Addvantage 2011 September

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ADDvantage/ September 2000

contents the total professional – enhancing your career 9 Tennis quality assurance – by Joe Curcio, USPTA

departments 3 CEO’s message

12 Dudley Bell: World Conference veteran was born with his game on – by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer 17 Dealing with the true tennis handicap system –

by Alan Cutler, USPTA Master Professional, and Feisal Hassan, USPTA Master Professional

5 First vice president’s message 19 Classifieds 23 USPTA drills 24 Career development 26 Industry action

news 4 Enter the USPTA $10,000 National Hard Court Championshops

6 Florida’s Alamgir Wali wins singles title at USPTA Grass Court Championships 20 Taking Tennis Across America: Pros grow the game from coast to coast

On the cover – Matthew Morillo, head pro at The Spanish Bay Club in Pebble Beach, Calif., treated more than 40 kids to a Tennis Across America experience earlier this year and plans to sponsor one again in March 2013. Morillo, in red at right, is pictured along with fellow USPTA pros Hans Romer, kneeling on the first row, and Jimmie Brooks, third row.

volume 35 • 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 email – 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. 2011. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/September 2011

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OnCourt ad

CEO’s message USPTA supports USTA’s major tennis portal

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ou may have heard that the USTA is devel- by entering a city and state. The search can then be oping a new web portal – PlayTennis.com – narrowed based on gender or last name. that will promote and serve all the markets While consumers will be able to see a variety of within tennis. This new site will allow consumers data about the pros who are returned in the search to find partners, locate places to play and search engine, USPTA developed a technical solution that for teams and leagues. It also will match players also protects proprietary data. So, while a consumer to tournaments and other events, will be able to email you if they have feature retailers and tennis-specific questions or want to schedule a lesson, services, help players look for lessons they will not see your private email and provide a search engine that will address. assist consumers in finding just the The system works very much like right teaching pro to fit all of their USPTA’s Find-a-Pro, and it will fortennis needs. ward emails from consumers, but the The site will also highlight addiconsumer won’t be able to see private tional resources, including informaemail addresses of our members. tion on how tennis is good for your The great news is that USPTA’s health and fitness, and will feature partnership with USTA and the contributions from tennis industry industry will allow us to share our partners, including USPTA’s own data without compromising its value.

Tim Heckler ­Tennis – for the health of it! campaign.

And, best of all, PlayTennis.com has We’re excited about this project that has USPTA’s the potential to reach millions of people with the IT department and USTA’s technology team work- combined information of all industry groups. ing together to build the segment of the website that There’s no doubt that PlayTennis.com is a joint will allow consumers to search for and get data on effort based on the valuable shared data by all induscertified teaching professionals. The teams discussed try partners. We’re all enthusiastic to see just how their respective needs in several phone meetings and this site will pay off in new and returning customers were able to come up with a system that satisfies to tennis, which is sure to be great for the sport’s the objectives of returning a variety of data to the bottom line!  Playtennis.com website.

USPTA’s primary role in the project is to allow PlayTennis.com end-users to search for live data on teaching professionals. This means USPTA is providing a way for players and potential players to see real-time data related to the teachers in their area. So, whether a member changes an email ­address, moves, changes certification levels, or drops his or her membership, the information is updated immediately so consumers get accurate records of available pros for tennis lessons and programming. Also, as USPTA gains new members, they will be added to the data that can be retrieved by consumers.

Consumers will be able to search for teachers and coaches by entering a ZIP code and radius or

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

We’re excited about this project ... that will allow consumers to search for and get data on certified teaching professionals.

ADDvantage/September 2011

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Enter the USPTA $10,000 National Hard Court Championships Tyler, Texas October 21-23, 2011 Location:

Tyler, Texas – 90 miles southeast of Dallas and 80 miles west of Shreveport, La. American offers regional jet service into Tyler Pounds Field Airport.

Events:

MOS, MOD, M35S, M45S, M55S, M40D, M50D, MXD, WOS, WOD, W35S, W45S, W40D

Eligibility:

Must be Professional level USPTA-certified member in good standing at the time of entry. Recreational coaches and applicants are not eligible. USTA membership is not required.

Entry fees:

$80 for each singles event and $40 per player for each doubles event. Register and get more information at www.courtsideusa.com/surface. It’s easy to set up a free CourtsideUSA account to enter online at no additional cost to you!

Entry includes: Tournament T-shirt, Friday evening courtside pasta party and Saturday courtside lunch, as well as optional golf

privileges and discounted stringing.

Deadline:

You must enter through www.courtsideusa.com/surface by Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011.

Housing:

FREE housing to first 10 requests made by email only after online entry is received and prior to Oct. 8 deadline. Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn – 903-509-1166 at $99; Comfort Suites – 903-534-0999 at $90, including breakfast.

Prize money:

Prize money based on number of entries in each event. Men’s and women’s first match loser consolation in all events and will offer prize money to the consolation winner. There will not be a playoff for third.

For more information, please contact Jim Sciarro at 903-581-7788 or at jsciarro@gmail.com.

