Addvantage 2015 February

Inside this issue USPTA Foundation Awards Record 31 Grants in 2014 – 52 Compression Apparel Enhances Performance, Recovery – 54 Basic Tips for Club Tennis Professionals – 56 Departments: 42 CEO’s Message 44 First Vice President’s Message 46 Endorsee News 48 Beyond the Court 52 USPTA News 54 New USPTA Endorsee 56 Master Pro Corner 58 Career Development 60 Member News Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: Prince & USPTA – A Partnership of Innovation. See Page 46.

CEO’s Message

2014 –Holy Cow!

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hen I reflect on 2014, Harry Caray's famous call resonates loudly with me (being a die-hard Cubs fan). The year saw dynamic changes to our organization and one that positioned the USPTA as a vibrant, relevant and proactive association. I want to thank the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for their vision, commitment to change and for their support of the strategic plan. And, the USPTA staff deserves a great deal of credit for embracing alternative ways of doing our business and for implementing so many new initiatives.

It is time to take stock in what proved to be one of the most significant years in the history of the USPTA. Core Pillar No. 1 – Financial ­Stability: Like 2013, we will end the year with a significant surplus of revenue over expenses, even well beyond what we had budgeted. Our financial status is very solid.

Core Pillar No. 2 – Growing our ­Membership: Our Paid memberships were up 10 percent versus those of 2013 and are at the highest level ever! Much of that growth is contributed to the massive influx of new members who came in during Q4 of 2013 and prior to the altered testing procedures and revised membership structure that commenced in January 2014. The work that was done by so many volunteer USPTA leaders to overhaul the testing protocol and to implement the streamlined membership categories was a HUGE endeavor.

Another reason for the influx of new members could well be attributed to the tangible and quantifiable membership benefits that have materialized. During 2014, we announced a new partnership with Prince Sports as the official racquet and ball, and extended our long-term relationship with Fromuth/Nike as our official footwear and apparel. Hop-a-Razzi (ball hoppers) and NetKnacks (promo-

42 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

by John Embree tional items) also came to the table as well as the addition of new endorsees, 2XU (compression apparel) and Power Plate (whole body vibration wellness).

All six companies made a commitment to contribute to the newly established Retirement Gold+ program that also began in January. I know the numbers will increase as the months and years progress and as more companies seek to be affiliated with the USPTA. We also saw the creation of a health care program through our provider, Woodruff Sawyer and Digital Insurance, the largest online health care provider in the country. With so many of our independent professionals not currently covered with family medical insurance, they now have more options.

There were also a host of other benefits such as gap insurance with ­Rezilientdirect.com. Our prescription drug discount card offers significant savings (up to 85 percent) with a $1 donation made on every transaction to the USPTA Foundation and $0.50 donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

One other significant development was the creation of the new Tennis ­Industry magazine with ADDvantage being a part of it, providing a better product while also getting USPTA messaging out to the entire industry.

The U30 endeavor has been embraced by 10 of our divisions thus far and is really starting to take hold. And because we know that paying dues up front is a challenge for this audience, we are testing a quarterly dues process with this group this year to ease the financial burden.

Core Pillar No. 3 – Elevating the Educational Standards: This is our stated mission and the steps taken to achieve this Professional Imperative have been dramatic. Even though it is not a huge requirement, every new member must now have seven hours of pre-education prior to certification.

And we are requiring 12 hours or 6 credits of continuing education post-certifi-

cation over a three year period. Except for those professionals who are over 65 years old or are international members, everyone has two more years to comply.

There is nothing more important than this initiative.

Core Pillar No. 4 – Strong Alignment with Allied Organizations: Our relationship with the USTA has never been stronger, both nationally and at the division level. The collaboration that took place to develop coachyouthtennis.com is one indicator of what can be accomplished through cooperation rather than conflict. The monumental success of the Tennis Teachers Conference in NYC prior to the US Open supports that notion.

As we continue to build bridges with the Club Managers Association of America, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Tennis Industry Association, Japanese Professional Tennis Association, various high school coaches associations, etc., the USPTA is viewed by the industry as a valuable resource on so many levels.

Core Pillar No. 5 – Diversity and ­Inclusion: There will be a renewed focus on this strategic imperative, which is good for tennis and good for our association.

