Addvantage 2016 March

Inside this issue Changing the Game – 58 USPTA Donates $5,000 to ThanksUSA Scholarship Fund– 60 Departments: 50 CEO’s Message 52 Vice President’s Message 56 Endorsee News 59 USPTA Benefits

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Beyond the Court Inside Coaching Career Development USPTA News Member News

Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: Teaching students to receive the ball properly is important in learning how to play the game. See more on Page 64.

CEO’s Message

Miscellaneous Musings

by John Embree

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Tennisresources.com – this website, which is loaded with drills, videos, practice planners, etc., is one of the most underutilized assets of the USPTA. We gave it a long overdue facelift and rewrote the outdated code so that it can be

ormally, there is one singular message that I try to get across in my monthly article.

Absent that this go around, I decided to highlight a variety of topics that every USPTA member and industry person would want to know. Here goes…

at the division level. With 10 of our 17 divisions hosting their annual division conferences during the first quarter, I expect attendance to be up dramatically as pros dedicate the time to accomplish this goal. Come on, people!

New Board – beginning in January, our new Board of Directors took office under the leadership of Chuck Gill, President. We gathered in early January at the site of our 2016 World Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., to plan the year, discuss new committee assignments, and tackle important issues facing our association for the next 12 months.

We also welcomed two new board members, Feisal Hassan (VA) and Ken McAllister (TX), to the group and look forward to having their perspective and leadership during the next two years.

Coming out of the meeting, there was a fresh enthusiasm and optimism about where we are heading.

There are only 10 months left for everyone to “get 6 in 2016,” which is our theme to encourage 100 percent compliance of our continuing education requirement.

Without question, this is the top priority both nationally and at the division level.

Endorsement Update – I am pleased to announce the renewal for another two years of our partnership with NetKnacks, which continues to provide excellent customer service to our members who need promotional items, trophies, and T-shirts for club events at terrific prices. Hop-a-Razzi has just completed a rebranding (see Page 58) and 2XU compression apparel has a new USPTA landing page to take your order.

Professional Development – there are only 10 months left for everyone to “get 6 in 2016,” which is our theme to encourage 100 percent compliance of our continuing education requirement.

There are more than 3,400 members in good standing who had 0 credits at the beginning of the year (seriously?) plus another 17 percent of those eligible who only have a portion of what is needed. Without question, this is the top priority both nationally and

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USPTA Indoor Championships – have now been set for March 18-20 at the Racquet Club of Memphis. Under the direction of new Master Professional Michael Chamberlain, players will be amassing points in order to be invited to the Masters Invitational at the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens in September during our World Conference. The club is the site of the recently held ATP Memphis Open and is a fantastic facility.

Rally the Family – this is an industrywide initiative to get families more engaged with tennis as a platform. Using short courts, transition balls and racquets, it is imperative that we come together and do what we can to get people out to enjoy our great game in a fun format. You will be hearing more information about this program starting with “Tennis Night in America” at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, March 8 and through a variety of channels. Thanks to each of you who commit to get involved.

Usptaplayer.com – in case you are not aware, we will be winding down our affiliation with Courtside USA at year end. We are in the process of evaluating viable options that will serve as the replacement for this registration software and communication vehicle.

All indications are that we will be able to secure the services of a satisfactory solution and roll it out to our membership sometime this summer.

accessed by everyone easily. Launched at the end of January, this website is now available at NO CHARGE to USPTA members – what a tremendous member benefit! If you struggle to think of a new drill to use with your students, jump onto tennisresources.com and find something fresh to do before you walk out on the court.

National Tester – the hiring of Sid Newcomb to serve as our National Tester is a major step toward improving the consistency of the testing experience for every applicant across the country. Working in concert with the Testing and Certification Committee, Sid will be training new testers in those divisions where there is a need for testing depth, helping evaluate our test content and procedures while connecting with many of our applicants prior to their actual certification date.

He will play a valuable role to ensure that the first touch with our applicant is positive. Offering exceptional customer service is going to be his mantra and we welcome him to our team.

