Addvantage 2010 February

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official racquet

contents the total professional – enhancing your career

departments

11 Donation only first step in pro’s effort to help earthquake victims – by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

2 Executive Committee

15 Pros and club players join forces for Haiti relief

4 USPTA – Celebrating diversity

21 Cracking your nest egg – by Patti L. Heidorn, USPTA, Smith Barney financial adviser

3 CEO’s message

5 Vice president’s message 7 Cardio Tennis 18 USPTA drills

20 USPTA mailbox

news 16 The importance of giving through Lessons for Life™ 17 Indoor Championships kick off 2010 USPTA national tournament schedule

20 Classifieds 22 Career development 24 Industry action

On the cover – Michael Harper, USPTA, gets active to get fit as he joins USPTA Professionals everywhere who are promoting the health benefits of tennis, especially USPTA’s many sports marketing activities. See Page 5 for more information.

volume 34 • 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 – 713-358-7794 e-mail – magazine@uspta.org

Shawna Riley Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan John Dettor

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Managing editor Circulation Advertising

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. 2010. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/February 2010

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

California Division

National Board of Directors: Tom Daglis

President 310-340-6185, ext. 251

Randy Mattingley First vice president 281-358-2181

Bunny Bruning Vice president 515-285-1459

Mark Fairchilds Vice president 209-571-2582

Chuck Gill Vice president 561-624-8900, ext. 8932

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

Eric Stephens President 562-496-3530 Tom Rohrbacher Regional vice president 805-640-2109

Eastern Division Ron Dyson President 585-223-4681 Mark Savage Regional vice president 845-565-7600

Florida Division Richard Centerbar President 561-487-7070 Dave Richardson Regional vice president 239-495-8100

Hawaii Division Jerry Cape President 808-382-5968 Ken Nakama Regional vice president 808-679-3197

Intermountain Division Jim Loehr, Ed.D. Vice president 407-438-9911

Harry Gilbert Immediate past president 386-793-0084

Kim Davis President 719-536-0797 Alden Bock Regional vice president 303-232-6272

Middle States Division Wilson Pipkin President 717-898-3102 Mark Centrella Regional vice president 302-654-8691

Midwest Division Dan Moster President 260-249-9424 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 816-436-1608

New England Division Jacques Faulise President 401-952-7000 Christopher Stevens Regional vice president 603-610-0183

Northern Division Bruce Gullikson President 952-830-7900 Brian McCoy Regional vice president 763-656-1590

Pacific Northwest Division Hunter Lipscomb President 541-753-1043 Nancy Cox Regional vice president 503-399-3252

San Diego Division Dophie Poiset President 858-756-4459 Nelson Alapi Regional vice president 858-382-6571

Southern Division Pat Whitworth President 678-482-6357 Jeff Hawes Regional vice president 504-482-4084

Southwest Division Sara Stablein President 602-636-9840 Vicki Foster Regional vice president 602-930-8423

Texas Division Jim Sciarro President 903-581-7788 Joe Snailum Regional vice president

Past presidents Mid-Atlantic Division Pat Hanssen President 434-295-6167 John Cleary Regional vice president 301-924-3450

Northern California Division Michael Galli President 510-673-6875 John Sharpe Regional vice president 925-283-5448

Ron Woods (2005-2007) 361-991-7501 David T. Porter, Ed.D. (2003-2005) 808-675-3755 Joseph Thompson (1999-2003) 720-470-6550

CEO’s message The best of both worlds!

Little Tennis and QuickStart Play Format boost learning, playing success for youngest students

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recently received an e-mail from an executive direc- exceeded all expectations outlined in our agreement tor of one of our USPTA divisions. She had attended with USTA. We have recommended QuickStart as the a sectional USTA Community Development Work- “play format” for all playing situations with children and shop and was a little surprised by a statement made by a graduated equipment, and we have featured QuickStart USTA representative regarding QuickStart Tennis Play at our divisional conventions and World Conferences Format and teaching professionals. for several years. This past year we gave QuickStart one She went on to explain that the USTA rep said of only a few highlighted general-session time slots at USTA was moving forward on QuickStart “with or our World Conference, and we’ve published a number of articles in our monthly magazine, without the pros.” Needless to say, this ADDvantage, promoting the use of the USPTA employee was a little uncomfortQuickStart Play Format. able with the implication that USPTA was not supportive of QuickStart Tennis Play

Recently, we were fortunate to add Format, so she asked me how she should Craig Jones in a leading role to USPTA’s have responded to such a statement.

Little Tennis Committee. Craig is both a USTA High Performance Coach and My response: The best answer is simply USTA QuickStart national presenter. the truth!

He also will be heading up our efforts to The fact that some USTA staffers and/ rewrite the second edition of our Little or volunteers are under the impression that Tennis manual and Web site.

USPTA does not support QuickStart can Our support of QuickStart, a USTA only be attributed to false or misleading Tim Heckler program, is evident in all our past promoinformation. tions of the program and in our future USPTA was promoting children’s plans to implement the best parts of each program in ­tennis – specifically a program with graduated equipment and courts – for many years before the introduction our own Little Tennis. USPTA has always and continues to support QuickStart of QuickStart Tennis. USPTA’s as a play format. USPTA Little Tennis® is nearly 20 years and its members believe old and we have produced the that specific areas of the finest manual available for program, such as the “manthe instructional side of the datory” guidelines for play program. And, one visit to conditions and age should LittleTennis.com reveals the be supervised by teaching only tennis Web site designed professionals. exclusively for children, par Nevertheless, USPTA ents and pros, including the applauds USTA’s effort widest assortment of games, to finally recognize the drills and lesson plans. It also importance of graduated includes recommendations for play systems (Little Tennis/ a localized league system that QuickStart). Just imagine were documented following a pilot study at USPTA’s World Headquarters and led by if we’d been able to jointly work on a similar program almost 20 years ago when we asked USTA to support Tommy Ho, a USTA board member, and me.