I want to point out the notable work being done with the USPTA Foundation, which now has a new set of bylaws, an operating board of directors and has established a grant process that awards donations to worthy charitable groups who apply. And, kudos to the USPTA Board for tackling our association bylaws to bring them up to date and make our governance more transparent and efficient.

It is impossible in this limited space to provide a comprehensive picture of the incredible number of positive developments in 2014. I hope you get a sense of what is taking place and that you too can say, “Holy cow!” The association is in good hands and what lies ahead is very exciting. May 2015 be profitable and productive for you and your business. h

GAME, SET,

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First Vice President’s Message

Happy New Year!

My New Year’s Resolutions:

by Chuck Gill

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appy New Year to everyone!

In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, I am offering up a few of my USPTA resolutions for 2015: Become a better educated professional. I am certainly looking forward to the 2015 World Conference in New Orleans. Our national staff and convention committee are working hard to make sure that our first year in “N’awlins” will be one to remember, not just for the education, but for the entire experience in one of the country’s great destinations. This year will also have USPTA division conventions, smaller regional/district workshops, and a variety of webinars that can be accessed with little or NO charge. In addition, there are great opportunities to attend local CMAA seminars, USTA section meetings and a variety of industry webinars. The USPTA education department allows education credit for many of these, so not only are you learning to be a better professional, you are also gaining credits toward your 12 hours of education that will be required by the end of 2016.

Recruit and mentor a new U30 Professional. Our association is growing older and in order to continue to grow the game and sustain our profession, we need younger pros. Not only are they the future of our game, they are much savvier at technology and social media, and bring a fresh new passion and perspective on how the game will grow in the future! Our U30 initiative is

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a great way to make sure that the next generation of teaching professionals are in the pipeline and ready to grow the next generation of players, long after “O57” pros like myself are gone!

family, running a busy club and volunteering my time, my game has suffered.

Tennis remains my favorite activity and a game that I still enjoy playing for the same reasons as when I started: fun with friends, good competition and great exReach out to some old friends! I ercise. Time to get busy with some “me would not be where I am personally time,” schedule a few games a week, and or professionally if not for the menstick to them. Every time I leave the torship of other pros that were much court with my buddies, often sweaty and wiser than me. Their tired, I always say I need ability to run programs Here’s to all of you having a to do this more often. and knowledge of ladies healthy and successful 2015, The Florida Grand Prix and being successful with teams, running events, needs to look out – this bringing in new players, whatever resolutions you year I am going to train have in the coming year! etc., is STILL relevant for that first year that I to everyone. This year age into the 60s! Plus, my I plan to reach out to at least three to youngest son just started playing for his four old USPTA friends and see if I can middle school team, and I vowed that he syphon off some more wisdom. will NEVER beat me!

Better support my endorsees. In Here’s to all of you having a healthy 2014 I was pleasantly surprised by the and successful 2015, and being sucreception that my club had to the new cessful with whatever resolutions you Prince ball with the USPTA logo, as have in the coming year! If you see me well as the new line of racquets. Prince throughout the year, ask how I’m doing and Fromuth are among our many enwith mine. h dorsees who support USPTA pros with product, endorsement dollars, and NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS via the Retirement Gold+ investment President Tom McGraw program. They have invested in the First Vice Chuck Gill ­USPTA and our hope is that they will President see a return on that investment. With 15,000 USPTA pros, we hope that many Vice Presidents Alan Cutler

Jack Michalko will find value and benefits in support Dan Moster ing these companies. Visit www.uspta Diane Selke retirement.com to get more informa Gary Trost tion on this program.

TM

Play more tennis! This one sounds simple, but between the time spent with

Past President CEO Legal Counsel

Tom Daglis John Embree George Parnell

Endorsee News

Prince & USPTA – A Partnership of Innovation

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n addition to its global headquarters moving to Atlanta, Prince Global Sports recently marked the one year anniversary of its not so secret weapon: a flagship, first of its kind, advanced tennis innovation facility on site at IMG Academy in ­Bradenton, Fla. Outfitted with state-ofthe-art product and performance-testing equipment, it is the premier global destination for product and athlete performance and development.

“The innovation center provides us with a truly unique opportunity to expand our commitment to player development into product development,” said Paige Miller, Director of Brand Marketing, Prince Global Sports. “By expanding access to our USPTA partner members, they are able to benefit from our services and we are able to incor-

Prince's advanced tennis innovation facility is the premier global destination for product and athlete performance and development.