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ADDvantage/September 2011

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

First vice president’s message USPTA bumps up benefits with apps-to-go

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he USPTA began computerizing its business fact, the QR code for this app is available below. in the early 1980s and has since remained Just take a photo of the code with your phone and on the cutting edge of technology, which is get immediate access to the tennis drills. why USPTA can provide so many benefits in the The great thing about this technology is that most efficient way. creating an app can be quite inexpensive. The key In the last 30 years, technological advances is to create a meaningful app that can service your have been introduced at a rapid rate, and USPTA members, and the app does not necessarily have to has remained committed to staying ahead of the be complex. In fact, its functionality can be minicurve. We have done so by developing most of our mal. The ability to provide this functionality and own technology and by forging partnerships that have daily interaction with your customers keeps your company in their minds and allow us to provide ways to enhance ultimately builds your brand. member benefits. This makes our Association a leader in the industry Mobile apps are essentially set up when it comes to technology. to make life easier for businesses and customers. Whether that app allows As chairman of USPTA’s Techyou to get the latest tennis drills, nology Committee, I’m happy to check your account information or introduce more benefits – mobile transfer money between accounts, applications, which have gained huge businesses that can tap into the one popularity over the last few years. function that can make their customYou name it, and there is most likely ers’ lives easier are leaving their coman app for it. Mobile apps are now petition in the dust and strengthening mainstream technology, and businesses are realizing that they need to Randy Mattingley the loyalty to their brand. take advantage of this technology in The USPTA has always prided order to stay competitive in their industries, and itself on providing the greatest benefits through stay connected to their customers or members. technology for its members, and our Association Virtually every business is developing apps that continues to stay committed to this goal. With the provide their customers with the most essential development of mobile apps, USPTA is able to give tools, and the USPTA is no different. its members functions they need when they are on The USPTA has three newly released apps that the go. This technology allows both the Associaare available at the iTunes apps store. The associa- tion and you to reach a greater market of tennis tion has taken it one step further by combining the enthusiasts.  technology of Quick Response codes, basically a bar code that can be read by camera phones, with the apps to provide users with easy access to the technology. With the QR code, a smart phone user simply needs to take a photo of the QR code with their phone in order to get immediate access to the resources provided through the app.

Tennis Drills by the USPTA provides video drills from some of the top USPTA professional coaches. In addition, it includes a Find-a-Pro app that allows users to find a USPTA-certified tennisteaching professional in their area by ZIP code. In

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors President First Vice President

Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Bunny Bruning Chuck Gill Tom McGraw

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

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 Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Director of Computer Services

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 2011

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Florida’s Alamgir Wali wins singles title at USPTA Grass Court Championships

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lamgir Wali of Orlando, Fla., won the men’s open title after defeating Jamie Feagan, also of Orlando, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, at the $5,000 United States Professional Tennis Association Grass Court Championships Aug. 28 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club in Philadelphia. The two later teamed up to win the men’s open doubles title too.

The tournament, which was held from Aug. 26-28, included men’s open singles and doubles, and men’s 45 singles events.

The national tournaments are open to Professional-level members in good standing.

For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800-USPTA-4U. USPTAcertified 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 – Alamgir Wali, Orlando, Fla., def. Jamie Feagan, Orlando, Fla., 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Men’s Open Doubles – Alamgir Wali and Jamie Feagan, Orlando, Fla., def. Albert Hernandez and Bradley Werner, Yardley, Penn., 6-3, 6-3.

Men’s 45 Singles – Val Wilder, Fort Worth, Texas, def. Albert Hernandez, Yardley, Penn., 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. 

Tennis Life ad

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ADDvantage/September 2011

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USTA ad

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Tennis quality assurance

by Joe Curcio, USPTA

Q

uality assurance is the planned, systematic action necessary for tennis players to build confidence in their game.

Factors involved in quality assurance are accuracy, for example, a player’s ability to place the ball on the intended target, and reliability, which means a consistent, precise return to the target.

Oahu Club Tennis Academy’s 2.5-14 USTA JTT team finished first in its division for the state of Hawaii in the spring 2010 season. Coach Joe Curcio’s players included Zach Heth, Darwin Hu, Ashley Kekona, Jacob McFarlane, Braden Myrick and Raymond Szczybek.

These objectives require commitment to factual references and documented statistics. The average tennis match usually lasts around one and one-half hours with about 55 points played. Players move about 10 feet or less per shot and approximately 30 feet or more per point.

Tennis has some very sensible and predictable percentages that can be used to reduce errors, add control and increase the potential opportunities for success in match play. Every player wants to be a winner and enjoy the game as well as the victories. The road to confidence begins within each of us and can be unlocked and brought out with a clear understanding of the basic role of high-percentage strokes, www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

strategies, and proven tactics.

We tennis professionals present these basic facts to players through drills, instructional lessons, and casual conversations.

Although court time and repetition with a teaching pro is the fastest path to better tennis, having the inside track on what works best will aid every player, no matter the skill level.

Statistically, nearly 80 percent of points made during a tennis match are the product of someone’s error. Anything that will reduce a player’s error rate, winning points versus losing points, will bolster confidence and result in success. Hitting the ball from the sides of the baseline in a deep crosscourt direction is statistically the best return.

This initial building shot provides the hitter with a very wide window to send the ball through and will add the insurance of extra room for balls that do not necessarily bounce off the corners of the baseline.

Approach shots that are hit from the alleys, inside the baselines and nearer the service lines are returned down the line, yielding the best return on investment, and are therefore the best statistical shot. Shortening the back swing as you approach the net will improve both power and control, reducing inherent error.