As far as USPTA’s support of QuickStart, we have Little Tennis!  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/February 2010

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San Diego’s Hispanic tennis pros to introduce game to area school children

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Angel Lopez, USPTA Master Professional, helps a young student learn the game.

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ADDvantage/February 2010

group of San Diego Hispanic tennis professionals, headed by Angel Lopez, director of tennis at the San Diego Tennis and Racquet Club and the Angel Lopez Tennis Academy, will introduce tennis to ­approximately 300 children during a school assembly at Las Palmas Elementary School in National City, Calif.

The assembly is scheduled from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the school, located at 1900 E. 18th St. in National City.

“We hope to expose the sport of tennis to more kids in the South Bay,” said Lopez, who serves on national diversity committees for the United States Tennis Association and the United States Professional Tennis Association.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for these children in predominantly Hispanic communities to learn how fun it is to play tennis and hopefully they will take part in after-school tennis programs offered by Youth Tennis San Diego,” Lopez said.

Other San Diego-area tennis professionals who will participate in the school assembly include USPTA members Marco Zuniga, Antonio Ramos, George Espinosa and Juan Garcia, along with Alberto Ramos and two-time Australian Open quarterfinalist, Angelica Gavaldon. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Vice president’s message Sports marketing and Tennis – for the health of it!

The evolution of tennis outreach programs

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SPTA has had an excellent sports market- members, and our members’ facilities in the public ing program for more than two decades. eye in respective communities. Anyone who has Our sports marketing efforts have, from a conducted a Tennis Across America clinic knows business perspective, provided avenues for you to get the support that is offered by USPTA in promoting your name “out there” in your community, helped events. And this leads to the next step in our sports to boost your business, and have built the brand of marketing evolution: Tennis – for the health of it!, the United States Professional Tennis Association. As using Tennis Across America as the vehicle to deliver we look back over the years, USPTA has been a key the initiative to the people in our communities. leader in every available tennis outreach program.

Our newest initiative, Tennis – for the health of After all, we are the delivery force for the game, it!, has been very well received since its inception in since USPTA’s 15,000-plus pros have been a part of 2008. USPTA has developed a great Web site, w ­ ww. many of the tennis industry’s programs tennis-health.com, which continand initiatives. Without USPTA proues to have the latest information fessionals, any tennis-specific outreach through videos, articles and news. program would struggle!

It provides tools and resources for tennis-teaching professionals to in Historically, we truly did lead the corporate Tennis – for the health of way in one specific sports marketing it! in to their programs and the abilarea with our groundbreaking initiaity to post upcoming events at their tive, Tennis Across America. We were facilities. We have gotten on board the first tennis organization (under with IHRSA and its efforts before USPTA President Rod Dulany in the U.S. Congress. In fact, USPTA 1990) to go nationwide with a comPresident Tom Daglis spent a day munity grassroots program and a plan to get people of all ages on the tennis Jack Groppel, Ph.D. on Capitol Hill last year, representing USPTA, alongside IHRSA, in court.

How many sports marketing programs in ­tennis supporting the Workforce Health Improvement can boast several national kickoffs in the 1990s Program Act and Personal Health Investment Today on the White House tennis court? In addition to Act. Although these two initiatives have struggled that, who else has had a former president (George before Congress in the healthcare reform process, if H.W. Bush), television and movie stars (e.g., Chuck they are not passed they may still be cornerstones of ­Norris), and world-class athletes such as former NFL a comprehensive obesity bill that will be introduced Pro Bowl wide receiver and U.S. Congressman Steve this year.

Largent represent the initiative as honorary chair- USPTA will continue to lead the fight, alongside our partners who join us in these endeavors, to keep men and advocates?

Let’s examine what a sports marketing program the world view of tennis in the forefront of people’s should do: Its purpose is to get our product in the minds. Namely, we will continue to promote the public eye. In my humble opinion, our product idea that tennis is absolutely the premier activity is the best tennis teaching and coaching in the in which people can become involved to help keep world, offered only by certified professionals them strong and well, and to prevent diseases such from the world’s largest and oldest certifying as obesity and diabetes. And, it is obvious to every organization in the game of tennis – the United one of us that many people do not want to go to a States Professional Tennis Association! gym for their workout, nor do they want to go for a In essence, Tennis Across America has served as run, and even walking, albeit great exercise, is bora tremendous vehicle to get USPTA’s message, our ing to many people. Tennis is action-oriented and continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Bunny Bruning Mark Fairchilds Chuck Gill Jack Groppel Jim Loehr

Past President

Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Administrative Director

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Communications

Jill Phipps

Director of Marketing

John Dettor

Sports Marketing Coordinator

Rick Bostrom

Digital Asset Director

Timothy Heckler

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Video Production Director

Joe Birkmire

Video Editor

H.R. Topham

Video Editor

Nick Warwick

Video Editor/ Flash Designer

Aisha Nelson

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

Erin Ortbal

Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Divisional Executive Administrator

Kalin Cogar

Director of Computer Service

Kathy Buchanan

Membership and Certification Manager Membership Membership/ Insurance Assistant Director of Finance Payroll/Benefits Controller Merchandise/ Accounting Assistant

Vicky Tristan Sylvia Ortiz Melony DeLoach Kathy Ladner Renée Heckler

Ellen Weatherford Shelina Harris

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 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/February 2010

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from previous page can be a tremendous vehicle for so many people. So, why tennis and why USPTA? USPTA, and Tennis – for the health of it!, received tremendous credibility in the medical and scientific community by being published in the professionally refereed journal, Physician and SportsMedicine. And, we have developed a National Advisory Council that has intentions to meet this year for the first time and create a summit around Tennis – for the health of it! The mission of the council is to ensure that all components of Tennis – for the health of it! are health-enhancing, developmentally appropriate, safe and fun. Numerous other alliances are being created as we go to press with this editorial. These strategic alliances are quickly recognizing the role that USPTA plays in getting tennis to our communities.