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porate their valuable feedback in real time.”

As part of the continuing evolution of the Innovation Center, Prince is looking forward to expanding the access to the center, its knowledgeable staff and full suite of services. In 2015, Prince will be rolling out VIP concierge packages that will provide teaching professionals and players alike personal access to the Prince staff onsite at IMG and all the services the Innovation Center provides. Set directly within the IMG Academy, the staff at Prince’s Innovation Center can easily see several hundred players in a week, giving them a snapshot of the marketplace and trends in real time.

“Prince has always been committed to innovating the game of tennis and our Innovation Center at IMG better

enables us to ensure that players of all levels benefit from having access to the optimum equipment for their individual game,” says Tyler Herring, Vice President Product & Marketing.

“The evolution of our Concierge packages will provide us with a one of a kind environment where athletes are able to play an active role in all stages of Prince product development long before our new products enter the marketplace.”

Debuted one year ago at the Eddie Herr International Junior Championships tennis tournament, the center not only provides research and development for Prince, but it also provides a unique support program that includes advanced and custom-product offerings, training analysis and online information offerings for elite athletes and tennis enthusiasts alike. h

TM

Beyond the Court

Should You Learn, Live and Love the “7 Habits” as a Tennis Professional?

By Tim Irwin, USPTA

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any people believe that “The 7 Habits of Highly ­Effective People,” by ­Stephen Covey is just another self-help book, but they are wrong. In fact, it is not a self-help book or course but rather an operating system that supports you making monumental change in your personal life and your professional relationships. How does it do this?

The Daily Private Victory The DPV is a simple but powerful daily plan to make promises to yourself and keep them in the areas of your physical, mental, social and spiritual areas of life. This plan incorporates the first three of the seven habits called the private victory. The first three habits are: Habit 1 – Be Proactive; Habit 2 – Begin with the end in mind; and Habit 3 – Put first things first. Each one of these habits creates an engine for self-mastery and self-control. The computer metaphor is basically Habit 1 – YOU are the programmer; Habit 2 – WRITE the program; Habit 3 – RUN the program.

Habit 1 – Be Proactive. This means you are free to choose how you respond to any and every situation. Powerful and yes, realistic!

Habit 2 is vision for your own personal life. You do this by deeply looking inside and determining what and how you want to live out your life.

Habit 3 is to then put that vision into practice by living based on the roles you have with the goals to those roles. All of this is based on Habit 2 – your vision.

It’s easy to let our lives get lived out by other pressing and urgent issues, but in the end what do we really want? We want to live out our lives in accordance

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that creates psychological air for both you and those you come in contact with.

Habit 4 – “Think win-win” is the attitude we want to have with others. It deals with a mindset of abundance, not scarcity, and is based on the principle that there is plenty out there for all.

Habit 5 – “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” is based on the approach that we diagnose before we prescribe. It is the deep desire to suspend our autobiographical responses such as probing, advising, counseling and directing to just understanding.

If we have a win-win attitude and seek to understand first, we build trust and create the possibility of creative cooperation.

with the most important things in our lives. Only then do we truly have the private victory.

The Public Victory The public victory is how we apply the “golden rule” – Do unto others as we would have others do unto us. It’s a tool box and if authentic – not manufactured – it can be a huge muscle when dealing with people who are negative, tunnel visioned or just plain have a philosophy of “my way or the highway.” How do I work with them, or even better, how do I influence them?

Habits 4, 5 and 6 provide an approach

Habit 6 – “Synergize” is the result of applying Habits 4 and 5. If we have a win-win attitude and seek to understand first, we build trust and create the possibility of creative cooperation. This dynamism works off of the principle that the sum is greater than the individual parts.

Synergy works off of the math that 1 + 1 = 3 or 10 or 100 because you count the part between the parts that is created by people working together. Compromise, on the other hand may get a lot of points by many people, but is really a formula of 1 + 1 = 1 ½. It’s not synergy and it doesn’t value the entirety of all participants.

Renewal Habit 7 is for personal renewal, and that brings us back to the daily private victory: keeping promises to ourselves first before we venture into keeping promises to others. It’s a very sacred thing to give our word to another human being. In the tennis business, our word is our seal. h

Tim Irwin is the Coatesville High School Girls Tennis Coach, Health and Physical Education Teacher, and Educational Consultant for Franklin Covey, Inc. He presented a specialty course on “The Habits of Highly Successful People” at the 2014 Middle States Convention.