Space is limiting me from going into too much more detail on these “miscellaneous musings” plus others that are in the works. But, I trust you get a sense of all of the terrific things happening with your association. I continually say that it is an exciting time to be a part of the USPTA and I mean it! h

Vice President’s Message

Making Professional Development Easier

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by Alan Cutler

s we approach the end of the tirement planning, diversity and nology available to us. first three-year professional high performance. We have industry Now we have so many ways to help development requirement, experts like Feisal Hassan, Bruce you meet the professional develop we have exciting news to Levine, Chuck Gill, Jorge Capestany, ment requirement. You can particishare with you. USPTA uses a WebLarry Lauer and Lane Evans ( just pate in USPTA education live in your based platform to deliver education to name a few). It seems like there division or at a national event, online opportunities in the form of webinars. should be a subject to interest you, through live webinars or live streamWe are trying to provide these on a but we are always open to suggesing, on demand through recorded monthly basis, and in the last year we tions. What a great way to get your sessions and webinars, or DVDs, just have presented 12 free of charge to professional development credits out to name a few. Beyond that, college members. We try to schedule them early in the afternoon, but what hapUSPTA is committed to using new and existing technologies to help you get your pens if you are not available when the credits. You are the best in the industry! Use professional development to make live webinars are scheduled? We are yourself a better teacher, coach, supervisor and employee. now offering the recorded versions of all the webinars through the Web so they are available to you when you have time. It can be 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., of the way! We all have some dead classes, CPR courses, seminars, weand you can access the webinars and time during the day that can be filled binars and so many other events and receive education credits. Any day, with a quick webinar to assist you in activities will earn you credits. Don’t any time, the webinars are on demand completing the professional developforget, there are many allied organizafrom USPTA via YouTube, and, best of ment requirement. tion events that count for education all, they are still free to you!

Also for the first time, we live credits. Also a great way to get the 6 The webinars are approximately streamed the four general sessions credits is to watch the Coach Youth 50 minutes, and count for .5 of an from the 2015 USPTA World ConferTennis online courses available at education credit. By the time this ence. Many people were able to see ­­coachyouthtennis.com. There are so is published we should have 14 wethese sessions without leaving home. many opportunities that there is not binars available on demand. These USPTA invested in a product that alenough space to list them all. We know can be found at the newly updated lowed us to live stream sessions that many of you are getting your profes­TennisResources.com website just rewere being recorded at the confersional development, but are neglecting launched. Click on the webinars menu ence through YouTube. For those to submit it for credit. Remember it button to access them. Once the webiwishing to receive credit for the live never hurts to submit an event to see if nar finishes, the streaming, it counts! credits will be there was an Just remember that you have until Remember that you have until the end automatically opportunity to the end of 2016 to complete your proof 2016 to complete your professional processed to purchase the fessional development requirement. I development requirement. your account. four general don’t know about you, but I can always We will consession packimprove my skills, whether it is on tinue to make age for $50. the court or in the office. There are so other webinars available as we host This service proved to be a success, many ways to earn professional develthem. and we are committed to live streamopment credits. USPTA is committed The subject matter is very diverse ing and providing more opportunities to using new and existing technologies and there is something for everyone. during the 2016 World Conference to help you get your credits. You are We have webinars on equipment, in Indian Wells, Calif. We will look the best in the industry! Use profestime management, club programfor other opportunities in the future sional development to make yourself ming, sports science/physiology/ to live stream presentations. We are a better teacher, coach, supervisor and psychology, entrepreneurship, resimply taking advantage of the techemployee. h

52 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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Endorsee News

Prince Provides the Largest Sweet Spot in Tennis

TeXtreme Premier 105

better tennis. For the players looking for the most help to improve their game, all they need is a Premier racquet and a certified USPTA teaching pro to take them to the next level,” said Tyler H ­ erring, Vice President Product & Marketing, Prince Global Sports.

With the combination of TeXtreme and O3, the Premier line offers not only the largest sweet spot in tennis, but it also does it in a very arm-friendly manner. ­TeXtreme is the only technology currently available to increase stability without adding weight or increasing stiffness. As an additional benefit, the Prince O3 technology increases the sweet spot and the aerodynamics s­ imultaneously.

“The Premier racquets are truly the perfect marriage as the increased sweet spot combined with the low stiffness reduces the negative impact that can be caused by other styles of racquets,” said Tim Puttock, Manager Hardgoods Design and Development, Prince Global Sports. “Given its ease of use and arm-friendly nature, it makes an ideal teaching racquet for pros who hit a large volume of balls every day.”