And, this is where you must come into play! As the delivery force for the game, you must get involved and take advantage of what is at your disposal so that USPTA’s sports marketing programs can be successful. I ask you, from my perspective – as a national board member and as a colleague/ friend who cares – go to www.uspta.com

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ADDvantage/February 2010

USPTA pros like Imeh Joshua, left, know that holding a free Tennis Across America clinic is a fun way to promote the health benefits of tennis to both children and adults. Joshua held the third annual event at Fee Avenue Tennis Center in Melbourne, Fla., in May 2009. May marks the observance of both national Fitness Month and USPTA’s annual TAA celebration.

and select Tennis Across America in the Quick Links section of our home page right now and register your facility to conduct a Tennis Across America event this year.

USPTA will provide you with the tools and templates, such as sample public service an-

nouncements, sample fliers, program guide and a PDF of the TAA poster to get you started. We want your sports marketing program at your facility to be successful and we want you to be successful in growing your business. Let’s do this together! 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tips from the pros

Cardio Tennis: Tips from a true convert

by Feisal Hassan, USPTA Master Professional, National Cardio Tennis speaker

Note: Feisal Hassan joined the Cardio Tennis speakers team in 2006. Since then, he has conducted the USPTA Cardio Tennis specialty course, several Cardio Tennis workshops for professionals, and special events for the tennis consumer.

Background Prior to the introduction of Cardio Tennis and my serving on the National Cardio Tennis speakers team, I conducted tennis aerobics and tennis fitness classes along with regular or traditional lessons. Upon hearing about Cardio Tennis, my first thought was, “Sounds good, but what’s new? I’ve been doing tennis aerobics classes for years.”

Actually, many things differentiate this program, but one of its most unique features is that it has always been backed by a national marketing and public relations effort. So what does this mean for you? It means free advertising, and we can all use some of that in today’s economy.

In the early years of Cardio Tennis it was

promoted through TV commercials and print advertising in major publications.

Today, Cardio Tennis is still a media magnet and is continuously featured in local newspapers and TV newscasts, as well as national publications like Weight Watchers and SELF magazine.

So again, how does this help you as a tennis professional? All this exposure pushes the consumers to USPTA Pros at www.cardiotennis.com, where they can find a place to play (your facility), and we can all use new clients and new members.

To reap the benefits of this exposure make sure your site is officially registered; you can do this at www.growingtennis.com.

Based on my experience, I would sug-

Heart rate monitors help provide the very best and safest workout for the client because every client is unique and needs to train accordingly. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

gest you do the following during initial sessions with your students and those new to the program.

• Educate the participants on the major goal of the program, which is to train within one’s heart rate range.

• Emphasize that the cardio pro will push each person to his or her individual ability and fitness level.

• Encourage the use of heart rate monitors (HRM) so the pro and the participants know at all times whether they need to be pushed or need to lower the intensity.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for us as professionals to understand and use the HRM in Cardio Tennis classes. It helps us to provide the very best and safest workout for the client because every client is unique and needs to train accordingly. How about this: Why not use HRMs for all types of tennis instruction and play? This tool gives even more credence to support the Tennis – for the health of it! initiative. The proof of the workout and the health benefits is in the heart rate monitor.

A Cardio Tennis class is broken down into three segments and I would like to share some tips for each segment.

Warm-up Your warm-up should include a minimum of three exercises: a dynamic stretching exercise, a catching and tossing skill, and some light hitting. Each warm-up exercise should last approximately 1-3 minutes. continued next page ADDvantage/February 2010

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from previous page Cardio workout This is the core and best part of the class and will include about 30 percent drills and 70 percent games. Why so heavy on the games?

Because games are fun! The variety of the class comes from the games and gives us a big advantage over other group fitness options.

It is easy to play games with mixed abilities; the solution is lowcompression balls. They are the great equalizer and will make all the difference in your success. Always use an agility ladder during line drills and other sideline activities such as standing crunches, cardio jacks, line jumps, stations, etc. Be cautious of your use of push-ups or sit-ups. I strongly suggest reserving these activities for your “boot camp”/advanced Cardio classes as the average consumer in original Cardio Tennis typically does not find these activities fun.

They eagerly anticipate pulling the HRM file at the end to see who burned the most calories.

Growth in our business and participation We have marketed and positioned our programs based on NTRP Levels (2.5, 3.0, 3.5, etc.). Currently, we offer each NTRP level a singles, doubles and Cardio Tennis class. This way, players can work on their singles or doubles (depending on what they play) and their fitness. These Cardio Tennis classes have been a key to our club’s player retention (i.e. repeat players from previous sessions are reregistering) and, of course, player retention is always good for the club’s bottom line. 

Cool-down This segment aids in players’ recovery and preparation for the next time they play. Your exercises should be light to moderate intensity and this is where static stretching can be used. These exercises should also be 1-3 minutes.

Impact of Cardio Tennis on my clients One of the comments I hear consistently from our league players who participate in Cardio Tennis classes is how they can now get to balls they never would have attempted before Cardio Tennis.

Their self-confidence has increased because their movement has improved so much. They love the camaraderie of the class and they have so much fun while getting a tremendous workout.

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ADDvantage/February 2010

Cardio Tennis offers camaraderie and fun while providing a tremendous workout.

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Donation only first step in pro’s effort to help earthquake victims

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

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lthough he’s like many other teaching pros who often respond in times of need, Ian Griffin did not take part in the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina.

And a few weeks after Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005, Hurricane Rita damaged two of his four rental houses in Beaumont, Texas, so he was not in a position to help others affected by that natural disaster either.

“I was like everybody else,” he said. “There was an earthquake and I was asking, ‘What can I do?’ ” Even though he had written a check, he was still asking, “What more can I do?”