Beyond the Court

A Tennis Career Off the Court

By Cari Buck, USPTA

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always knew I wanted tennis to be How did I get in with Tennis Chanmy career – my father is a coach, nel? Do they have openings? Can I pick my mother works for the USTA, your brain over lunch? I thought, “How and I practically grew up at a sumgreat is this that so many bright young mer tennis club in Cape Cod that my pros want to look ahead to a long-term family ran. It made sense that tennis career in tennis?” It’s awesome, and it’s would always be a big part of my life. what our industry needs.

After college, I taught tennis for sev- It seems there are plenty of tennis eral years, but I soon knew that while I junkies like myself that want to be in wanted to be in tennis, I did not want to the tennis industry. From management spend all day, every to manufacturers, day on the court. I from media to marloved teaching, but keting, the stories somehow knew it were all unique in would not be fortheir own way, but ever. So I thought, at the same time how can I stay in shared a common the industry, but thread: that oppormove off the court? tunity to combine I finally made a love for the game a leap of faith and with business and quit my job teacha way to give back ing tennis in Maui and make a contriand moved back to bution to the sport Los Angeles. A lot that has given them of people thought so much. Here are There are many ways to combine I was crazy to a few of their coma love for the game with business. leave teaching; ments: my friends all thought I had a dream job. But I knew “ It feels really good to know that it would turn out to be the right move what I do every day, even in some for me. My first stop was working for small way, helps grow the sport the ATP tournament in Los Angeles, and helps make people aware of at that time the Mercedes Benz Cup. something that has given me so I also worked in sales for a tennis and much, so that's always a great regolf apparel company for a time, and minder just how lucky I feel to be stayed involved teaching part-time, in the industry.” pursuing my passion with wheelchair ~ Jeff Sikes, Marketing and ­ tennis. But then my career path took a Communications Director, detour for several years and I worked USTA Southwest in sales in the fitness industry. I still played, I still taught a little, but it “ SoCal was calling me home, and wasn’t enough. I always felt that pull another amazing opportunity to get back into the tennis world. Then became available, the Director of almost eight years I ago landed a posi­Junior Competition at SCTA; nevtion at Tennis Channel, a perfect way er thought it would become availto be involved in a sport that I love, able. Amazing job, giving back to surrounded by it all day long, without SoCal by helping players, students, the aching knees and back. coaches, and club owners.”

I have talked with so many pros this ~ Alec Horton, USPTA past year about options for getting off Director of Junior Competition, the court and staying in the industry.

USTA Southern California Section

“ My biggest reason for working in tennis is getting to combine my love for the sport with business.

When you are passionate about what you do, you are so much more focused.” ~ David Egdes, SVP Tennis ­Industry Relations, Tennis ­Channel and ATP Player Board Representative “ Tennis has done so much for me.

It has impacted my life on every level and ultimately allowed me to travel the world, meet incredible people and do things I never thought possible. What amazes me, and keeps me in the industry, is the never-ending reach that the game has and knowing that my knowledge and passion for the game can take me wherever I want to go.” ~ Matt Fawcett, Junior Agent Lagardere Unlimited Tennis “ The foundation of tennis experience has given me a series of unique opportunities to transition into entirely new businesses.

At each step of the way I’ve worked with incredibly passionate and creative people who continue to inspire me to contribute to the sport that has given me so much.” ~ Jennifer Arianas, Executive ­Director of Tennis Industry Relations, Tennis Channel So it seems that regardless of our position in the industry, we all share a deep love for the game, a chance to combine what we love with what we do for a living, and a way to give back to the sport we love. It’s not just a job to us, it’s a part of who we are. h Cari Buck, USPTA Elite Professional, is president of the California Division and Manager of Client Services at Tennis Channel.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 49

USPTA News

USPTA Foundation Awards Record 31 Grants in 2014

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he USPTA Foundation set its sights high last year by attempting to set a record, and they succeeded. In 2014, the USPTA Foundation donated $41,750 through 31 grants to tennis programs and organizations around the country, the most grants awarded in the history of the foundation.

