money by being out on the court. If you are consistently sitting inside doing marketing tasks, you are not maximizing your revenue potential. What you want to do is to periodically pull back and go through these series of questions that I am about to give you. Then, let the marketing do the sales work for you.

Instead of going out trying to drum up business, which takes away time from your teaching, let the marketing pull people into your shop to make purchases or sign up for lessons. Marketing does not replace sales, it helps support it.

The ďŹ rst question to ask yourself is: Who is your target market? In other words, who is it that you want to reach? You may say, I want to reach tennis players. That’s not good enough. You need to be more speciďŹ c.

What type of tennis players? Beginners?

Tournament-caliber kids? Women in a 10-mile radius of the facility? Your target market should be those folks from whom you will get 80 percent of your business.

You will not turn away business that comes from the other 20 percent, but you will not spend a lot of time marketing to these folks.

You will go where your target is.

Your target market should be those folks from whom you will get 80 percent of your business, whether beginners, tournament-caliber kids, or women in a 10-mile radius of the facility. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Now that you have answered who your target market is, what are your key messages to them? If you had to pick one message to have them hear, what would it be? The problem that most people and most businesses have is that they try to be all things to all people. They say that they want to go after a certain target group, but their message is for all of the groups. The end result is that the customers are confused as to what the person or company is about. Customers will focus on one or two key messages and continued next page ADDvantage/December 2007

21

from previous page no more. If you give them more, they will be confused and will take their business to someone who they know understands their needs and can deliver.

You should spend most of your time in crafting the right message. Once you get the right message, you need to hammer that home in all of the communication you plan on doing. Through signs, brochures, your Web site, e-mails and phone calls, make sure people hear this message over and over again.

The third question you need to answer is: What are your strengths? Or said another way, what are the benefits from choosing you over one of your competitors? As you develop your marketing initiatives, you will need to refer back to these strengths and make sure that they appear on all of your material. The reason you do this is to make sure people understand what makes you special. It is the reason they will choose you over someone or something else.

Equally important to answer is: What are your challenges or weaknesses? For example, a challenge may be low participation in your events. Or it may be a lack of awareness of the tennis program at your country club. These are challenges that you face, which the marketing plan will address. It is important to identify all of your challenges upfront, because you will need to develop programs to attack the most important of these. It is also important to look back at these when you develop a program to make sure that you have addressed and answered these issues when you launch a new program.

Finally, you need to determine who your competitors are. Clearly, the most obvious competitors may be other teaching pros and programs. However, what I have found is that these are not the real competitors.

There are other things that are taking away your lessons and taking away your purchases in your pro shop. For the adults, I have found the chief competitors to be the golf program at the private clubs and kids activities in general. What I mean by that is that the parents end up taking their children to soccer or ballet or basketball.

And clearly, these activities take kids away 22 ADDvantage/December 2007

from taking tennis lessons from you.

From your pro shop’s perspective, you compete with the large sports retailers as well as the discount chains like Marshall’s or TJ Maxx. Plus there are the local tennis and fitness shops in your area. In looking at these competitors, you need to make sure that your message is different from theirs and equally appealing, if not more. Again, this should drive you to look very hard at what your strengths are and how they can be different from your competitors.’

After answering these questions, you can begin building your plan. Start your plan with things that you can do in the short term. Outline five to seven initiatives that you can implement in the next four to six months to increase revenue. The big thing to keep in mind is that you need to have an adequate amount of time to promote what you are doing. One or two weeks is not enough. You need to be able to hit people three to seven times with your message in a short period of time, such as three to four weeks.

The great thing about marketing is that it does not need to cost a lot of money.

You can use e-mail, phone calls, signs and postcards to get your message out. Also, don’t be afraid to use the face-to-face approach either. However, do not rely on just one of these. Use them all. See which ones are most effective for your target markets.

Change it up to keep things fresh. Another thing to keep in mind is that you want to start small and learn. What is working and what is not? If you bite off more than you can chew, you end up feeling slammed, your customers feel frustrated at the lack of execution, and the programs are ineffective. You know your customers. Build a couple of successful programs and you start to gain momentum. Your customers will start talking about how things that you are doing are great. Before long you will be bringing in more revenue, with very little extra effort.

The key to making your plan successful is twofold. The first is you have to plan. This will take a little bit of time upfront, but will pay huge dividends down the road.