Then came the Haiti earthquake this January. “This one hit closer to home in a different way,” he said.

Griffin, who has traveled extensively in the developing world, visited Haiti a couple of times in the early 1980s “just to look around,” he said. “This is one of a tiny number of places where I have been that the need absolutely jumps at you.

“I have been to 17 countries in Africa

and also Central America and I have not ever seen the horrible poverty like in Haiti – absolutely never,” Griffin said. “So many of the people are crowded into urban slums.”

This Pro 1 and 31-year member of the United States Professional Tennis ­Association said he developed a love of travel while playing satellite tournaments in East Africa in 1975.

Ian Griffin with his three children (from left) Dave, 8, Francesca, 11, and Danielle, 13. He plans for Francesca and Danielle to go with him on a trip to Haiti next year to help in the ongoing recovery effort. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

But Griffin, who was born in Canada and has spent much of his adult life in Beaumont, doesn’t travel as much now that he has school-age children. He spends his off-season (winter) in Ontario, Canada, where his former wife lives, to be near his three children. “During winter more of my life is spent child-raising and taking care of investment properties,” he said. His daughters attend French middle schools in Ontario, and two of their teachers are from Haiti.

Griffin had been wanting to return to Haiti and planned to visit there this coming October anyway. Now he has more reason than ever.

“What I really intend to do is go down and do something on a daily basis,” he said.

“I think the place needs long-term, regular help, not just disaster relief.”

His fall trip will allow him to “scout an opportunity to help.” He said he also plans to deliver vitamins, water purification tablets, pencils and sharpeners (he said kids are sharpening pencils with knives).

In addition, “One of the reasons for my going is that I will physically see the people who are getting the aid,” he explained.

Griffin plans to return to Haiti a year after his October trip with his two young daughters, who would also volunteer. He would like to lend a hand at a Haitian school or orphanage. In fact, he already has identified a desperately overcrowded orphanage supported by a Texas church.

Griffin already had a strong desire to help when he saw an e-mail that the USPTA World Headquarters sent to the membership a few days after the Jan. 12 earthquake.

USPTA’s e-mail suggested that interested pros donate lesson fees from one hour on court to any of several nonprofit continued next page ADDvantage/February 2010

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from previous page organizations benefiting the earthquake victims, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Oxfam International and Doctors Without Borders.

This appeal echoed an e-mail that USPTA Professional Radka Lacjak sent to some of her fellow Intermountain pros the day before. The Colorado pro urged other members to consider donating the fees from one ­lesson.

Lacjak wrote: “I know it’s not easy with everyone’s busy schedule, but even if each Intermountain USPTA member donates ‘just’ one hour of his or her time in the next two weeks, it will make a difference!

And I am sure your clients will respect you for that!”

Over a thousand miles away, Griffin had made a contribution to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) through his daughters’ school the very afternoon that he received the e-mail from the USPTA national office.

“I was like everybody else,” he said.

“There was an earthquake and I was asking, ‘What can I do?’ ” Even though he had written a check, he was still asking, ‘What

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ADDvantage/February 2010

more can I do?’

“I hadn’t even thought about doing a tennis thing,” Griffin said. The e-mail about donating lesson fees was all the inspiration he needed.

“We’re adding a fourth day of cardio this coming season,” said Griffin, whose summer position is head professional at La Crosse Country Club in Onalaska, Wis. All lesson fees from cardio classes one night a week – all summer long – will go to ­Doctors Without Borders.

“It should attract some extra interest,” Griffin said. “It will let the players and me feel good about ourselves; and without a doubt it will do good. If we get $1,200 I’ll be thrilled, but I know we’ll get $800. I know firsthand from my travels that even $1 makes a difference.

“Here is a way I can do something that’s an extension of my regular life by teaching lessons to help people in their regular lives,” he noted. “This can be done without having to make a big production of it.

“I don’t think my doing this is anything fantastic,” he said. “It’s the kind of thing a lot of people who teach tennis do.” 

Tennis enhances your immune system through its conditioning effects, which promote overall health, fitness and resistance to disease.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Pros and club players join forces for Haiti relief

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our tennis professionals at Cape Fear Country Club in Wilmington, N.C., donated their time by giving lessons during a 24-hour marathon to raise money for the relief effort in Haiti.

The event was from 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, until 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.

Tennis pros taking part were USPTA members Laird Dunlop, director of tennis at Cape Fear, Greg Whitmore and Cary Wyeth, along with Kyle Glasgow.

The four tennis staff members joined more than 50 club members to raise nearly $1,000 during that 24-hour period.

Any member or guest of Cape Fear Country Club could come out and pay $25 per half hour or $15 per person if more than one person took the lesson together.

“After the day of lessons, it became evident that the members of CFCC were very inspired to come out and support the event,” Dunlop said. “Members who were unavailable to take lessons called or e-mailed to donate dollars as well.”

USPTA Professional Cary Wyeth with a young lesson taker, Kate Thompson, during the Haiti fundraiser at Cape Fear Country Club.

The club, showing its “true giving nature,” raised a total of $2,140, Dunlop said. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross and earmarked for Haiti relief. 

Laird Dunlop www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Wyeth (left) with participant Lena White during the event.

ADDvantage/February 2010

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The importance of giving through Lessons for Life™

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e are sure that everyone has heard by now of the devastating earthquake that happened in Haiti on Jan. 12. It is hard to even fathom the suffering that is taking place in this region from the catastrophic damage of the earthquake and how it will have a lasting effect on Haiti. People lost their homes, jobs, possessions and, most of all, loved ones. In times like these, many people do not know where to even begin to clean up and rebuild. That is why giving is so important.