In addition, the USPTA Foundation made an additional $3,104.22 in donations for event fundraisers and disaster relief efforts for a total of $44,854.22 awarded in 2014.

ment, including four kid-sized racquets, two junior nets, two sets of marker lines, tennis balls and a hopper. Thus far, 75 atrisk students ages 7-13 have received tennis instruction as a result of the funding.

“I love learning something new,” Jacayla Edison, 8, said. “I have never played tennis before, and I am glad to know how to play so I will be able to play later with other people.”

Former ATP world No. 7 Mardy Fish founded the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation in 2007 with a vision to provide

The mission of the USPTA Foundation is to help economically disadvantaged people learn tennis. Through collecting donations and the annual silent auction at the USPTA World Conference, the USPTA Foundation aims to spread the sport to various segments of the population that have never played the game.

Several recipients shared how the grants have made an impact on their community.

Since 1990, Quality Life Center in Fort Myers, Fla., has provided structured youth development programs that focus on arts, character and education in order to cultivate confidence, discipline and build selfsufficiency. Thanks to funding from the USPTA Foundation, Quality Life Center was able to order its own tennis equip-

opportunities and after-school programs that support health, fitness and nutrition in a safe environment. The USPTA Foundation awarded a grant to MFCF to help fund Sunday Play Days where children received free tennis lessons from USPTAcertified Professionals and learned about healthy lifestyle habits.

Two other organizations that were recipients of grants from the USPTA Foundation aimed to help military personnel and their families. ThanksUSA provides college, technical and vocational school need-based scholarships for the children and spouses of U.S. military personnel.

Since 2012, USPTA has partnered with ThanksUSA as part of the Tennis Thanks The Troops campaign, which has raised $54,000 for scholarships. Thanks to

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the USPTA Foundation grant this year – coupled with donations from fundraisers organized by USPTA Professionals – ThanksUSA was able to give out five scholarships. With the help of the USPTA Foundation grant, ThanksUSA passed the $10 million milestone in scholarship awards. Since 2006, ThanksUSA has awarded nearly 3,400 scholarships totaling more than $10 million across all branches of service in all 50 states.

The Blue Sky Foundation founded a program called T3 – Thanking our Troops through Tennis. The program travels to military bases and offers a fun, stress-free afternoon of tennis clinics and other on-court games and activities to active military personnel, spouses, children and veterans. In 2014, the Blue Sky Foundation visited military bases in Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland and Texas with an average of 125 participants at each event, ranging from ages 3 to 87. Around 12 to 15 USPTA Professionals staff each event, and the funds awarded from the USPTA Foundation help to continue this program.

USPTA members can help contribute to the USPTA Foundation fund in several ways. Use the prescription discount card when purchasing prescription drugs, which saves money and donates $1 to the USPTA Foundation with every use. At the USPTA World Conference, donate or make a bid on an item at the silent auction; all the proceeds go toward the USPTA Foundation. Check the box on your dues invoice to make a donation, or mention you’d like to make a donation when you call to pay your dues. You can also make a donation any time throughout the year by sending a check made out to USPTA Foundation to the USPTA World Headquarters at 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202, Houston, TX 77042.

The USPTA Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) charitable foundation. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information on the USPTA Foundation, visit www. uspta.com and click on About Us. h

USPTA News

Peter Burwash International Joins USPTA Family

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SPTA has teamed up with Peter Burwash International (PBI) to welcome PBI tennis-teaching professionals into the USPTA family. As part of the relationship, PBI professionals in the U.S., as well as others working in the Caribbean and other international destinations, will complete the USPTA certification process and become USPTA-certified members.

Last September PBI held its 38th annual meeting at Naples Grande Resort in Naples, Fla. The conference brought together 90 PBI tennis professionals from around the globe for a week of presentations, seminars and workshops for the purpose of continuing education and skill development. PBI President Peter Burwash and PBI’s most experienced professionals conducted specialty seminars on a variety of subjects both on and off court.

USPTA CEO John Embree addressed the PBI professionals about the ­USPTA's new partnership with PBI, benefits of USPTA membership and its vision and strategic plan. Nearly half of PBI’s professional staff became USPTA-certified during the company’s annual meeting.

USPTA Director of Professional Development Fred Viancos assisted with the 10 and Under Tennis workshop and administered the USPTA's certification exam.

PBI is the world’s largest interna-

tional tennis management company with operations in 32 countries worldwide.