TeXtreme Premier 120

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SPTA official racquet partner, Prince® Global Sports is known the tennis world over for its revolutionary racquet technology and design. In 1976, the original Prince Classic changed tennis overnight with a sweet spot that was 50 percent larger than any other racquet available at the time. Now Prince is about to start a new revolution with its TeXtreme® Premier 105 and Premier 120, featuring the largest sweet spot in tennis.

The 2016 ­TeXtreme Premier line offers a unique combination of both T ­ eXtreme and Prince’s O3 port technology, increasing the sweet spot up to an impressive 77 percent over other standard frames with the same headsize. A larger sweet spot is a great benefit to all players at virtually every level of the game, providing maximum performance from their racquet. Players get more power, more control and less vibration for better feel. The new Premiers dramatically improve the probability that the player will realize maximum benefits by striking the ball in this critical area of the racquet head.

“The Premier racquet collection is the epitome of true game improvement, designed to help tennis players play

Prince’s 2016 ­TeXtreme Premier collection provides two options for today’s player – the Premier 120 and the Premier 105. “The Premier 120 is the Cadillac of racquets – this is our largest, lightest and longest racquet that delivers the ultimate in power and comfort,” said Herring.

“For the player who’s looking for more versatility, the Premier 105 is like the Swiss Army Knife of the tennis world.

It offers top-of-the-line, game-improving technologies in a super versatile 105inch head size with specs that will fit a wide variety of player types and playing styles. With the addition of the new Premier family to our TeXtreme collection, there is absolutely a Prince racquet for every player.”

For the ultimate sweet spot experience, Prince recommends any one of their Premier Strings to pair with the ­TeXtreme Premier collection of racquets. With the TeXtreme Premier 105 and 120, Prince rounds out its en­ eXtreme line of 12 racquets. h tire T For more information on how you can bring the Prince collection to your shop, contact your local Prince Brand Manager.

The Premier racquet collection is the epitome of true game improvement, designed to help tennis players play better tennis. For the players looking for the most help to improve their game, all they need is a Premier racquet and a certified USPTA teaching pro to take them to the next level.

56 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Endorsee News

USPTA Extends Partnership with NetKnacks Tennis Awards

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SPTA and NetKnacks Tennis Awards have extended their partnership through 2017 with NetKnacks remaining the USPTA’s official awards and promotional products partner.

As an official USPTA endorsee, NetKnacks serves as the designated awards supplier for the USPTA’s annual awards program and provides the association with promotional items, custom logo products and personalized awards. As part of our agreement, NetKnacks contributes 3 percent of all sales into participating USPTAcertified members’ Retirement Gold+ funds. Additionally, NetKnacks offers all USPTA members a 10 percent discount on any online order more than $500.

“NetKnacks is the clear leader in custom awards, apparel and promotional items for the tennis industry and has been a valued partner to the USPTA and

our members for the past two years,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “They have demonstrated a strong, long-term commitment to the tennis professional by continuing their support of the USPTA’s Retirement Gold+ Plan, giving USPTA-certified members an opportunity to help build their retirement fund.”

NetKnacks, a division of Pinnacle Promotions, provides unique, personalized tennis awards and apparel in all budget ranges for tennis tournaments,

associations, leagues and events. NetKnacks is the official awards supplier for the USTA League Tennis Program.

“Founded by industry veteran Marcy Hirshberg, NetKnacks has been helping customers find the right tennis awards, apparel and promotional items to make their events a success,” said NetKnacks Director Kristina “K.J.” Hausman. “We pride ourselves on being the only supplier to focus solely on the tennis industry with an extensive selection of tennis-specific awards and merchandise. This partnership provides us the perfect way to help support the USPTA members in a meaningful way while at the same time making it easy and cost effective in helping them promote and grow the sport of tennis.”

Visit www.netknacks.com for more information. To sign up for the USPTA Retirement Gold+ plan, go to ­usptaretirement.com. h

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 57

Endorsee News

Changing the Game

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hen Christi Turdo started playing tennis 30 years ago in her hometown of West Palm Beach, Fla., tennis (and life in general) seemed much simpler. There were fewer choices with only a few big brands of the small multilayered, laminated racquets; the short shorts and the tight-fitting, all-white clothing donned by the men was the standard of the day. The intense rivalries and personalities of the time were something that fans could easily choose between (think Borg and McEnroe, Chrissy and Martina, even Billie Jean and Bobby Riggs – we all had our favorites).