USPTA sent out an e-blast in the days following the earthquake that encouraged all of our members to do what they could to aid in the relief effort. The greatest needs Haiti has right now are food, water, shelter and medical supplies. In the coming weeks, we urge our members to give one hour of their time on court and donate their lesson fees to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders or any other charity that is assisting in the recovery relief. Other ideas include donating nonperishable food items, clothes, blankets, etc. Listed below are the Web sites for some of the charities aiding in the relief efforts.

1. American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/ 2. Doctors Without Borders: http://doctorswithoutborders.org/ 3. Oxfam: http://www.oxfam.org/ 4. Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf USPTA knows that its members not only give in times of need but throughout the year. Our members help others in and around their communities by raising money for disease-based charities, groups that help the underprivileged, help pay for family medical bills, college programs for inner-city youth, revamping municipal tennis courts and parks, and much more.

You and your fellow pros continued to give in 2009 through our Lessons for Life program by raising $4,005,330.34 for local and national charities. Since the inception of the Lessons for Life program in 1999, USPTA members have shown the tennis industry and the public that USPTA pros care by helping to raise more than $40 million.

We hope all of our members will help reach our $5 million goal for 2010. It is important that we remind our fellow pros that they do not have to run huge charity functions to contribute because, regardless of the events’ size, the purpose is to help those in need. Throughout 2010 the national office will continue to remind the membership to register their events so they may be included in the total money raised for the year and the overall total since the program’s inception. Registered events will also help their divisions win the Lessons for Life awards that are given at the World Conference every year for most money raised and most money per capita.

You can submit details about your fundraising activities online by visiting www.uspta.com and selecting Lessons for Life in our Quick Links pull-down menu. This will take you to the Lessons for Life section, where a link at the top of the page directs you to “Click here to register your event.” You may also submit your event information via e-mail at lessonsforlife@uspta.org. Thank you again for everything you do to help others in and around your communities as well as the world.

For more information about Lessons for Life, please visit www.uspta.com. If you have any questions, please contact Rick Bostrom at sports@uspta.org or at 800-877-8248, ext. 137. 

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Indoor Championships kick off 2010 USPTA national tournament schedule

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he United States Professional Tennis Association announces its 2010 National Surface Championship Series, offering its members the chance to earn prize money and ranking points.

This series kicks off with the USPTA Indoor Championships April 23-25 presented by the USPTA Northern Division.

The prize money for the Indoor Championships, which are held at Lakeville Lifetime Fitness in Lakeville, Minn., is $5,000. The tournament will feature events in the following categories: men’s and women’s open singles and doubles competition, men’s and women’s 45 singles and doubles competition, men’s 35 singles, men’s 55 singles and doubles, and mixed open and 45 doubles categories.

“We look forward to the continued success of these surface tournaments and are pleased to add value to the USPTA membership by giving members the opportunity to compete on the courts,” said Chuck Gill, USPTA national vice president and chairman of the Tournament Committee. “The 2010 surface championship series and International Championships feature more than $55,000, making it the largest prize-money circuit exclusively for tennis-teaching professionals.”

The tournaments are open to Professional-level USPTA members in good standing. For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800-USPTA-4U or log in to the “members only” section of the USPTA Web site at www.uspta.com. 

Hector Hernandez, 2009 USPTA Men’s Grass Court Championships winner.

2010 USPTA National Tournaments Indoor Championships – April 23-25 Lakeville Lifetime Fitness, Lakeville, Minn.

Clay Court Championships – May 20-23 Ibis Golf Country Club, West Palm Beach, Fla.

Grass Court Championships – Aug. 26-29 Philadelphia Cricket Club, Philadelphia

International Championships – Sept. 27-30 La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, Calif.

Hard Court Championships – Oct. 22-24

Hollytree Country Club and Tyler Tennis & Swim Club, Tyler, Texas

All USPTA Professional members in good standing are eligible to compete in any of the surface championships Visit uspta.com for more information www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/February 2010

17

USPTA drills Defending doubles

Type: Doubles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

prepared by Daniel Weant, USPTA

Description and goals: Drill designed for teams to practice defending against offensive shots. Players should focus on getting into the best position possible in order to defend the court.

Organization: Team A starts at the service line while team B starts in “no man’s land.” Pro feeds high ball to team A. Team A moves in and hits offensive volley at team B. Team B should move back slightly and get ready to defend against team A’s high volley.

The point is played out, then team C replaces team B and you repeat the drill.

Serve and return

Description and goals: This drill practices first and second serves, and returning those serves. Players should focus on driving first serves through the court and being aggressive on second serves and hitting them off to the side.

Organization: Servers are on one side of the court while returners are on the other side. Servers can hit serves anywhere they like, but must hit a first serve, followed by a second serve. The returners must hit first-serve return through the center of the court, and be more aggressive on second-serve return by hitting it off the side of the court.

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ADDvantage/February 2010

Variations: Have team B start on the service line. Have team C replace team A. Have team B replace team A if they win the point. Keep score.

Key points: Players must focus on getting in the best possible position when playing defense. Get players accustomed to playing defense from 3/4 court.

Type: Singles/doubles Levels: Intermediate/adv.

prepared by USPTA

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

Category: Return of serve/serve Time/players: 15 minutes/1-8

Variations: Keep score. Do it as a singles drill.

Key points: Servers should focus on hitting first and second serves, and mix up the locations. Returners should practice returning a safer shot off the first serve and being more aggressive on the second serve.

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Get together.

We’ve been using “get e courtside” at our club since April and it has created an amazing amount of interest in our competitive e singles ladders. It’s a greatt way for players to view all of their match data online..

It’s fun and easy to use.

Men’s and Women’s ladders have never been this popular at our club. We also use our ladders for matchmaking, allowing players to meet others at their level. This generates income to the pro, member satisfaction, and helps occupy the courts. It’s a win win for all.

Andrew Pogonyi

Tennis Director Kennett Square Golf & Country Club Kennett Square PA

Plain and simple -- I love GetCourtside! I have been running flex leagues for years using email and spreadsheets with schedules and standings, e and I knew there had to be a better way. I looked at a number of other web based solutions and none of them even come close ness and the cool to the simplicity, effectiveness factor of GetCourtside.