The Texas-based company directs tennis programs for luxury hotels, resorts, private clubs and planned communities in exotic locations across North America, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean and Pacific. PBI professionals go through a 450-hour comprehensive training program before taking their first assignment and complete 90 hours of continuing education annually. PBI’s professionals have taught more than three million students around the world since 1975.

Commenting on PBI's new alliance with the USPTA, Jim Leupold, veteran PBI professional and tennis director at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa said, "None of us can pretend to have all the answers to tennis programming and instruction. The USPTA has a wealth of resources and educational material, which I am looking forward to reviewing and using. Access to a variety of insurances and discounts with key tennis suppliers are also a big benefit.”

Philippe Azar, PBI's tennis director at the Lyford Cay Club in the Bahamas said, "PBI and the USPTA are a great

match for each other. I am looking forward to participating in future USPTA conferences and supporting the goal of representing the tennis industry in the most professional manner possible."

PBI President and founder, Peter ­Burwash, is a USPTA Master Professional and has been a member for more than 40 years. Regarding the new association, he commented, “The extraordinary progress that the USPTA has made in the last year was the deciding factor in our decision to have so many of our professionals join the USPTA. This new relationship offers us a great opportunity to contribute to this very important organization. USPTA certification provides instant credibility with tennis players around the world and offers numerous resources and advantages for our professionals.” h

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 53

New USPTA Endorsee

2XU Compression Apparel Enhances Performance, Recovery on and off the Court

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hen tennis player and coach J.J. Whitlinger started training for a triathlon in 2010, he decided to give compression apparel a try. He soon realized that he could incorporate it into his professional life on court as well as in his personal life.

“I wear 2XU compression tights after long days on court to help me recover and keep me fresh for my next day,” said Whitlinger, director of junior tennis operations at Fremont Hills Country Club in Los Altos Hills, Calif.

“I only wish that I had discovered these products growing up as a ranked junior and when I was playing NCAA D1 tennis. I’m 100 percent confident I can train harder and longer when using 2XU Compression products.”

USPTA Professional Randy Becker also discovered 2XU Compression apparel when he was training for the Ironman triathlon in 2010.

“The benefits were obvious from day one, and compression became part of my daily uniform,” he said. “I was able to work out in the early morning, teach seven or eight hours and squeeze in workout two at lunch or after work. I found that wearing compression while active allowed the muscles to stay fresh and keep going. In addition, using compression while resting, traveling, watching TV, enjoying time with my family and sleeping allowed me to recover faster and answer the bell the next morning.”

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Becker’s positive experience motivated him to reach out to 2XU and present a business plan to introduce compression to the tennis community.

He is now National Sales Manager for 2XU. Tennis is a game of explosive movement and extreme precision; a sport where winning and losing is decided by fractions of an inch. To compete effectively, you must perform with quick turnaround and little recovery time between matches and/ or training. 2XU Compression is proven to support performance and recovery at the highest levels of sport.

Wearing 2XU Compression during play helps contain and stabilize muscles to reduce damage and leave your legs less sore.

Wearing the apparel after play helps to increase blood flow and flush out lactic acid, resulting in faster recovery.

Tomas Penicka, director of tennis at Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose, Calif., wears 2XU compression products while teaching. “At my age (37), it is starting to be harder to keep my regular workout schedule and it is starting to be more difficult to be teaching for hours on the court, which is what I am used to,” he said.

“But with compression shorts, compression calf guards and with recovery compression tights, these tasks are so much easier to do.”

Benefits of compression apparel • Muscle containment from reduced muscle oscillation and vibration • Improves muscle alignment for increased power • Increases endurance by reducing muscle oscillation, which causes fatigue • Prevents Achilles tendon injuries and calf injuries, such as shin splints • By reducing fatigue, recovery process is faster and begins during the activity phase.

• Increases circulation: Increased venous return (blood flow back to heart) and enhanced arterial blood flow of re-oxygenated blood back to muscles.

• Creates longer durations of sustained muscle performance, less fatigue, faster race times and faster recovery Through a new endorsement relationship with 2XU, USPTA-certified members have the opportunity to purchase 2XU compression apparel, both personally and for pro shop resale.

USPTA Professionals will save 40 percent on purchases for personal use, and members who purchase for their club or facility pro shop will receive a 5 percent contribution to their Retirement Gold+ plan.

“Partnering with a leading fitness apparel company like 2XU allows USPTA to give our members another opportunity to provide the latest fitness technology to their club members,” said USPTA CEO John Embree.