Since the ’70s, a lot has changed in the world and in tennis. The equipment, the clothing, the way players train, and the game itself has changed exponentially – especially when compared to other major sports (where the hem length of the basketball players’ shorts is the primary distinction between now and then … and, of course, the shot clock did speed up the game).

However, with tennis, everything has been evolving. The industry has focused on anything and everything that would enhance player performance. The racquets went from the small laminated frame to today’s graphite/composite frames with their supercharged strings. The men’s tight-fitting clothing loosened up quite a bit. Now, not only does the clothing fit the physiques more respectably, the high-performance textiles allow players to move more freely and wick away sweat quickly.

Today’s rivalries are not nearly as clearcut as the “Good” versus “Evil” matches of the ’70s. And that doesn’t even begin to touch on the changes in junior tennis or how the pros’ style of play has changed over the years – with the net game that’s become a rarity for the big power hitters in their extended rallies.

Lack of innovation on the practice court With all of these changes and innovations in the tennis industry, Turdo as a player, instructor, club director and owner

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– noticed one specific area that had been overlooked by the industry. Relegated to just another piece of court equipment, the tennis hopper had been left out of the spotlight, with manufacturers not seeing the need to innovate or make improvements in the last 30 years. Turdo wondered why there was a lack of innovation.

She knew that for pros like herself, and for the player, time on the practice court is one of the most critical factors to a player’s performance. Any extra time spent picking up 90 balls on the court is not time well spent – not to mention the younger players who can’t even carry the traditional ball hopper and end up dragging it around the court and scraping the surface.

So why not rethink the hopper?

Turdo thought this lack of innovation was absurd. “We’ve moved from wooden racquets and short shorts to high-end graphite and performance-enhancing textile clothing. Why then are we satisfied with heavy, poorly-constructed hoppers that tear up your very expensive court?” she asked. Turdo is very adamant about the need for better hoppers.

Her solution? She started Hoparazzi, the brand behind the brightly colored baskets that fit the vibrant personality of the players and pros. And the attributes don’t stop at color. Hoparazzi hoppers are designed specifically for the players with integrated wheels that glide across the court and telescoping handles that can be customized to the height of the player. The patented technology is

both lightweight and durable. The new Alpha 90 Series stacks for better storage in your club, while the Elite 65 and Pro Elite 125 have lock-down legs that are ultra sturdy and prevent the unthinkable – an errant ball causing your entire hopper to tip over.

Turdo started her small company out of her north Chicago club. With the same enthusiasm she has on the practice court (her players say she is relentless – but in a good way), she focused on developing the hopper concept, working with the right manufacturers, and selling primarily to other clubs while getting feedback from pros, players and industry leaders. She wanted to make certain she had everything right.

Now, she feels like she is ready to make her entry into the big time. Turdo has recently hired a design firm, Indigobloom Design out of Chicago, to rebrand Hoparazzi and give the small startup and brand the look and personality that reflects the high performance, premium product that she has developed. With this recent move, she is also the Official Hopper of the USPTA and ATP/ WTA Cincinnati Tournament and is quickly gaining distribution throughout the Alpha 90 Series in Hotter than Pink, country. h one of 14 colors.

USPTA Benefits

Tennis Resources to Launch Improved Website with Unlimited Streaming All USPTA members will have free access to thousands of instructional content

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he world’s premier search engine for all things tennis is now easier to use, available to stream online, and offers free membership for all USPTA members.

TennisResources.com recently launched a long overdue overhaul of its website with improved features and a new, clean look. The updated website will be home to thousands of hours of instruction, including lessons, drills, audio seminars, articles, high-speed and slow-motion film, and much more that is related to all levels and aspects of the game of tennis. The site is the ultimate educational and instructional resource for tennis coaches and players with new content continually being added to the collection. It’s easy to use because of its YouTube-like functioning, and it appeals to everyone because of the simplicity of its interface.

Many new features have been added to the site to make it more user-friendly and enhance the overall value. Subscribers now have access to unlimited streaming of video content and can build their own personal libraries by saving content to their favorites to watch as many times as they wish.

Additionally, the site is now mobile c ­ ompatible with smartphones and tablets but can also be accessed via desktop.

In an effort to make continuing education more accessible, USPTA members can now earn continuing education credits on certain videos they watch on Tennis Resources. Videos that are eligible for credit will be marked with how many credits they are worth.

As long as USPTA members are logged in, they can watch video and then automatically be credited for viewing instructional content.

The search features have been improved to help busy tennis coaches and players find what they’re looking for quicker and more easily. Users type in a search term and then can check boxes to narrow down the results. For example, a user can type in “forehand” and then narrow down results by general performance components (technical, tactical, physical, etc.), drill or lesson, demographics, type of media, etc.

Content is divided into three categories: Free, Tennis Resources Members-only and Pay Per Video. Content marked with a green, open lock icon denotes the content is free and accessible to anyone; a red lock icon designates the content is available to USPTA members and subscribers only; and a shopping cart icon lets the user know the content is available to purchase.

For the first time, Tennis Resources

will have On Court with USPTA episodes, seminars and specialty courses available for streaming with special pricing for subscribers and USPTA members. Once the video is purchased, it becomes a part of the user’s personal library and is available for unlimited views. On Court with USPTA episodes are $2.99 per video ($4.99 for new releases) for USPTA members and $9.99 for non-USPTA members. Seminars are $4.99 per video for USPTA members and $12.99 for non-USPTA members. Specialty courses are $14.99 per video for USPTA members and $24.99 for non-USPTA members.

Subscriptions for non-USPTA members can be purchased quarterly ($29.99 per quarter) or on an annual basis ($69.99 per year). Subscribers will be able to purchase pay-per-video content at USPTA member pricing. h

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 59

Beyond the Court

USPTA Donates $5,000 to ThanksUSA Scholarship Fund

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n an effort to continue its support of the Tennis Thanks The Troops campaign, USPTA donated $5,000 in January to ThanksUSA’s scholarship fund. Since partnering with ThanksUSA in 2013, USPTA has donated $11,000 to the organization, and its divisions and members have donated more than $65,000 to the general scholarship fund in the last three years.

“The USPTA’s contribution is a terrific way to start off 2016. Their generous action reinforces the organization’s continuing support for ThanksUSA by its club pros, special tournaments and fundraisers throughout the tennis season and beyond,” said ThanksUSA CEO and chair Bob Okun. “It also challenges the athletes and their fans to increase the momentum during the rest of the year to create new ways for all USPTA members and their families to say thank you to our military families. Their contributions help ensure that the children and spouses of our service members reach their career potential through the gift of education.”

ThanksUSA provides need-based, post-secondary scholarships to the children and spouses of active-duty personnel across all the Armed Forces, the National Guard and Reserves, as well as to families of the fallen and

USPTA Pro Bunny Bruning and Wakonda Tennis Club celebrated our freedom with a Fourth of July event to support military families.

wounded. USPTA and ThanksUSA teamed up to encourage USPTA Professionals to fund scholarships for the families of military men and women since 2013.

The nationwide campaign, which launched in 2012, has the support of men’s doubles champions and No. 1-ranked doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan and the WTA Tour’s previ-

ously No. 1-ranked doubles player and US Open Doubles Champion Lisa ­Raymond as spokespersons.

Over the past year, 12 USPTA divisions and several individual members increased their support from 2014 by holding 18 events across the country and submitting donations to raise $29,962, the highest amount in the three years USPTA has partnered with

USPTA Pros at the USPTA Southern U30 Conference showed their support for ThanksUSA.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 47

USPTA Pro Frank Swope and BallenIsles Country Club hosted an event on Veteran’s Day. A round-robin tournament and member donations resulted in a generous contribution to support ThanksUSA scholarships.

the charitable organization. In 2014, five divisions held 10 events and raised $22,086, and in 2013 total donations amounted to $13,327.

Since the partnership began in 2013, USPTA has 15 $3,000 scholarships in its name. Other clubs and associations have a combined total of 14 named $3,000 scholarships thanks to the fundraising efforts of USPTA members at Berkeley Hills Country Club, San Diego Tennis Association, JTCC-College Park Tennis Club and the Chartwell Tennis Classic.

USPTA members can help by donating a portion of their lessons or clinic fees taught during the year, especially on military holidays such as Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. TTTT events can also combine with existing USPTA programs such as Lessons for Life™.