Outline for the next six months what

programs you are going to run. Yes, this may take some time staying up at night or getting up early to do this. Just as you do not want to go into a lesson unprepared, you want to be prepared as to what plans you are going to execute. Assign dates to them. If you have a staff of folks under you, divvy up the tasks to make someone accountable for each one and when it needs to be completed. Again, this will take some time upfront, but your target market will see how effortless it seems and how professional it comes off.

The second part of making your plan successful is to measure your results. In your planning stage, determine what your goal is for a particular initiative. If it is a sale in your pro shop, determine how much money you want the sale to generate. If you are doing something to attract more lessons, put down how many more lessons you expect to get from it and how much more money that will be. As you implement the program, track the results.

If you do not track the results, how will you know if the program is a success or not? Be as specific as possible. Ask people.

During the process if you are tracking the results and they are not what you want, you can tweak what you are doing. Many great marketing plans started off slowly or badly, but just a minor tweak made them explode. However, you will not know this unless you are tracking the results as you go.

So now you have the tools to build a successful marketing plan. Although the process seems very easy, it will take some discipline to go through it. However, this process is a proven success. You are already very successful in what you do. These steps will help further your goals and grow your business. K

Pat Guerry is a USPTA P-1 teaching professional and serves on the faculty of Emory University. He owns Guerry Marketing Solutions, a consulting company based in Atlanta that helps small and medium-sized businesses generate more revenue through marketing. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Free promotion, teaching tools are yours with a USPTA personal Web site

I

f you haven’t visited your free USPTA personal Web site, then you’re not taking advantage of a very valuable benefit that will both impress your customers and give you access to great teaching resources.

With a free site, you can use the Internet and its vast communication capabilities to promote yourself and your programs, communicate with students and potential customers and impress your employer. The personal Web sites have been available to all members since April 1997, and for the last year members have been able to input and control much of their own content.

Each site has a home page that can be personalized as you see fit. Separate biography and facility pages allow clients and visitors to learn more about you and where you teach. There are also pages for events, lesson programs, news and tennis tips. Graphics and photos play a huge role in effective Web sites, and the personal Web site program allows you to upload up to 15 images that can be placed on any page within the site. Also, you can upload a company logo and five more photos into the biography and facility page templates.

You have all the tools you need to create a personalized, professional-quality Web site that if utilized and updated frequently can be a great asset in promoting your services, recruiting potential students and

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

enhancing business opportunities.

Every USPTA member already has a site. To find yours, go to usptafindapro. com, click Find-a-Pro under “Players” and enter your last name. The link to your site is on the right side of the page, across from your first and last name. Click the link to get to the home page of your site, which features your name and USPTA rating. If you’ve submitted photos or material in the past, it remains on the site. If you want to check out your Web pages, log in at the top, left corner of the site. Once you’re logged in, you can begin to explore and add new material. Also, if you need help, there’s a “USPTA personal Web site help manual” that will walk you through the steps of setting up your pages.

Aside from the limitless promotional options your site provides, it also features educational resources for you. Recently, USPTA provided a free link for its members to the popular Tennisplayer.net, founded by USPTA member John Yandell. The site offers extensive online information and visual resources, which are now available to certified USPTA members and Developmental Coaches at no cost. The site has hundreds of instructional articles illustrated with digital photography and state-of-the-art video.

Tennisplayer.net represents just the first of many similar benefits to be offered on your personal Web site. K

Member uses personal Web site to grow business

U

SPTA member Clive Ashford has been enjoying the perks of his free USPTA personal Web site for many years. He just can’t understand why all teaching pros don’t take advantage of the invaluable benefit.

“I received the USPTA e-Newsletter and noticed the section on the personal Web sites and used the link to randomly take a look at other pros’ sites,” he wrote in a recent e-mail to the World Headquarters.

“I was very surprised to find that many of the names I tried had very little on them!”

Ashford utilizes all of the menu items to provide his students and potential clients with information on his teaching background, his facility, lessons and prices, news, tennis tips and contact information.

He updates his site frequently and has included photos of himself, the club and players.