For details on how to receive your discount on 2XU compressional apparel, or to learn more about retail partner opportunities, go to uspta.com/benefits and click on the 2XU logo. To sign up for the Retirement Gold+ plan, go to usptaretirement.com. h

Master Pro Corner

Basic Tips for Club Tennis Professionals

Master Professional

By Fred Burdick, USPTA Master Professional

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uring my years as a USPTA Professional, I have learned so much from other professionals, and I thought I should pass along some of those basic tips.

These will help you avoid pitfalls and give you a long career at your club. So not in any order, here are a few: 1. You are not a member of your club, never think you are. When you start thinking that you are not an employee, you run into trouble.

2. Have a contract. If your general manager has one then you can point to his or her contract to justify yours.

The USPTA can help provide you with a sample that can serve as a guideline.

3. Don't always take an increase in your base salary as compensation. If your salary after years of service to the club gets too high,

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some will start to question it. There may be other ways to increase your compensation.

4. Only make the same 10 percent of club members mad at you each year. On average, approximately 10 percent of every club membership is going to be unsatisfied, no matter what you do. Just make sure it is always the same 10 percent or at the end of five years, you’ll have 50 percent of the membership mad at you and you’ll be looking for a new job. Peter Howell, a long-time Atlanta professional, told me this early in my career.

5. Don't drive an expensive car.

Sound silly? Think about it. It is smarter to keep a low profile than to drive up in a new BMW or ­Mercedes.

Otherwise, your membership will think you are making too much ­money.

6. Don't play golf at your club. Face it, golf rules the club. You don't need to be holding up the club board member and his/her foursome. More importantly, you don’t want your members to think that you have so much time on your hands that you can be away from your tennis operations.

7. You provide a service. You are not a servant. Rarely, but it happens that members of the club think of you as something you are not.

8. Learn their names and use them often. Members belong to a club for a lot of reasons, but one is to be treated in a special manner they don't get at public facilities. Knowing their names is special.

There are many more, but I hope these are as helpful to you as they have been for me. h

TM

Career Development Exams, Upgrades & PTCA I

Conventions Feb. 5-7

Midwest Winter Forum (5 credits) Indianapolis

Feb. 6-8

California Division Convention (5 credits)

Feb. 7-8

Southwest Division Convention (5 credits) Phoenix

Feb. 7-8

Intermountain Division Convention (5 credits)

Centennial, Colo.

Feb. 12-14

Memphis Winter Convention (5 credits)

Memphis, Tenn.

Feb. 15

Hawaii Division Convention (5 credits) Honolulu

Feb. 19-21

Missouri Valley Division Convention (5 credits)

Feb. 7 Indianapolis

Feb. 19-22

Texas Division Convention (5 credits)

Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Feb. 7-8

Centennial, Colo.

Feb. 21-22

Northern California Division Convention (5 credits)

Stanford, Calif.

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Feb. 27-28

Mid-Atlantic Division Convention (5 credits)

Virginia Beach, Va.

(4 credits for PTCA I segment) Jan. 19

Vienna, Va.

Jan. 19

Nichols Hills, Okla.

Jan. 24-25

Feb. 8

Brunswick, Maine

Feb. 12-13

Port Washington, N.Y.

Feb. 14-15

Orlando, Fla.

Feb. 14-15

Huntington Beach, Calif.

Los Angeles

Kansas City, Kansas

* 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.

TAUT Workshops (2 credits) Feb. 6

Centennial, Colo.

Feb. 6

Indianapolis

Feb. 20

Eau Claire, Wis.

Go to www.coachyouthtennis.com for more workshops or to register.

Specialty courses (2 credits) Feb. 5

Target 22: Developing confident competitors Indianapolis; Larry Lauer, Ph.D.

58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Accredited Professional Coach Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA SmartCode Education System. This uses your smartphone

to instantly register your attendance to all seminars and specialty courses earning APC. To use the system at a seminar, general session or specialty course, you must scan two QR codes. One QR code is on your conference badge. The second QR code will be in your

conference notebook and cannot be scanned until the end of the session or the beginning of the next session.

If you do not have a smartphone, you may use someone else’s. Forms are available upon request.