Kevin Christian

Head Tennis Professional Wentworth by the Sea Country Club Rye NH

We began using the ladder program in the spring and the response from our members was so positive that we now intend to run them continuously throughout the year. The ladders give our members an organized match anytime e they want one, the they go online and set it up , put in the scores and see their results immediately, it could not be a better tool for generating play. We intend to start running Flex Leagues in conjunction with other clubs in our area this fall to expand our network and provide our members with competitive play. Take a look at the program, get an online demonstration like we did and I think you will see why we are now committed to Courtside.

John Meyer

Tennis Director Olde Providence Racquet Club Charlotte NC

704.806.8116

info@getcourtside.com www.getcourtside.com

USPTA Mailbox Certification Dear Mr. Heckler, I just received the USPTA’s 5-year service certificate and your letter.

I wanted to thank the USPTA and you personally for the privilege of being a USPTAcertified professional. I should have certified many years before I did.

I have been a professional educator for 34 years now, and I have to tell you that the USPTA is a cut above any other professional organization with which I have been affiliated.

I am in the process of seeking investors to build a tennis facility in southern New Hampshire.

When that comes to fruition, I hope not only to display my USPTA credentials, but also for the USPTA to become an integral promotional and marketing component of the facility.

A sincere thanks.

John Pelkey, USPTA Derry, N.H. USPTA benefits Dear Tim (Heckler), I wanted to write a special thank you to the entire USPTA staff. I have really only taken a serious interest this year in learning more about the amazing benefits offered to me through the USPTA and trying to help promote the game of tennis here in Duluth, Ga. Since I have really focused on becoming better educated this year, I have had many questions to ask, and Vicky Tristan and Fred Viancos have always been very helpful and kind in answering any questions that I have presented to them. They must have some of the same questions come in day after day

and for them to have such a great personality and respond in such a timely manner makes me feel proud to be a part of this organization.

I had the honor of taking my first USPTA certification test with Fred Burdick and upgraded with Tommy Wade and Allan Jensen as my testers.

I just want to again thank everyone at USPTA for helping promote the game of tennis and helping professionals like myself become better professionals in the tennis industry.

Ian Thomson, USPTA Duluth, Ga.

Dear USPTA, I wanted to let you know that I did a lot of research on a car rental for a trip I took last summer and USPTA’s car rental relationship saved me $200 over the next closest rate I found, even AAA! Great member benefit.

Sincerely, Nancy Cox, USPTA Salem, Ore. Dear USPTA, A note of thanks for developing the personal Web site template as a membership benefit. I didn’t pay any attention to this benefit for years. Last April, I made the effort to work on my Web site. Your staff was completely responsive whenever I called with a question. Since April, my USPTA Web site has generated revenue 50 times the cost of my annual dues.

Looking back I can’t believe I was so slow to pick up on the value of this benefit.

Jim Cole USPTA Master Professional New Haven, Conn.

Send your letters to the editor, along with a ­daytime phone number or ­­­e-mail address, to ­ADDvantage, ­USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, ­Houston, TX 77042; fax to 713-358-7794; or via e-mail to kim.­forrester@uspta.org. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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ADDvantage/February 2010

Classifieds DRILLS NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new Web site has more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Log on to www. tennisdrills.tv to see (and print) more than 18 free samples.

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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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

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

“Where The Tennis Jobs Are.” A daily list of who is hiring tennis people for only $10 monthly. bob@tennisnews.com.

TECHNOLOGY FindTennisStore.com FREE Internet listing for your Tennis Pro Shop. Pro shop owners just need to register their store and what it offers at the Web site.

Consumers will be able to find you by entering their zip code. You must have a physical location for customers to visit.

Tennis Intelligence Applied. www.Tennissmith.com: 365-plus videos, fact-based system for players, parents, coaches. Proven results in progressive player development by Steve smith.

TENNIS PRODUCTS PRO/COACH PRICING on racquets, apparel, shoes, bags, balls, strings and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. www.

TennisExpress.com/800-8336615.

SLINGHOPPER DRILL BAGS Endorsed by Nick Bollettieri and Brad Gilbert. Offering a special $20 rate to USPTA Professionals.

Visit www.slinghopper.com and enter “USPTA” in the promo code at checkout.

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 713978-7780, 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

Cracking your nest egg

by Patti Lee Heidorn, USPTA, Smith Barney financial adviser

W

ith so much focus these days on saving for retirement, it’s easy to overlook an equally critical step that relates directly to your future security – how successfully you convert your savings into retirement cash flow. This process might sound simple, but it prompts several key questions: Which account should you draw from first? How do you keep your remaining assets growing? And, perhaps most importantly, how much can you take out each year without running out of money?

Withdrawal rates Not surprisingly, an aggressive withdrawal rate increases the likelihood of depleting your assets prematurely. Generally, 4 percent per year (indexed for inflation) has been the recommended withdrawal rate for most people. But one size does not fit all and 4 percent may be more – or less – than you need.

One objective shared by many investors is to develop a withdrawal strategy that aims to give you as much as possible – especially in the early, active years of your retirement.

For example, you may decide on an initial withdrawal rate to be increased every year by inflation. Or you may withdraw a fixed percentage of the previous year’s ending portfolio value, with no increase for inflation. A more conservative option would be to increase the rate for inflation only in years when your investment returns are positive. You may wish to recruit a financial professional to help you with this process.

