Addvantage 2008 February

contents the total professional – enhancing your career

2 Executive committee

9 The shift to digital technology and how it will affect you – by Dan Wilson, USPTA’s director of information technology 19

departments 5 Vice president’s message 7 Cardio Tennis

No-cut coaches show can-do spirit –

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

13 Question of the month 14 USPTA drills 17 Classifieds 28 Career development

news 3

30 Industry action USPTA and Tennis Week magazine announce 2008 Partnership

16 New online services make certification process easier 21 Young players start healthy lifestyle with USPTA’s Little Tennis® 22 Faces in the testing field ... That’s who we are 25 USPTA welcomes new members

On the cover … USPTA Little Tennis ® offers health and fitness benefits to youngest players.

volume 32 • issue 2

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. 2008. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/February 2008

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USPTA Executive Committee Division presidents, regional vice presidents and past national presidents:

California Division

National Board of Directors: Harry Gilbert President 386-793-0084

Tom Daglis First vice president 231-250-8241

Mark Fairchilds Vice president 209-571-2582

Jack Groppel, Ph.D. Vice president 847-658-1077

Randy Mattingley Vice president 806-535-0881

Tom McGraw Vice president 502-895-4646

Tom West President 714-271-7266 Eric Stephens Regional vice president 562-598-8624

Eastern Division Mark Savage President 845-565-7600 Steve Diamond Regional vice president 973-228-1800

Florida Division Dave Richardson President 239-495-8100 John Joyce Regional vice president 561-488-6996

Hawaii Division Cathy Nicoloff President 808-879-1958 Ron Romano Regional vice president 808-955-6696

Intermountain Division Paula Scheb Secretary-treasurer 239-495-3573

Ron Woods Immediate past president 361-991-7501

Adrian Games President 303-674-6884 Kim Davis Regional vice president 719-536-0797

Mid-Atlantic Division Joe Cappellino President 804-360-0398 Pat Hanssen Regional vice president 434-295-6167

Middle States Division Mark Centrella President 302-654-8691 Tom Sweitzer Regional vice president 717-421-2209

Midwest Division Dan Moster Regional vice president 260-422-5561, ext. 2135 Molly Card Beckmann Regional vice president 317-582-1550, ext. 229

Missouri Valley Division Gary Trost President 405-848-2994 Kendell Hale Regional vice president 816-235-6377

New England Division Avis Murray President 978-283-4410 Jacques Faulise Regional vice president 401-952-7000

Northern Division Tom Boice President 952-829-8400 Bruce Gullikson Regional vice president 952-830-7900

Northern California Division Paul Garron President 707-864-0660

Pacific Northwest Division Ross Eaton President 206-949-7105 Nancy Cox Regional vice president 503-399-3252

San Diego Division Doug Bradley President 858-259-0676 Dophie Poiset Regional vice president 858-756-4459

Southern Division Jeff Hawes President 504-482-4084 Dave Dvorak Regional vice president 770-392-7788

Southwest Division Britt Feldhausen President 520-886-1885 Sara Stablein Regional vice president 602-636-9841

Texas Division Joe Snailum President 281-863-5795 Ken Sumrow Regional vice president 972-941-7192

Past presidents David T. Porter, Ed.D. (2004-2006) 808-293-3755 Joseph Thompson (1999-2003) 303-278-1130 Will Hoag (1997-1999) 954-564-7386

USPTA and Tennis Week magazine announce 2008 Partnership

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he United States Professional Tennis Association and Tennis Week magazine are proud to announce they will continue their alliance after reaching an agreement to extend and expand their partnership in the coming year.

As part of the partnership, all USPTA domestic members will receive Tennis Week magazine with their USPTA membership. USPTA will maintain a presence in all eight issues of Tennis Week through a combination of traditional brand ads and articles written by prominent members of the USPTA covering key issues, including ideas for growing the game, instructional content, and health and fitness benefits.

USPTA and Tennis Week will collaborate on a featured page on Tennis Week’s recently re-launched Web site, Tennis Week.com. The page will include articles, playing tips and other valuable USPTA information. USPTA’s press releases and event information will be delivered to Tennis Week.com readers via Richard’s Court, Tennis Week.com’s blog. Tennis Week.com will post Tennis Channel viewing times for the USPTA show “On Court with USPTA™” in its online television schedule.

“We are glad to be continuing our relationship with Tennis Week.

This has been a valuable benefit to our members throughout the years.”

“We are glad to be continuing our relationship with Tennis Week. This has been a valuable benefit to our members throughout the years,” said USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “Tennis Week’s Internet component is a great supplement to USPTA, which prides itself on being the most technologically driven company in tennis.”

In turn, Tennis Week has returned as a supporter of the USPTA by advertising on the back cover of each issue of USPTA’s ADDvantage magazine. In addition, USPTA and Tennis Week will also continue to explore other digital partnerships to enhance the value of their relationship.

“We couldn’t be more pleased about expanding our relationship with the USPTA in 2008,” said Tennis Week Publisher Randy Master. “As the most widely respected association of teaching professionals in the world, the USPTA and its members spend each and every day on the front lines of growing the sport of tennis. We look forward to delivering our content to USPTA members through multiple media channels in 2008. Tennis Week consumers will similarly benefit from top-notch instructional content supplied by the USPTA for our magazine and Web site.” K

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Vice president’s message The era of the tennis-teaching professional/team coach

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

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was very interested in CEO Tim Heckler’s selves. Even more critical is how tennis professionals article on cheating in the October/November themselves act during a team event.

ADDvantage magazine.

Tennis is a wonderful sport. A teaching profesThe past few years have brought a change in sional needs to be just that at all times — profesthe role of the teaching professional at the club sional. Recently, I attended both the Northern level. The arrival of interclub teams, USTA adult California junior team championships and my local high school sectional championships. leagues, junior teams, Ralleyball, and I can’t convey how shocked and disnow QuickStart tennis has changed the mayed I was to see that it was a coach club environment. Most club activiwho was the person clapping when ties tend to be geared toward team or his player’s opponent double faulted group situations – moving away from or made an error. This is happening individual tournaments or ladders. In more frequently, and if the coach is other words, the job of a teaching proclapping on opponents’ errors, how fessional seems to be morphing toward do you think the players and parents that of a full-time coach. from these teams are going to act?

Teaching professionals are feeling Even more disturbing is that I have pressure from an array of sources such seen coaches try to psychologically as owners, managers, members and Mark Fairchilds get under an opponent’s skin even even parents. That pressure might be comparable to what a college football coach or even though the kid might be only 10 years old.

What is happening to this great game? I know it a professional coach in a major sport can experience.

In today’s world winning is absolutely everything, is very hard in a team situation to control everything, and that mindset brings with it a key question. Is a such as when players’ friends and parents clap and teaching professional trained and qualified to take cheer, but I do feel that coaches should teach their teams good sportsmanship. on the increasingly demanding role of a coach?

If this quality is lacking, a team member playing I personally feel that the wrong atmosphere or environment makes cheating by individuals on a court in front of poorly behaved supporters will competing in team activities almost acceptable in probably be more apt to cheat. Even the coach might the cheater’s own mind. It is time for the tennis look the other way and not deal with the situation professional to step up, in the role of coach and as because of the environment. the one accountable for the team’s actions, to help The second topic is recruiting team members set the right example. from outside the club or program. Some clubs or Some of the issues that a club tennis professional tennis professionals will do anything to win a secmight have to address are team sportsmanship, re- tional or national team title by bringing in players cruiting team members who aren’t associated with from outside their club and beyond. the club or public facilities program, performanceI’m sure bonafide cases exist, but really, what is enhancing substances, and educating students on the likelihood that a player who lives three hours how to handle this era’s new technology. away would be a member of a club if there was no The first topic of team sportsmanship is an incentive for him or her? These coaches are almost issue that I personally feel very strongly about. I like college football recruiters looking for anyone to know that playing on a team is exciting and a lot help them win by bending the rules along the way. of fun, but when did it become acceptable to clap When team members experience these “win-at-alland cheer when an opponent makes an unforced costs” situations, how can you expect them not to error or double faults? Tennis professionals need to cheat on the court? Also, when one professional be responsible for how their players conduct them- starts recruiting outside his or her club, the other

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

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Clair Maciel Technical Writer Digital Asset/ Jason Potthoff Technical Content Coordinator 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 Membership and Vicky Tristan Certification Coordinator Membership

Sylvia Ortiz

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

Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler Ellen Weatherford

Merchandise/ Shelina Harris Accounting Assistant

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

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

Central time

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from previous page professionals in that area often seem to follow suit.