Tennis Department Success Depends on all Departments at Your Club

By Ken DeHart, USPTA Master Professional

7

Steps to Integrating Other Departments into Your Tennis Program:

club understands what we have to offer they become promoters of tennis to people I may never see.

1. Invite other department heads to your tennis staff meetings. Let other departments see how you operate and what tennis events are scheduled. Ask them how they can participate to make the events more successful.

4. Offer free staff tennis clinics. I offer a free Staff Clinic Night quarterly where all the club staff plays red, orange, green and yellow ball tennis.

We provide the racquets, balls, instruction and pizza.

2. Attend other department staff meetings to learn what they do. Offer suggestions as to how you can help promote what they do. Report back to your staff about what is happening in the rest of the club.

3. Each department touches members that I may never see in my tennis department. If each department in the

5. Staff can join in any of our drop in clinics for free. Once they hit and get into a clinic, they become our best sales staff to members we may not see on a regular basis.

6. Have an all-department meeting every other week or monthly. Get all the department heads together and share what is going on with your department. This can be with just your

manager or just the swim coach or the cafe manager.

7. Have a club calendar and list all major events from each department. Keep what is happening around the club before all the departments. This can be on paper or on Outlook Express.

Communication throughout your club is critical to the success of your department, other departments and the club as a whole. Become a leader – if this isn't happening – make it happen. h Ken DeHart is the Director of Tennis for Almaden Valley Athletic Club in San Jose, Calif.

Article reprinted with permission from the USPTA Northern California Division.

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Member News

• USPTA President Tom McGraw (r) and Eastern Division Regional Vice President Warren Lem (l) with Naoko Sato, President of the Japan Professional Tennis Association. McGraw and Lem attended the JPTA convention in Tokyo.

• “The Secrets of Spanish Tennis,” by USPTA Elite Professional Chris Lewit, features the key Spanish methods that have propelled Spain to the pinnacle of professional tennis. Lewit, a New York-based high performance tennis coach, spent the last seven years visiting many of the top Spanish academies and studying their teaching methods. The book explains the unique and special training methodology of some of Spain’s leading coaches, while also sharing many of their “secret” Spanish tennis drills. All drills featured in the book are also demonstrated visually on Lewit’s website, www. secretsofspanishtennis.com. The book can be purchased on Amazon.com. Lewit directs the Chris Lewit Tennis Academy, a Spanish-inspired high performance tennis academy at the prestigious New York Tennis Club.

• Steve Diamond, USPTA Elite Professional, was inducted into the USPTA Eastern Division Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Eastern Division’s joint conference with the USTA Eastern Section. Diamond was the 2004 USPTA National Professional of the Year and a two-time Eastern Division President. He has just celebrated 35 years of service to the USPTA. Diamond has been the tennis director during the summer at the Green Brook Country Club in North Caldwell, N.J., since 1991, and is also a staff professional at the Knoll Indoor Tennis Club in Lake Hiawatha, N.J., during the winter.

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

60 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

• Dave Rapp, USPTA Elite Professional, has been selected as the new director of tennis at San Dieguito Tennis Club in Encinitas, Calif. He has been a member of the USPTA for 33 years, has served on the San Diego Division board as vice president, and is a former pro of the year. He is excited to lead this unique and beautiful memberowned family tennis club and be able to work with its fantastic members. Rapp’s long-time association with the USPTA has helped him stay up to date with the current trends in the tennis business and prepare him for this new venture.

• Former tennis professional turned realtor, Gregg Manning, has written a book called “MANNING UP In the Face of Death,” about his battle and experience with leukemia.

Manning was diagnosed in June of 2007 and given two to six weeks to live. This is an inspirational and encouraging book and all proceeds will go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help find

a cure. You can order your copy at www.manningupforcancer.com. "Being able to handle a doctor telling you have cancer is one thing. Being told that you have a finite number of weeks to live takes that feeling to an entirely different level," Manning said. "Little did I know how important my experiences in tennis would be in contributing to my survival. I relied on those experiences daily."

• Learning wheelchair tennis has just become a lot easier! Six-time World Champion David Hall, together with his long-time coach, USPTA Professional Rich Berman, have put together a comprehensive video tutorial of all the basics of playing wheelchair tennis. Check it out at letsrollwheelchairtennis.com.

• USPTA U30 Professionals in Florida attended a one-day workshop put together by USTA Player Development. The workshop covered everything from 10 and Under Tennis to coaching at the pro level.

Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA.