Addvantage 2012 October

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

contents the total professional – enhancing your career

departments

2 Executive Committee

7 Experience the joy of Cardio Tennis – by Ted Murray, USPTA

3 Vice president’s message 11 Preventing overuse injuries – by Robert Donatelli, Ph.D., PT 13 Continually improving skills through education –

by Alan Cutler, USPTA Master Professional

20 Classifieds 24 Career development 26 Industry action

ews n 17 USPTA Player Development Conference 20 USPTA raises more than $7, 500 during Lessons for Life™ silent auction 21 Hard Court Championships

On the cover – In this issue, Alan Cutler discusses the importance of participating in continuing education. Teaching pros can improve their skills and further their careers by attending USPTA seminars, like this one by Scott Ficks at the 2012 World Conference.

volume 35 • issue 10

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. 2012. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/October 2012

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USPTA Executive Committee TM

Division presidents, regional vice presidents and past national presidents:

National Board of Directors: Tom Daglis

President 910-630-7147

Randy Mattingley First vice president 281-358-2181

Nancy Cox Vice president 503-409-2567

California Division Pierre Mareschal President 626-744-1650 Mike Gennette Regional vice president 805-495-0111

Eastern Division Joe Roediger President 914-373-6232 Warren Lem Regional vice president 631-766-2318

Middle States Division Bill Kurtain President 609-731-0505 Wilson Pipkin Regional vice president 717-898-3102

Midwest Division Paul Marcum President 248-626-9880, ext. 4006 Mark Faber Regional vice president 419-381-9661

Pacific Northwest Division Bill Fletcher President 509-943-8416 Hunter Lipscomb Regional vice president 541-753-1043

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

Jeff Hawes Vice president 504-482-4084

Tom McGraw Vice president 502-895-4646

Dan Moster Vice president 260-249-9424

Gary Trost Vice president 405-848-2994

Harry Gilbert Immediate past president 386-793-0084

Past presidents Ron Woods

(2005-2007) 361-991-7501

David T. Porter, Ed.D.

(2003-2005) 808-675-3755

Joseph Thompson

(1999-2003) 720-470-6550

Florida Division Jeff Cohen President 561-995-5213 Richard Centerbar Regional vice president 561-487-7070

Hawaii Division Ken Nakama President 808-679-3197 Bruce Nagel Regional vice president 808-262-2057

Intermountain Division Andrew Booth President 970-349-6127 Cary Hodges Regional vice president 303-771-0055

Mid-Atlantic Division John Cleary President 301-340-6185 Carl Clark Regional vice president 804-287-1300

Missouri Valley Division Kendell Hale President 816-436-1608 Angela Koumaris Regional vice president 405-848-2994

New England Division Christopher Stevens President 603-610-0183 Doug Eng, Ed.D., Ph.D. Regional vice president 617-627-5196

Northern Division John Schollmeier President 952-232-1334 Bruce Gullikson Regional vice president 952-830-7900

Northern California Division John Sharpe President 925-283-5448 Andrea Barnes Regional vice president 650-736-7272

Southern Division William Phillips President 337-849-5821 Pat Whitworth Regional vice president 800-438-7782

Southwest Division Vicki Foster President 602-930-8423 Christopher Brewer Regional vice president 623-215-6500

Texas Division Charlotte Wylie President 817-427-6680 David Webb Regional vice president 817-427-6680

Vice president’s message

Watch and learn

O

ne of the responsibilities – and some- juniors and too many adult players aren’t watching times one of the challenges – of being – or are they? Never before during the history of on the national board is writing articles televised tennis, not to mention the viewing now for ADDvantage magazine. Since my last article available via the Internet – on a desktop, laptop, I have had several topics cross my mind, but as I tablet or smart phone – have there been so many came closer to my deadline of writing this article opportunities to watch tennis without having to it hit me: Write about what I was doing – watch- travel to a WTA or ATP tournament. Someway, ing tennis. somehow, we and our students have a chance to I credit a lot of what I learned as a junior player watch tennis almost every week. Tennis on TV isn’t and even as a teaching and coaching just for the Grand Slams anymore. professional to watching a lot of But it’s not just televised matches tennis on TV – taped or live – and or live professional play that counts. also going to watch the professionals Our students, primarily our juniors, play live. Outside of taking lessons can benefit from watching any and playing a lot, watching tennis tennis that is at the next skill level and then playing made the biggest above their own. Tournament tenimpact on what I learned and knew nis, middle school and high school and how I played. I have visuals team tennis and college tennis must in my head dating back to Borg, also be on the “watch list.”

McEnroe, Tanner and other pros I Oh, and before I move on, our watched as a young player, all the players need to watch themselves in Dan Moster way up to the recently retired Cliboth drill and lesson situations and jsters and Roddick. especially in competitive match play As a junior player the only tennis to watch on – both singles and doubles. Team-sport athletes, TV was the Grand Slams. I can remember watch- such as basketball, football and volleyball players, ing and later taping every possible match I could. I “watch film” or “watch tape” all the time, at least still have the VHS tapes. Growing up close to and the good ones do. Our athletes need to do the same. being able to travel to a WTA/ATP tournament Tennis coaches, pros and players need to catch up was also a great benefit to my development and to with other sports. learning as much as I could about playing tennis, Now that we know what our students need to and later teaching and coaching. watch, let’s talk about how to get them to watch more However, the message in this article has very tennis. The process is very simple – we must market little, if anything, to do with me, the impact watch- and promote “tennis-watching opportunities.” ing tennis had on the development of my game, Let’s start with watching professional tennis. or what I have learned since the first day I began Beginning today, search the Internet for WTA and playing tennis. My message is this: Our students ATP matches and their television schedules. There need to and must watch more tennis to be able are also several “apps” for smart phones and tablets to have any chance to reach their full potential as that are great resources. I also suggest getting on an junior or adult tennis players. email list that will help you stay up-to-date on pro With all of the distractions facing today’s fessional tennis. Post the information throughout athletes – from developing players to competitive your club and on your personal or club website, juniors, and high school and college players – they and get the information in your students’ hands. don’t watch enough tennis. Think about this for Once you’ve accomplished that, keep the informaa minute: We are watching the best players in the tion updated and continue the process. You should history of professional tennis compete on the WTA also email your students and members reminders and ATP tours. But a large percentage of today’s about upcoming matches or tournaments to atcontinued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost

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

CourtsideUSA Manager

Randy Jenks

Director of Technology and Advanced Media

Timothy Heckler

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

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/October 2012

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from previous page tend, watch on television or watch on the Internet. If your club is within driving distance of a WTA or ATP tournament, promote it, become a tournament partner and get your members and students to the tournament as much as you can. Another possibility is to work with a travel agency or tournament promoter and travel as a group to a Grand Slam or other large tour event.

Now let’s look at other “tennis-watching opportunities.” The easiest tennis to watch is local tournament play, specifically with junior players, as well as middle school and high school team matches. But maybe the most important to watch are college tennis matches. Again, our students need to see what tennis looks like when someone else is playing, especially at the next level, and including team tennis – middle school, high school and college competition. Promoting these events is the same process you would use to promote professional tennis. Post local middle and high school tennis schedules in your club and also promote local college tennis to your juniors, their parents and your club members.

Support your local tennis teams!

Now that you have your students and club members watching more tennis, let’s get them watching more of themselves hitting and playing. As I mentioned before, we as tennis professionals and coaches need to create the environment of “team-sport” athletics so our players are watching video of themselves hitting and competing in various situations and during tournament play. This could also include the use of Dartfish. USPTA members can receive great discounts on Dartfish software when purchased from the USPTA pro shop (Usprotennisshop.com). Watching tennis will make a big impact on our students and their game, but watching themselves as

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athletes in other sports do, can and will make a lasting impression and help them reach their full potential.

As teaching professionals and coaches we are constantly working with our students on their strengths, weaknesses, serving, returning, net play, etc. Giving them the “visual” of what we are talking about, whether the visuals come from watching other singles players or teams, or watching video of themselves, is too often a missing key ingredient to their overall tennis knowledge, development and success as a tennis-playing athlete.

Before this article comes to an end I must promote a great resource from the USTA. The website shows video clips (created

by Dartfish) of some of the best professional players hitting a variety of shots. I make sure all of my students have this website bookmarked on their computers: http://www.playerdevelopment. usta.com/players/. The USPTA also has extensive clips available at tennisresources.com.

When it’s all said and done, our students, both juniors and adults, need to watch more tennis. It is our responsibility to get them information on when and where there are tennis-watching opportunities, and we need to create these opportunities whenever and as much as we can. We must also incorporate more video training and video review with and without our students, on and off the court. Our students need and deserve more visual learning in their training program and we shouldn’t wait until they are better players to use this method of learning. Starting today let’s commit to getting our students to watch more tennis, play more tennis and ultimately become better players because they are watching other players play – and watching themselves. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tips from the pros

Experience the joy of Cardio Tennis

by Ted Murray, USPTA

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n the more than seven years of its existence, much has been written about the innumerable benefits of Cardio Tennis. I feel there is one benefit that stands out above all others: the feeling of pure joy that is so often experienced by participants in a Cardio Tennis class.

Think about it. How often in your daily life of stress and obligations do you experience moments of pure joy? Yet every day, in thousands of Cardio Tennis classes throughout the world, people experience the youthful exuberance of running around a court hitting tennis balls while sharing this sense of joy with friends old and new.

What makes the CT experience so different from the normal tennis match?

Regular tennis is based on the competitive model. You go head to head with another, try your best to outwit and out-skill that person so you can be the one who wins while forcing your opponent to lose. This model of competition for the trophy that

only one person can hold is also a symbol for the way society as a whole has developed.

It is the paradigm of male-dominated energy in which all are seen as competitors for limited resources. There have to be winners and losers and therefore most other people are considered enemies who are vying for your share of the pie.

The Cardio Tennis model is based on the paradigm to which I feel the world is shifting: the more feminine energy of sharing and cooperation, rather than greed and competition. All members of a CT class are co-creating (along with the coach) an atmosphere wherein all feel safe in being free to express themselves without judg-

The mood of Cardio Tennis is for all participants to enjoy each other’s company while cheering and laughing at both the great shots and the crazy, wild ones. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ment or fear of failure. The coach is simply encouraging everyone to give his or her best effort and have fun while doing so.

The mood of Cardio Tennis is for all participants to enjoy each other’s company while cheering and laughing at both the great shots and the crazy, wild ones. No one gets super competitive and there is little of the gamesmanship that you typically see in a match. Everyone is sharing common goals that can be achieved by all participants: get great exercise, hit a variety of tennis shots, enjoy the company of others, and perhaps most importantly, burn calories. The fact that each participant can achieve his or her individual goals makes it a much more cooperative environment than a typical match setting. This allows the nervousness and fears that are prevalent in a match to disappear while you feel free to experiment and experience the joy of just allowing your shots to naturally flow. Even when it goes completely awry, the freedom to attempt something challenging is still a positive experience, especially when supported by the coach and the others who are not judging you but totally encouraging you to explore your true self on the court.

When it is time for the games portion of the class, there is a completely different feel of competition than in a normal match. By using the orange cardio balls it automatically evens out ability levels. As soon as a point is over you must rotate and the next ball is fed, so there is no time to dwell on the mistake you might have just made.

Whether it is a team game or individual competition there is always tremendous support and encouragement, even for the continued next page ADDvantage/October 2012 7

from previous page absolute weakest player. Amazing things happen when even beginners are in an environment where mistakes are accepted as OK and encouragement is the norm. I have often seen the least experienced player come up with incredible shots to win games while playing those with a much greater background in the sport. And regardless of the outcome, high fives are shared by all and everyone soon forgets the score as they share a common high of helping to co-create an enthusiastic hour of music, exercise and fun.

Almost every Cardio Tennis class has at least one player who had given up playing regularly, usually due to burnout and stress, and yet has found Cardio Tennis the perfect way to return. A couple in one of my classes is a great example of this. Both Mark and Courtney were very competitive players, having played in college. Both were into the league scene, when after a few years they realized that they were driving themselves (and each other) crazy by taking it so seriously. It was affecting their

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The Cardio Tennis model is based on the paradigm to which I feel the world is shifting: the more feminine energy of sharing and cooperation, rather than greed and competition.

marriage also, as they tried to play mixed doubles together. Finally, they agreed to give up tennis. So for the last 10 years neither of them picked up a racquet, until they showed up for a Cardio Tennis class.

Now they are hooked, as it enables them to experience what they love about the game without the stress that is often created in a regular tennis match.

The joy you experience in Cardio Tennis is no longer dependent upon winning the match and feeling that one moment that is often as much relief as happiness.

Instead, you can experience that joy throughout the entire hour. Even when you feel dead tired and think you can no longer move, the group energy pulls you along and soon you feel that special form of happiness that comes from having pushed beyond your perceived limitations. This is

where growth happens. When you make that extra effort to return a ball on the first bounce, suddenly a totally new dimension of confidence opens up. You have just achieved another level that will encourage you to go for it in your next match. You are improving your practical skill level with no instruction or mechanical changes taking place. It is an attitude that you can carry over into match play, enjoying the process of hitting a ball, giving your full effort, and not taking it too seriously. Often it carries over not just to matches but to all areas of life. Couldn’t we all use a little more youthful exuberance and experimentation with less judgment and stress? Once you experience Cardio Tennis you will want to live your life in a way that maximizes your feelings of pure joy and share that joy with others around you. ď ¨

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Preventing overuse injuries

by Robert Donatelli, Ph.D., PT

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veruse injuries are very common in sports, especially among tennis players. These injuries are difficult to diagnose because of their gradual onset and intermittent occurrence. The most common cause of overuse injuries is muscle dysfunction and imbalances.

Muscles initiate, slow down, and control movements of your bones, and they are your body’s best shock absorbers. In order to accomplish their various functions, muscles must work in groups. One muscle group (called agonists) initiates movement while another muscle group (called antagonists) controls movement.

Should some of these muscle groups fatigue because of prolonged physical activities such as tennis, they are no longer effective shock absorbers. As a result of fatigue, muscles can become damaged, which in turn, results in weakness, poor flexibility, and inadequate endurance. Elliot Brian and

Athletes can prevent overuse injuries by strenghtening the muscles, particularly in the legs, hips and trunk.

Achland Thomas used high-speed cinematography to study the effect of fatigue on the mechanics of high-level long-distance runners. The researchers found that toward the end of long races the runners exhibited less efficient positioning of their feet as well as decreased stride length and stride rate – all of which placed the athletes at risk of developing an injury.

Your knees are very susceptible to overuse injuries because of muscle imbalances due to fatigue. Any weakness of the hamstring muscle group can cause increased strain to the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Weakness in the quadriceps,

particularly in the inside of the thigh muscle group, can affect the ability of the knee cap, or patella, to effectively track or stay within the groove designed for it. In addition to muscle imbalances in the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups, hip imbalances can cause patella tracking problems like patellofemoral pain syndrome. In fact, a study completed this year by Leetun Darin, Mary Lloyd-Ireland, and others demonstrated a significant correlation between weak hip muscles and lower leg injuries.

Your hip is your center of gravity, and a weak hip can have disastrous effects – particularly on your lower limbs because the hip is where all motion in the lower leg starts.

Hip muscles and ligaments are among the strongest in the body and they can affect gait, quickness, agility, and explosive power.

For athletes, balancing the hip muscles can be the difference between winning versus losing and between an injury-free season versus disabling muscle strains. I have observed numerous cases in which pain and muscle dysfunction were caused by major deficits in the hip muscles. I also have seen significant changes in athletes’ performances as a result of strengthening their hip muscles.

You need sufficient strength in your hip and trunk muscles to provide stability in all planes of motion. Strength training is the best way to ensure strong muscles and prevent imbalances and injuries. You should incorporate free weights and machine weights in your hip and trunk exercises. Rotational exercises are not commonly seen in commercial gyms.

However, strengthening the hip rotators is crucial to athletes.

Try this hip rotation exercise. Lie face down on a pillow and move the ankle to the left and right. Go all the way to the end of the range of motion by trying to move your foot toward the floor. You may want to use an ankle weight with the exercise to make it more difficult.

By keeping your muscles strong, you will prevent overuse injuries. You know the proverb: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  Article reprinted with permission from tennismd.com.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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Continually improving skills though education

by Alan Cutler, USPTA Master Professional

L

et’s face it, there is a lot of competition out there for the same tennisplaying customers and we all need to find ways to compete in this environment.

We have all heard teaching pros say, “I am a P-1; why would that customer go to someone else?” But if a potential student cannot see that your skills are better than someone else’s, why would that person come to you?

It is up to each of us to make sure our skills continue to improve no matter what level we are. Just because you are a Master Professional or P-1 does not mean that you have learned everything you need for life.

Without continually building your skills it is easy to stagnate and become complaisant.

It is very important for a potential student who sees you teaching to recognize that you have great skills.

We all belong to the USPTA for many reasons that are as widespread as can be, but one of the best benefits we all have is the education given by our peers who teach tennis for a living. New information is constantly coming out; why not take advantage of it? This education is an investment in yourself.

I don’t know about you, but my customers do not appreciate my experimenting on them. They have high expectations to get better and if I am not helping them do that, they will most likely leave and find another instructor. If I can learn from others, then the time spent in training is well worth the small loss of income.

As I was growing up, a second-generation American, education was pushed as a way to get ahead in this country. My family was taught that education came in many forms. It could be formal like school, or observational such as watching and learning from life’s experiences. One statement that now rings true is you can learn from a 4-year-old or an 80-year old; be quite and listen, really listen.

Many years ago a tennis mentor of mine told me that you should never stop learning to be a better instructor. I have taken this to heart, and try to increase my tennis knowledge by learning in many ways. These avenues include USPTA specialty courses

and seminars, formal education through community services or local colleges, media sources, discussions with peers, online resources, such as video clips of pros teaching, and being observant.

USPTA specialty courses and seminars are offered at the annual World Conference, division conventions, and standalone division functions. Other resources, such as written materials in ADDvantage magazine or division newsletters, and DVDs are also available. I have been to many of these convention opportunities and even if I get only one good idea to use with my students, it’s well worth it.

But most times I come back with so much material that it makes my lessons new and refreshed for many months.

When I run out of material or lack motivation it’s time to go back for more education and bring back additional materials to keep things fresh. Also, this is a good opportunity to share this new knowledge with your staff. Articles and drills in publications can also be educating. After all, where besides the pro does the student get information from? One of the means is printed materials. If you are unable to attend conventions or wish to learn about something specific or from someone specific, USPTA has many specialty courses on DVD and recorded seminars available. This is an easy way to get education when your schedule permits. Another great educational benefit is the weekly tip/drill we all get by email. Take the time to view it, generally in less than 5 minutes. There are also many resources available on the USPTA website and tennisresources.com.

Formal education can include attending college classes or community courses. If you intend to move up within the industry, you are likely to need additional skills that either need to be brought up-to-date or developed from scratch. Skills you may need and have not acquired yet may be in computer soft-

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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from previous page ware, accounting, writing, presentations, communications, psychology, and management. The days of a tennis professional just teaching on the court have changed. We all need updated skills and it’s up to you to find ways to get this knowledge. Having these skills makes you a much more valuable employee. Many colleges and schools are offering web-based classes to meet the needs of working professionals. This still means that you have to finish the class in a specified time period but can do it at your convenience.

We are all judged by our written and verbal communication skills. As tennis professionals we use verbal communications more than most. Building this skill might be the most critical. Taking a speech/presentation course to learn the tricks of the trade can help you practice this skill. If you do not feel comfortable about going to school for this there is a group called Toast Masters that also can help.

And have you ever received letters, emails, or documents that had spelling and grammar issues? What did you think about the person when you were done reading it? Nothing is more embarrassing than sending out documents and then rereading them and realizing that you have all kinds of grammar and spelling issues.

There is no excuse having spelling issues with documents in today’s work. After all, the computer can correct or at least tell you that the words are misspelled. Some word processors even have grammar-checking capabilities. These skills are probably best developed over time in a class where you can get feedback and need to be practiced to keep your ability level up.

We are lucky enough to have access to many media sources such as TV coverage and the Tennis Channel. Many times you can get great analysis of tennis matches just by listening to the commentators, though you have to weed through much of what is said. The Tennis Channel has so much great instructional programming. USPTA has a good deal of 30-minute shows as well as 1 minute tips on the Tennis Channel.

But this resource has a lot of other great programming available. If you have access to the Tennis Channel take advantage of it and if not, try to get it. At many clubs they leave this station playing all day.

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Starting discussions with other pros about a variety of subjects can also be a great way to learn, and listening to the different views and techniques can be thought-provoking. Using friends as sounding boards can help you learn to analyze problems and find solutions to causes instead of symptoms. I have been lucky enough to make some friends around the country that I will pick up the phone or email to discuss ideas or issues that come up. You start to know what each one is good at and when something comes up you will know who to discuss it with. Like I have said, I do not know everything and am happy to admit that, but I am also good at doing research and getting the information I need to do a better job with a greater understanding.

By networking with other teaching professionals you can often pick up great ideas and learn from them. Make it a point to search out pros in your area you respect or know do a great job and then contact them.

Discuss issues that come up and use them as a sounding board. You can broaden this networking by making contact with other USPTA members across the country. If you read an article in a publication that interests you, contact the author. Most people who are writing these articles are more than happy to discuss them with you. As someone who writes, it’s nice to get feedback, positive or negative. As you expand your contact base you may find yourself part of discussions with many people you respect, but they want and value your input also.

This informal exchange of information is extremely valuable.

Internet resources are far too broad for me to list all, but use web searches to find what you need. These resources have both video and written information available for either free or low cost. You would be amazed with what is on the web and a lot of the videos I have watched are by fellow USPTA professionals. Why re-invent the wheel? Learn to search the web for the resources you need. There are videos available for hand-held devices also. Recently there have been more webinars, which are educational presentations given over the web. This seems to be a new way to deliver education which is gaining in popularity.

Because of the expense of mailed informa-

tion, it is becoming apparent that more of this information is going to be delivered electronically.

One of my favorite things to do is watch other pros teach. Some are USPTA pros and many others are not. But I can learn from all. You can watch the drills they use and how they give feedback. I hope that when a student watches how you teach in comparison to a less experienced pro, they can see the value in taking lessons from you.

You may be able to pick out things a pro could be doing better, but ask yourself what another pro would say about you. True selfevaluation is hard to do, but if you can see things in others you may be able to correct similar issues for yourself.

Learning from your students is just as important. Since most of us work with a wide range of skill levels and ages it is just a matter of being observant. I can’t tell you how much I learn from little kids, like making lessons fun. Little kids have many things to teach us. Just as beneficial is the 80-year-old with so many hours on the court that, although they may not be as fast as they once were, they play much smarter.

Watch and listen and you will be amazed what you learn. You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk.

The main reason I joined USPTA was so I could do a better job on the court.

One thing is for sure: Education and the exchange of information helps improve your skills and grow as a tennis professional. Plus it’s nice to be recognized by your peers.

Who knows where your path will take you, but the more your knowledge base increases, the more likely you will adapt to the changing environment. In other words, continuing education can be the difference between being a good pro and a great pro.  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 also serves on USPTA’s national sports science and education committees. He is the founder of Playtennisforlife.info and has more than 25 years of teaching experience. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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USPTA raises more than $7, 500 during Lessons for Life™ silent auction

T

he United States Professional Tennis Association raised $7,582 from its silent auction held at the USPTA’s Tennis Buying Show during the World Conference on Tennis from Sept. 16-21, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif.

During the silent auction, attendees had an opportunity to bid on a variety of items, including: • Maria Sharapova–autographed racquet, courtesy of HEAD/ Penn • 6-ft by 10-ft. Tuffy windscreen panel with a 3-ft by 3-ft onecolor logo, courtesy of Aer-Flo • Dartfish Connect 6.0, courtesy of Dartfish • Two tickets to the 2013 U.S. Open, courtesy of USTA • Nike shoes for a year, one per quarter, courtesy of Fromuth • Two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa, Monterey, Calif., courtesy of Hyatt Regency Monterey The auction benefits the USPTA foundation, which through grants supports various programs in the community that help to grow tennis and bring the game to those who might not otherwise have the chance to play. Thanks to everyone who has helped make the silent auction a success through their generous donations. 

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Outdoor facility with clubhouse, garage, four hydro clay courts and two hard courts. Located in Bristol, Tenn. 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!

Looking for: attractive women tennis players (4.5 to 6.0 collegiate to tour-level) to play a character (age range: 20-26) in a video/film shoot in Los Angles. Acting experience not necessary but a plus. There is pay. Interested parties – please email to the following address: nathan@inroadproductions.net.

Income Need more students and income? Sign up with the tennis industry’s ONLY rewards program and watch your student base and income grow! www. adpointtennis.com.

Subscriptions

Tennis Drills We do the things you don’t have the time, staff or resources to do!

Free samples: www.jobeasier.com, discount code: s-uspta.

Tennis products PREFERRED PRICING for USPTA coaches/pros on Golden Set racquet string and grip. We are the exclusive distributors of Snake-Bite co-polyester. 1-888865-3202 / www.goldensettennis. com.

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.

GRIP COACH is a practical product that has simple and easyto-follow 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.

FREE SAMPLE Bob Larson’s Tennis Jobs newsletter. Daily newsletter lists new tennis jobs in USA. For sample, email jobs@tennisnews.com.

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.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

$13,000 USPTA Hard Court Championships

Oct. 19-21, 2012 • Tyler, Texas

Location: Tyler, Texas, is located 90 miles southeast of Dallas and 80 miles west of Shreveport, La. American and United offer regional jet service into Tyler Pounds Field Airport.

Events:

MOS, MOD, M35S, M45S, M55S, M40D, M50D, WOS, WOD, W35S, W50S, W35D, OPEN MXD, 40MXD

Eligibility:

Must be Professional-level USPTA-certified member in good standing at 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 entered. Enter 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 breakfast

and lunch. Consolation offered in all events with a minimum of $100 to winning teams.

Deadline:

Entries must be received through www.courtsideusa.com/surface by Monday, Oct. 8, 2012.

Extras: Limited free housing available. Please email housing requests to jsciarro@gmail.com.

Players must be registered for tournament for guaranteed housing. Hotels: Holiday Inn South

Broadway 903-561-5800, $89; Country Inn & Suites 903-561-7459, USPTA rate $79;

Hilton Garden Inn 903-509-1166; Comfort Suites 903-534-0999; Marriott Courtyard

903-509-4411; Quality Inn 903-597-1301; Priceline options also available.

Prize money: Prize money based on number of entries in each event. Men’s and women’s open singles

winners are guaranteed a minimum of $1,900 with full 16 draws. We will offer first match

loser consolation in all events and prize money to consolation winner.

Sponsors:

The Original Evans AC, Quality Investments, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Lago del Pino, Tyler Beverages, Hossley & Embry Attorneys & Counselors, Daniels Partners, TCMC Inc., McMillin Holdings

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

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/October 2012

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Career Development

conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; dates subject to change) Nov. 9-10

10 and Under Tennis Conference Houston

Dec. 7-9

USPTA Player Development Conference Academia Sánchez-Casal, Naples, FL

Jan. 25-26 Northern Division

Twin Cities, Minn.

Jan. 25-26 Southwest Division

Phoenix Jan. 26-27

California Division TBD

Feb. 7-9

Midwest Division Troy, Mich.

Feb. 8-10

Northern California Division Stanford, Calif.

Feb. 14-17 Texas Division

Grapevine, Texas Feb. 21-23 Missouri Valley Division

Wichita, Kan.

specialist degrees Little Tennis® Facility Management  Computer Technology  Sport Science  Competitive Player Development  Pro Shop Operations 

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment) Oct. 11-12 Oct. 12 Oct. 13 Oct. 14 Oct. 15 Oct. 19 Oct. 19-20 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 20-21 Oct. 27-28 Nov. 1-2 Nov. 4 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 10-11 Nov. 11

Chatham, N.J. Oklahoma City Seattle Rockledge, Fla. San Diego Phoenix Houston* Lafayette, La. Clearwater, Fla. Frederick, Md. Minneapolis Wintersprings, Fla. Birmingham, Ala. Claremont, Calif.

Fayetteville, N.C. Boca Raton, Fla. Indian Wells, Calif.

Nov. 16-17 Nov. 17 Nov. 17-18 Nov. 18 Nov. 26-27 Dec. 1-2 Dec. 2 Dec. 2-3 Dec. 2-3 Dec. 6-7 Dec. 8-9 Dec. 8-9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 9 Dec. 14-15

Houston* Mequon, Wis. Big Rapids, Mich.

Greenwood Village, Calif.

San Francisco Boston Midlothian, Va. San Diego Los Angeles Port Washington, N.Y. Boca Raton, Fla. Atlanta Nashville, Tenn.

Gastonia, N.C. San Antonio Hilton Head Island, S.C. Houston*

* 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





Advanced stroke production, Nov. 4, Los Altos Hills, Calif.

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 Nov. 4

Okemos, Mich.

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.

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ADDvantage/October 2012

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

Industry action Members The National Family Tennis Championships celebrated its pilot year of play as 18 husband-wife and parentchild doubles teams competed in doubles play at the Waldorf Astoria in Naples, Fla., Sept. 6-9. These teams earned an invitation to the national championships after participating in local competitions. A round-robin tournament determined champions in five divisions of play.

Andrew Lake, USPTA, and Evan Lake (age 14) of Davie, Fla., won the father-daughter title. The 2013 National Championships will be held next August in New York City. To view photos from this year’s competition and for information on the 2013 event, visit www.

FamilyTennis.com.

USPTA Professional Kevin Jackson (“Coach KJ”) has accepted a new position as director of tennis at Camden Country Club in Camden, S.C. Jackson, a two-time pro of the year in Georgia and pro of the year in Mississippi, was previously the director of tennis at Tupelo Country Club in Tupelo, Miss.

Angel Lopez, USPTA Master Professional, was recognized in a ceremony by the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego at the San Diego Museum of Art on Sept. 10. Lopez was recognized for all he does to promote tennis and was honored as one of the remarkable people

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ADDvantage/October 2012

of Mexican origin in San Diego. The ceremony was held to commemorate the 202nd anniversary of Mexican independence and the 133rd anniversary of the establishment of the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego.

USPTA Master Professional Tom Sweitzer is now working for the City of Orlando, Fla. He is managing the 16-court Orlando Tennis Centre, in beautiful downtown Orlando. He also will be growing tennis via the city’s 20 recreation centers. Sweitzer has spent the past 36 years in Hershey, Pa., where he ran the Central Penn Tennis Service, operating programs at 10 sites, including the Hershey Racquet Club. He has organized many charity events over the years, raising more than $8.5 million. He was awarded a Pennsylvania Governor Community Service Citation and was inducted into the USTA/Middle States Hall of Fame. He also is a past president of the USPTA Middle States Division and a former USPTA Alex Gordon Professional of the Year.

Sweitzer invites everyone to stop in when they visit the “Land of Magic.”

Master Professional Rosemary DeHoog was inducted into the USPTA Eastern Division’s Hall of Fame at its annual meeting this past May. She was further honored with an inscribed paver in the Avenue of Aces at the USTA Billie Jean King

National Tennis Center.

DeHoog, of DeWitt, N.Y., has served the Eastern Division since 1974. She was the first woman certified outside of the New York metropolitan area and the first woman in the Eastern Division to earn Master Professional certification (in 2007).

She was president of the division from 1993-95, was named its Professional of the Year in 1993 and Major Contributor in 1991. She also received the Tex Schwab Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. On the national level, DeHoog served as a tester and chaired the Women’s Committee.

One of her proudest moments came in 1994 when she served on a panel on “Issues in Women’s Tennis” with Billie Jean King and Bev Raws. In 2005, the National Organization of Women honored her with the Feminist in Athletics Award and in 2008, the Big East Athletic Conference gave her the Award for Excellence in Advancing Girls’ and Women’s Sports. DeHoog is now the semi-retired head tennis professional of the Drumlins Tennis Club in Syracuse, N.Y., where she has been a tennis pro for 40 years. She also is a retired adjunct professor of exercise science at Syracuse University and continues to be a USTA umpire.

