Addvantage 2010 September

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ADDvantage/September 2010

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ADDvantage/September 2010

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

contents the total professional – enhancing your career

departments 3 First vice president’s message

Ask the Professor 7 Every pro can take a swing at childhood obesity –

by Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D., FACSM, USPTA Master Professional

22 Classifieds 31 Drills 32 Industry action

17 Doing the little things for your members – by Scott Mitchell, USPTA

34 Career development

19 Tennis pro goes the distance with Special Olympics athletes – by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer 25 Trying to draw a line in the shifting sand –

by Rod Heckelman, USPTA news

2 Taking Tennis Across America: Pros grow the game in three states

6 2010 USPTA tournament player ranking points

9 USPTA joins the fight against childhood obesity with Tennis — for the health of it!

22 New login system simplifies online payments 29 Kansas’ Walsh and Iowa’s McCollom win singles titles at Grass Court Championships 29 California’s Fodor wins USPTA Invitational at Bank of the West Classic in San Francisco

volume 34 • issue 9

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

On the cover – Several professionals representing the USPTA Hawaii Division recently hosted Tennis Across America events at Kaimuki Christian School, Hokulani Elementary School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. USPTA Professionals Jerry Hubbard, Tiffany Akiyama, Lee Couillard, Jamie Dela Cruz, Ben Erickson, John Nelson, Ken Nakama, Jerry Cape and HEAD/Penn Representative Jack Blezard helped introduce the game of tennis to more than 400 new players from around the Honolulu area.

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/September 2010

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Taking Tennis Across America:

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USPTA Professional Don Thomas, of Sequim, Wash., recently conducted a tennis camp for Boys and Girls Club members for the third consecutive season. The camp, held on the Sequim High School tennis courts, introduces children as young as 5 to the sport. Thomas made many of the teaching aids used to add fun to the drills, games and instruction. The camp has grown from 47 youth in 2008 to 90 campers and 21 volunteers, including coaches, teaching pros and players. Mary Budke, the Sequim Boys & Girls Club director, said that without the camp these youngsters probably would not get exposed to tennis until high school.

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Pros grow the game in three states

USPTA Professional Ron Woods held a TAA event at the HEB Tennis Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, on April 17. More than 100 kids were involved in the event. On Friday evening before the event, a banquet fundraiser was held for the Tennis Success Program.

Tennis Success offers tennis lessons and tutoring for low-income kids in the community. Wayne Bryan was the keynote speaker at the banquet and head clinician along with other tennis professionals in the Corpus Christi area giving free tennis lessons. In the afternoon, as part of the Tennis Across America event, a round-robin tournament was held for the adults, who played with an advanced Tennis Success student. It was a great event as the kids were also treated to free hot dogs and a drink after the TAA clinic.

S USPTA Professional Imeh Joshua held a TAA event on May 29 at Melbourne Tennis Center in Melbourne, Fla. The fun day at the park was open to everyone in the community. USPTA event coordinator Imeh Joshua (left), Rosie Contrerra, Chelsea Motti, Jana Motti, Tom Fulman and Patrick Bauchman helped make it a memorable event for all participants. 

2010 USPTA National Tournaments 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 2

ADDvantage/September 2010

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First vice president’s message Let’s all make more ‘music’

Kids get hooked on tennis with QuickStart tournaments!

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ennis has realized an increase in play over learn sportsmanship. Certainly, everyone wants to the past decade, perhaps due in part to our win, but our focus was on fun, fitness and learning. industry’s promotion of youth tennis, no- The tournament was a team event, which took the cut high school programs, tennis on campus and focus off of individual players. The kids loved it, more. According to a recent article in the Wall Street and parents were amazed to see their kids doing so Journal, tennis is on the right track. The QuickStart well and learning in every round.

Tennis initiative is another program that will help The idea for a state playoff for kids this age goes continue this trend. We would all benefit from back many years. Many pros in Texas have been getting on board and implementing this program running USPTA Little Tennis programs since the to get kids playing tennis at a very early age. This concept was introduced. We’ve had good results is one example of how a cooperative getting kids into classes, but they effort can have a big impact. didn’t move easily into tournaments Last month, the USPTA Texas Diand leagues. I have been involved with vision hosted its first state playoff for several very successful junior circuits QuickStart, the USPTA Texas Quickin Texas, now the USPTA Junior Start Championships at The Clubs of Circuit. Over the years, the boys and Kingwood in Kingwood, Texas. girls 10-and-under divisions in this To generate participation and event were very small if the draws excitement for the event, the division made at all. In the past, there have not sent e-mails and included a full-page been enough kids with confidence or flier in two division newsletters to patience to deal with the difficulty of spread the word among the USPTA jumping into competition on a full Randy Mattingley membership. The USTA Texas section court playing with a yellow ball. helped promote the championships to anyone in the I was inspired to include something for the section running a QuickStart program. The USTA younger kids by a good friend, Mark Dotson, who tennis service representatives also sent e-mails and added QuickStart into the USPTA Junior Circuit talked to coaches to spread the word. The tourna- in Lubbock, Texas. We added QuickStart 8U and ment was on!

10U divisions to our junior circuit in 2009, and You may think that a USPTA Texas QuickStart I saw immediate results from kids who came to Championships seems excessive – attracting 5- to our weekly summer camps and then participated 10-year-old kids to a state event. There are a number in the USPTA Junior Circuit in the QuickStart of reasons that make this the right time for this type divisions. They loved it and many stuck with tenof event. First, the kids in the 8-and-under (8U) and nis throughout the year. This summer, the Little 10-and-under (10U) categories love to compete just Tennis program grew to more than 100 kids and like the players in every other age group. Just look the QuickStart divisions in the junior circuit grew at the success of Little League Baseball and youth to more than 30 players. soccer. This age group is phenomenal at every video Tennis has not competed well against soccer, game soon after it hits the market. When there is baseball, and other activities for kids in this age incentive, young competitors are motivated just like group. While kids like taking lessons, they also want anyone else. In tennis, kids’ love of competition is to play and compete. While putting together our demonstrated through USPTA Junior Circuits and team for the Junior Circuit state playoff last year, I by all the kids playing for rankings in their respective had several parents express interest in an event where USTA sections. Kids like to compete. their children could advance. The QuickStart state The focus for our event, which was stressed playoff allowed us to promote the program throughbefore and during the event to players and parents, out the division and get more pros running Little is that tennis is a great sport to promote health Tennis as the learning program and QuickStart as and fitness, to develop a competitive spirit, and to the playing format. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

continued next page

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President

Tom Daglis 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

Nick Warwick

Video Editor/ Flash Designer

Aisha Nelson

Video Editor/Videographer Chris Maale 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

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/ Certification Coordinator

Sylvia Ortiz

Membership/ Melony DeLoach Insurance Coordinator Director of Finance Payroll/Benefits Controller Merchandise/ Accounting Assistant

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/September 2010

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from previous page These were the basic guidelines: • QuickStart 8-and-under (QS8) – Play on 36-foot courts with a red ball.

• QuickStart 10-and-under (QS10) – Play on 60-foot courts with an orange ball.

• Players will use a “bounce-hit” feed for the serve; no overhead serves.

• Scoring – First to win 4 points wins game; first to win four games wins set in both QS8 and QS10 divisions.

• Each round should last approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

For our inaugural championships, each team consisted of at least eight players: two boys and two girls in the 8U, and two boys and two girls in the 10U. Greg Zachary from Lakeside Country Club, J.R. Garcia from Huber Tennis Ranch, and Bobby Castillo from the YMCA in Greenville each brought a team. We had six teams with around 60 kids. There were two to three times this number of parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and other spectators.