Given the variety of tennis strokes that is necessary during match play, it is worthwhile to examine where most of the points are generated. About half of points, on average, come from the serve and one-third are made on return of serve. Our efforts to incorporate highpercentage shots will be rewarded with a reduction in errors, as well as an increase in winning points. Putting the first serve in the box is the top priority, given the statistics. Keeping the return back in play is the next highest priority, using highpercentage tennis to our advantage. Shots in the middle of the court should be hit back to the middle of the opposite court.

Balls should be returned to the reciprocal part of the opposite court: short to short and deep to deep.

The high-percentage players, also known as winners, will consistently return balls presented to them with the same arch, same speed, and same direction.

Balls hit crosscourt will always be returned in the direction from which they came, while balls coming from the same side of the opponent’s court require a change of direction in return. Volleys hit with sharp angles are mathematically more effective than those placed back into the middle of the court. To routinely hit a winner, turn perpendicular to the net, put the racquet up with the handle close to the face, point at the ball with the nondominant hand, continued next page ADDvantage/September 2011

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from previous page let the ball bounce, and then smash an overhead. Moving or leaning backward will result in loss of control over the shot.

Players move sideways during play about half of the time.

The advantages of these simple steps based on the statistical percentages will give every player something extra. These ideas are not new and certainly do not need to be in our conscious mind during play. This mechanical process is a matter of subliminal programming that the subconscious mind will call on and execute as needed because it makes sense.

To build, pressure and finish points a player can use groundstrokes, approaches and volleys. He should also consistently return balls with higher and higher shot tolerance, while keeping the intensity of each shot, for a winning strategy. The player who can approach behind a deep return shot and select a volley return, hitting out of the air, will take time for preparation away from the opponent and control the point.

Remember, control comes before power

and in the modern game of tennis stepping onto the court with confidence based on predictable percentages gives you a distinct advantage over your opponents. Shorten your back swing; accelerate the racquet head from low to high; keep your feet moving; hit the ball early in the bounce; rotate through the swing, and finish high.

Take the net and control the point.

Every ball is an opportunity for a challenge, not a time to be defensive. Players who consider a tough match a challenge are very happy, while players in the defensive frame of mind are usually frowning and not very happy.

Success will breed success. You can have a positive, confident attitude by avoiding the negative self talk and focusing every bit of conscious thought on seeing the ball, anticipating where the ball is going, moving to the right place, and making the high percentage shot with purpose.

The modern tennis game helps players reach their maximum potential by incorpo-

rating the kinetic chain, generating greater force on ball contact through rotational inertia, twisting the core from low to high, and accelerating the racquet through the shot. The statistical models and tennisshot percentages have been around a long time. Now it’s our turn to take advantage of the science and math, give ourselves the confidence, and start playing to our full potential. You can play better tennis. Give yourself a chance.

You can jump-start your game, enhance your lessons, and feel better about your tennis. Please think about what I have written and give it time to sink in. The light bulb will come on before you know it. Keep it in the lines! ď ¨ The above information is based on more than 50 years of tennis experience – reading research, playing, teaching, observing and officiating. Joe Curcio is a USPTA-certified professional, as well as a USTA and USRSA member. He is the head tennis professional at the Oahu Club, Honolulu, Hawaii. Curcio may be contacted at jscurcio@ hawaii.rr.com.

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Courtside ad

Dudley Bell:

World Conference veteran was born with his game on

by Jill Phipps, USPTA staff writer

D

udley Bell has missed only two opportunities to attend the USPTA World Conference on Tennis over the past 50 years.

Bell, who joined the U.S. Professional Lawn Tennis Association (as it was known) in 1959, loves seeing old friends and attending educational seminars at the annual World Conference.

But the all-pro tournament is the main reason this three-time New England Division Pro of the Year has become a well-known regular at the nation’s largest tennis teachers conference.

The 79-year-old resident of East Burke, Vt., plans to compete in both singles and doubles during this year’s World Conference, Sept. 19-24 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla. Through years of entering the International Championships, Bell has won several USPTA national singles championships, all in the 60s and older age groups, and nine doubles titles. He and Bill Roberti took the men’s 70-and-over doubles division in the 2010 tournament, when “they put us in with the young guys,” as Bell quips.

“I look forward to playing at the convention every year,” he said. Participation may be a bit spotty in the higher age brackets, but Bell is always game for a challenge. “It’s me against whoever wants to show up.”

Dudley Bell is a competitor at heart, and his passion for tennis stems from a lifelong love of sports in general.

“That’s me, that’s my calling – there’s hardly a sport I haven’t either taught or played at a pretty fair level,” he said. “To be able to compete with people who are really good – that I enjoy. I don’t mind losing if I know I’ve played as well as I can expect to.”

Over the past 18 years, Bell has participated in nine biannual National Senior Games, the world’s largest multisport event for athletes age 50 and over. Athletes quali-

Bell stands at the entrance to the tennis courts and museum that recognize his tenure at Lyndon State College in Vermont.

fy for nationals based on their performance at their state competition (placing among the top three or four in their age group).

Bell earned a spot in the 2011 Summer National Senior Games, held June 16-30 in Houston. And he took home a silver medal in the 400-yard relay, which was one of 11 different track and field events he entered.

The other events were 100-, 200- and 400-meter runs, javelin throw, shot put, discus, long jump, triple jump and pole vault. He also placed fourth in racquetball doubles and earned a sixth-place ribbon in singles.

What’s his favorite event? “Whatever event I’m doing at the time,” he replies with a smile.

Bell stopped by the USPTA national office while in Houston for the games.

Bell, who doesn’t smoke, drink “or use four-letter words,” was tan and fit, wearing a gold “Aged in Vermont” T-shirt and looking younger than his years.

“I kid people at home that I’m trying to outlive everybody so I can come home with all the medals,” he said, laughing. “They say, ‘Yeah, look at you – you probably will.’

“I expect I will join the 100-year-olds at the senior Olympics (one day),” he said in earnest. “I’m looking forward to Cleveland in two years; I’ll be with the 80-and-overs. I love it! There won’t be quite so many guys.”

Surprisingly, he did not compete in tennis at the 2011 Senior Games. Bell likes a different challenge. Besides, he figures he will get his tennis fix playing in the tournament at the World Conference.

He said he also has a blast back home with a weekly senior-men’s tennis club that he started 10 years ago. There were eight members then; now he has a ladder of 50 players.

Bell loves golf as well, but he doesn’t just go out and play a few rounds for fun. He prefers to compete in four golf tournaments a week. He has been participating in the annual World Amateur Golf Championships in Myrtle Beach, S.C., for the past 25 summers and has frequently placed in the top 10 in his age group. He then heads to the U.S. Open, as he did earlier this month, to watch the tennis matches for a couple of days before heading home to Vermont.

The Bells relocate to The Villages, a retirement community an hour from Orlando, Fla., from February to April every year. There he spends any given week playcontinued Page 14

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“ I look forward to playing at the convention every year ... It’s me against whoever wants to show up.”

– Dudley Bell

Bell from Page 12 ing as many as 10 different sports – tennis, racquetball, pickleball, volleyball, softball, soccer, golf, track and field, badminton and basketball.

Bell has always been an eclectic sportsman. He was organizing athletic events for neighborhood kids by the fifth grade, and has dedicated most of his adult life to physical education.

He taught PE and coached eight different sports, including tennis, at Lyndon State College in Lyndonville, Vt., for 25 years. He eventually started both the tennis team and a tennis management major, although the college didn’t even have tennis courts when he hired on. LSC established the Dudley Bell Tennis Center and Museum in his honor in 2005.

Bell retired from his full-time position at Lyndon State College in 1996, but still teaches a half-semester tennis course there every fall. “I love teaching,” he said. In fact, he offered to do it for free, although the college insisted on providing some compensation.

Bell hits it off with legendary coach Tom Gullikson at the 2008 World Conference.

Bell is proud of the foundation he’s given both junior and college players in various sports. This career coach and lifelong athlete counts himself fortunate to

have done so many things he enjoys and (hopefully) to have made a positive impact to boot. “I’ve had a pretty charmed life,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun” – and still is. 

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Dealing with the true tennis handicap system

by Alan Cutler, USPTA Master Professional, and Feisal Hassan, USPTA Master Professional

H

ow many times have you had a student come to you after a match and tell you an opponent cheated by making bad calls, causing too long of a delay between points, quickserving, or any number of other things?

Let’s face it, how many other sports ­allow your opponent to call your shot – good or bad? Who has more to gain than the opponent? Line judges or referees are not common at matches and the student has to deal with this when it happens.

In reality, everyone makes bad calls sometimes, but there are people who have the reputation of making bad calls. They earn nicknames such as “Captain Hook,” “Blind as a bat,” plain old “cheater” or worse. Funny that it seems to happen on deuce point or game points more often.

We were taught that if we could not cleanly call the ball, it was good, but not all players adhere to this creed. We have also heard several coaches tell their students that if you get a bad call, just give your opponent one in return.

Bad calls Your students know if the ball is close to the line. They have to understand that the ball is 39 to 80 feet away from you and you are not likely standing still, so you have to be careful of thinking they are all in. But balls along the sidelines or way in are a different story. And there is a difference between hoping a ball is in and knowing it is.

At a recent match between a couple of club members, it was clear that a ball hit was more than 3 feet inside the line and it was called out. This person is already called one of those bad nicknames behind their back. The other player nicely questioned the call, and the call was not changed. A heated argument ensued with name calling and yelling. By the end of it all, the call stood and play continued. The player who got the bad call simply hit every ball as hard as he could, regardless of it going out. As you could guess, the player lost the match quickly after that. One point scored on a clearly bad call made this person self-destruct. In the final analysis, this player probably got six to 10 bad calls, but it only took one to make him lose.

The other extreme is playing long balls after an opponent sees if his or her shot was in. Players tend to intensify their play when they clearly see a ball is long. This is very dangerous as it becomes difficult to know what balls are in play. After all, based on the rules, it is their call. This may be even more disturbing. We must teach our players not to call their own shots and that play continues until the point is called out. It is just another twist on a bad call.

So what are players to do if they clearly see that the ball was in or out? Based on the rules, they can ask “Are you sure?” which rarely gets a call reversal. It is very important that your students www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Questioning your calls is a common technique to get you to question yourself and make you think you are making bad calls.

know the rules. But without a line judge it’s up to the players to work this out. You would hope that a player’s maturity and fairness would take over. But when competition and egos are involved, bad calls will happen. Welcome to the unspoken handicap system. How many points will be lost on bad calls and how will the player handle it? Can we help our students learn to deal with this situation?

How a student deals with this mental aspect determines a lot more than just the point. Handled incorrectly, such as letting it get in your head, will clearly cost you later in the game. Players need to understand that not all calls will go their way, and allowing perceived bad calls to affect their play will only make matters worse.

In no way am I advocating that bad calls are acceptable, but they do happen. Explain to students that one point should not win or lose a set, but in truth it might. Learning not to allow this to affect the next point has to be the goal.

Gamesmanship or distraction technique?

As coaches, we have seen this take many forms. Some behaviors seem like fairly innocent actions, while others blatantly break the rules. Following are some examples: continued next page ADDvantage/September 2011 17

from previous page l Long delays between points

One tactic is repeatedly tying and re-tying shoes. This is another example of trying to buy time, but by the time someone has done this a half dozen times in a match, it becomes frustrating.

Bathroom breaks that take 10 minutes and cannot wait until the end of the set or game become questionable. People try to be nice and understanding, but by the third break either they are having a problem or this is a delaying technique.

One of the most interesting is tossing the ball more than seven times before swinging at it or bouncing it 25 times before the toss to bore the opponent. It becomes very hard to concentrate and be ready when they finally serve.

All of these fall under the 20-second rule, but players rarely carry a stop watch, and we have never seen these called during a nontournament match. So, the players who engage in this behavior get away with it and because they get a few free points, it encourages them to continue the behavior. Many do not feel this is really cheating but exceeding the allotted time still makes it an issue.

We advise our students to casually say something during ­switchovers like, “I noticed you taking a lot of time to do something; can I help?” If the person continues, maybe offer a gentle reminder about the official rule. You can also urge your students to use this time to encourage themselves and catch their breath. This time can be used in many valuable ways as long as they do not become frustrated by the delays. l Having conversations with themselves

We’ve seen the player who makes loud corrections, talking to no one and answering themselves. Should you suggest that these players be referred to a psychologist? Sometimes, this becomes about drama or fulfilling a need for attention, and they will talk loud enough so that someone four courts down can hear them. We have even seen players clearly saying things to bother their opponent. Teach the student to be aware of this and if the comments are negative about the opponent’s play (which is what they tend to be), try to get the next point going quickly. This takes the distraction away and may be a few easy points because the other player is bordering on temporary insanity.

We as coaches need to teach our students to ignore what is being said, and understand it is just another distraction technique. Get to the ready position for the next point so the opponent has no excuse to delay any further. l Quick-serving

The opponent serving before the player is ready is also a common issue. And even worse, they are often unaware that they are doing this. Another example is serving the second ball before the opponent is ready or even serving the second serve almost as soon as the first serve is missed. We must say that we don’t think most quick servers see themselves as the problem. They just get positive reinforcement from doing this because they get the point.

Our students need to identify that this is occurring, and use techniques such as raising their hand as a hold, or clearing the ball. They need to be taught how to slow this down or stop it.

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As coaches we need to prepare our students for many tactical and mental situations.

One good method is that if the third ball is on their side to go and get it, walk to the line with it and slowly hit the ball to the server. This should give them time to get ready before the next serve. l Questioning your calls

This is another common technique to get you to question yourself and make you think you are making bad calls. This only works when the person is honest, which makes it even worse.

Honest players want to be fair, but that means fair to themselves also. We need to teach players that when they can clearly see the ball, they should call it the way they see it. They might be able to look for a mark on some courts, but if you see it in or out, call it that way. If the opponent can get your student to second guess or even make bad calls against himself, then they have accomplished their goal.

One comment about people who use this technique is that they tend to be confrontational and will try to draw their opponent into discussions and/or arguments. Teaching people how to defuse this method quickly is important. Clarify the call if needed, let it go, get the game started again – end of discussion. l Changing the score

This is another common issue. The opponent calls the score and you either know it is wrong or you start to think about it. If you know it is wrong, stop and correct it immediately. If you think it is wrong, try to remember the points in the game and the outcome. The only issue with that is, it cannot happen during play. It is important that your student also keeps score regardless if they are serving or not.

So how do we teach our students to deal with this? The official rule is to immediately stop and go back to the last score both players can agree on. We have seen this mean restarting the game.

It’s just another example of the untold tennis handicap system.

You have to get the students to understand that with certain opponents they will have a handicap of X number of points. If they allow that to bother them or get frustrated by that they will lose. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

What recourse does a player have and what can a player do?

By really knowing and understanding the rules, they can ask if the opponent is sure about their calls/score or other issues.

They can ask them to adhere to the rules. It is rare that a player will reverse his or her call after being questioned. When do you ask for a line judge? Is that option even a possibility at most matches? We have seen players so disgusted that they simply walk off, defaulting the match. And that simply rewards the bad behavior.

As coaches we need to prepare our students for many tactical and mental situations, such as the examples above. By playing out points, games or even sets you can demonstrate the situations your student needs to be prepared for. Make blatantly bad calls to see how they react, and discuss what to do. Also create long delays in between points to help the student practice keeping their concentration going. One of my favorite exercises is to bounce the ball 20 times, then toss and catch the ball another 20 times, watching the student lose concentration and win an easy point. These are just a few ways to help your students learn how to deal with frustrating situations before they experience them in competition.

We suggest that if a player knows this is happening and line judges are not available, getting angry about this is not productive.

You may be able to find another player who is available and mutually acceptable to help call lines. But students need to understand what is happening and just accept this as a handicap they must overcome, knowing that a few points here and there are likely to be made up along the way. If the opponent’s bad calls are allowed to affect your student’s confidence or concentration level, there is likely to be a bad outcome. The student may not like this option, but short of turning it into a yelling match, there is no other good option. Encourage them to try to not be confrontational during the match and use it as a way to motivate themselves, such as “I can overcome any bad calls my opponent makes.” Obviously, there are going to be times when this is not possible, but the main goal is not to let this affect their mental outlook at the game.

As coaches we do our students a disservice by not making them aware that these situations occur and how to deal with them. It happens in real-world play, regardless of the level or type of competition (i.e. leagues, tournaments or club play). The better we prepare our students, the better they will do. But they also have to understand that they can only control their actions and must not let the actions of their opponents affect the way they play. Clearly understanding the rules is important. Understanding how to deal with people’s poor behavior is another. But when all is said and done, the players have to deal with this immediately under stressful conditions. Teaching them the mental skills about this is just as important as the physical skills.  Alan Cutler is a Specialist in Competitive Player Development and Computer Technology and has completed levels I and II of the USTA sport science certification. He is the founder of Playtennisforlife.info and has more than 25 years of teaching experience.

Feisal Hassan holds USPTA specialist degrees in Competitive Player Development, Facility Management and Little Tennis. He is also a USTA Recreational Coach and QuickStart trainer, and a member of the National Cardio Tennis Speakers Team and the USPTA National Education Committee. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

CLASSIFIEDS Business Opportunities FOR SALE: Specialty Tennis Store in Louisiana. Tired of the long hours on court? Looking for a fun, profitable business opportunity? Offers high income potential and a great lifestyle!

Contact Carson Bankston at 225-572-7992 or email carson. bankston@gmail.com.

TENNIS HEALTH CLUB FOR SALE: Four indoor courts, six outdoor, racquetball, nautilus and free weights. Will also consider partnership. Visit www. toddsmith.usptapro.com or call 423-764-8444.

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.

Employment 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.

SPECIAL REPORT – Stop Players from losing or choking in tennis. Show your athletes how to crush players they have never beaten using a mental toughness secret hoarded by superstars.

Fascinating FREE Special Report reveals how. Get it today at www. thecouragetowin.com/uspta/.

GRIP COACH is a brilliant product that has simple and easy-tofollow guidelines, making it ideal for adults and kids to learn tennis grips. Players and coaches love the Grip Coach because it maximizes coaching time for everyone. Visit: www.gripcoach.com.au.

VACATION OpportuniTIes 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 713-978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer.

USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law.

Correction – In the article, “Florida’s Mata and Iowa’s McCollom crowned singles champions at the USPTA Clay Court Championships,” in the July issue of ADDvantage, the results of the Men’s 60-and-over Singles Finals should have said Robert Green, Fort Myers, Fla., not Monarch Beach, Calif. We apologize for the incorrect statement.

ADDvantage/September 2011

19

Taking Tennis Across America: Pros grow the game from coast to coast

More than 20 USPTA pros joined with USTA Delaware as volunteers for Tennis in the Streets in May. The group included Larry Hampton, longtime USPTA member and one of the creators of the event. Every year for the past 17 years, inner-city children from Wilmington, Del., have been invited to Rodney Square to be introduced to the game of tennis. This year’s event, with a Tennis Across America theme, reached out to more than 650 children.

It was a great day for Tennis Across America on March 5, 2011. The weather was beautiful and more than 40 kids participated in an event at Spanish Bay Tennis Club in Pebble Beach, Calif. A big thanks goes to all the pros involved with the event: Matthew Morillo, Jimmie Brooks, Hans Romer and Michael Chassion, along with the parents for donating their time and effort to introducing such a great sport.

Chuck Whitnell, USPTA Professional, and Graves County, Ky., CTA leader, hosted a USPTA Tennis Across America clinic on March 19. Bob Love, USPTA Master Pro, was the guest speaker for the junior tennis gathering.

InnerCity Tennis recently invited the University of Minnesota Lady Gophers tennis team to a Tennis Across America event at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis. Kids ages 6 – 12 participated. The women’s tennis team gave hitting and exercise tips, then rallied and ran drills with the participants. The Gophers concluded with a team game challenge against the kids to see who could hit the most drop shots into a basket. The ICT kids won!

Roy Cosio, USPTA, held two Tennis Across America clinics this year – one at Flora Vista Inn in La Selva Beach, Calif., and the other at La Madrona Swim and Racquet Club in Santa Cruz, Calif.

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USPTA drills Two-on-two approach

prepared by Dave Gary, USPTA; “Tennis Drills” book available at usprotennisshop.com

Description and goals: A fast-paced doubles drill that works on coming to the net, volleys, overheads and defensive situations.

Organization: Players A and B start on the baseline as the challengers. Players C and D start on the other baseline. Extra players line up behind A and B. Pro feeds approach shot to A and B, they hit an approach, come to the net and play out the point. Win or lose, the challengers rotate out to the end of the line. Pro feeds to the next team. Any team needs a total of 3 points to change sides.

Doubles approach volley

Type: Doubles, singles Levels: Intermediate/advanced

Key points: Make sure players are moving together. Making a split step at the appropriate time is key. Finally, make sure players understand how the direction and quality of their shots determines their positioning.

Type: Singles Levels: Intermediate/advanced

prepared by InterTennis Coach

Description and goals: Develop transitional skills from approach to v­ olley as player closes in to the net.

Organization: Pro feeds short ball to Player A, who hits a deep crosscourt shot.

Player A closes in to the net. Pro feeds either a second low or high volley to Player A, who volleys deep crosscourt or powers through net player.

Category: Doubles Suggested time: 15 minutes

Category: Approach, volley Suggested time: 10 minutes

Key points: 1. Keep approach deep crosscourt if applicable 2. Keep racquet out in front of body 3. Bend knees for low volley 4. Remind player to split-step

Variations: 1. Alternate deuce and ad court sides. 2. Let players play out the point.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Generated by iTennisSystem – www.InterTennis.com

ADDvantage/September 2011

23

Career Development conventions

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

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

Sept. 19-24

USPTA World Conference on Tennis Wesley Chapel, Fla.

Nov. 12-13

Northern California Division Gold River, Calif.

specialist degrees Little Tennis®  Facility Management 

Computer Technology  Sport Science 

Competitive Player Development Pro Shop Operations

 



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 website at www.uspta.com or contact the USPTA Education Department at 800-USPTA-4U or education@uspta.org.

cardio tennis Oct 15 Oct 23

Boston Orlando

Sept. 10-11 Sept. 10-11 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 16 Sept. 20 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Oct. 2-3 Oct. 7 Oct. 8-9 Oct. 9 Oct. 9 Oct. 9 Oct. 10 Oct. 10-11 Oct. 14-15 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 21 Oct. 22

Wilmington, N.C. Aurora, Ill. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Lexington, Ky. Minneapolis Wesley Chapel, Fla. White Bear Lake, Minn.

Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

West Bloomfield, Mich.

Los Angeles Oklahoma City Atlanta Fort Worth, Texas Hot Springs, Ark. Rockledge, Fla. San Diego Seattle Houston* Port Washington, N.Y. Phoenix Brunswick, Maine

Oct. 22-23 Oct. 22-23 Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 12-13 Nov. 12-13 Nov. 13 Nov. 13 Nov. 14 Nov. 18-19 Nov. 28-29 Dec. 2 Dec. 3 Dec. 3-4 Dec. 4 Dec. 4

Rockville, Md. Fayetteville, N.C. Sacramento, Calif.

Mequon, Wis. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Birmingham, Ala. Winter Springs, Fla. Claremont, Calif.

Big Rapids, Mich.

Boca Raton, Fla. White Bear Lake, Minn.

Indian Wells, Calif.

Williamsburg, Va. Houston* San Francisco Minneapolis Gastonia, N.C. Atlanta Nashville, Tenn.

Richmond, Va.

* 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.

specialty courses Creating a perfect practice, Sept. 20, Wesley Chapel, Fla., T. Whitten Tennis club programming, Sept. 20, Wesley Chapel, Fla., L. Karageanes Anticipation training for tennis, Sept. 21, Wesley Chapel, Fla., D. Hagler Teaching effective strokes, Sept. 21, Wesley Chapel, Fla., F. Hassan Junior development, Sept. 23, Wesley Chapel, Fla., C. Jones Equipment consulting, Sept. 23, Wesley Chapel, Fla., L. Nogues Drills for all levels, Sept. 24, Wesley Chapel, Fla., J. Capestany Mental toughness, Sept. 24, Wesley Chapel, Fla., L. Beltrame

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

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

24

ADDvantage/September 2011

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 email education@uspta.org.

accredited professional coach To receive APC credits, professional members must accurately fill out APC attendance forms with the seminar/course number, their name, presenter’s name, and they will have the ability to rate the seminar/course. The form must then be turned in at the end of the seminar/course. The forms will be available as members arrive at seminars or courses and must be turned in as members leave. If members arrive late or leave early, then they will not receive credit for attending.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA ad

Industry action Members Ajay Pant Is the new general manager of the Tennis Center at College Park, a 30-court facility in College Park, Md. Pant brings strong managerial experience from working at the Tennis Corporation of America in many key facilities around the country. During his 18-year tenure at TCA, Pant served as head tennis professional, club manager, and general manager. In 2006, he was named the USPTA Missouri Valley Facility Manager of the year.

This USPTA Professional also has worked with beginner to worldranked players at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Pant is a Master Professional and national tester, and serves as the chair for the USTA 10 and Under Task Force.

Al Rogers, USPTA Master Professional, recently was inducted into the USTA New England Hall of Fame, an honor the Brookline resident calls a “special reunion.’’ Rogers, 82, has now been selected for induction into the Maynard High School Athletic Hall of Fame in Maynard, Mass. The ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 19.The Hall of Fame honors outstanding athletes, coaches, teams, and administrators from Maynard High school.

Rogers’ career as an amateur and professional

26

ADDvantage/September 2011

tennis player, coach, instructor, and author spans more than 50 years. On the court, he registered victories over legends Bobby Riggs and Vitas Gerulaitis.

Nick Bollettieri, USPTA Master Professional, was inducted into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame on Aug. 27 at the Grand Hyatt New York.

A coach, businessman, motivator and educator, the inductee has coached 10 world No. 1 players – Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Jelena Jankovic, Marcelo Rios, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams and Venus Williams.

Bollettieri started the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in 1978.

This Bradenton, Fla., academy was the first major tennis boarding school, and it changed the way tennis was taught at the elite junior level. Bollettieri joins previous inductees Howard Head, Dennis Van der Meer, Alan Schwartz and Billie Jean King. Plaques honoring Tennis Industry Hall of Fame inductees are on display at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.

Schaumburg Park District’s Schaumburg Tennis Plus, in Schaumburg, Ill., recently painted permanent lines for players age 10 and under on three indoor tennis courts, making it the first facility in the Midwest with new kid-friendly indoor courts. The initiative is part of the USTA’s 10 and under program, which was offered this summer at Schaumburg Park District. The program uses QuickStart Tennis, designed to help children learn and play tennis. The new court configuration was funded partially by the USTA. For more information, contact Schaumburg Tennis Plus at (847) 884-0678 or visit www.parkfun.com. Pictured are tennis director Jonathan Fralick and Paul MacDonald, USPTA Master Professional and head tennis professional. anatomical illustrations of different strokes and movements, along with musculoskeletal strengthening exercises designed to prevent common injuries. Stepby-step exercises highlight rotational strengthening and movement skills. Each exercise also features a tennis focus section that explains how it contributes to on-court success. The book is available in stores everywhere.

USPTA member and parttime inventor Mike Lammens reports that he has improved the QM-1 Portable Camera Mount by incorporating a custom-made extension pole that fits easily and comfortably inside your tennis bag. Measuring only 2 feet 4 inches long when contracted, it expands to 6 feet 3 inches – long enough

Member Product showcase – Tennis Anatomy, a book by USPTA Professionals Paul Roetert and Mark Kovacs, offers more than 194 full-color

QM-1 Portable Camera Mount www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action to mount on almost any fence. Easy to travel with, it’s a great addition to any tennis bag. See it at www.MyTennisTools. com.

The GripCoach is a product that allows players – both adults and children – to quickly check the correctness of their grip after making a shot. Color-coded grip reference lines enable even the youngest students to select the right grip quickly and easily, which means the coach can spend more time on stroke technique. This clever training aid also allows parents to hit with their child and confidently ask if they’ve got the right grip. For more information, visit www. gripcoach.com.au.

Grip coach

Miscellany Thanyapura, a sports campus in Phuket, Thailand, has signed Peter Burwash International to manage its tennis programs.

Within the lush mountain interior of the island of Phuket, Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club’s world-class tennis academy features six Plexicushion tennis

Red Ledges (www.redledges.com), a premier tennis, golf and four-season recreational community in Heber Valley, Utah, launched its Cliff Drysdale Tennis School in May. Joining 15 other locations across the country, the Red Ledges facility is the first high-altitude tennis school offered by U.S. Open doubles champion and ESPN commentator Cliff Drysdale. The Cliff Drysdale Tennis School at Red Ledges, under direction of Cliff Drysdale Tennis, will provide members with private lessons, group clinics, community tournaments and international exhibitions. The school offers world-class instruction. For more information, call 435-657-4054 or visit www.redledges.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

courts. The Plexicushion system is an official Grand Slam surface used at the Australian Open. Four of the courts are covered and all courts are lit for night play. Tennis facilities also include a 600-seat shaded grandstand. With Travis Bertram as tennis director, the academy will host regional and international tournaments.

Thanyapura facilities include a 38-room retreat, restaurant, wine cellar, cooking school and day spa. A full schedule of PBI tennis programs at TSLC can be found at www. thanyapura.com. USPTA Master Professional Peter Burwash is founder and president of PBI. Teams have been announced for the 2011 ITF Seniors and Super Seniors World Team Championships, to be held Oct. 10-15 in Antalya, Turkey. Nine USPTA Professionals are among the 40 players selected for these premier team events on the ITF Seniors Circuit. There are five men’s teams and five women’s teams, with four members each.

USPTA members to play in the World Team Championships are: Martha Downing, Shingle Springs, Calif. – Alice Marble Cup, 60s; Judy Louie, Corona de Mar, Calif. – Kitty Godfree Cup, 65s; Sheila Weinstock, Framingham, Mass.

– Althea Gibson Cup, 70s (captain); Larry Turville, Naples, Fla. – Von Cramm Cup, 60s; Brian Cheney, Chandler, Ariz. – Von Cramm Cup, 60s (captain); Jimmy Parker, Santa Fe, N.M., Britannia Cup, 65s (captain); Ken Robinson, San Carlos, Calif. – Britannia Cup, 65s; Lester Sack, New Orleans – Bitsy Grant Cup, 75s (captain); and Joe Beeson, Winona Lake, Ind. – Gardnar Mulloy Cup, 80s.

Har-Tru Sports will host a Har-Tru Maintenance Certification Seminar on Sept. 27 and 28 at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at Sportime at the 144-court Randall’s Island in New York City. The seminar will bring together leading experts to discuss the construction and maintenance of indoor and outdoor clay courts.

It will also address the problem of indoor and bubbled court surface compaction. The seminar will include classroom presentations, panel discussions and oncourt demonstrations.

The seminar is designed for club managers, teaching professionals, court builders and maintenance professionals. For more information contact Ed Montecalvo at 1-877-4HARTRU or emontecalvo@hartru. com.

ADDvantage/September 2011

27

Aer-flo ad

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ADDvantage/ September 2000