Manufacturers The functional fitness tools designed by Fitterfirst

are used by the nation’s top sports trainers and therapists. But Fitterfirst’s products also help active people everywhere master the art of physical health and longevity, whether on the slopes, on the green, running or cycling. The company’s unique mix of products is made from only the highest grade quality and designed to improve balance, flexibility, agility, coordination and motor skills. For more information, visit http:// fitterfirst.com/.

The 2013 line of Dunlop racquets is hitting the stores and cyber shelves in Mid-October.

Featuring new molds, new technologies, and four entirely new models, the range is unlike any other previous Dunlop line. Designed from the ground up to provide extreme power and spin, in addition to maintaining Dunlop’s legendary feel, the new sticks have already been featured in Tennis magazine and in ads on the Tennis Channel.

Andy Murray was wearing adidas Barricade 7.0 tennis shoes when he became Great Britain’s first Olympic gold medal winner in tennis since 1908. The 15.3-ounce Barricade 7.0 offers the ultimate function and stability on the tennis court. Made with adipower technology and cushioning, the shoe allows the athlete to move and turn freely, while providing

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Industry action “Getting into the Game: Sports Programs for Kids with Autism” is a new book by Veronica Smith and Stephanie Y. Patterson (Jessica Kingsley Publishers). “Getting into the Game” will help parents, teachers and coaches support children with autism in taking their first steps into sports and recreation, including tennis. It offers all the information, advice and support needed to help get kids with autism engaged in fun and positive sport environments.

The book is available in paperback for $24.95 at http://www.jkp.com/ catalogue/book/9781849052498) the support required for a long match. The Barricade 7.0 is available now for $140 on adidas. com and at select retailers.

Associations Hilton Head Island, S.C., will provide the backdrop for the Tennis Industry Association’s inaugural Tennis Facility Owners and Managers Workshop on Oct. 13-14. The Saturday and Sunday workshop is geared toward tennis facility owners and managers and invites them to hear a panel of expert speakers lead sessions around the theme of “Healthy Businesses = Healthy Profits.” Key focus areas for this year’s workshop will include successful staffing, profitable retailing, proven programming for adults and juniors, and utilizing technology to drive membership and retention. In addition, roundtable discussions will

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allow attendees to share best practices, success stories, and experiences.

Speakers include USPTA national president Tom Daglis, and fellow pros Doug Cash, Mark McMahon, Rod Heckelman and Bruce Levine. Cardio Tennis Program Manager Michele Krause will provide attendees with a Cardio Tennis workout on Sunday from 7 to 8 a.m.

The conference begins at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Sonesta Resort in Shipyard Plantation on Hilton Head Island. All Sunday sessions will take place at the Shipyard Beach Club. Tennis facility owners and managers who wish to attend the workshop can complete their registration and payment of the $295 workshop fee online through TennisIndustry. org. The fee includes all workshops, TIA facility and retail manuals, Tennis Industry marketplace reports and Cost of Doing Business Surveys, Cardio

Tennis workout, Saturday cocktail reception and Sunday lunch. The Sonesta Resort is offering a special rate of $149/night to workshop participants. For more information, contact Brian O’Donnell at the TIA at 843-473-4504 or via email at Brian@TennisIndustry. org.

Board of Directors, as well as a former Babolat USA executive. Throughout this time, he has been an active volunteer in all levels of the USPTA and USTA. Scott, who lives in Louisville, Colo., can be reached at USTAIntermountain at 303-6954117, ext. 222, or rscott@ ita.usta.com.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association is in the process of changing its name to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association as part of a new branding effort.

The rebranding process is a reflection of a multiyear strategic planning process that includes a disciplined focus on its core offerings, including member services, public and industry affairs and research insights. SGMA/ SFIA is enhancing its member offerings with a new website, supplier directory, a national grassroots advocacy campaign called PHIT America, a major upgrade to its product testing member benefit, and a range of new initiatives including the 2013 Industry Leaders Summit.

Madcapz, designed just for women, are a chic new twist on a classic accessory – the baseball cap. They offer a lowprofile design that women love plus an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit. Available in caps and visors and more than 20 fun prints, there’s one to suit anyone’s style.

Madcapz were created by a stylish woman who was losing her hair from Grave’s Disease and couldn’t find a cute, feminine cap to wear. More information is available at http://madcapz.net.

Miscellany Rob Scott has accepted the position of Intermountain Tennis Association executive director. Scott, a USPTA Professional since 1979 and active member of the tennis industry for more than 30 years, is a former vice president of the ITA’s

Carex Health Brands’ new Bed Buddy Pocket Warmers heat quickly in the microwave and stay toasty-warm for up to half an hour. Made with 100 percent natural filling and a washable fleece cover, the Bed Buddy Pocket Warmers also feature Moist Heat ThermaTherapy® to soothe stresses, aches and pains.

ADDvantage/October 2012

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