This England-based USPTA member said it all boils down to making time to “speculate to accumulate.” “We all need to use this superb resource to help grow our business,” he said. “If a pro hasn’t got a Web site, then he or she looks a bit ‘last century’ and could well put potential clients off.” K ADDvantage/December 2007

23

Georgia’s Motevassel and Pennsylvania’s Lai capture singles titles at the USPTA Hard Court Championships

O

ren Motevassel, the No. 1 seed, of Alpharetta, Ga., claimed the men’s open title at the $8,000 United States Professional Tennis Association Hard Court Championships at the Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas. Motevassel defeated the No. 3 seed, Guillaume Gauthier of Tyler, Texas, 6-3, 6-2, for the championship. Shareen Lai of Morrisville, Pa., earned the women’s open championship title by going undefeated in round-robin play.

Lai defeated Leslie Stewart of Hutto, Texas, who retired due to injury in the first set at 4-1. Lai later joined forces with Paulo Barros of Orlando, Fla., to win the mixed open doubles title.

The tournament, which was held from Oct. 26-28, included events in the following categories: men’s and women’s open singles, men’s open doubles, men’s 45 singles, men’s 55 singles and mixed open doubles. The competition featured several of the top men and women tennis-teaching professionals in the country.

Below is a complete list of results from final-round matches: Men’s Open Singles Finals Oren Motevassel (1), Alpharetta, Ga., def. Guillaume Gauthier (3), Tyler, Texas, 6-3, 6-2.

Women’s Open Singles Finals Shareen Lai, Morrisville, Pa., def. Leslie Stewart, Hutto, Texas, 4-1 Ret (inj). Gayle Prejean, Tyler, Texas, def. Laura Carter, Houston, 6-2, 6-2. Shareen Lai def. Laura Carter, 6-0, 6-0. Leslie Stewart def. Gayle Prejean, 6-4, 7-5.

Women’s open singles champ Shareen Lai.

Men’s 45-and-over Singles Finals Patrick Serret (1), Alexandria, La., def. Stephen Poorman (2), Southlake, Texas, 6-1, 6-1.

Men’s 55-and-over Singles Finals Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas, def. Bob Raedisch, Dallas, 6-1, 6-4.

Andy Shields, Fredericksburg, Texas, def. Bob Raedisch, 6-3, 6-2.

Kimm Ketelsen def. Andy Shields, 6-2, 7-5.

Men’s Open Doubles Finals Jonas Lundblad, Cedar Park, Texas, and Brian Notis (1), Dripping Springs, Texas, def. Jory Ereckson and Guillaume Gauthier, Tyler, Texas, 6-3, 6-2.

Mixed Open Doubles Finals Paulo Barros, Orlando, Fla., and Shareen Lai, Morrisville, Pa., def.

Stephen Poorman, Southlake, Texas, and Keri Preng, Newport, Ky., 6-1, 6-2.

Men’s open singles champ Oren Motevassel.

24

ADDvantage/December 2007

The tournament was one in a series of national tournaments on several court surfaces that the USPTA offered to its members as part of the USPTA National Surface Championship Series.

The tournaments are open to members in good standing.

For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800USPTA-4U. USPTA Professionals may log in to the members only section of the USPTA Web site at www.uspta.com for more information. K www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tennis industry contacts AAHPERD American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Michael G. Davis, CEO 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191 (800) 213-7193 (703) 476-3400 fax www.aahperd.org info@aahperd.org ASBA American Sports Builders Association 8480 Baltimore National Pike, No. 307 Ellicott City, MD 21043 (866) 501-2722 (410) 730-9595 (410) 730-8833 fax info@sportsbuilders.org www.sportsbuilders.org ASEP American Sport Education Program Rainer Martens, President 1607 N. Market St., P.O. Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825 (800) 747-5698 (217) 351-5076 (217) 351-2674 fax asep@hkusa.com www.asep.com ATA American Tennis Association Dr. Marcus A. Freeman Jr., President 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115A, Largo, MD 20774 (301) 583-4631 (301) 772-8540 fax ata@afn.org ATP Men’s professional tour 201 ATP Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, 32082 (904) 285-8000 (904) 285-5966 fax www.atptennis.com Australian Open Private Bag 6060, Richmond South 3121, Victoria, Australia (613) 9914-4000 (613) 9650-2743 fax ausopen@tennisaustralia.com.au CCA Club Corporation of America Eric L. Affeldt, CEO/president 3030 LBJ Freeway, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75234 (972) 243-6191 (972) 888-7558 fax contactus@clubcorp.com www.clubcorp.com CMAA Club Managers Association of America James B. Singerling, CEO 1733 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 739-9500 (703) 739-0124 fax cmaa@cmaa.org www.cmaa.org French Open Stephane Simian, Tournament Administrator Stade Roland Garros 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett, 75016 Paris, France 33 01 47 43 48 00 01 47 43 04 94 fax stephanie.simian@fft.fr www.frenchopen.org IHRSA International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association Joe Moore, President and CEO 263 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210 (800) 228-4772 (617) 951-0055 (617) 951-0056 fax info@ihrsa.org www.ihrsa.org ITA Intercollegiate Tennis Association David Benjamin, Executive Director 174 Tamarack Circle, Skillman, NJ 08558 (609) 497-6920 (609) 497-9766 fax itatennis2@aol.com www.itatennis.com ITF International Tennis Federation Francesco Ricci Bitti, President Bank Lane, Roehampton, London SW15 5XZ, United Kingdom 44-208-878-6464 44-208-392-4744 fax itf@itftennis.com www.itftennis.com

ITHF International Tennis Hall of Fame Mark Stenning, CEO 194 Bellevue Ave., Newport, RI 02840 (800) 457-1144 (401) 849-3990 (401) 849-8780 fax newport@tennisfame.com www.tennisfame.com

TCA Tennis Corporation of America Alan Schwartz, Chairman 3611 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 463-1234 (773) 463-0999 fax info@tcaclubs.com www.tcaclubs.com

NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Jim Carr, President and CEO 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 (816) 595-8000 (816) 595-8200 fax www.naia.org

TIA Tennis Industry Association Jolyn deBoer, Executive Director 117 Executive Center, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (866) 686-3036 (843) 686-3036 (843) 686-3078 fax jim@tennisindustry.org www.tennisindustry.org

NCA National Club Association Susanne Wegrzyn, President and CEO 1201 15th St., No. 450, Washington, D.C. 20005 (800) 625-6221 (202) 822-9822 (202) 822-9808 fax natlclub@natlclub.org nationalclub.org

USA Wheelchair Tennis Wheelchair Tennis Committee USTA, 70 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 696-7000 (914) 696-7029 fax info@usta.com www.usta.com

NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association Myles Brand, President 700 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 6222, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (317) 917-6222 (317) 917-6888 fax www.ncaa.org NHSTCF National High School Coaches Federation Scott M. Enge, President 8130 Bell Road, Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 541-0531 scottenge@aol.com NJCAA National Junior College Athletic Association Wayne Baker, Executive Director 1755 Telstar Drive, Suite 103, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 590-9788 (719) 590-7324 fax wbaker@njcaa.org www.njcaa.org NRPA National Recreation and Park Association John A. Thorner, Executive Director 22377 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 858-0784 (703) 858-0794 fax info@nrpa.org www.nrpa.org PBI Peter Burwash International Peter Burwash, President 4200 Research Forest Drive, Suite 250, The Woodlands, TX 77381 (800) 255-4707 (281) 363-4707 (281) 292-7783 fax www.pbitennis.com PCPFS President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Melissa Johnson, Executive Director Dept. W, 200 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 738-H, Washington, D.C. 20201 (202) 690-9000 (202) 690-5211 fax pcpfs@osophs.dhhs.gov www.fitness.gov Special Olympics Special Olympics International Headquarters Bruce Pasternack, President and CEO 1133 19th St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 (800) 700-8585 (202) 628-3630 (202) 824-0200 fax www.specialolympics.org SGMA Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Tom Cove, CEO/president 1150 17th St. N.W., No. 850 Washington D.C. 20036 (202) 775-1762 (202) 296-7462 fax info@sgma.com www.sgma.com

USOC United States Olympic Committee Jim Scherr, Chief Executive One Olympic Plaza, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 632-5551 media@usoc.org www.usoc.org U.S. Open Jim Curley, Managing Director, Tournament Operations USTA, 70 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 696-7254 (914) 696-7019 fax curley@usta.com www.usopen.org USPTA United States Professional Tennis Association Tim Heckler, CEO 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (800) 877-8248 (713) 978-7782 (713) 978-7780 fax uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com USRSA United States Racquet Stringers Association David Bone, Executive Director 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084 (760) 536-1177 (760) 536-1171 fax usrsa@racquettech.com www.racquettech.com USTA United States Tennis Association Lee Hamilton, Executive Director 70 W. Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604 (914) 696-7000 (914) 696-7167 fax info@usta.com www.usta.com Wimbledon The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE England 44-0-20-8944-1066 44-0-208-947-8752 fax internet@aeltc.com www.wimbledon.com WTA Tour Women’s professional tour Larry Scott, CEO One Progress Plaza, Suite 1500, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (727) 895-5000 (727) 894-1982 fax www.wtatour.com WTS International Washington Tennis Service Gary Henkin, President and CEO 3200 Tower Oaks Blvd., Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 622-7800 (301) 622-3373 fax wts@wtsinternational.com www.wtsinternational.com WTT World TeamTennis Ilana Kloss, CEO and Commissioner 1776 Broadway, Suite 600, New York, NY 10019 (212) 586-3444 (212) 586-6277 fax customerservice@wtt.com www.worldteamtennis.com

USPTA drills Arc to arc

prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Groundstrokes Time/players: 10 minutes/1-6

Description and goals: This is a groundstroke drill with a specific focus on hitting arc groundstrokes. Arc groundstrokes are heavy topspin shots with high net clearance. These shots can force opponents to hit short, allowing a player to take control of a point.

Organization: Players feed ball into the middle of the court. Play out the point having players hitting arc forehands and backhands to control the point with other players rotating in after each point. Variation: With more than five players, use half the court.

Key points: Height over net is key, but also remember that this is still a very accelerated topspin shot. It is a safe shot because of the height over the net and the aggressive topspin on the ball.

Arc to shoulder-high putaway prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles Level: Advanced

Category: Groundstrokes Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: This is a groundstroke drill with a specific focus on hitting arc groundstrokes to produce a short ball, enabling a player to attack and finish the point with a shoulder-high putaway. Arc groundstrokes are heavy topspin shots with high net clearance. The shoulder-high putaway can be hit off of any ball a player feels they can take advantage of, but usually is a ball that bounces inside the service line (short) and high.

Organization: Players feed ball into middle of court. Play out the point having players hit arc forehands and backhands to force short balls. The players’ focus is on trying to create the opportunity to hit the shoulder-high putaway. Variations: Make it a cooperative drill after a few hits by having one player hit a short ball to the other player. Have one player play the other three, then rotate. With more than four players, have them play on half the court.

Key points: (1), (2) and (3) signify the arc ball hit by players A and B. These arc balls will create a short, high, weak response (4). Player A sees the short ball and moves in for a shoulder-high putaway (5) that is hit into the open court for a winner.

Groundstrokes to 11 prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles Category: Groundstrokes Levels: Beginner/int./adv. Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: This is a competitive groundstroke drill. Use groundstrokes to create openings and win points.

Organization: Players feed first ball into middle of the court (feed cannot win the point). Play point out, game ends when a player reaches 11 (wins by 2 points). Variations: No winners allowed: One player can only hit slice backhands. Players must hit approach shots on balls inside the service line. With multiple players, have them rotate after 2 points.

Key point: Players should focus on creating openings with their groundstrokes.

26

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

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA drills Loop to loop prepared by USPTA

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Groundstrokes Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: This is a groundstroke drill with a specific focus on hitting loop groundstrokes. Loop groundstrokes are topspin shots with very high net clearance. These shots can be used to get a player out of a defensive position or force opponents to hit short, allowing a player to take control of a point.

Organization: Have players feed first ball into the middle of the court. Play out the point having players hitting loop forehands and backhands focusing on high net clearance and depth. Play to 11 (win by 2). Variations: Must hit ball past the service line. Must rally two shots before point begins. With multiple players, have them rotate after 2 points.

Key points: Height over net and depth of shot are key, but also remember that this is still a very accelerated topspin shot. It is a safe shot because of the height over the net and the topspin on the ball.

Patience and power

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

Type: Singles Category: Groundstrokes/strategy and tactics Levels: Intermediate/adv. Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Players play baseline points and learn the advantages and disadvantages of hitting shots down the line.

Organization: Player A feeds a ball crosscourt and plays out the point with player B. Either player may hit down the line at any time. If player A hits a down-the-line winner, he receives 2 points. If player A hits down the line and player B touches the ball (not returning it) player A only receives 1 point. If player A hits down the line and player B returns the ball, player B receives 1 point and play continues. If player B continues and wins the point, player B wins 2 points (one for winning the point, one for returning the down-the-line shot). If player B returns the down-the-line shot and player A wins the continuing point, each player receives 1 point. Players hit forehand to forehand for the first five minutes, then hit backhand or inside-out forehand to backhand or inside-out forehand for the remaining five minutes.

Key points: Players do not need to hit down the line. This is an option if opponent has not recovered or if you have a short set-up and you feel you can win the point.

Team singles

prepared by Dave Gary, USPTA

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Serve/service return Time/players: 20 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Team serve game. Practicing serves and returns.

Organization: This is a multiple court/player game. For example, three courts, 12 players, three teams of four. One team is returning, the other teams are serving. Each player on the serving team tries to win 3 points.

When they do so, the team changes sides with the returning team.

The other teams go back to zero. Court 1 returns from the deuce side, court 2 from the ad side, court 3 deuce side. Variation: Include serve and volley, one serve only or serve combinations.

Key point: Focus on making good serves and returns.

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

ADDvantage/December 2007

27

Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits) Jan. 18-19, 2008

Middle States Division Landisville, Pa.

Jan. 18-20

New England Division Rye, N.H.

Jan. 19-20

California Division Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Jan. 24-26

Midwest Division Lincolnshire, Ill.

Feb. 7-10

Texas Division Grapevine, Texas

Feb. 22-24

Missouri Valley Division Prairie Village, Kan.

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) Jan. 5-6 Jan. 15-16 Jan. 19-20 Jan. 19-20 Jan. 19-20 Jan. 21-22 Jan. 26-27 Feb. 7-8 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 10-11 Feb. 10-11 Feb. 15-16 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 16-17 Feb. 18-19

Aurora, Ill. Houston* Decatur, Ala. Lexington, Ky. Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Williamsburg, Va. Lincolnshire, Ill. Mesa, Ariz.

Atlanta Columbia, S.C. Orlando, Fla. Los Angeles Gastonia, N.C. College Park, Md. Dallas Houston*

Feb. 20-21 Feb. 23-24 March 7-8 March 8-9 March 14-15 March 15-16 March 24-25 April 5-6 April 5-6 April 6-7 April 12-13 April 18-19 April 19-20 April 23-24 April 25-26

Palo Alto, Calif.

Meridian, Miss.

Minneapolis Boca Raton, Fla. Oklahoma City, Okla.

Chagrin, Ohio Valencia, Calif.

College Park, Md. Providence, R.I. Los Angeles Boca Raton, Fla. Tyler, Texas Aurora, Ill. San Francisco Des Moines, Iowa

* 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 Doubles connection: how to be a better doubles partner, Jan. 19, Manhattan Beach, Calif., P. Scheb Science and psychology of competition, Jan. 19, Manhattan Beach, Calif., K. DeHart Curriculum development for tennis professionals, Jan. 26, Lincolnshire, Ill., B. Love and G. Parks Singles strategy, Feb. 7, Grapevine, Texas, M. Fairchilds Mental toughness teaching for the USPTA Pro, Feb. 8-9, Grapevine, Texas, B. Young and L. LeClaire

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 USP TA’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.

The complete professional, Feb. 10, Grapevine, Texas, F. Hassan

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.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

usprotennisshop.com

USPTA DVD Library

On Court with USPTA – $19.99 Becoming a Champion, Part 1 Becoming a Champion, Part 2 Becoming a Champion, Part 3 Blueprint for Junior Success Components of the Modern Forehand Components of the Two-Handed Backhand Developing Weapons for Senior Tennis – Establish the Threat Developing Weapons for Senior Tennis – Keep ‘em Guessing Developing Young Players Drills to Improve Your Athletic Ability Footwork for the Open-Stance Forehand and Backhand Hit Me With Your Best Shot Mastering the Dirt – Playing On Clay Meet the Topspins Playing Smarter Tennis Playing Successful Doubles – Capturing the Net Playing Successful Doubles – Playing Offensively Rip Your Return Like the Pros Rock Solid Volley Game Singles Strategy and Tactics – Playing the Percentages to Win Singles Strategy and Tactics – Transition Shots and Serve and Volley Game Tactical Touch Tennis – Divide and Conquer Take It Easy – Relax and Win Tennis – In The Balance NEW! The Aggressive Swing Volley – Hit It Like A Drive in the Air The Backhand Groundstroke The Forehand Groundstroke The Modern Backhand The Modern Forehand The Overhead The Serve The Shoulder Level Dip Drive The Volley Volley Secrets Winning Patterns and Drills Zone It To Own It

Specialty courses – $44.95 Biomechanics and Sports Medicine Clay Court Maintenance ($54.95) Creating a Perfect Practice Creating and Running a Small Business Doubles Strategy and Patterns Little Tennis Making Your Pro Shop a Protable Venture Modern Tennis Techniques Sport Physiology and Nutrition Sports Psychology/Motor Learning Stroke Analysis Using High-Speed Video Tennis Business Management Using Your Coaching Skills in a Manager’s Role Wheelchair Tennis

Competitive Player Development Series $19.99 Developing Players Movement and Footwork The Spanish Model for Developing Players $129.95 2005 Competitive Player Development Series

The 16-Second Cure – $30

by Jim Loehr, Ed.D.

Seminars – $9.99-$19.99 Adultennis – How to Teach Adults the Modern Game Analyzing Stroke Production Being a Masterful Coach Building and Molding a World-Class Player Building Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Muscle Creative Serve Practice Drills, Drills, Drills Establishing a Model for Error Detection and Correction Footwork Technique – The Base of On-Court Problem Solving From Sports Beverages to Vitamins – How Tennis Players Use Supplements From the Court to the Classroom: Creating Your Own Compass as a Professional Get Fit with Drills Great Managers are Great Coaches How To Anticipate Like A Pro How to Understand Point Development for Beginners to Competitive Players Improving the Capacity of Tennis Players Keep It Out of the Strike Zone Misconceptions in Modern Technique My Experiences in the Game On Court with Nick Preparing Like a Pro Singles Strategies and Patterns of Play Systems for Training Players Teaching the All-Court Game Teaching the Modern Game in a More Modern Way NEW! Ten X Fitness – Tennis Exercise for Everybody The Energy Equation The Five Limiting Factors of Tennis Performance The Mind/Body Connection The Modern Game: Teaching the Mental and Emotional Components in USPTA Player Development The Strategy Zone Twenty Best Games for Teaching Strategy and Tactics Winning Points: Engaging Your Students Women, High-Performance and Long-Term Health

industry action Members Ken Olivier, USPTA P-1, current director of tennis at Wood Valley Racquet Club and Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan., has accepted the position of high performance coach in charge of marketing/promotions and communications at Giammalva Racquet Club and Tennis Academy in Spring, Texas. He will begin his official duties on Jan. 1, 2008.

North Hills Club in Raleigh, N.C., was one of three clubs awarded the 2007 USTA Outstanding Facility Award for large private tennis clubs. The club has several USPTA pros on staff, including Shane Wells, tennis director; Master Professional Rich Henderson, assistant tennis director; Katrina Gildemeister, head pro; Alek Samuelson, as-

sistant tennis pro; and Liz Simon, assistant tennis pro.

USPTA Professional Bradlee Berry recently became director of tennis and fitness at Monterey Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif. For the past six years he was the tennis professional at the La Quinta Resort & Club.

La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., has named USPTA Professional Mike Casey director of tennis. Because of his work with so many celebrities and high-profile clients, many call him the “Pro to the Stars.” Prior to joining La Costa, he was previously at the La Quinta Resort and Club, where he served tennis guests and members for 18 years. Casey is most recognized for the stateof-the-art video tennis analysis that he offers

USPTA-Kentucky, Kentucky Tennis Association, and Cardinal Hills Rehabilitation Hospital united to have a Tennis Across America wheelchair camp at the University of Kentucky on July 24 and 25. Master Professional Bob Love, wheelchair-certified member David Hartsek and USPTA Professional Jannine Soldan provided the instruction.

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Tom Sweitzer, a USPTA Master Professional from Hershey, Pa., was inducted into the USTA Middle States Hall of Fame on Oct. 26. Judy Levering (left), USTA Middle States Hall of Fame master of ceremonies and former USTA president, joined current USTA President Jane Brown Grimes (right) in honoring the five inductees. The induction was part of a fundraising auction and dinner that brought in more than $30,000 for junior tennis and drew 260 attendees. to both individuals and corporate groups as well as his all-day “Extreme Tennis Makeover,” cardio tennis programs, clinics, live ball and coming soon – beach tennis.

Todd Norton, former tennis service representative for the USTA Southern Section, has assumed the new tennis director position at the KeoweeKee Fitness & Racquet Club in Keowee, S.C. Norton has been a certified tennis professional with the USPTA for 17 years. Some of his other credentials include being a USTA sports science coach, USTA high performance coach, USRSA certified stringer, and graduate of a Tennis Technology program in Tyler, Texas.

Member product showcase USPTA member Bob Larson, a Minnesotabased, 31-year veteran of tennis news reporting, has launched www. juniortennisnews.com, a free Web site of news, information and advice for, and about, globally competitive juniors seeking a future as collegiate or pro tour players. Juniortennisnews.com is a sister Web site of Larson’s highly successful tennisnews.com, No. 1 on Google and other leading search engines. The junior Web site includes news, results and information on international and national junior events for 10s to 18s, updated throughout the day. Also included are lists of rewww.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

industry action sources and services for juniors, such as training academies, training and traveling coaches, stringers and other advisers.

USPTA Professionals Mark Kovacs, Ph.D., and Britt Chandler, along with Jeff Chandler, Ed.D., have released a new book on tennis conditioning, Tennis Training: Enhancing Oncourt Performance, published by Racquet Tech Publishing (www.usrsa. com/store/tennis_training.html). This new book combines the knowledge of a former professional tennis player, collegiate All-American/NCAA champion, tennis-teaching professionals, and tennis sports scientists to create a sciencebased tennis conditioning book with practical application. The book includes over 300 scientific references with hundreds of photos to help coaches bring the science to the courts.

The book is designed for all coaches who work with competitive players.

Britt Chandler is a tennis and fitness coach at Lexington Tennis Club, Lexington, Ky. Kovacs and Jeff Chandler are professors at Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Ala.

USPTA delivers funds – and fun – to Washington, D.C., youth program Two USPTA Professionals who presented a check to the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, D.C., delivered much more than money.

Joe Cappellino and Bill McConnell took time to lead a tennis clinic this August while presenting a $2,000 check to the LAYC from the USPTA Foundation. This member-supported, charitable foundation helps economically disadvantaged people learn tennis. The USPTA Foundation is administered by the World Headquarters.

Cappellino represented the USPTA as president of the Mid-Atlantic Division. He is employed as tennis director at the Dominion Club in Glen Allen, Va., where McConnell is the head pro.

The clinic participants, ages 10 to 14, were part of a summer tennis and education camp at the Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Academy, said Michael Leon, Ward 4 team leader for the Latin American Youth Center. The LAYC started the academy earlier this year.

The Pancho Gonzalez Youth Tennis Academy provides low-income, immigrant and minority youth with tennis programming year round, Leon explained. The center conducts physical education classes in partnership with public schools, and also offers tennis after school and in summer enrichment camps.

USPTA Professionals Joe Cappellino (back row, third from right) and Bill Cappellino said the visit McConnell (back row, second from right) take a photo break with participants was a very rewarding ex- in their tennis clinic at the Latin American Youth Center’s new Pancho Gonzalez perience for both him- Youth Tennis Academy in Washington, D.C. Kneeling in front is Michael Leon, self and McConnell. “You Ward 4 team leader for the LAYC. leave there in awe of what Michael and those who help him are doing with those kids, who are probably not as fortunate as the kids we see on a daily basis … I think everyone had a lot of fun, including ourselves.”

The USPTA donation went toward “the professional development of inner-city, at-risk adults who showed an interest in (coaching) tennis so that they could give back on a grassroots level to the program kids we reach every year,” Leon said.

Ron Woods laid the groundwork for the donation earlier this year during his term as national president. “It was a worthwhile cause and fit into our mission statement of the Foundation,” Woods said.

“By getting Hispanic children involved in tennis at an early age, we hopefully can get them to continue to play throughout their lives,” Woods said, citing a need to market tennis to this rapidly growing community.

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ADDvantage/December 2007

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