I had an interesting conversation recently with an old college buddy. My friend is now a certified trainer and plays tennis recreationally in the Bay Area. He went to watch the USTA National Girls 18s Hardcourt Championships at the Berkeley Tennis Club and Claremont Resort this summer. He said he was in awe of the level of play he saw, but he couldn’t help feeling deeply disturbed while wondering whether some of the girls were taking some type of performance-enhancing drugs. As a trainer who helps people improve their level of fitness, he pondered how these players could get that physically developed without help from performance drugs.

I know this a touchy subject that is perhaps better kept for another article, but as certified tennis professionals, it is important that we not be naive about this growing concern.

I wonder how many parents are either giving their children human growth substances or looking the other way so young players might get an advantage over the competition on the tennis court.

It is our responsibility as tennis professionals to be educated on this matter. Please be direct on this issue and help educate your members who are representing your club in team situations. Have a meeting with your owners, managers and tennis staff to figure out the best way to handle these cases. Obviously, if players – and indirectly their parents – are willing to cheat the system with performance-enhancing drugs, I would think there is a likelihood that they might cheat on the court.

The final topic has to do with the technology age. There are so

many ways for people to communicate these days that it becomes almost comical when and how they try to do it. The cell phone has obviously become a way of life, but I am amazed that people in tournaments actually walk on the court talking on the cell, call people in the middle of changeovers, or keep the ringer on even if their phone rings during a point.

Is respect for an opponent or even basic etiquette truly gone? I know players might need the phone on for family emergencies, but they should remember that they are playing a competitive match against an opponent who deserves to compete fairly without delays and distractions in the match. Here are a couple of junior team situations that I have witnessed in the past couple of years. The first one was catching a teenage boy calling a buddy at the end of the first set with his opponent sitting right there to let his friend know he had won the first set 6-0. To say that I was upset about my student’s complete lack of respect for his opponent in this situation is an understatement. Please know it was addressed immediately, and I am confident that it will never happen with this player or any of my players again. The second was catching members of our junior girls team texting each other on changeovers in their matches. Although the texted items had nothing to do with tennis – even though a couple of these girls were in the process of playing a third set – it would have been very easy for them to ask for and possibly receive input or advice on how to win their match.

Some of the other issues I have had to address include players playing video games on changeovers, taking pictures on the phone

Tips from the pros

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Tips from the pros

Cardio Tennis: unique solutions to potential challenges II

by Michele Krause, USPTA National Cardio Tennis manager and speakers team director

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he last Cardio Tennis article offered unique solutions for music on the court and attracting the fitness market. This article will address common concerns with heart rate monitors, starter (beginner) players and advanced players.

Heart rate monitors (HRMs) elevate the fitness profile of the Cardio Tennis class. It is not a requirement to use HRMs at an official Cardio Tennis site, but it is highly recommended. In most cases, if Cardio Tennis is not successful at a facility it is because the class has somehow been diluted by not following the proper format/curriculum or not using all the available tools. Many sites do not use HRMs for the following reasons: cost, comfort, fear, time, education, or technical issues.

Let’s address the most common concern, which is cost, from the perspective of the pro and the consumer.

Pro’s perspective: A “loaner kit” is too much of an investment.

• Buying the 10-pack loaner kit is a big chunk of money upfront, which is why we encourage pros to start with their own HRM, use it and understand how to work it. Wear it while you are leading the Cardio Tennis class and pull your own file at the end. This will stimulate your consumers’ interest in the HRM and before you know it they will want one for themselves; you have just created a money-making opportunity. It is very easy to open an account with Polar or another manufacturer of HRMs, so stock them in your pro shop.

• Incorporate the cost of the loaner kit into your class pricing, and you can pay for the kit in as little as six classes (eight people per class at $15 each).

• Cost should not be an issue for a tool that can protect you as the coach.

As a USPTA Professional you have a great benefit of $9 million in liability insurance, however that is something we hope we never have to call upon. I have heard numerous stories from tennis professionals who have had consumers discover heart issues because they were using the HRM. If they had not been wearing the HRM the problems may not have been recognized in the early stages and could have ultimately resulted in a serious cardiac situation.

You need to think of this program as a franchise or investment. This is one of the few

A heart rate monitor is the best way to train efficiently and effectively. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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from previous page opportunities professionals have to make a short-term financial/asset investment for long-term financial gain.

Consumer’s perspective: I can’t afford one or I do not want to waste my money.

• Pricing on an HRM varies widely depending on the amount of bells and whistles one wants, however, there are HRMs for as little as $40.

• It is an investment in your health. Is there anything more important than one’s health?

• It is the best way to train efficiently and effectively. This is like having your workout center with you all day long.

It’s cheaper than a treadmill or elliptical and it has multiple uses. It can and should be worn during any physical activity from walking to spinning.

• It is a motivation tool that will put the real value of your workout in perspective.

The HRM is not comfortable – I don’t like how it feels – and it takes too long to put on.

• Give wearers ample time to put on the bands; show how to adjust them.

• Some people might feel modest or that it’s a hassle to put it on. Have an area for putting on the units, which include a wristwatch and chest transmitter, perhaps behind a curtain or in a locker room. This is another good reason for someone to own an HRM instead of using one on loan from you in order to put it on when dressing at home.

• Some people might feel afraid to wear it; you need to explain what it feels like and that there is no current or sensation from the transmitter. Remember to ask your consumers if they have a pacemaker. If they have one they should not be wearing an HRM. • There is a company called Textronics that makes clothing-compatible sports bras for women and shirts for men. You can insert the transmitter into the clothing, eliminating the chest strap. Polar and Adidas have a compatible clothing line as well.

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• Reebok makes a strapless HRM; you do need to put your fingers on the sensors to get a reading. MIO makes a strapless HRM that you do not have to touch, however, the cost is high.

Keep in mind that a chest transmitter allows for the most accurate heart rate measurement.

• One of the big differences between the Polar F5 and F6 is in the size of the plastic transmitter; the F6 is about 2 ½ inches wide, as opposed to the F5, which is about 11 inches. Therefore, the F6 is more comfortable because there is more fabric and less plastic.

It is up to the pro to educate the consumer on all the benefits and multiple uses.

I don’t need to wear one.

• An HRM is a safety precaution for both the consumer and the coach.

• If you are not wearing one we recommend a manual self-check, however, this has a 33 percent margin for error.

• If you want to improve your fitness it is a necessary tool. Why? Because it is the most accurate way to assess and monitor your workout. It assesses which heart rate zone you are in and how long you are in it. Another feature is it gives calorie burn, which is great feedback for weight loss or a training tool to maintain weight. Additionally, many of the watches have other features that assess fitness level and improvement. It is a great motivational tool, and some Polar models display a trophy when you have met your weekly goals.

• We can’t make people wear them but we can continue to educate and encourage them. Those who observe others wearing the watch will see that this is a key tool of the program.

The HRM is not accurate; it is showing a crazy number like 00 or 220.

Although the watch is 99 percent accurate, strange readings can occur when personal information is not input correctly, the equipment is not worn correctly, or the consumer hits the wrong button. Other

causes for error include a lack of moisture on the transmitter, a low battery, or transmitter interference. You need to educate your consumers on the features of the watch and how to troubleshoot.

Let’s move on to challenges with starter tennis players. A common misconception some professionals have is that Cardio Tennis is not for beginners. The National Cardio Tennis Speakers Team members feel Cardio Tennis is, in fact, the best entry point for starter players. Research has shown that starter players often quit tennis because their experience with tennis had been too technical, they didn’t feel like they got a workout, and they did not have fun; Cardio Tennis is the answer to those challenges. With Cardio Tennis, starter players learn and experience from the beginning that moving is critical to advancing in the game of tennis.

A frequent comment I get from the field is starter players can’t play games. Sure they can, it’s just not going to look as pretty.

You as the coach need to believe this and create the right environment for successful game playing. Remember, learner-centered coaching means doing the right thing for the student – not what is easiest for the coach.

Use the following guidelines for successful game playing with starter players: • Short court and transition balls work wonders.

• Slow things down.

• Play games with beginners the very first day and every class thereafter.

• Almost any drill or game can be tweaked for a starter player.

• “I did it” and red rover (short court) are great starter games. Please visit www. partners.cardiotennis.com for details.

Starter players are not learning in Cardio Tennis because I am not teaching.

They are learning through the following methods: • Repetition • Demonstration • Visualization

continued Page 25 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The shift to digital technology and how it will affect you

by Dan Wilson, USPTA’s director of information technology

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n the next 12 months, there will be some technology changes across the United States that will affect many things we use in our daily life. These changes are occurring as a result of a coming shift to digital transmission systems and away from the analog systems that have been in use for several years.

on February 18, 2009. Also, in 2002, the FCC ruled that wireless telephone service providers no longer have to maintain their analog mobile phone networks beyond February 18, 2008.

Digital transmission systems differ from analog transmission systems in the way they encode the information being sent. Analog systems transmit their data using continuously varying signals, while digital systems first convert their data to a numerical form, and then transmit the data as a series of numbers.

Television broadcasters have been preparing for this shift for a while. Most television broadcasters currently are broadcasting the digital version of their signal alongside the analog version. The analog version of the signal is known as the NTSC signal, named after the 1940 National Television Standards Committee, which standardized the signal format. The digital version of the signal is known as ATSC, named for the Advanced Television Systems Committee, formed in 1982.

Though the digital transmission system is more complex than analog, it is vastly more efficient ... up to 16 times as much information can be transmitted using digital broadcasts instead of analog.

Why shift to digital?

Though the digital transmission system is more complex than analog, it is vastly more efficient. In today’s world, more devices need to wirelessly transmit and receive information than ever before. Each device’s transmission uses up a frequency or frequency range of the available spectrum for its broadcast. As a result, the entire broadcast spectrum available is very crowded, and competition for slots in the spectrum is fierce. The FCC is planning to auction off a slice of the 700MHz band in January, and wireless providers like AT&T, Verizon, and even Google are preparing to bid billions of dollars to purchase that spectrum. The providers are planning to use the bandwidth for next-generation wireless services.

Since the available frequencies are so crowded, their use must be made more efficient in order to continue to expand and provide services. Digital transmissions can make much better use of the spectrum than analog transmissions can. In some cases, up to 16 times as much information can be transmitted using digital broadcasts instead of analog. Even more information can be transmitted using compression techniques, which are impossible to use on an analog signal. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

A change in your TV viewing A ruling by the Federal Communications Commission and a congressional bill are the two driving forces behind these major shifts in technology. In 2005, the U.S. Congress passed a bill requiring that all television broadcasters stop broadcasting the analog version of their TV channel

The item in a television that makes it a television (rather than a simpler monitor) is the tuner. This is the electronic section of the television that enables it to receive continued next page

Though the digital transmission system is more complex than analog, it is vastly more efficient.

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from previous page a broadcast signal. A monitor (like those used for a computer) has no tuner, and can only display something from a plugged-in cable. Until a few years ago, most televisions that were purchased contained a tuner that could receive and display only NTSC (analog) signals. Today, most TVs have a tuner that can receive ATSC (digital) and NTSC signals. In fact, many retailers have stopped selling TVs that have NTSC-only tuners.

The shift to digital-only broadcasting on February 18, 2009 affects you if you currently receive broadcast signals over the air (OTA), and have a TV that has an NTSC-only tuner. On February 18, 2009, NTSC signals will no longer be broadcast, so your NTSConly TV will no longer be able to receive any signals.

It’s estimated that the change affects about 20 million TVs currently in use throughout the United States. This is actually a relatively low percentage of all the TVs out there – by some estimates only 5 percent to 10 percent.

Most TVs will remain unaffected because they don’t get their signal from an over-the-air broadcast. Instead, they are connected to a cable TV service, satellite TV service, or other service that uses some type of set-top converter box. All of these services are unaffected by the change in the broadcast standard, and will continue to receive service as they do now.

If you are affected by the change, there are several choices for you.

Starting in early 2008, converter box devices will hit the market that are ATSC tuners. You will be able to purchase one of these devices and hook it up to your older, NTSC-only TV. The converter box will allow you to tune in the ATSC broadcasts, and it will convert the signal to NTSC to allow your TV to display it.

When the FCC and the U.S. Congress developed the bill to change to digital TV broadcasts, they did not forget that you shouldn’t have to pay for this converter box. Starting in early 2008, people who will be affected by the transition to digital TV broadcasts can apply for and receive two $40 vouchers good toward the purchase of the ATSC converter box.

Details of the voucher program are available on the US Government’s Digital TV Converter Program Web site at http://www.dtv2009.gov.

The site has information about the transition to digital TV broadcasting, online and printable applications to receive the vouchers, and lists of authorized ATSC converters and participating retailers.

By the way, your tax dollars are not paying for the vouchers – the aforementioned sale of the 700MHz wireless spectrum is paying for them. The 700MHz wireless spectrum is being freed up by the transition to ATSC signals, because 700MHz is where NTSC UHF channels 52-69 are currently being broadcast, and will stop doing so on February 18, 2009.

One item that is not covered by the vouchers is a TV antenna. If you need to receive ATSC signals over-the-air, and you live in a rural or fringe area, you may need a different TV antenna than the one you’re using now. While NTSC signals can be received at the fringe of their broadcast range, and the low-quality picture might be tolerable, an ATSC signal will likely cut out completely. A larger antenna, mounted higher in respect to the surrounding land might be required to receive the signal at all.

Another potential solution is to upgrade to an ATSC-capable TV. Most TVs on the market now have a built-in ATSC tuner, and in general will display a better picture than TVs that are several years old. Unfortunately, the government voucher cannot be applied to a new TV. A final possible solution is to sign up for service with a TV service provider, like cable TV, satellite TV, or other service that uses a set-top box. The set-top box will output NTSC signals compatible with the older TVs. This may not be possible if such services are not available in your area.

Changes for mobile phone networks A second industry affected by the coming shift to digital transmission technologies is the wireless telephone industry. The FCC ruled that on February 18, 2008, wireless carriers may (at their discretion) begin to shut down their analog cellular service. The Advanced Mobile Phone System is what we know as the older, analog cell phone network that was first used commercially in the United States in 1983, complete with brick-sized and brick-heavy phones.

The shift to digital-only broadcasting will affect you if you currently receive broadcast signals over the air, and have a TV that has an NTSC-only tuner.

Most TVs, however, will remain unaffected because they don’t get their signal from an over-the-air broadcast.

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The three largest wireless carriers that still have AMPS service – Verizon, AT&T, and Alltel – have stated they will shut down most portions of their AMPS networks soon after the February 18 date. Many smaller providers, especially those that cater to rural areas, will continue to maintain their AMPS network for the foreseeable future. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

GM has posted a set of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the analog to digital transition and how it affects the OnStar service.

The FAQ is available at http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/ customer_service/adt.jsp.

GM produced three different types of OnStar systems in their vehicles. The first was an analog-only OnStar system. This system was used on certain GM vehicles as late as 2004 models. This OnStar system is the one most heavily affected by the AMPS shutdown, as it will cease to function after February 18. GM offers no upgrade option for these vehicles.

The second system was an analog/digital-ready system. This system uses analog-only transmission also, and will also cease to function after February 18, but this system can be upgraded to use the digital wireless networks. GM is offering an upgrade for eligible vehicles for $15 when purchased with a one-year subscription to OnStar service.

In today’s world, more devices need to wirelessly transmit and receive information than ever before. Each device’s transmission uses up a frequency or frequency range of the available spectrum for its broadcast. As a result, the entire broadcast spectrum available is very crowded, and competition for slots in the spectrum is fierce.

One problem with the shutdown of the AMPS networks is coverage. The digital wireless telephone technologies do not cover as large of an area as the older analog network does. Though the FCC ruling prohibits the wireless carriers from shutting down AMPS in areas where sufficient digital coverage is not available, there are bound to be unforeseen gaps in coverage.

Though hardly anyone has an analog-only mobile phone anymore, there are still many tri-mode phones in service, which have the ability to place calls on both the digital networks as well as AMPS. These phones will, in many places, be unable to receive an AMPS signal and will have to rely on the digital networks. Since many of these phones are older, they tend to be less reliable on the digital networks than modern phones, and may not get complete coverage, even in urban areas.

For those very few people who have an AMPS-only or tri-mode phone, the answer is to probably visit your wireless provider and investigate an upgrade to a newer phone that is digitalnetwork capable. Fortunately, this will affect very few wireless subscribers.

GM OnStar While the shutdown of AMPS service will not be a huge problem for the mobile phone industry, it presents a larger problem for certain embedded systems. One of the largest installed bases of embedded systems that will have trouble dealing with the shutdown of AMPS service is GM’s OnStar in-vehicle assistance and safety system. The OnStar system relies on a combination of vehicular sensors, GPS technology, and mobile phone service that until recently, was AMPS-only. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The third system is an analog/digital system that is already equipped to work on either analog or digital wireless networks. This is the only system that will continue functioning after February 18 with no action required by the vehicle owner.

To check which type of OnStar system your GM car has, go to https://www.myonstar.com/adt.os and enter your vehicle’s VIN number. GM’s Web site will tell you what type of system you have and whether there is an available upgrade.

Even though many OnStar-equipped GM vehicles can either be modified to use the digital wireless networks or can already use them, the digital network coverage is not as comprehensive as the AMPS network. There may be areas of the country in which the OnStar system will not function because there is no digital network coverage. Go to http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/coverage_map.jsp to view the analog coverage map, and http://www. onstar.com/us_english/jsp/coverage_map_2008.jsp to view the digital coverage map.

GM states in their press release that they didn’t move toward an analog/digital sooner because it was uncertain which digital wireless technology would dominate. There were at one time four different major digital wireless networks in existence: TDMA (used by AT&T), which is being phased out, CDMA (Verizon and Sprint), GSM (AllTel, T-Mobile, and now AT&T), and IDEN (NexTel), which is also being phased out. GM also states that until recently, digital network coverage didn’t approach the AMPS network and therefore didn’t make sense given OnStar’s goal of having service available everywhere.

OnStar-equipped vehicle owners should visit the GM Web site as soon as possible to verify the status of their vehicle and whether an upgrade is available. If you happen to be one of the unlucky owners whose OnStar system cannot be upgraded, there are unfortunately no options to make the OnStar system usable again. continued Page 17 11

ADDvantage/February 2008

Q Q

uestion of the month ...

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.

I am moving to a new division, how do I get involved?

Please visit www.uspta.com, click on “Division Web sites” in the Quick Links pull-down menu, then click on your new division. A complete list of names and contact information for divisional board members is available.

www.uspta.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Team coach from Page 6 during matches, checking messages and calling friends back in the middle of the match. Every year, we have discussions with the coaches and captains on this subject and the rules that need to be followed. I’m sure some other new gadget will arrive in 2008 that will have me scratching my head as to why players think it’s OK to use it during competition.

How does the subject of new technology pertain to cheating?

I would think that if a player is willing to talk on the cell phone, text message or do other things during a match that show a basic lack of respect for his or her opponent, making a few bad line calls might be the next step.

In closing, does our organization – the USPTA – need our most qualified coaches to start producing seminars that relate to team coaching? I believe so. The lack of sportsmanship and cheating mostly starts at the lower levels of tennis – the start-up junior leagues, advanced junior leagues, interclub teams and high school tennis. We need to make sure that young or beginning tennis players don’t develop a “win-at-all-costs” mentality as they continue to develop. Let’s make sure their focus is on improving their strokes technically and helping them develop basic rituals as well as learning strategy and tactics. I know the new high school coaches Web site addresses these issues.

Most of us went into this field as a career because of our joy in teaching the game of tennis. Now it is time to learn the right way to coach a team on how best to play the game of tennis. K

ADDvantage/February 2008

13

USPTA drills Around the cone – defensive backhand prepared by Rick Macci, USPTA Master Professional

Type: Singles Category: Backhand/conditioning/groundstrokes Levels: Beginners/int./adv.

Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Hit defensive backhands then run around the cone and prepare for the next shot. Focus on net clearance and depth.

Organization: Place cone on baseline at the center mark. Student starts at the cone and moves back to hit defensive backhand. Make sure your feeds are directed so student has to move back and is forced to hit a defensive backhand (not moving in or along the baseline), and then moves around the cone for next shot.

Key points: Keep feeds deep and have student focus on depth and net clearance. Add “liners” for more of a conditioning element.

Around the cone – offensive backhand prepared by Rick Macci, USPTA Master Professional

Type: Singles Category: Backhand/conditioning/groundstrokes Levels: Beginners/int./adv.

Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Hit offensive backhands then run around the cone and prepare for the next shot. Focus on hitting through the ball as student moves forward.

Organization: Place a cone on the baseline at the center mark. Have student start at the cone and then move forward into the court to hit an offensive backhand. Make sure your feeds are directed so the student has to move into the court to hit the shot. Focus on having student hit through the ball as they move in and then move around the cone for the next shot.

Key points: Focus on good movement as student moves forward to the ball and having student hit through the ball. Make sure your feeds are appropriate so that student hits offensive backhand.

Foam ball warm-up

prepared by Jim Parker, USPTA Master Professional

Type: Doubles, singles Levels: Beginners/int./adv.

Category: Warm-up and stretching Time/players: 15 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Drill focuses on touch and feel of the ball. Players should apply underspin to shots to keep them within the service boxes and have them land softly like a drop shot.

Organization: Place player at the service line. Using a foam ball, have player hit soft, underspin forehand and backhand shots at targets.

Key point: Use a foam ball. Shots should be soft with underspin and land within the service boxes like a drop shot.

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ADDvantage/February 2008

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA drills Forehand drive (passing shot) prepared by Brett Hobden, USPTA

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Forehand/passing Time/players: 20 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Coach simulates an approach shot and net position so student can practice hitting accurate passing shots.

Organization: Player starts at the center line along the baseline. Place players in line behind player A. Coach feeds ball and moves into volleying position at net. Player moves to the right and hits down the line, aiming for the target area. Player moves to back of the line as coach feeds ball to player B. Variations: Have players hit passing shots to crosscourt target area.

Have players hit inside-out and outside-in forehand passing shots.

Key points: Players should keep passing shot low to the net, not worrying about depth of shot.

Keep them guessing

prepared by Jim Parker, USPTA Master Professional

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Lob/passing Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Player A focuses on hitting passing shots down the line and crosscourt, and hitting lobs over Player B’s head. Player B focuses on hitting solid deep volleys to Player A’s forehand and covering the net for passing shots and lobs.

Organization: Player A is on the baseline with Player B at net. Pro feeds backhand volley to Player B. Player B volleys to Player A’s forehand.

Player A will hit down-the-line passing shot, crosscourt passing shot or lob. Player B will defend against those shots. Variations: You can start drill by having Player A hit only down the line, then only crosscourt and, finally, only lob.

Key points: Player A should disguise which shot will be hit. Player B should focus on deep volley and defending net position. Make sure initial feed is difficult enough to keep Player B from hitting a winner.

Permanent points

prepared by Bernard Gusman, USPTA

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

Category: Strategy and tactics Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

Description and goals: Competing in a game situation while experiencing the benefits of “getting to 30” first. Four out of five games are won by the player achieving the score of 30 first.

Organization: Players A, B and C alternate as servers playing best 2-out-of-3 points with player D as the receiver. If player A wins 2 out of 3 points he has earned the right to become the receiver. Player B would then serve 2 out of 3 points to player A. Player D becomes a waiting server. If receiver wins 2 out of 3 points from server, then receiver earns a “permanent point” on his score and stays as the receiver. Losing player is replaced by waiting player and play continues. Variation: Play with two players alternating being the receiver and keep score as a team.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Key point: After 10 minutes and a changeover (water) break, the players with the most permanent points from court No. 1, 2, and 3 all play on court No. 1. Players with the second most points on each court go to court No. 2 and players with the lowest number of permanent points go to court No. 3. Rotating this way players are constantly competing against different players.

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com ADDvantage/February 2008 15

New online services make certification process easier

F

or aspiring tennis professionals, the first step in earning USPTA certification involves an immersion in tennis education and studying “The Complete Guide to USPTA Membership” before taking the Certification Exam.

To help make this process easier for new applicants, the USPTA has created a new, improved and more convenient way for them to prepare for the exam – studying the Certification Review Course online. In

Complete Guide to USPTA Membership” is because it presents the educational information via multimedia formats. The multimedia presentations in the online review course highlight key points over which applicants will be tested. Demonstration videos featuring USPTA Master Professionals and testers offer a chance for applicants to see what they should expect during the on-court portions of the exam.

For example, in the stroke production

With 12.5 hours of audio material covering 522 pages of information, the new online CRC offers a more extensive and in-depth overview of all the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete both the written and on-court certification exams. addition, applicants will be able to take the written and grip portions of the exam online as well.

The Feb. 18 launch of the Web version of the USPTA Certification Review Course, written test and grip test signifies a breakthrough development in how the Certification Exam material is presented. Not only has the delivery of the review improved tremendously through the use of multimedia presentations, but there is also a greater amount of available educational material.

Previously, new applicant members prepared for the Certification Exam with a sixhour classroom CRC session, during which review topics were discussed briefly. Now, with 12.5 hours of audio material covering 522 pages of information, the new online CRC offers a more extensive and in-depth overview of all the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete both the written and on-court certification exams.

To complement the written format, the online Certification Review Course offers audio and video features so that applicants and members have the option to listen, watch and read along as they go through the course. A major benefit of incorporating these new features is that it utilizes multiple learning styles so applicants can better retain the information in the course through a combination of audio, video and text.

One of the main reasons the online CRC is a significant improvement to “The

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ADDvantage/February 2008

video, applicants can see just how they will be tested on their ability to demonstrate a stroke by watching someone else take the exam. Similarly, videos on both private and group lesson structures depict (step by step) all of the elements necessary for a successful and effective private or group lesson. These videos allow the applicant to see how a lesson should be structured as well as the key points he or she will want to demonstrate

during the certification exam.

Viewing these materials is meant to give applicants the advantage of being able to actually watch an example of a well-designed lesson and see how it is structured, which will help them with their own on-court exam.

The online Certification Review Course also offers a more comprehensive review of grips, teaching progressions, stroke analysis and the anatomy of the modern shot. In addition, short quizzes at the end of each section help the applicant review the information covered in each topic.

Applicants will have a time limit in which to complete the online written and grip portions of the Certification Exam.

Members will also be able to upgrade their written and grip portions of the exam online.

New applicants who apply for USPTA certification between now and May 18, 2008, have the option of taking the Certification Review Course either online or during the six-hour classroom review session that has normally been offered, or both. After May 18, classroom reviews will only be offered at USPTA Regional Testing Centers. K

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Tennis 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 423-764-8444.

EMPLOYMENT USPTA’s Find-a-Pro. The best job-posting service so you can find the best jobs, free. For more information, visit uspta.com.

TENNIS PRODUCTS SLINGHOPPER DRILL BAGS. Feed with Speed! USPTA Pros receive 20 percent off by going to www.slinghopper.com and entering “USPTA” in the promo code. To become a SlingHopper distributor, call 888-931-4646.

Are you looking for tennis/ sports apparel that is fun and affordable? Check out BusterPro at www.busterpro-la.com. BusterPro is made in America!

Technology from Page 11 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.

Vacation/Exchange Program.

Stay at the Iberostar in Mexico in exchange for tennis lessons. www. vacationingcoaches.com. Telephone (937) 885-0468.

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

EGYPT- Tennis pros travel free.

Organize your own group or join ours, 2-3 week trips year round, combine tourism with playing tennis at local clubs. For additional information, www.egyptgrouptours.com, TEL 416-727-1040.

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.

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

You can get some of the equivalent functionality in the vehicle by having a good digital wireless phone and a GPS unit, but many of the other OnStar services will not be available.

Alarm systems The AMPS shutdown will also affect premises alarm systems, such as the home security systems provided by ADT, Brinks, and others.

Many of these systems transmit their alarm signals to the central monitoring company via a land-based telephone line, but some use a cellular telephone network module as a backup to the land-based line or, in some cases, the cellular network module is used as the primary means of connecting to the monitoring center. Most of the existing cellular modules in the field today are AMPS-only, and will stop working after February 18.

While most of the large alarm companies like ADT and Brinks have been preparing for the shift, and now offer wireless modules that use the digital networks, many smaller alarm companies are unprepared, and may not even have an upgrade path. Further, some cellular modules were sold by several companies that were labeled “digital,” even though they actually used a digital sub-channel of the AMPS network rather than actually communicating over the digital wireless networks.

If your home security system uses a cellular module, contact your alarm company and make sure it connects via the digital wireless networks. If not, see if you can upgrade the module to one that does. If neither option is available, you will need to see about hooking your security system up to a land-based telephone line.

In some cases, the alarm companies will allow you to use a voiceover-IP telephone line for monitoring instead of a classic land-based telephone line.

Though the transition to digital broadcast technology is going to be rough in some instances, it is a necessary shift in technology.

The continually growing demand for more services is driving the change to be more efficient about the use of the available broadcast spectrum. After these two major shifts occur to digital broadcast technology, the only major consumer broadcast that will continue to use analog technology is AM and FM radio. Though other analog broadcasts still exist, such as CB, aircraft communications and navigation, government communications, and emergency services, those too, in time, will shift to digital technologies.

Digital evolution will drive more changes It’s also not going to be the last change. As technologies evolve, future transitions will become more frequent. It’s highly unlikely that today’s digital technologies will exist unchanged for time periods like the 24-year run for AMPS, or the unbelievable 69year run for NTSC. The ever-present and growing demand for additional services will always be driving evolutions toward new technologies. K

ADDvantage/February 2008

17

No-cut coaches show can-do spirit

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

ew will argue that “no-cut” tennis benefits the thousands of high school students given the opportunity to play for the sheer love of the game.

But true believers in this open-court approach to team building maintain that schools don’t have to sacrifice quality for the sake of quantity. And the industry’s player base grows stronger in the process.

F

Assistant coaches Art Klein, USPTA (left) and Steve Geller (right) are part of the no-cut tennis success story at Morristown High School in Morristown, N.J. They stand with freshman and sophomore members of the 2007 girls’ tennis team.

No-cut tennis means no tryouts; no one is turned away who wants to play. These programs provide young people the opportunity to represent their school – and, in many cases, get their first taste of a sport they will play for a lifetime.

The United States Tennis Association has a three-member High School No-Cut Advisory Team that encourages coaches to start no-cut tennis teams and answers e-mail questions about administering large programs.

At the end of 2007, the number of nocut programs registered as participants in the USTA High School No-Cut Initiative numbered 1,780, according to Kirk Anderson, USTA national director of Recreational Coaches and Programs. More than 68,000 players participate in these programs. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

“This type of program will develop more serious players than any cut program,” said Dave Steinbach, USPTA Professional 1 and a member of the USTA’s three-coach advisory team.

Steinbach, who heads the tennis program at Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wis., said his claim about the player-producing power of no-cut tennis “is born out by the success of our program.”

“Before I became coach and instituted a no-cut program (in 1982), Brookfield had not won a conference championship, much less a state championship,” he said.

“We have now won 13 team titles and 12 state runner-up titles.”

Last year Steinbach’s teams at Brookfield Central High School numbered 120 boys

and 119 girls – the largest number of girls and boys players in any high school competitive program in the country, he said.

“When the program reaches the size of our program, it is a big deal to be part of the action. You cannot win state team championships with just a few good players.

“The program is like a pyramid with a very large base,” Steinbach continued.

“When 120 athletes are interested in becoming a varsity player (top 15) it takes a year-round commitment.”

The Brookfield boys have a spring season and the girls play in the fall. Both programs have a varsity, varsity reserve and three junior varsity teams. Each team sports 16 to 30 players, practices every day, and has a schedule of a minimum of 12 duel matches or tournaments.

“We have been able to find answers for any possible drawbacks that have been presented,” Steinbach noted. “Sometimes you have to think outside the box for the answers, but we have always been able to find them. To reach the size of our program was not overnight, so all the problems did not surface in one year.”

Art Klein, like Steinbach, knows the challenges of juggling schedules, courts and players of different levels. Working with a 71-player program, he admits to being “a little bit skeptical” when he first faced the prospect of dealing with such a large number of kids.

Klein, a USPTA Developmental Coach, is now in his third year as an assistant coach for the girls’ tennis program at Morristown High School in Morristown, N.J. Steve Geller is the other assistant coach.

Pat Mattos has never had a losing team in her 35 years as the girls’ varsity coach at Morristown. Four years ago the team was rated one of the top 10 high school girls’ teams in the state.

The girls’ program, which is much larger than the boys’ counterpart, takes up continued next page ADDvantage/February 2008 19

from previous page six courts at a middle school and four in a public park. “We work it so the varsity plays away matches and the junior varsity finds an open day when they can practice or play at the middle school courts,” Klein explained.

“We’re giving some of these girls a chance to try tennis and find out if they like it,” he said. “It’s sort of a way of competing against sports where there’s a lot more recruitment activity.”

Tennis recruitment at Morristown consists of distributing fliers in middle schools and holding a pizza party at the end of each school year. A lot of word of mouth is involved as well.

Klein coaches freshmen, approximately 95 percent of whom have never played tennis before. They start with the basics – learning a forehand, backhand and how to keep score. Then they move on to drills and a doubles ladder; only the varsity team has singles spots. Doubles competition teaches these beginners the rewards of self-improvement, teamwork and mental toughness.

“We want them to work hard, we want them to improve their skills,” Klein said.

“Our hope is they will move up to the J.V. team the second year and compete against other schools.”

Players are initially rated and separated into teams during a two-week orientation and training camp each summer, with parent volunteers helping to organize the effort.

“Most of the kids are going to remain in the beginner group, but you might have two or three who can go straight to the J.V. team or even work with the varsity kids,” Klein explained.

Those who show varsity potential compete in a round-robin playoff format.

“Anybody could end up on the varsity team. But it’s tough to go through the process because there are so many kids,” he said.

Training camp sometimes produces a surprise success story or two. “This past year the No. 1 (varsity) singles player was a ninth-grade player no one had seen before.

We knew she had played in a couple of tournaments.”

Over the course of the season, “I had two (freshman) girls last year that started out as absolute beginners and ended up being the No. 1 doubles team on my ladder. When you see that happen it’s tremendous,” Klein said, adding that at least 10 other girls improved dramatically.

From his perspective, the work “is very demanding, but it’s also very rewarding because when I see the improvement that kids make in the space of two months it’s about the best reward a coach can get.”

For more information on teaching high school tennis visit USPTA’s own High School Coaches Resource Center at www.highschoolcoaches. uspta.com. For details on the USTA High School No-Cut Initiative, registration details or to contact the advisory team, visit www.usta. com/highschoolcoaches. K

Coach Dave Steinbach, USPTA, conducts a preseason parent information meeting for the no-cut tennis program at Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wis.

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ADDvantage/February 2008

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Young players start healthy lifestyle with USPTA’s Little Tennis®

O

ver the past 20 years the world has gone through a technological transformation that has helped it become a more efficient society. At the same time, these advances have also made our society somewhat lazier from a fitness standpoint.

The people who are affected the most by these new technologies are our children since they no longer go outdoors to play. Rather, they stay inside and enjoy the Internet, video games, cell phones and iPods. This causes many children to become overweight since they are not getting the physical conditioning they need. And, even worse, they are affecting their long-term health. While it is important for adults to exercise to stay healthy, it is extremely important to get children active early in a healthy fitness environment. What better way to do this than through sports programs, like USPTA’s Little Tennis?

All of our pros can get involved in helping youth to become active again by promoting Little Tennis and USPTA’s new public relations campaign, Tennis – for the health of it! SM Many teaching professionals are planning their spring and summer programs, scheduling member-guest tournaments, proams, mixers, adult and junior programs, round-robin events, club championships and many other functions for the adults and juniors at their facilities. What often gets overlooked are programs for the children of the facilities who go there with their families looking to participate in fun events. While many pros run clinics for children, we want to continue to encourage them to enroll young players into a tennis program. All of our pros can get involved in helping youth to become active again by promoting Little Tennis and USPTA’s new public relations campaign, Tennis – for the health of it! SM Why Little Tennis? It’s the nation’s equivalent to Little League Baseball, soccer or basketball. It includes a structured program of lessons and play designed to move children ages 3-10 quickly through the transitional stages of graduated equipment to full-court tennis. The program is an extremely powerful toolbox for those who wish to play, promote or teach tennis. It uniquely caters to teachers, parents, kids and program organizers. Not only does it help children learn the game, but it also helps to introduce the game to their parents and grandparents who have never experienced it for themselves.

One great idea to help promote a Little Tennis program for the summer months is to run a Tennis Across America event in the spring. This could be a free hour-long clinic or a series of events showing children and their parents what the Little Tennis program entails. If the children enjoy the clinics then perhaps they will want to participate in your Little Tennis summer programs. Not only is Tennis Across America a great marketing tool for Little Tennis it www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

It is extremely important to get children active early in a healthy fitness environment.

can also be used as effectively for all the programs a professional may want to run.

One thing to remember when you are planning your programs is that even the smallest and youngest children can experience success through Little Tennis. However, it’s important to note that these children are learning general motor skills more than specific tennis skills. The balance shifts from motor skills to playing skills as the children get older and more coordinated. However, the key to the success of children of any age is the use of graduated equipment. USPTA endorses HEAD-Starts equipment. One of the most important attributes of the equipment is use of lowcompression balls. These allow children to hit less lively balls, yet have the look and feel of a real ball. All this equipment is available at www.usprotennisshop.com or by calling 800-877-8248 and talking to USPTA’s merchandise department.

USPTA also offers a specialist program for professionals who specialize in teaching children’s tennis, plus four-hour and onehour courses and seminars about Little Tennis and general junior programming. Information about national or divisional USPTA educational opportunities, which are open to nonmembers, can be found at www.uspta.com. For more information on USPTA’s Little Tennis, please contact Rick Bostrom at sports@uspta.org or at 800-877-8248, ext. 137. K ADDvantage/February 2008

21

Faces in the testing field … That’s who we are

T

he Certification Review Course and exam is the foundation of USPTA’s reputation as the foremost tennis-teaching association.

Testing also usually serves as a new member’s first opportunity for face-to-face contact with a USPTA representative. The United States Professional Tennis Association certifies more than 1,000 new teaching pros each year.

T.A. Niles took the Certification Exam last September in Boca Raton, Fla., earning a Professional 2 rating. He praised the testers at that exam, led by Glen Howe, and the host facility.

Niles was so impressed by the certification process that he wrote about his USPTA testing experience in an online magazine called Suite101.com. The following is an excerpt: “A baker’s dozen of us gathered in a cozy classroom at The Oaks at Boca Raton at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning, with nervous excitement similar to that experienced prior to a first-round match. The group was diverse, with those accepting the challenge spanning five decades in age, representing at least six countries, and composed of recreational players and national champions alike. Histories and futures differed, but we each sought the same outcome: the title of certified USPTA teaching professional.”

Similar groups gather dozens of time each year, with testing sites all over the country.

We would like to introduce you to a few participants, courtesy of photos testers have taken at recent certification and upgrade exams.

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ADDvantage/February 2008

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Lee DeYoung held an exam for eight new applicants and three members seeking to upgrade on December 10 and 11 in Burbank, Calif. USPTA Master Professional Desmond Oon, Ph.D., helped with the exam. Kneeling on the front row, from left to right, are Alfieri Zappa, Inga Chilingaryan and Nick Mathews. Second row, left to right: Brent Dias, Jay Lee, Bob Kendall, Jeff Miller and Jorgo Ognenovski.

Master Professional Jack Justice led a certification exam Nov. 3 and 4 in Charleston, S.C. Participants, left to right, are: Zwelo Khupe, V.J. Reddy and Brandi Cox above. Other participants were Rob Cassidy, Ashton Busteed, Christyn Lucas and Bart Kennedy below.

Lee DeYoung also held an exam Nov. 18 and 19 at Braemar Country Club in Tarzana, Calif. Desmond Oon assisted with this exam as well. Kneeling, left to right, are Kate Romm, Christine Schueller, Isaac Nelson, Billy Casas, Jean-Pierre LaBarrie and Brian Pham. On the second row are Robert Bullon, Fredrik Aberg, Webster Peterson, Randy Vanderwerff, Seiya Fujii and Soh Je Jang.

Mike Lange’s Sept. 8 and 9 exam at the Rush-Copley Healthplex regional testing center in Aurora, Ill., drew strong attendance. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Master Professional Tom Daglis is a tester as well as first vice president for the USPTA. He is employed as director of Professional Tennis Management at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. Daglis, at left, joins a group of hopefuls for a test at Ferris last Nov. 17 and 18.

ADDvantage/February 2008

23

Cardio Tennis from Page 8 • Shadowing • Hitting lots of balls while moving • Guided discovery

USPTA welcomes new members Congratulations to the following new USPTA members who fulfilled requirements between November 1 and December 31, 2007.

• Learning to adjust through positioning Keep in mind, you will be giving some verbal instruction in a Cardio Tennis for starters class. The warmup and cool-down segments are great times to give some instruction. The serve should be introduced the very first class during the cool-down phase. If you offer three or more Cardio Tennis classes per week you are in a better position to segment your classes and offer starter, original and advanced Cardio Tennis. Please visit www.partners.cardiotennis.com for a special class programming chart (you will need your pass code to enter that part of the Web site). If you are with an official site and do not have a pass code please e-mail me at michele@cardiotennis.com.

I am a very skilled player. Why would I want or need to do Cardio Tennis?

• Professional players like Tracy Austin, Mary Jo Fernandez, Jeff Tarango, Vania King, the Jensen and Bryan brothers all do Cardio Tennis.

• It is a great supplement to your regular tennis training.

• It enables you to practice strokes in many circumstances.

• It breaks up the usual training monotony.

• The advanced player needs to learn about heart rates and what their ideal intensity state is.

The key to successful advanced Cardio Tennis is strictly adhering to the guidelines that the player must be extremely fit and 4.5 or above ability level.

One of the best ways to market Cardio Tennis at your facility is to encourage your members to form “private” Cardio Tennis classes. For example, six women from your 3.5 ladies team want a closed Cardio Tennis session with you. This class is not publicized on the group lesson schedule as it is just for these six ladies. This is beneficial to them as they pick a time that works for them and your schedule, they are with their friends of similar ability level – which makes things easier for you as the coach – and everybody is happy!

Happy Cardio! K www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Certified members California Daniel P. Aleksander Robert A. Bullon Billy G. Casas Seo-Jae Chang Seiya Bryan Fujii Jean-Pierre LaBarrie Valter S. Paiva Webster R. Peterson Kate K. Romm Mario Ross Jr. Christine J. Schueller Florida Scott A. Black Igal A. Buberman John Chuter Jon-Michael Cook Mark C. Drons Drew M. Fairhurst Cristovao M. Franza Rodrigo A . Puebla Yonnar T. Richert David L. Shaw Julie M. Stoppelli Christine Walter Hawaii Jamie Dela Cruz Brent R. Hunter Lori R. LaFevre Intermountain Kevin E. Beard Nicholas A. Dargene Kay Beauwen Freckleton Paul C. Hammond Binh Huynh Matt W. Nelsen Daron P. Short Benjamin K. Walker Tristan R. Wise Tim W. Wyatt International Benito Arellano Luis C. Balderas Hadriel Belmont Roberto D. Belmont Samuel Calvillo Rodolfo Cisneros Edgar Espinosa Sergio Estrada Jose A. Garcia Alejandro Garza Diego A. Maranon Juan A. Monjaraz Jochen Moser Eduardo Olvera Miguel A. Rios Peter So

Reginaldo N. Tellez Jaime Valles Jose G. Vera JPTA Masaru Hirohashi Hiroko Ishikawa Tomotaka Iwahase Hisaki Kikuchi Yusuke Kurahashi Gaku Moriguchi Kenichi Nagashima Tadahiro Okabe Yutaka Okamoto Hidenori Shirakawa Tatsuya Tsukamoto Mid-Atlantic John M. Huffstetler Midwest Timothy E. Barlow David R. Carter Brian Heil Patrick V. Hirscht Kevin Hornik Mark Howarth Kenneth P. Hydinger August L. Keiser Steven F. Klaas Thomas F. Kuskowski Dree H. Lo Ruth M. McGuire Brett A. Scroggins George Wang Missouri Valley Marco A. Bravo Northern Jacqueline M. Dutot Karissa M. Hogan Northern California Zack C. Miskel Matthew D. Seeberger Pacific Northwest Charles C. Cochrane Joshua A. Glick San Diego Eduardo Carrascosa Hyun Jin Chong Brian L. Pham Randy S. VanderWerff

Cheng Yung Liu Christyn D. Lucas Sandy A. Lukowski Pavel G. Mazaev Levi S. Patton Ryen C. Valentine Southwest Michael J. Sandoval Texas Steve Bryan Blair DiSesa Paul du Toit Jose B. Hanza Albert P. Juaneza Molly W. Lane Kenneth V. Mize Christopher L. Singer Shauna D. Sutton Harry P. Taylor Jr. Colter A. Williams U.S. Territories & Canada Pablo M. Juarez Developmental Coaches California Michael P. Gull Eastern Steven A. Langenbach Anthony Samite Florida Anastasia M. Kostrubala Deborah McQueen Middle States Raymond Keim Midwest Nathan Colbert Katrina R. Perlman Northern California Marc P. Shaw Southern Dan Hudson Texas Susan D. De Loe

Southern Emmanuel Ameh Hakan Andersson Ashton J. Busteed Rob Cassidy Colin R. Griffin Bart F. Kennedy ADDvantage/February 2008

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Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits)

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for CRC segment)

Feb. 7-10

Texas Division Grapevine, Texas

Feb. 8-10

Northern California Division Palo Alto, Calif.

Feb. 22-24

Missouri Valley Division Prairie Village, Kan.

March 2-5

Intermountain Division Las Vegas

March 7-9

Mid-Atlantic Division Williamsburg, Va.

May 15-17

Southern Division Charlotte, N.C.

May 15-18

New England Division Stratton Mountain, Vt.

May 19-20

Eastern Division Mount Kisco, N.Y.

May 27June 1

Florida Division Delray Beach, Fla.

specialist degrees

Feb. 7-8 Feb. 7-8 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 9-10 Feb. 10

Flushing, N.Y. Mesa, Ariz.

Carlsbad, Calif.

Atlanta Columbia, S.C. Grapevine, Texas (upgrades only) Feb. 10-11 Orlando, Fla. Feb. 10-11 Los Angeles Feb. 10-11 Palo Alto, Calif.

Feb. 15-16 Gastonia, N.C. Feb. 16-17 College Park, Md. Feb. 16-17 Dallas Feb. 18-19 Houston* Feb. 21-22 Kansas City, Mo. Feb. 23-24 Baton Rouge, La. March 1-2 Daytona, Fla. March 1-2 Las Vegas March 7-8 Minneapolis March 8-9 Boca Raton, Fla. March 8-9 Eugene, Ore. March 10-11 Williamsburg, Va. March 14-15 Oklahoma City, Okla.

March 15-16 March 17-18 March 22-23 March 23-24 March 24-25 March 29-30 March 30-31 April 5-6 April 5-6 April 5-6 April 6-7 April 10-11 April 12-13 April 12-13 April 14-15 April 18-19 April 19-20 April 19-20 April 21-22 April 25-26 April 26-27 April 27-28

Chagrin, Ohio Houston* Orlando, Fla. Mandeville, La. Valencia, Calif.

Birmingham, Ala. Greenwood Village, Colo.

Atlanta College Park, Md. Providence, R.I. Los Angeles Flushing, N.Y. Seattle Boca Raton, Fla. McLean, Va. Tyler, Texas Fayetteville, N.C. Aurora, Ill. San Francisco Des Moines, Iowa Big Rapids, Mich.

Lexington, Ky.

* 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.

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Little Tennis®

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Facility Management

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Computer Technology

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Sport Science

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Competitive Player Development

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Pro Shop Operations

Smiles strategy, Feb. 7, Grapevine, Texas, M. Fairchilds

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Wheelchair Tennis

Tennis footwork and movement, Feb. 7, Indianapolis, B. Love, G. Parks

CPD (Competitive Player Development) – Gained through the USA Tennis High Performance Coaching Program administered by the USA Tennis Coaching Education Department.

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

Earn education credits from World Conference DVDs (Seminar DVDs, ½ credit/specialty course DVDs, 2 credits)

specialty courses Creating a perfect practice, Feb. 8, Palo Alto, Calif., M. Bey Mental toughness training, Feb. 8-9, Grapevine, Texas, B. Young The complete professional, Feb. 10, Grapevine, Texas, F. Hassan Global modern tennis technique, Feb. 10, Palo Alto, Calif., W. Elderton Creative drill design, Feb. 10, Palo Alto, Calif., W. Elderton Advanced modern stroke production, Feb. 22, Prairie Village, Kan., S. Oley Developing a game-ready player with five keys to tennis, Feb. 22, Prairie Village, Kan., B. Hobden Singles strategy: the five match play tactics, Feb. 24, Prairie Village, Kan., F. Hassan Competitive singles patterns, March 4, Las Vegas, M. Fairchilds

Receive your education credit report card via e-mail by visiting the members-only section of uspta.com.

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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.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Now available 2007 USPTA World Conference seminar set on CD-ROM All seminars in MP3 format

$69.95 The audio set will include the following seminars:

The 10,000-hour journey to becoming a player – Jack Groppel, Ph.D./Jim Loehr, Ed.D./David T. Porter, Ed.D.

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

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

Footwork, focus and flow – Michael Friedman

Developing a solid foundation, balance and movement – Nick Bollettieri

How to develop a forehand weapon for hard and clay courts – Luis Mediero

Training the genuine all-court player – Todd Martin

Developing world-class fundamentals for young players – Nick Saviano

Patterns of play and specific training – Emilio Sanchez Vicario

The serve and volleys – Dr. Martin Baroch

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

Como diseñar una clase de tenis para adultos incorporando aspectos tecnicos, tacticos, fisicos y mentales – Luis Mediero

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

The journey of molding a player from day one to the pros – Rick Macci

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

Grant writing – Linda Mann

A traditional approach to the modern game – Bill Tym/ Tommy Wade

Adultennis: un nuevo programa de enseñanza de tenis para jugadores adultos de inciacion y avanzados – Luis Mediero

High school coaches seminar – Team practices for multiple players and limited courts – Jason Jamison/Kirk Anderson

On court with Jose – Jose Higueras

High performance drills for all ages – Kim Davis/Diane Selke

Maximizing your productivity and efficiency with Microsoft Office – Kevin Jackson

Exploring the myths: Video and the truth – Warren Pretorius

Combining technique and tactics to develop players – Lorenzo Beltrame

Developing character through tennis – Bob Heller, Ed. D.

Dynamite doubles – Helle Viragh

Help! I have it all, but I have no life – Barbara Braunstein

Todd Martin

Anne Pankhurst

Emilio Sanchez Vicario

PRICE: $69.95 + shipping (includes all recorded seminars in MP3)

Name:_______________________________________Member No._________

SHIPPING: $7.95

e-mail:___________________________________________________________

Orders must be accompanied by full payment to:

Address:_________________________________________________________

USPTA 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One • Houston, Texas 77042 Telephone: (800) USPTA-4U • Fax: (713) 978-7780

City/state/ZIP:___________________________________________________ Credit card No.: _____________________________________Exp:_________

Cash Visa

Check – MUST be drawn on U.S. bank MasterCard American Express

Credit card security code (from back of card) ________________________ Name as it appears on card:________________________________________ Signature:________________________________________________________

industry action Members USPTA Professional Daryl Greenstreet recently was appointed tennis director at Wood Valley Racquet and Fitness Club in Topeka, Kan. He will coordinate and direct all tennis activities for juniors, adults and seniors at Wood Valley Racquet Club and Kossover Tennis Center.

Fred Drilling, USPTA Professional and competitive player, broke into the USTA 65-and-over division with a bang in 2007.

Drilling, who built a 38-0 tournament record for the year, earned a No. 1 ranking and won the World Championships in New Zealand. He also played on the Columbus Cup team in Brussels, the Avory Cup team against the British in San Diego, and the U.S. Brittania Cup team in New Zealand (at No. 1) last November. His tournament wins also include the USTA 65 National Clay Courts, Grass Courts, two Category II tournaments, and the Mid-Atlantic Indoor. Drilling, who lives in Bethesda, Md., has been a member of USPTA since 1970.

Todd Ellenbecker, USPTA, has taken a position as the director of sports medicine with the ATP tour. Ellenbecker remains the clinic director at Physiotherapy Associates Scottsdale Sports Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and will work with the other physical therapists, physicians and players on the ATP tour providing injury prevention evaluations and assisting with other projects. Ellenbecker and Paul Roetert, Ph.D., USPTA, also recently published the second edition of “Complete Conditioning for Tennis,” which is available from Human Kinetics Publishers.

Sheila McInerney has made significant contributions in the USTA Southwest Section by developing communitybased tennis programs through community centers, schools, parks, community tennis associations, and the inner city. In 2004, McInerney was honored with the USTA/ITA Community Service Award for the Southwest Section.

She was the head coach of the USA Tennis colle-

giate team in 2001-2002.

She currently serves on the USTA’s National Collegiate Committee and is instrumental in the organization of the Coaches Forums of the USTA Winter National Championships.

Also, in 2003, Coach McInerney earned her 300th win and has coached the Arizona State University Sun Devils to winning seasons over the past 23 years. This Division 1 team is currently ranked No. 22 in the nation.

USPTA Professionals Michael and Krysta Edge won the USTA National Husband-Wife Clay Court Championships in December. Michael is director of tennis at the Portofino Island Resort on Pensacola Beach, Fla. Krysta is the tennis professional at The Club in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Greg Wyzykowski, USPTA, is the new head coach of the women’s tennis program at Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. Wyzykowski joins the Pirates after spending last season as an assistant coach with the Fairleigh Dickinson men’s and

women’s tennis teams. In his year with the Knights, Wyzykowski helped lead FDU to a Northcoast Conference championship along with an NCAA tournament appearance. His previous collegiate experience includes launching a women’s tennis program at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, N.J., earning him Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year honors for the 2005-‘06 season. This past July, Wyzykowski was the head coach of under-14 boys and girls at the USTA Easternal Zonal Competition. His boys’ squad took the gold medal at the event.

The USPTA Georgia Chapter recently announced the election of officers and directors for 2008. New officers include Allan Jensen, president; Dave Gary, first vice president; Kevin Jackson, second vice president; JD Hall, secretary-treasurer; and Kate Sharp, immediate past president.

Scott J. Raskiewicz, USPTA Pro 1, is now the director of the Ideal Society Center in St. Paul,

The USPTA New England Division hosted its annual winter convention in January at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club in Rye, N.H. More than 100 tennis professionals participated in this well-organized event. After earning the “Most Improved Division” Award in 2007, New England is hoping to become the “Division of the Year” in 2008.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

industry action Minn. The ISC is a think tank devoted to rational public policy reflecting the economy and media of a democratic society. He will remain active in tennis as a coach and by promoting the use of solar energy in indoor tennis clubs via the Team Solar initiative and the Solar Tennis Association, divisions of the Ideal Society Center.

petroleum-based materials and employ alternative “green” materials instead.

NGI surfaces also last longer and can be installed easily over deteriorating surfaces. For more information, call 800-835-0033 or visit www.ngisports.com.

USPTA Pro Cheryl Shrum announced the official launch of Daily Racquet, the ultimate tennis insider’s blog with hot, new tennis equipment, apparel, gifts and gadgets. Daily Racquet is designed to be insightful and entertaining, keeping tennis aficionados in the “know” on what is new and happening in the industry. This new site is designed to be the first to get the news into the hands of hard-core tennis players, as well as the tennis market’s affluent, influential insiders. To view this new site, log on to www.dailyracquet.com.

Metaltek, manufacturer of Playmate ball machines, has introduced two new portable tennis machines: the Volley and the Half Volley. The Half Volley has a three-hour removable battery pack, simple pointand-shoot design, plus three do-it-yourself upgrades. The Playmate portable series features a nonmemory, removable battery pack with SMART Charger, which means users no longer have to take the entire machine out of the car to charge it. The machines also have variable electronic ball speed, feed rate, topspin and backspin, an integrated sliding hopper that holds 200 balls, commercial pitching wheels, manual height control and a two-year limited warranty.

For more information, visit PlaymateTennis.com or call 800-776-6770.

Manufacturers

Miscellany

Member product showcase

Environmentally friendly tennis court surfaces are being developed by NGI Sports, a division of River City Athletics LLC. Known for surfacing systems that are economical and aesthetically pleasing, NGI is also setting the standard in the industry by applying environmentally sensitive methods for manufacturing and installation of tennis courts.

The company provides surfacing systems that replace the use of solvent and www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The Longfellow Club in Wayland, Sudbury and Natick, Mass., recently held a grand opening with free lessons for its new indoor tennis center at the The Longfellow Club’s Wayland complex. This revolutionary new center, called the ZIP ZONE, is uniquely sized for beginners. It features four new indoor ZIP TENNIS™ courts. USPTA Professional Phil Parrish is tennis director at The Longfellow Club’s Wayland

location. ZIP TENNIS is a transition game, designed for children ages 4 to 10 and proportioned to their height and strength. Children begin transitioning to full-size tennis from ages 8 to10. ZIP TENNIS features smaller courts (36 feet long by 18 feet wide), shorter and lighter racquets (21 to 25 inches), lower nets (33 inches), and special low-compression balls that don’t bounce as high. The Longfellow ZIP ZONE will offer tennis lessons, open play, and all types of programs. Parents are encouraged to play in the ZONE with their children. For more information, please call 508-358-7355.

For tennis players who love the game but hate organizing the season, MyTennisGroup.com is the answer. This Web-based scheduling software offers a 24/7 solution for teams, recreational groups, players, tennis professionals and tennis centers everywhere. Log on to the Internet anywhere you are and jump right into your team or group. Changes and communication with large numbers of players are no longer a problem.

For captains frustrated by scheduling changes, injuries, calls for subs and player requests, MyTennisGroup.com streamlines the administrative aspect of the game, generating schedules, managing player availability, sending reminders, requests for subs, as well as rescheduling matches and practices.

MyTennisGroup.com is also a tennis programming and marketing solution for tennis professionals and tennis centers. Call 877-

840-5163 or visit www.

MyTennisGroup.com to learn more.

For the second time in less than a year, Peter Burwash International has signed an agreement to direct a tennis program in Naples, Fla. The PBI tennis management firm, with USPTA Master Professional Peter Burwash as president, has partnered with Windstar on Naples Bay. Last year, the firm began directing the tennis program at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. PBI appointed Tim Bustle the tennis director at Windstar, a private, memberowned club on Naples Bay. It has six Har-Tru courts that were completed in early 2007, as well as fitness facilities, first-class golf and delectable dining.

Passings Daniel George Bonfigli, 49, passed away Jan. 29 after a long battle with cancer. Dan Bonfigli was a New England Division member. The USTA New England Section has chosen Bonfigli to receive the 2007 Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to New England tennis. This award will be presented at the 2008 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., in June.

The New England USPTA board of directors is going to honor him by establishing an award in his name to be given out every year.

ADDvantage/February 2008

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