Once you have settled on a withdrawal rate, it’s important to stick to it and avoid altering your spending patterns dramatically. Increasing your withdrawal rate even slightly can jeopardize your standard of living later in retirement, compromise your ability to meet unexpected expenses and decrease the amount you’re likely to leave to heirs. On the other hand, decreasing your rate might cause you to unnecessarily sacrifice your standard of living in your early retirement years, when you have the greatest chance to truly enjoy your newfound time. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Order of depletion Conventional wisdom says to draw down taxable accounts first and keep tax-deferred accounts growing. For many people, that rule of thumb holds true; but again, for others it may not apply. Wealthier investors, for example, may want to spend tax-deferred assets with the intention of bequeathing taxable assets, which receive more favorable tax treatment when inherited. Other investors may want to sell low-basis assets first, so they don’t incur the income later and trigger higher taxes on their Social Security benefits.

You’ve worked too hard saving for retirement to not get the most out of it. So once you’ve crafted a strategy for withdrawing income in a tax-efficient way, aim to review your situation on a regular basis to make sure you stay on track for the retirement you deserve.  Patti Lee Heidorn is a financial adviser in West Palm Beach, Fla., and may be reached at 561820-2388 or Patti.L.Heidorn@ Smithbarney.com.

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and its affiliates do not provide tax or legal advice. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended to be used and cannot be used by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Any such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayer’s particular circumstances from an independent tax adviser.

ADDvantage/February 2010

21

Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits)

(4 credits for PTCA I segment)

Feb. 11-14

Texas Division Grapevine, Texas

Feb. 12-14

Intermountain Division Denver

Feb. 19-21

Missouri Valley Division Prairie Village, Kan.

Feb. 27- March 1

Midwest Division Dublin and Columbus, Ohio

March 5-7

Mid-Atlantic Division Charlottesville, Va.

May 13-15

Southern Division Destin, Fla.

May 17-18

Eastern Division Flushing, N.Y.

June 1-6

Florida Division Key Largo, Fla.

June 3-6

Pacific Northwest Division Richland, Wash.

Little Tennis Facility Management ®

 

Computer Technology  Sport Science 

Competitive Player Development Pro Shop Operations

 



Feb. 11-12 Feb. 12 Feb. 12 Feb. 13 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 14-15 Feb. 15 Feb. 20 Feb. 20-21 Feb. 21 Feb. 22-23 Feb. 27-28 Feb. 27-28 March 13

Flushing, N.Y. Greenwood, Colo.

Phoenix Gastonia, N.C. Atlanta Seattle Dallas Williamsburg, Va. Memphis, Tenn.

Rockville, Md. Clearwater, Fla. Houston* Columbus, Ohio Pelham, Ala. Rochester, N.Y.

March 13 March 14 March 14 March 20-21 March 21 March 22 March 22-23 March 28 April 2 April 4 April 5-6 April 10-11 April 11 April 11-12

Oklahoma City Bonita Springs, Fla. Jackson, Miss.

Boca Raton, Fla. Birmingham, Ala. Valencia, Calif.

Houston* Rome, Ga. Minneapolis Winter Springs, Fla. San Francisco Atlanta Richmond, Va. Los Angeles

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

specialist degrees

exams, upgrades & certification review courses

Wheelchair Tennis

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

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

cardio tennis March 12 Vancouver, British Columbia March 13 Seattle April 11 Minneapolis (Seminar DVDs, ½ credit/specialty course DVDs, 2 credits)

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Applicant: late cancellation fee – $75; failure to cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

specialty courses Virtual drill design (with a ball machine), Feb. 4-5, Indianapolis, S. Oley Right clicks: Making technology and the Web work for you, Feb. 11, Grapevine, Texas, R. Mattingley Creative drill design, Feb. 14, Grapevine, Texas, J. Dinoffer TBD, Feb. 14, Denver Motor learning/sport psychology, Feb. 21, Prairie Village, Kan., R. Woods, Ph.D. Biomechanics, Feb. 27, Dublin, Ohio, P. Lubbers, Ph. D. The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. Schedule is subject to change.

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

Earn education credits from World Conference DVDs Receive your education credit report card via e-mail by visiting the members-only section of uspta.com.

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

22

ADDvantage/February 2010

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

LITTL E TEN NIS A. USPTA Little Tennis T-shirt – white. 100% preshrunk cotton. XS, S, M, L, XL. $6 B. USPTA Little Tennis wristband. Great to use as prizes. Sold individually. $2 C. USPTA Little Tennis nametags. 25 per package. $3.50 Little Tennis items not pictured:

A

• USPTA Complete Guide to Little Tennis – The most comprehensive manual for teaching 3- to 10-year-old tennis players.

USPTA member price – $29.95 Nonmember price – $44.95 • USPTA Little Tennis lapel pin – $1.75 • Little Tennis specialty course DVD. $44.95 • Little Tennis banner. $40 • Little Tennis poster. 75¢

B

C

Industry action Members USPTA Pros Doug Kegerreis and Kim Dillard presented a Striking with Tennis Racquets workshop at the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance state convention.

The convention was held last November at the Hampton Inn in Virginia Beach, Va. USTA Mother-Daughter doubles team Mary Rompf, USPTA, and daughter Mary Ann Rompf took home the USTA Bronze National Tennis Ball at the USTA Mother-Daughter National Grass Court Championships. The round robin tournament featured five nationally ranked teams and was held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame last August.

Team Rompf finished in third place with two wins over the 12th- and 23rdranked opponents and two losses against the fourth- and fifth-ranked

doubles teams. Winning over 40 USTA National Championship titles in her tennis career, Mary Rompf has played the game for 35 years and is head pro at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Member product showcase Jonathan Fralick, USPTA, Louise Fayhs, and Valerie Pedreno have developed a junior tennis Web site, www.MyTennisNetwork. com, to help parents navigate the pathway of junior tennis. The tournament home page puts everything at your fingertips. You can map the tournament location, view and sort applicants by any ranking, view tournament points, print an auto-filled medical release form, read articles, blog entries relating to a tournament, and more. Visit www.

MyTennisNetwork.com and sign up for a free trial.

Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Windermere, Fla., raised $30,000 to benefit the Health Central Foundation, which supports Health Central hospital in Ocoee, Fla. The October fundraiser included a pro celebrity clinic, team tennis event, exhibition and rockin’ concert and party. Professionals who gave their time to this worthy charity are, back row from left: Allie Halbert, Goran Dragicevic, Thomas Blake, Dick Stockton, Tom Gullikson, Gigi Fernandez, Henner Lenhardt, Artur Mueller. Front row from left: Xavier Proulx, Kevin Brundle, Berend Van Toor, Marco Herrera, Paulo Barros and event organizer, Len Simard.

Industry Pierce O’Neil, the USTA’s chief business officer, has decided to leave the association. Over the last 15 years, O’Neil has been instrumental in growing the USTA’s revenues to unprecedented levels and in developing the U.S. Open into one of the most successful sports and entertainment events in the world. In his previous role, O’Neil served as the USTA’s chief marketing officer. In 1996 he originated Arthur Ashe Kids Day, for which he has served as executive producer ever since. He also oversaw creation of the U.S. Open ball and flame logo.

David Benjamin, executive director of the Intercollegiate Tennis Assoc-

Cheryl Barnett, USPTA, along with pro Josiah Barnett, held a tournament for the American Cancer Society last October at the Anthem Community Center in Anthem, Ariz. Sponsors were HEAD/Penn, Sports Authority, and All About Tennis. The event drew 60 people, including the players pictured here, and raised more than $1,000 in one day.

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ADDvantage/February 2010

Benjamin (left) and Stenning (right)

iation, and International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Mark Stenning present the 2009 ITA Achievement Award to John Thornton, former president of Goldman Sachs Group and Harvard tennis champion. Thornton is currently professor and director of the Global Leadership Program at the Tsinghua University in Beijing, and also serves as chairman of HSBC North America. The ITA Achievement Award was created in 1994 to pay tribute each year to past participants in the world of collegiate varsity tennis for both professional success and humanitarian contributions to society.

Miscellany In-Shape Health Clubs, one of the top 20 health club companies in the United States with 35 locations in California, has partnered with Cliff Drysdale Tennis to bring the Ultimate Tennis Experience to its www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action members. Two premier In-Shape facilities – InShape Sport: Laurel Glen (Bakersfield) and In-Shape Sport: Visalia – boast top-notch tennis instruction and programming as tennis legend Cliff Drysdale, USPTA, sets up shop.

USPTA Professional Scott McCulloch (Bakersfield) and Nick Heron (Visalia), are the new tennis directors.

Members will enjoy such services as private lessons, clinics, cardio tennis, and junior and adult programs.

Cliff Drysdale Tennis specializes in daily tennis operations and management, sports design and construction consultation, tennis educational programs and corporate retreats. For more information, visit www.cliffdrysdale.com.

Club Managers Association

of America is proud to announce new allied relationships with three associations: the Club Spa & Fitness Association, the International Facility Management Association and the Locker Room Managers Association. By collaborating with these organizations, CMAA will be better positioned to confront shared issues and make an even more positive impact on the industry. For more information on CMAA’s new allied partners, visit these Web sites: Club Spa & Fitness Association – www.csfassociation. com; International Facility Management Association – www.ifma.org, Locker Room Managers Association – www. yourlrma.org.

Researchers from the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in New

A Presbyterian church where the pastor is a USPTA Professional used the QuickStart Tennis Play Format to reach out to youth in the community. Kelley Church in McDonough, Ga., pastored by the Rev. Dr. Dan Ottaviano, held eight weeks of after-school clinics in the fall of 2009. The weekly QuickStart beginner clinics were held on two tennis courts in a nearby neighborhood, with support from the homeowners’ association. Thirty-three elementary school children participated, along with 12 adults and high school youth who served as coaches. The programs included dinner for participants and their families.

The Georgia USTA provided a grant to help subsidize expenses. The youth tennis ministry will be “back by popular demand” next spring with an added program for middle school students. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Orthotic & Prosthetic Technologies of Texas hosted a First Volley Tennis Clinic in October, 2009 at Circle C Tennis Center in Austin, where USPTA Master Professional Fernando Velasco is club manager. Frieda Borth, who serves as the patient advocate for OPT Texas, was instrumental in the success of the clinic. Borth had experienced a First Volley as part of the 2008 Amputee Coalition of America National Conference and saw the value in hosting a clinic for Austin amputees. Sixteen amputees were led through a series of tennis skills and drills designed specifically for them. In addition to amputees, participants included individuals with hearing impairment and visual impairment, as well as a wounded warrior. OPT Texas is looking at dates for 2010 to book its next First Volley Clinic.

York City found that a novel exercise using the Thera-Band® FlexBar® is effective at reducing pain associated with chronic lateral epicondylitis – a.k.a. tennis elbow. The Thera-Band FlexBar is a ridged-surface flexible bar designed for wrist, forearm and hand rehabilitation. The complete study and abstract can be viewed at http://info.therabandacademy.com/ flexbarelbow. For more information, visit www. thera-band.com.

Passings Alastair Martin, a longtime member of USPTA and a leader in the advent of the open Martin era of tennis, passed away Jan. 12 at his home in Katonah,

N.Y. He was 94. Both the United States Tennis Association and the International Tennis Hall of Fame sadly reported his passing via an e-mail to their members. Martin served as president of the USTA in 1969-70, as the amateur era ended and professionals were allowed to enter major tournaments. He was inducted into the ITHF in 1973 and later served as president and chairman.

Considered one of the finest court tennis players, he was a U.S. amateur champion eight times in singles and 10 times in doubles. He was also a skilled lawn tennis player, competing in the U.S. Championships at Forest Hills on several occasions.

Off court, Martin was a founder of the Eastern Tennis Association.

Photo courtesy of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum.

ADDvantage/February 2010

25

Official Ball of

1910 -2010 The Ball Matters â„¢ www.pennracquet.com