On a day that saw a 114-degree heat index in Houston, the event ran from 1-5 p.m. The parents wilted a bit, but the kids did great. The format was a team round robin with five rounds for each team. With each round, you could see improvement in the kids’ play and confidence. Things couldn’t have turned out better overall.

Even with a short rain delay, we started the awards ceremony on schedule while the kids enjoyed a hot dog and soft drinks. After everyone collected their T-shirts and trophies, we were off to the water park for more fun. It was an amazing day. It was fantastic to see so many kids playing in what was, for many, their first tennis tournament and having a great experience.

QuickStart Tennis allows our industry to target many kids at an early age. I’m confident the number of kids who choose to enter player development programs will increase based on the larger pool of players. And, while I believe the most talented kids should be allowed to progress more quickly through the QuickStart program and into existing regular competitions for 10- and 12-year-olds, I think the program is a great way to increase the number of recreational players and get more families involved in the sport.

I encourage you to start a Little Tennis program if you haven’t

Texas Division QuickStart participants enjoy a local waterpark after fun tennis competition.

already. Run USPTA Junior Circuit tournaments and add the QuickStart divisions.

Once our QuickStart Championship Tournament was complete, a little girl came to me and said, “Thank you for holding this tournament. I’m a tennis player now.” That was music to my ears. Let’s all work to make more music.  I want to thank a number of people who helped make the USPTA Texas QuickStart Championships a huge success. Christy Sobey, Texas Division executive director, did a great job promoting the event in newsletters and e-blasts to our membership. She also pitched in at the tournament desk, helping to keep things running smoothly. Cindy Benson, USTA TSR for the Houston area, made enormous contributions. She helped with everything from promoting the event to the coaches in and around Houston to setting up courts and taking video during the event. Teddy DiBlasi, USPTA, helped organize the teams and was the site director for the event. Matt Stolt, USPTA, was the site director for the Junior Circuit Masters Tournament running simultaneously. A big thank you goes to Tommy Ho, USTA national board member, Harold Graham, HTA past president, and Jenda Mattingley for their support and help during the event. Lastly, I want to thank the coaches, Greg Zachary, J.R. Garcia and Bobby Castillo, who brought teams and helped to create a very positive experience for all the kids.

Texas Division kids participate in QuickStart tennis championships organized by USPTA pros in Kingwood, Texas.

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2010 USPTA tournament player ranking points*

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Men’s Open Singles Franco Mata Tony Larson Eric Hechtman Henry Walsh Hamid Mirzadeh John Schollmeier John Kauss Julien Link H’cone Thompson Alamgir Wali John Cook Jamie Feagan Christopher Fletcher Bradlee Lum-Tucker Steve Olivas Kurt Pessa Milos Vasovic Darryl Fornatora Christopher Sagers Anish Manrai

270 200 200 200 150 150 120 120 120 120 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 80 45 15

Men’s 35 Singles John Goldfarb William Kron Diego Brunicardi Spencer Jones Michael Vidmar

200 200 150 150 15

Men’s 40 Singles Kamil Kuchta Jeff Cohen

200 150

Men’s 45 Singles Glenn Britzius

200

ADDvantage/September 2010

Stephen Bucar Andrew Stoner John Arciero Bryan Biever Jeff Bingo Tom Breece Hans Carlson James Dempsey Paul Hope Ken Howard Bruce Gullikson

200 200 150 150 150 120 120 120 120 100 15

Men’s 50 Singles Greg Wheaton Whitney Kraft Howard Chodak Arup Dutta

200 150 120 120

Men’s 55 Singles Mark Howarth Gewan Maharaj Stephen Shortridge Bob Traylor Men’s Open Doubles Franco Mata Rafael Abreu Roy Bryan Tony Larson Hamid Mirzadeh Ritesh Nautiyal Glenn Allsop Bill Cook John Cook Jamie Feagan

200 200 150 120 320 200 200 200 200 200 150 150 150 150

Sion Wilkins Alamgir Wali Christopher Fletcher Eric Hechtman Abdul Idi Spencer Jones Bjorn Munroe Istvan Szabo Henry Walsh Diego Brunicardi Darryl Fornatora Eleazar Magallan Austin Soliz William Kron Michael Vidmar

150 150 120 120 120 120 120 120 120 100 100 100 100 30 30

Men’s 40 Doubles Patrick Eichhorn Ricardo Mendivil James Dempsey Carlos Triana

200 200 150 150

Men’s 45 Doubles Bryan Biever Marc Miller Rajan Keswani Michael Olson

200 200 150 150

Men’s 50 Doubles Gewan Maharaj Geoffrey Moore Whitney Kraft Gregory Neuhart Hans Romer Terry See

200 200 150 150 120 120

Stephen Shortridge Bob Traylor

120 120

Women’s Open Singles Marina McCollom 600 Amy Pando 240 Ann Pellow 150 Marnie Codrey 150 Robin Coverdale 150 Tara Pressley 120 Women’s 35 Singles Robin Keener 200 Sandra Bell 150 Women’s 45 Singles Christie Bradley 200 Carolyn Franca 150 Women’s Open Doubles Marina McCollom 400 Amy Pando 400 Tiana Lum-Tucker 150 Ann Pellow 150 Jeanne Schwartz 150 Lindsey Schwartz 150 Women’s 45 Doubles Carolyn Franca 200 Patti Heidorn 200 Mixed Open Doubles Robin Coverdale 200 Marc Miller 200 *as of 8/31/10

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Every pro can take a swing at childhood obesity

by Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D., FACSM, USPTA Master Professional

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Question: I have seen so much press about the ­issue of obesity and I am genuinely concerned. But, my particular concern has to do with children. I realize that there are fundamental causes, but could you please shed some light on what’s going on and what we, as USPTA members, can do?

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Answer: Your question is timely in that the U.S. Congress has named September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. But, your

control over their physical condition, whether from disease, debilitation, or medication.

Having said that, however, the numbers of cases where disease

“Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2-19 are obese or overweight” question is also timely from the perspective that we truly are in a national crisis with the severity of childhood and teenage obesity. Yes, there are global concerns as well, but the data that are most readily available come from U.S. statistics. And, I should add as a precaution before I begin answering, that I truly want to be sensitive to those people who may have no

or medication cause obesity are few compared to the actual data.

Dr. Jeff Levi, executive director of the Trust for America’s Health, recently said, “Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges the country has ever faced.” The alarm seems warranted if you consider the facts stemming from why Congress enacted a National

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. On the childhood obesity awareness website, www. healthierkidsbrighterfutures. org, the following information is cited: “Over 23 million children and teenagers in the United States ages 2-19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic.” But, if you consider other sources of data on childhood obesity, an even more serious problem arises – people’s unawareness that there is actually a problem.

In a survey by Greenburg Quinlan Rosner Research and American Viewpoint, 84 percent of parents believe their children are at a healthy weight, while the exact data show that nearly one-third of children and teens are obese or overweight. Pardon my abruptness, but this is a big problem.

Either someone’s calculator is broken or our country’s parents have an improper perception of their children’s physical state.

And, if something isn’t done, this situation has very longterm ramifications associated with it.

Each of us has read the literature that associates obesity with other maladies, many of which are major life-threatening diseases. Higher incidences of diabetes, cancer and heart disease are highly correlated with obesity. Obviously, these three diseases will shorten a person’s life span and severely increase healthcare costs, but for a young person, what are the costs of obesity as it relates to quality of life? Obesity can prevent people from being active, exercising and moving effectively, but it also affects breathing and sleeping. continued next page

Use your sphere of influence to motivate youth and parents about how important it is to be active.

Jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional, is ­co-founder of the Human Performance Institute. He is the author of The Corporate Athlete and co-author of World Class Tennis Technique. Information can be found at­ ­­energyforperformance.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/September 2010

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from previous page Obesity is a very complex problem.

Many people can’t afford quality food, costs of a fitness center, etc. I totally understand that. But, the real problem we face as a culture is that we have given in to a sedentary lifestyle and we just really don’t seem interested in being active. As you alluded in your question, there are other options to being active, such as TV, video games, DS, X-Box, iPods, texting, and on and on. Many years ago, when I was a child (a phrase I hated when my dad used it), let’s be honest: There weren’t many options. TV only had a few channels and most of those a child couldn’t enjoy so, instead of other options, it was this: “OK, what activity are we going to do today?” Is it hunting, tennis, baseball, playing with the dogs, playing with other kids, etc.? The solution to today’s problem of inactivity was indicated in an article written for a different purpose that I read earlier this year. In the July 27 issue of USA Today, there was an article titled, “Is True Friendship Dying Away?”

The author expounded upon the fact that there is no time for friends and alluded to the safety issues of just letting our children run free, as we did when many of us were young. However, the author also discussed the technology “toys” that young people have at their disposal that they choose to employ rather than create new friends.

Here is where the author’s solution also fits what we are addressing here; namely the lack of activity. The statement was simple, yet profound: “If there is a secret to close friendship, that’s it. Put down the device; engage the person.” That’s exactly what we have to do – teach our children to “put down the device and engage in activity.”

The problem we face in your question is a big one, and we, as leaders in our communities, must step up. But, there should be a little caution offered.

If we look at the problem as a whole – 23 million young obese or overweight people and their parents may not be aware – it has the potential to be overwhelming.

But, let’s just look at our little piece of the world. Each of us has a sphere of influence. No matter how small or large your sphere of influence, you have one. And, within that sphere of influence, you can make a difference. In your community, for example, I know that your sphere of

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influence is huge! So, in your question to me, you asked what we can do.

I believe it all starts with activity! Yes, nutrition is extremely important to the issue of obesity, but your sphere of influence might not be in educating about nutrition. However, you can certainly influence youth and their parents regarding activity. In fact, September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.

What if we, as USPTA members, looked at it differently? What if we changed the word “awareness” to “action”? (Please note that I am simply offering this up to you and not recommending a name change for the cause).

You and I are already aware. Let’s act to help improve awareness in our communities! You have and all the associated PR materials.

You could make a call today and arrange to speak in front of your local Rotary, high school assembly, PTO meeting, local park district, etc. Yes, you could conduct a community outreach clinic. But, the key is this: We, as members of USPTA, are

professionals who are certified to teach the greatest sport activity on earth. We can share our knowledge with people about activity in general. Yes, it would be great to get more people on our tennis courts, but this problem of child obesity is at epidemic proportions. Use your sphere of influence to motivate youth and parents about how important it is to be active. Interestingly, you might not even speak about tennis, but because you are a certified tennis-teaching professional, with incredible support materials from your PR and sports marketing team, you might just get a few more tennis lessons.

And, for sure, you will build your name and your credibility in your community.

So, my challenge to all of us is to give back to our communities! Let me know if you answer this challenge and how it worked.

We want to share your stories with our members and with the industry. In fact, we’ll let the national cause know what you did to improve the people within your sphere of influence. I wish you the best of luck! 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA joins the fight against childhood obesity with Tennis – for the health of it! SM

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n support of the first National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, USPTA joins the fight for our children’s well-being through Tennis – for the health of it! The USPTA encourages children to play tennis because it is fun, easy exercise, and USPTA members provide tennis programs as part of a national effort to eradicate childhood obesity and ensure young people get a healthy start in life.

“With a strong delivery system of more than 15,000 certified tennisteaching professionals, we feel that we can definitely help raise awareness of the epidemic of childhood obesity.”

Through Tennis – for the health of it!, the USPTA strives to bring tennis to everyone and encourages all ages – from children to senior citizens – to get fit through tennis. The main goals of the initiative are to make the general public aware of the tremendous health, fitness and psychological benefits of tennis and encourage people to get out and play the sport as a part of their regular fitness regimen. In addition, the USPTA and its members are the delivery force through which the public can receive these benefits through lessons, other tennis activities and programs such as Little Tennis®, Tennis Across America™ and Junior Circuit™.

Little Tennis Little Tennis is designed to teach children ages three to 10 the proper warm-up, motor, racquet and playing skills needed to build a solid foundation for the game. Little Tennis has numerous games and drills, 10 full lesson plans for all age groups, significant parental involvement and is a great transition to the QuickStart Tennis play format.

Tennis Across America Established in 1990, Tennis Across America was the first sports marketing initiative in the tennis industry. TAA’s goal is to get new, current and former players involved in tennis and in a healthy environment. An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 teaching professionals participate each year in offering free grassroots lessons to promote their tennis programs in a healthy environment.

Junior Circuit The Junior Circuit is designed for novice players. USPTA pros run these unsanctioned tournaments throughout the country. These are ideal starter events for players who have graduated to full-size equipment (racquets, balls and courts). These tournaments allow juniors to start competitive play in a low-pressure environment, are convenient because they are generally held in the junior’s hometown, use alternate scoring systems, therefore making them user-friendly and give juniors a pathway to improve and advance to sanctioned tournaments. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

With programs like Tennis Across America, USPTA Pros introduce children to an active, healthy lifestyle.

Earlier this year, Congress unanimously passed a resolution designating September 2010 as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. During the past four decades, obesity rates have soared among all age groups, increasing more than fourfold among children ages six to 11. More than 23 million children and teenagers (31.8 percent) ages two to 19 are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. To find out more information regarding childhood obesity, visit www. healthierkidsbrighterfutures.org.

“With a strong delivery system of more than 15,000 certified tennis-teaching professionals, we feel that we can definitely help raise awareness of the epidemic of childhood obesity,” said Jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional and vice president, and co-founder of Human Performance Institute. “However, more importantly, our mission is to ultimately drive action from this awareness and get children active and healthy through tennis.”

Obese young people have an 80 percent chance of becoming obese adults and are more likely than children of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults. As a result, they are more at risk for associated adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

The financial implications add up to a sobering $14 billion per year in direct healthcare costs alone. Americans spend approximately 9 percent of their total medical costs on obesity-related illnesses.

Additionally, there are psychosocial consequences that can hinder academic and social functioning and persist into adulthood.  ADDvantage/September 2010

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USPTA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE “The Spanish Way to Develop Players” December 11-12-13 of 2010 Naples, Florida

REGISTRATION FORM COACH DATA Participant’s Name:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Last Name

First Name

Date of Birth: _______/_______/________ Month

Day

Middle Initial

Age: _____

� Male

� Female

Year

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________ State: ______________________ Zip: _____________ Country: _________________ Work Phone #: (_________) _______________________ E-mail _______________________________________________________ (Please include Country and City Codes)

Name of Club / Academy / College where you work at: _______________________________________________________________ ENROLLMENT I, ___________________________________________________________________________________, do hereby confirm my enrollment at the USPTA Player Development Conference “The Spanish Way to Develop Players” to take place on December 11-12-13 of 2010 in the Academia Sánchez-Casal of Naples.

Signature_______________ CONFERENCE PRICES Reservation Before November 1st, 2010: USPTA/RPT members: 250 US$ / Others: 300 US$ Reservation After November 2nd, 2010: USPTA/RPT members: 300 US$ / Others: 350 US$ 

Reservation Payment Method ($100 advance registration fee) � Check #___________________(must be drawn on US bank). Mail to: Academia Sánchez-Casal Naples Tennis Club 4995 Airport Road North Naples, Florida 34105, USA � Credit Card: VI, MC, Amex, DC Card #_______________________________ Exp. Date: _______/________ Month

Year

Name on Card: State: ____________________________________ Signature________________________ Date: _______/_______/________ Month

Day

Year

The remaining amount should we made within the two weeks before the date of the course. 

IF FAXING REGISTRATION:

239-261-6998



IF MAILING REGISTRATION:

Academia Sánchez-Casal Naples Tennis Club 4995 Airport Road North Naples, Florida 34105, USA

Contact: Academia Sánchez-Casal · Ph. +1 239 261 5777 · Fax. +1 239 261 6998 · florida@sanchez-casal.com · www.asc-florida.com

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Doing the little things for your members

by Scott Mitchell, USPTA

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here is so much more to being a tennis professional than just teaching. A lot of us get into the daily grind of just teaching the lesson. We have to remember that there is so much more and our customers demand it, in a way. Good customer service is one big reason that customers come back for a lesson again and again. It is very easy to think that the most important thing is fixing Mary’s backhand. But what really has Mary coming back for lessons has little to do with your teaching and more to do with your customer service. It is the little things you do for her, before and after as well as during the lesson, that has her coming back every week.

Good customer service is one big reason that customers come back for a lesson again and again.

I have an amazing general manager at Charlotte Country Club who has taught me so much over the last few years. One thing he has preached is that our members and their guests may not remember what we say to them during their stay but they will remember how they are treated. He has also shared various things over the years that have really hit home. One thing he recently shared with me is that there is one very popular national food chain that is rated better than anyone in its business.

It is not because of the food, but because of the little things they do for their customers like opening the door for them, getting eye level with them to take their orders and much more.

As tennis professionals we need to ask ourselves what we can do that will set us apart from other pros or clubs. How and what can we do that is better than what www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

our competition does? Sometimes it is the programming or the league teams we offer, but most of the time it is the little things we do for our customers that they remember the most. How can you make your members feel special every time they come to the club courts? The little things can include greeting customers by name, remembering to mention their recent birthday or the trip that they are about to go on, congratulating them on their most recent win, or calling to remind them of an upcoming lesson or event your club is having. Try to spend some time every few weeks to call customers you have not seen in a few months to find out if there is anything you can do to get them back on the court. These are all the little things that make you and your club the very best.

Over the years I have done many different “little things” to try and give my

members or customers a great experience when they come to the club. Before a student arrives for a lesson some of the things you may want to find out are the names of that person’s spouse and kids, and you could even check to see if anyone has had a recent birthday. This is a great feeling for your members when they walk in the door and you are asking them how their husband or wife is doing or asking them what the three kids are doing for the weekend, especially if you use everyone’s names as you have the conversation. Another great thing to do is call your members or customers before their first lesson to remind them of the lesson and that you are really looking forward to it. Also find out if there is anything in particular that they are looking to improve on during the lessons. This will go a long way toward planning your lessons, but also shows how much you care about the time you spend with your member on and off the court.

If you have a restaurant or two at your club another great thing you can do is call the staff there and ask them what your member prefers to drink – soda, Gatorade, water, tea or anything else that you wouldn’t know about if you didn’t contact the restaurant. This will be a great surprise when your member comes in the door and you have their favorite drink ready for them to take to the court. If your lesson is a late morning lesson this is a great time to see what they want for lunch or a snack to take with them on the run. It is something very simple to do and only takes a lunch menu or order form and a quick phone call to put in the order with the kitchen. Most importantly, when your student walks through that front door you want your staff greeting that member by name. “Good morning, Mr. Smith” or “How are you, Sally?” goes a long way when greeting members and their guests.

Most of us know a lot of the “little things” we do on the court, but I wanted to cover just a few. Always make sure you are involved in the lesson and engaged. There is nothing worse than a pro who is just there feeding balls and looks like he or she can’t wait to be done. Give your student lots of continued next page ADDvantage/September 2010 17

from previous page positive feedback but make sure you aren’t talking too much and they aren’t hitting tons of balls. Try and give your feedback mostly as they hit and only stop when you must.

Lastly (and this can be a very uncomfortable experience for your member if you aren’t careful), make sure you have their approval on a major change in their game. This may be a grip change for the serve or adding spin to a stroke. Many pros want to teach every lesson the same to very different customers or members. They are into teaching the modern game or want to change a grip here or add legs to a stroke there or even strategy changes. The most important thing is to make sure you have your member’s approval first. If not, there is no reason to change Sally’s forehand if she likes her old one.

There is no reason to get Tim to hit in the open stance position if he doesn’t want to.

This is a very quick way to lose a lesson and even more importantly, give your member a bad experience at the courts.

After the lesson is over, make sure you ask your student if he or she has any questions on anything you have covered during the lesson. Make sure you schedule the next lesson and, if possible, provide an appointment card as a reminder of the time and day. One thing that makes a big impression on your members is a quick follow-up card or phone call to remind them of the great time you had on the court and that you look forward to the next lesson. Another great “little thing” to add to this conversation or card is a quick reminder of something you worked on. For instance, “it was great to have you on the court this Thursday and keep working on your grip on your serve and we’ll work on it some more next week.”

This makes the note or phone call more personal and much more meaningful.

It is always a good idea to stay in contact with all of your members but sometimes it becomes difficult. There is a simple rule that we follow that a lot of you have probably heard. It’s the 20/80 rule, which states that 20 percent of your tennis members play 80 percent of the time. This means that 80 percent of your tennis members aren’t coming out to the courts very often. You need to find out why and how you go about getting them back. One thing we have done is get our staff to call those members who fit into the 80 percent category that isn’t playing.

Your calls are to say hi and to see if there is

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Always make sure you are involved in the lesson and engaged.

anything you can do to help get your members back on the tennis court. Maybe there is a program that you don’t currently provide that they would like to see implemented.

You might send out suggestion forms or a suggestion box for programs. Maybe they aren’t playing because they are struggling to find someone to play with. So maybe you could start a matching service to help pair up members with like members. In the case of some seniors, maybe there aren’t enough things for them to do so they stopped. You and your staff could set up a senior drill morning just for them. You would never know things like this unless you speak to the members.

There are several programs out there that will help with a few of these next “littlething” items. Keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and kids’ birthdays for your members. When these dates come up during the year, send them a personal e-mail or card to wish them well on this occasion.

This is a great way to say something special on their special day. It shows that you are thinking about them and their families even when they aren’t on the tennis court.

There are certain instances where you want the “WOW” factor effect. Maybe you are having a big event at the club or having outside guests that you want to impress. You may want to have each participant’s name put on a name plate that will go on the lockers. This is great for the nonmembers and shows them that they are welcome and will be treated as members during their stay. If you are having a dinner or luncheon

during the event, have personalized menus with each participant’s name written at the top. Lastly, take lots of pictures and even videos during the event. This will make for a great CD that each participant can take to remember all the special “little things” that your club does for its members as well as its guests. Then always do a follow-up with your members after an event or a program.

You always want to strive to make it better next time. A great and easy way to find this information out is by doing a survey. Find out what the participants liked or disliked and ask what might be missing from the event. This will be valuable information to you when putting together the next event.

We are all great tennis pros and work at amazing facilities, but we can always do better for our members. Most of us think to do a better lesson or teach Sally a different stroke, but we often forget that it is the little things that make our members or customers want to return. At Charlotte Country Club we are always trying to make ”Raving Fans” out of our members and their guests. This will be done, more times than not, with the little things.  Scott Mitchell is the head tennis professional at Charlotte Country Club in Charlotte, N.C., which was rated one of the top 10 country clubs in the nation in 2010. He previously was an assistant coach at Georgia Perimeter College, where his team won a national championship. He has coached more than 30 league team champions and has been ranked with his wife Ashley as one of the best mixed teams making it to number one in the United States in husband/ wife mixed doubles in 2006. He is currently filming his first tennis DVD. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tennis pro goes the distance with Special Olympics athletes

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

F

unding his annual Special Olympics event is tough in a tight economy, but Mark Pachtner and friends still have tennis skills – and pure joy – to share with some enthusiastic young learners.

The Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day is an extremely positive, and often touching, experience for participants and volunteers alike.

Pachtner has organized this specialized tennis clinic in different parts of the country for the past 10 years and although “it’s a little more challenging right now, it doesn’t deter us,” he said.

This USPTA Professional and grassroots activist is in the process of raising $2,000, via sponsors and donations, to cover the costs of his first Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The free clinic for children and teenagers with intellectual – and, in some cases, physical – challenges is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at Troon Country Club, where he has worked since January. He also is employed as a professional skills coach for the boys’ high School team at Notre Dame Preparatory School in ­Scottsdale.

Pachtner expects total participation of approximately 100 people – 45 to 50 special athletes between the ages of 8 to 18 and help from 40 to 50 volunteers, teaching professionals and club members.

During the Fun Day of clinics and exhibition play, the volunteer pros will hit with each other and play points with the participants. But the special athletes will not compete against each other since most have never played tennis before, Pachtner said.

Each athlete will receive a gold medal for participation and a Polaroid picture of himself during an awards luncheon. With Troon Country Club members and others donating racquets, participants who don’t have a racquet will get to keep one.

Athletes and volunteers alike will take home a commemorative T-shirt. They also will get to explore a fire engine, courtesy of

USPTA’s Mark Pachtner (kneeling at left) and Kevin Lajeunesse of the Special Olympics (by banner, in blue shirt) share a smile with athletes and volunteers at a 2008 Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day at Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs, Fla. Michael Buble 2008 Pictures. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Each year he also tries to find a local celebrity to serve as emcee and to arrange for local TV coverage.

Over the past decade, Pachtner has organized the annual Fun Day at clubs in several states, including Minnesota, Georgia, California and Florida. These events have touched the lives of 750 special athletes and more than 500 volunteers.

This USPTA Southwest Division board member and 2002 Georgia Pro of the year said he has always been fortunate to have the support of both management and the tennis committee at each facility where he has worked and to have been well-received in reaching out to the local chapters of the Special Olympics. But this effort is basically a “one-man show” and he spends an average of eight to nine months organizing the annual event.

Pachtner appeals to individuals, businesses and the local chamber of commerce for donations and sponsorships. He has also applied for a USTA grant this year. In the past, he has donated any unused funds to the Special Olympics.

In 2001, he helped at the National Special Olympics games in Atlanta. He was asked to personally assist with the tennis competition.

Pachtner has been involved with Special Olympics since 1998, when he relocated to Minnesota from his native Germany. Dave Goetz, coach at the University of Minnesota, needed pros to assist with a clinic for his Inner City Tennis Program. They offered free instruction for kids who couldn’t afford to participate in paid ­programs.

Pachtner then moved to Georgia and, as the head pro at Dunwoody Country Club, was in charge of the Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day for the next four to five years.

“Once I took my first tennis director’s job, I made it my goal to establish the Fun continued next page ADDvantage/September 2010

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from previous page Day at every club where I work,” he said.

“On a personal note, I had a cousin who grew up in the ’60s and ’70s in Germany and there was nothing for him to do – no organized activities – and being a child with Down Syndrome had some kind of stigma at that time.

“More importantly, I really enjoy working with these athletes and seeing them smile and hugging everyone … It makes me happy and fulfilled,” Pachtner said.

Not only is it rewarding, but it helps grow the game. Some of the clinic participants take up the sport; several parents asked him to give a private lesson.

Some of the athletes involved in a 2008 clinic at Tuscawilla Country Club in Winter Springs, Fla., later formed a tennis team.

Pachtner donated some racquets, tennis balls and teaching equipment for over $1,000 and worked with the team’s new coach to help him find the right approach to teaching this unique group.

The Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day is an extremely positive, and often touching, experience for participants and volunteers alike.

Many times, Special Olympics athletes send touching thankyou cards and letters. “It’s amazing; what they put in there tells you how much it means to them,” Pachtner said. ”To us it might be so little, but to them it’s such an impact.” 

Tell us what’s on your mind or what works for you!

Ever wanted to publish an article? This is your chance!

Send us your tips or articles on coaching children, high school players, recreational adults – any level – or other subjects such as economic challenges, popular programming, player development, ethics, job security – any tennis-related topic you want to address.

Remember, having an article published in ADDvantage can enhance your career or add to your resume.

(Plus you may get some interesting feedback.)

Also, being published in ADDvantage is worth 25 points toward USPTA Master Professional certification (a maximum of 50 is allowed).

Send articles to the attention of the managing editor at the USPTA World Headquarters or via e-mail to magazine@uspta.org.

For more information or to volunteer for the Special Olympics Tennis Fun Day, contact Mark Pachtner at the Troon Country Club, 480585-9878, or mpachtner@trooncc.com.

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EMPLOYMENT

New login system simplifies online payments

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

W

Classifieds BOOKS AND VIDEOS www.netprofittennis.com

Log on and see why NETPROFIT: The Business Program for Club ­Tennis ­P rofessionals by Dave ­Sivertson is a must for the career development of all tennis professionals or call 805-222-5397.

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

by Steve Smith.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES CLUB FOR SALE – Tennis, Swim and Fitness Club located in North Carolina with large clubhouse, 14 lighted courts, junior Olympic pool, additional splash pool and fitness facility. Full membership with junior academy, complete lessons programs, four pros, spa treatments, snack bar and pro shop. Partial owner financing available. Contact Robbie Smith at crcnrs@bellsouth.net or 704492-6931. View our website at Charlottetennisclub.com.

DRILLS NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new website 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.

TennisJobs.com – The tennis industry’s ONLY international tennis professional employment service. Subscribe today!

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/800833-6615.

QM-1 Portable Camera Support.

Extendable pole, precalibrated system places on fence, from either side, quick and easy. MyTennisTools.com.

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.

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.

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e have just launched a new online module that will streamline everything related to event registrations, dues payments and any other type of expenditure through a USPTA website. This new feature will make your registration for the upcoming USPTA World Conference on Tennis particularly helpful, and we’ll introduce new uses for what will eventually become your “universal” login through links labeled “My USPTA.”

The significant change with this new module is the logon process you’ll use. Reach this login area by clicking the “My USPTA” button on the website. Members currently use their last name and unique member number to access various website features, including member benefits. Now, every member who already has an e-mail on file with USPTA will use that e-mail as the “logon” for certain areas of the USPTA site. Each person’s initial password will be lowercase “uspta” immediately followed by his or her membership number. For example, John Smith will log on using his e-mail of john.smith@ yahoo.com. He’d then type in his password, which in his case is uspta98765. The logon screen will look like this (see below).

After you’re logged in, you can change both your login and password so they are completely unique and perhaps match your logins for other websites. Eventually, all of USPTA’s secure sites will use this login.

If you don’t have an e-mail on file with USPTA or you want to change the e-mail address you have on file with us, please contact Kathy Buchanan at kathy.buchanan@uspta.org, or call her at 800-877-8248 or 713-978-7782. Once your preferred e-mail is in the USPTA database, you’ll be able to use the registration and payment system. Also, nonmembers will be able to create accounts if they want to purchase items or attend USPTA events.

We hope this new system simplifies your online business with USPTA. In the coming months, we will announce additional areas to be accessed through the My USPTA login. You will be among the first to get new website information by providing USPTA with your e-mail address. Also, remember to notify us if you change it. Please contact us if you have any questions.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Trying to draw a line in the shifting sand

by Rod Heckelman, USPTA

C n

onsider these different scenarios and how you might rise to the challenge as a tennis-teaching professional.

In the middle of your lesson you look down a few courts and notice that one of your new 3.0-level members is hitting balls with what appears to be a very strong opponent.

Upon further examination, you recognize that the member’s frequent trips to the net to talk are for the purpose of instruction. This is happening at your facility and right in front of your eyes! So where do you go from here?

Tennis pros need to learn the art of opening a conversation about an awkward situation. n Your

club has a set of rules that govern how your league teams are formed. One of the captains, who also happens to be a long-time student who enthusiastically supports your instructional programs, has breached your club’s league rules in order to bolster the strength of her team.

She has rationalized her decision, believing that this is the only way to compete with other clubs that conduct the same recruiting techniques. How do you intend to address her about this issue?

n You

have spent many hours and a great deal of time with a promising young junior player who has just come into her own. This player’s success has contributed to your receiving a tremendous amount of attention that has segued into a dramatic increase in demand for your instructional junior programs and lessons. The student’s parents have decided to take on an agenda that is counterpro-

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ductive for your entire program. They have insisted that their child only play or practice with superior players and that all her lessons with you be private and never part of a group. Challenging this decision may result in the loss of this student to another pro or possibly to another club’s competitive junior program. How do you approach this issue? n One

of the more influential members of your club – one who organizes many events and activities – has the bad habit of making terrible line calls and generally behaves very poorly in her competitive matches with other clubs.

Off the court, she is very pleasant and easy to get along with. She is also very supportive of your teaching and your programs, as well as being a loyal club member. Complaints from other clubs are heading in your direction concerning her demeanor on the court during

competition; are you going to be able to handle these angry inquiries?

Before we address each of these uncomfortable situations, ask yourself a simple question: Are the people you teach your students, your customers or both? Tennis pros are often caught in the middle of these appraisals. In fact, they can go beyond these simple descriptions of their students to include clients, members and even friends.

That’s the reality of being a tennis pro. We teach, we help guide and direct, but we are not like most others in education. We are much more vulnerable and replaceable in many cases. We introduce people to new ideas and change in hope that they might buy these new concepts, but we also have to survive and prosper by creating long-term relationships. We can be the hero to some, but also the watchdog for many. Because of this complex relationship we have at work, handling these conflicts requires skill, experience, insight and finesse.

Just as tennis pros develop their knowledge of stroke production, they need to develop their understanding of human behavior. This understanding will enhance both their teaching skills and their ability to work with every type of member or client.

Here are two great tools to help develop these skills. First, watch and study those around you who are successful at this task.

Study their techniques. Second, rehearse and practice being diplomatic, either by thinking through these conversations or playing out these issues with other staff members. Just like learning a new stroke, practice and repetition is important so that the process never seems to catch you off guard or leave you lost for words. Ultimately, we are responsible for a great deal more than teaching tennis and helping people have fun playing a recreational game. We are in a position that requires us to solve all four of these difficult issues in such a way that the atmosphere of the club or facility remains pleasant for everyone involved.

When we encounter the visiting tennis

continued next page ADDvantage/September 2010

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from previous page pro, we make a point of not having the member involved. We approach him with a question, and not an accusation. “Hello, my name is Steve. I saw you down there helping out one of my members; are you a fellow teaching pro?” From that approach the door is open for you to have a comfortable conversation that will hopefully foster both a respectful relationship and an opportunity to provide your club’s guidelines concerning outside tennis pros visiting your facility. Tennis pros need to learn the art of opening a conversation about an awkward situation. By starting with a question that creates a natural introduction, you are less likely to get a defensive response and more likely to create an opening to a comfortable interaction.

With the ambitious captain, your approach is also tactful and patient. “I see you’ve taken on the arduous task of captaining a competitive team; is there any way I can help you meet your goals?” Again, an opening line that invites a dialog that will provide an opportunity for her to justify her goals and, in turn, provide an opportunity for you to guide her toward a more achievable and truly rewarding conclusion. When you provide your services, or help to this member, it will most likely be well-received.

It will also help present you as a professional who has knowledge and background. If your conversation goes in the right direction, you will have an opening to explain the importance of the journey and developing a winning team, as compared to having put together a group that will be under pressure of having only winning as an option.

With the parents of the top junior player, you will need to remember that you are dealing with someone who truly cares, but just cares too much in the wrong way.

By embracing their motives and not their methods, you might comment, “I’m so proud of (name of the junior) accomplishments, and you’ve made all the right choices along the way by keeping her involved in a total program to be able to experience every area of the game.” Sometimes complimenting at the right time and in the right way can remind parents of the big picture and how important every aspect of the tennis world can be to a developing player. From that point on, if you can phrase your words just right, you may be able to have these parents see how important inclusion, not exclusion, is when developing a wellrounded player. But for that to happen, your comments have to acknowledge that you are part of that process, which is what complimenting parents will accomplish.

Finally, maybe the toughest task is developing a competitive player’s character or modifying their behavior. If you do come across a player, member or student who’s on-court persona is quite different than off the court, they may be defensive or simply unaware of how their behavior is impacting others. You may need to first point out what they do well to open up a line of communication. For example, “I liked how you (never gave up, handled that situation, etc.). That was impressive. What are your thoughts about the match?” Or, “That was a tough match. What happened in the second set when you were talking with one another?”

We are responsible for a great deal more than teaching tennis and helping people have fun playing a recreational game.

The key is that you truly come from a genuine place and are not really out to criticize them. You are trying to build self-awareness, teach good decision-making and model it at the same time. From a place of authenticity, these questions begin to plant the right seeds for players to take ownership over their behavior and, ultimately, themselves. If they become more aware of the impact of their negative behavior, you’ve taken a large step forward. If not, then it will likely be a long process that will need the help of everyone involved in your league programs. It is most important that you maintain a dialogue and not retreat or feel intimidated or angry by this issue. By staying engaged, you keep open the channels of communication. This may lead to their coming to you for more answers and, in turn, more opportunities for you to impact their on-court personality. This could lead to the next question and observation, “You seem to be enjoying your tennis more; it appears that you’re making some very positive steps forward.” In the end, everyone will respect you for making that effort instead of just trying to pretend the problem doesn’t exist.

Does all this mean that a tennis pro must also be a part-time psychotherapist? Can’t we just teach tennis and avoid the politics of social interaction? Some of us can, but the truth is the majority of pros, especially those who work in a social setting, really have no choice. Uncomfortable issues with students or members are seldom just right or wrong, black or white, and it will be very difficult for you to be able to draw a line in the sand and take your stand. If you are a survivor, you’ll know that any line you draw will often cause conflict instead of resolution, and, also, that sand you are standing on is forever moving in our industry. Sometimes the phrase, “The end justifies the means,” which is so often used to describe aggressive behavior, can also refer to the process of being more passive, tactful and patient with those you interact with at your job. That thought alone may help you get over these bumps in the road.  Rod Heckelman started teaching in 1966, the summer after his junior year in high school, and became a head pro at the age of 20. He has written an instructional manual for tennis teachers and another for facility managers.

Heckelman also recently earned one of the first Green Power awards given to a tennis club.

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Kansas’ Walsh and Iowa’s McCollom win singles titles at Grass Court Championships

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enry Walsh of Wichita, Kan., won the men’s open title after defeating Franco Mata of Naples, Fla., 6-3, 6-2, at the $5,000 United States Professional Tennis Association Grass Court Championships Aug. 28 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Philadelphia. Marina McCollom of West Des Moines, Iowa, defended her women’s open title by defeating Ann Pellow of Davis, Calif., 6-0, 6-0.

The tournament, which was held from Aug. 26-28, also included men’s and women’s open doubles, and men’s 45 singles events. The competition featured many of the top men and women tennis-teaching professionals in the country.

The national tournaments are open to Professional-level members in good standing. For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800-USPTA-4U. USPTA- certified professionals may log in to the “members only” section of the USPTA website at www. uspta.com for more information.

Below is a complete list of results from final-round matches: Men’s Open Singles – Henry Walsh, Wichita, Kan., def. Franco Mata, Naples, Fla., 6-3, 6-2 Women’s Open Singles – Marina McCollom, West Des Moines, Iowa, def. Ann Pellow, Davis, Calif., 6-0, 6-0 Men’s Open Doubles – Franco Mata, Naples, Fla., and Ritesh Nautiyal, Philadelphia, def.

Jamie Feagan, Clermont, Fla., and Alamgir Wali, Orlando, Fla., 6-4, 6-7(5), 10-5 Women’s Open Doubles – Marina McCollom, West Des Moines, Iowa, and Amy Pando, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., def. Tiana Lum-Tucker, Washington, D.C., and Ann Pellow, Davis, Calif., 7-6(3), 6-0 Men’s 45 Singles – Andrew Stoner, Cave Creek, Ariz., def. John Arciero, Matthews, N.C., 6-1, 7-6(1). 

California’s Fodor wins USPTA Invitational at Bank of the West Classic in San Francisco

Z

suzsanna Fodor of Ojai, Calif., was crowned the champion of the $3,000 USPTA Ladies Invitational on July 31 during the Bank of the West Classic. She defeated Kelly Wilson of Cameron Park, Calif., 6-3, 6-1, for the title. The event was held just prior to the semifinals match of the Bank of the West Classic at Taube Tennis Stadium at Stanford University. The event was to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Classic and featured four USPTA-certified women, who are not only working as teaching professionals, but also still actively competing. The other semifinalists were Miranda Gutierrez of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Marina McCollom of West Des Moines, Iowa.

Below is a complete list of results: Finals – Zsuzsanna Fodor, Ojai, Calif., def.

Kelly Wilson, Cameron Park, Calif., 6-3, 6-1.

Semifinals – Zsuzsanna Fodor def. Marina McCollom, West Des Moines, Iowa, 7-5, 6-0. Kelly Wilson def. Miranda Gutierrez, Saint Petersburg, Fla., 7-6, 6-0.

3/4 Playoff – Miranda Gutierrez def. Marina McCollom, 6-2, 6-2.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

From left: Fodor, McCollom, Wilson, Gutierrez ADDvantage/September 2010

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USPTA drills Knockout

Type: Singles/doubles Levels: Beginner/int./adv.

prepared by USPTA

Description and goals: The goal is to develop sound strategy, tactics and playing ­patterns.

Organization: Player A serves to Player B and they play the point out. Whoever loses the point is replaced by two other players, who play the next point against the winner. If the single player wins again, then another player rotates in and plays the winner. If the two players win, then they split up and play each other and repeat the process. When players lose a point they are knocked out of the game.

Zigzag warm-up

Variations: Do it as a doubles game, but add one player so that the winning team plays against three players. Play with second serves only. Play to seven, 11 or 21, depending on the number of players.

Key points: Focus on proper strategy, tactics and patterns.

Type: Singles Category: Groundstrokes/volley/warm-up/stretching Levels: Beginner/int./adv.

Time/players: 10 minutes/1-4

prepared by USPTA

Description and goals: To warm up body and individual shots.

Organization: Player A starts at the center line. Pro feeds balls, alternating between forehand and backhand. Player moves to play each ball. Pro feeds third and fourth balls just beyond service line to make player move in some, then feeds fifth ball as a volley. Player makes zigzag movement from baseline to net as shots are played. Players then rotate. Pro should feed first ball to the backhand side of the next player to avoid rotating player.

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Category: Strategy and tactics Time/players: 15 minutes/1-4

Variations: Have advanced players hit with each other, allowing one to zigzag at a time, then the other. Players should keep one ball in play. With more players, you may limit the number of balls to three.

Key points: Focus on movement and making good contact. Feeds should not be difficult as this is a warm-up drill. As players warm up, you can increase the intensity of feeds.

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com

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Industry action Members – The 2010 USTA Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame inductees include USPTA Master Professional Bob Love of Elizabethtown, Ky. Love has been a member of the USPTA since 1971 and has served as the president of the Kentucky Chapter of the USPTA Southern Division, a member of the USTA Kentucky Executive Board, and the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Tennis Committee and All-State Selection Committee.

Love has coached five NCAA All-Americans during his career and has presented at more than 80 coaching workshops.

Most recently he has organized the USPTA Kentucky Junior Grand Prix and has coordinated more than 60 tournaments since 2006. The induction ceremony will be on Jan. 29, 2011.

Donn Gobbie, USPTA, has founded the National Badminton League with 2005 world champion Howard Bach. The NBL is working with USA Badminton to develop recreational leagues for all ages and abilities throughout the United States, and the inaugural NBL Pro League competition was held July 25-27. National, world and Olympic champions competed on three coed teams based in Southern California.

The Los Angeles Strings won the 2010 league championship. For more information on leagues, visit www.playNBL.com.

Member product showcase – The Los Angeles Strings

USPTA Master Professional Butch Staples and Leah Friedman, tennis pros at Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago, conducted the first-ever USTA QuickStart presentation with five Midtown children ages 7 to 10 prior to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 9. In August, Staples and Friedman took their show to the ATP’s Western and Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati and then appeared at Arthur Ashe Kids Day as part of the U.S. Open kickoff festivities in New York. Also, Midtown will host a day-long series of activities including a charity pro-am and evening celebration on Oct. 16 to mark its 40th anniversary. For more information about Midtown Tennis Club, visit www.midtown.com/chicago or call 773-235-2300.

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USPTA pros in Brevard County, Fla., introduced weekly Grand Prix tournaments for juniors this summer. The USPTA Junior Team Grand Prix competition was held every Friday evening beginning June 11 and the season ended on Saturday, July 31, with a Jamboree tournament at four different sites. A total of six sites in Brevard County hosted the weekly Grand Prix, including four facilities with participating USPTA pros: Kiwi Club (Dawn Bray), Rockledge Park (Elizabeth Pinder), Kiwanis Island Park (Tom Dundis), and Cocoa Beach Country Club (Richard Cote). Approximately 180 kids, ranging in age from 8 to 18, competed on 23 teams. Each match was an eight-game pro set (six-game for 10U) with no-ad scoring. “Parents have been very happy with the format, the pros’ organizational skills, and their professionalism,” said USPTA Pro Stan Oley. “Most of all, the kids had a blast.” This Grand Prix is a collaboration between the local USPTA and the nonprofit Space Coast Tennis Association. Its founder is Mike Dickens, USPTA, and several other USPTA professionals serve on its board.

New Chapter Press has released Tennis Made Easy, an instructional book written by noted instructor Kelly Gunterman, USPTA. “Tennis Made Easy” ($19.95, www.

NewChapterMedia. com) is an informative paperback guide that offers sensible and simple instruction, explained in a clear, jargon-free format, drawn from 30 years of tennis coaching.

Effective for tennis players of all levels, this workbook includes a wealth of tactics, strategies and definitions, as well as productive and enjoyable practice drills.

Topics include gripping the racquet, perfecting your serve, positioning, pressuring the opponent, and how to play singles or doubles.

Manufacturers – HEAD has introduced a new video series on its HEAD Tennis YouTube Channel called HEAD YOUTEK Tour TV. The video series gives tennis fans the opportunity to learn more about HEAD’s talented lineup of touring tennis players. Two-time French Open finalist Robin Soderling kicks off the first episode by talking about his longterm partnership with the HEAD brand and also his racquet of choice, the YOUTEK Radical MP. HEAD’s YOUTEK Tour TV Series is a great addition to the newly revamped HEAD Tennis YouTube

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action Channel, where fans can also watch HEAD’s other successful viral videos including “Novak Djokovic vs. the Tennis Machine” and “Andy Murray Tennis Street Magic in London.” Tennis fans are encouraged to tune in every other week for new episodes of behind-thescenes interviews with popular HEAD Tennis players. Visit http://www. youtube.com/headtennis.

Get the best seat in the house for your camcorder with a new product developed

by USPTA pro Mike Lammens.

With the QM-1 Quick Mount Camera Support you can easily mount your camcorder on the top of the fence without having to actually climb up there.

Use the visual feedback for studying technique

and strategy, recording matches and other oncourt activities. It’s also fun! The QM-1 Quick Mount Camera Support fits in your tennis bag, it’s lightweight, and sets up in seconds. For more information, go to www.

MyTennisTools.com.

QuickStart Tennis balls from Oncourt Offcourt have a new look. The buckets have been redesigned with bright colors, making them better than ever to use as court targets. Plus, the lids are now hinged for easier ball access and storage. Three ball speeds with designated colors are available as part of the USTA QuickStart Tennis initiative. The Oncourt Offcourt balls meet USTA specifications in size, weight, color, and rebound. For information, contact Oncourt Offcourt toll-free in the United States at 1-88-TENNIS-11 or visit www.oncourtoffcourt.com.

Passings – A.W. Speake, head tennis coach at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tenn., died August 26 after collapsing on court – the day before his high school was to honor his state championship tennis team. He was 57. Speake was teaching at a Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department junior clinic on the Ravenwood campus, alongside fellow USPTA Professional Rob McCammon, when he collapsed. According to an obituary posted at Tennessean.com, Ravenwood students, faculty members and area adults who have taken private lessons from Speake were present. He was taken to Williamson Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was unknown at that time, but he reportedly had a heart condition.

Speake led the Ravenwood girls’ doubles team to a Class AAA state title in May. A school ceremony to honor the state champions had been planned for halftime during the Friday football game on the day after he died. But that celebration was postponed. Instead, a pre-game memorial ceremony was held, with fellow coach McCammon reading a tribute prepared by the tennis team over the loud speaker, and balloons were released as night fell. Members of the tennis community brought flowers, signs and other mementos for the beloved coach. Also, members of his boys’ and girls’ tennis teams were honorary pallbearers for his funeral service. Speake previously was employed as a men’s tennis coach for Austin Peay State University and as director of tennis at the Wildwood Swim and Tennis Club. In addition to coaching at Ravenwood High School, he worked with the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department for about eight years. Speake was a Pro I and 25-year member of the USPTA. He also was a member of the USTA, director of the Tennessee Area Training Center, and the USTA Midwest Tennis Coach of the Year. Speake and his wife, Martha, lived in Adams, Tenn. He was born February 11, 1953, in Gainesville, Texas, and graduated from Olney Central College in Olney, Ill., in 1973.

He also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Eastern Illinois University in 1976. Memorial contributions can be made to the Ravenwood High School Tennis Program, 1724 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027. Online condolences can be shared at www.neal-tarpley.com.

Miscellany –

HEAD player Andy Murray defended his Toronto Masters title by defeating both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the world’s No. 1 and 3 players, respectively, at the tournament in August. Murray, who posted a 7-5, 7-5 win over Federer, became the first player in 15 years to win two consecutive titles in Canada. Murray, from Scotland, won his 15th career trophy with his YOUTEK Radical Pro. Also, at the Western and Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati, HEAD’s Victoria Azarenka partnered with Russian Maria Kirilenko to win the doubles title over American Lisa Raymond and Australian Rennae Stubbs 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8). Azarenka, from Belarus, plays with a YOUTEK Extreme Pro. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, a new luxury resort in the Caribbean, is serving up its “Ultimate Tennis Package.” From now through Dec. 22, players may book this package and receive great deals on tennis lessons and clinics at state-of-the-art tennis facilities along with added resort amenities.

“Ultimate Tennis Package” rates begin at $279 per night based on double occupancy. The package features daily one-hour tennis lessons and tennis clinics with a

professional from Peter Burwash International, the resort’s premier tennis partner; unlimited tennis court time and ball machine use; the PBI “Tennis for Life” book; a fresh canister of tennis balls each day; gourmet breakfast for two daily; and late checkout on the date of departure. The resort’s tennis facility is the only one in the entire Caribbean that features four state-of-the-art HydroGrid clay courts that are all lit for night play.

For more information, visit www.curacao.hyatt.com or call 800-55-HYATT. ADDvantage/September 2010

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Career Development conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; World Conference, 8 credits)

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

Sept. 27- Oct. 2

USPTA World Conference on Tennis La Quinta, Calif.

specialist degrees Little Tennis® Facility Management

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Sept. 18 Oct. 3 Oct. 3-4 Oct. 9-10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 9-10 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 18-19

White Bear Lake, Minn.

West Bloomfield, Mich.

Los Angeles Atlanta Rockledge, Fla. Fort Worth, Texas Vancouver, Wash.

San Diego Oklahoma City Kansas City, Mo. Houston*

Oct. 21 Oct. 10 Oct. 21-22 Oct. 23 Oct. 23-24 Oct. 24 Nov. 2 Nov. 5 Nov. 7 Nov. 7 Nov. 7

Phoenix Hot Springs, Ark. Port Washington, N.Y. Brunswick, Maine Fayetteville, N.C. New Orleans, La. Mequon, Wisc.

Minneapolis Sacramento, Calif.

Indian Wells, Calif.

Birmingham, Ala.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and 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 – $95; 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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Computer Technology Sport Science

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Competitive Player Development Pro Shop Operations

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Wheelchair Tennis

CPD (Competitive Player Development) – Gained through the USA ­Tennis High Performance Coaching Program a ­ dministered 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 Sept. 24 Nov. 5

Chicago Leesburg, Va.

(Seminar DVDs, ½ credit/specialty course DVDs, 2 credits) Please visit www.growingtennis.com (workshops) to register online.

USPTA Player Development course The Spanish Way to Develop Players Dec. 11-13 Academia Sanchez-Casal Florida, Naples, Fla. Emilio Sanchez and Luis Mediero For more information, visit www.asc-florida.com.

specialty courses East meets West: an integrated approach to peak performance, Sept. 28, La Quinta, Calif., S. Ford/D. Oon Marketing and promotion success, Sept. 28, La Quinta, Calif., J. Dinoffer Creative drill design, Sept. 29, La Quinta, Calif., F. Hassan Managing a tennis facility, Sept. 29, La Quinta, Calif., R. Heckelman Advanced stroke production, Oct. 1, La Quinta, Calif., J. Yandell Dynamic total body tennis: future of the game, Oct. 1, La Quinta, Calif., M. Baroch Equipment customization, Oct. 2, La Quinta, Calif., D. Bone Cardio Tennis, Oct. 2, La Quinta, Calif., M. Krause

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.

USPTA DVD Resources USPTA is the world’s largest producer of broadcastquality tennis instruction on DVD. These are just a few of the more than 100 titles available. For easy ordering, go to www.usprotennisshop.com.

$499

The Ultimate Tennis Training System – Lite. $85 The Attacking Game with Otis Sadler. New and now available! $24.95