USPTA Professionals can provide the opportunity for their students and club members to donate $5 for the cause or they can run a simple round robin, tournament or other event with all or a portion of the proceeds being donated to ThanksUSA. As an extra incentive to support the ThanksUSA cause, the club or individual raising the most money for the ThanksUSA charity will receive two tickets to the US Open and the opportunity to send their pro and a guest to New York, including airlines and hotel. h For more information or to get involved with ThanksUSA and the Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign, visit www.thanksusa.org.

USPTA Pro Tanda Bianco and Port Royal Racquet Club hosted a Fast Action Drill Clinic followed by a Doubles Exhibition featuring top Hilton Head Island tennis professionals to raise funds for Tennis Thanks the Troops.

Above: USPTA Pro Mani Barajas-Alexander and TopNotch Tennis teamed up with USTA Mid-Atlantic to host an entry-level tennis tournament at Tuckahoe Recreation Club in McLean, Va., with entry fees donated to TTTT. Above, right: ThanksUSA scholar Jinah Kim and her family joined TTTT at the CopperWynd Pro Challenge on Veteran’s Appreciation Day, which is under the direction of USPTA Pro Scott McCulloch, Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Right: Karla Orozco and stepfather Reuben are recognized by members of the San Diego District Tennis Association’s Military Outreach Committee for her educational scholarship made possible through funds raised during the District’s annual Tennis Fest. Photo includes members of SDDTA Military Outreach Committee, including USPTA Pros Steve Kappes, Josh Jorgensen and Geoff Griffin.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 61

Inside Coaching

Receiving the Ball

By Jack Foster, USPTA

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eceiving the ball is as important in tennis as sending the ball. Many times coaches tend to stress sending the ball through hand or racquet feeds. The ball is sent to the student at the same pace and height so the student is successful nearly every time. The problem with this is when the student tries to play with his friends, they spend more time chasing balls than playing. The reason being is the student has not learned to properly receive balls.

Before one can hit (send) a ball over the net effectively, he must learn to receive it. How many times have we experienced a child or beginner swing the racquet and completely miss the ball even when it is dropped for them? Why? The child or beginner has not learned to receive the ball yet and is lacking in striking skills. How do we teach the child to receive the ball as it pertains to tennis?

We can teach the student to receive the ball by allowing her to attempt to catch it. This can be done by having the student stand while we drop a ball in front of her and ask her to catch it.

The next progression after she can accomplish this task is to have the student stand several feet from the coach, Mom, Dad or fellow student. The coach or partner will gently toss the ball where it bounces for the student to attempt to catch it (see below). When the student is successful in catching the ball have her gently toss the ball back to the coach or

Before one can hit a ball over the net effectively, he must learn to receive it.

partner and see how many times they can do this before she makes an error.

This also helps in ball tracking.

Next, repeat this task by having the student “receive” /catch the ball by having him move to catch it. The instructor stands across the net and tosses the ball at slightly different areas of the service boxes and have the student move to “receive” /catch the ball. All of these exercises require the student to receive the ball while in a stationary position or with very little movement.

Use larger foam balls if it is applicable for the student’s ability, progress to low-compression balls when the stu-

We can teach the student to receive the ball by allowing her to attempt to catch it.

64 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

dent is ready, and then to tennis balls.

The student then learns to receive the ball from different areas of the court with different heights, spins and pace.

We can do this by tossing balls at various distances and heights within the court so the beginner can catch the ball on one bounce and toss it over the net back to the sender. When the ball bounces to the coach, toss another making the student move to catch the ball on one bounce. Do this until the student is comfortable with this drill.

The coach has the option to let the student use his racquet at any time he thinks the student is ready.

Exercises for ball tracking.

The next step or progression you can use is a drill I learned from David T. Porter, Ed.D., tennis coach at BYU/Hawaii. This drill will keep students from reaching for the ball with their arm and make them reach the ball with their feet. The student places his wrist bones on his hip bones with the palms up (see above). The arms are not to move during the drill – he must get to the ball with his feet. Toss or racquet feed balls to the student. He must move to the ball so the outside foot is behind the ball and be in place so the ball falls into his palm, which should not have moved. The next step is for the pro to yell “freeze” when the ball bounces and the player should be in position for the ball to land in his palm. These exercises are great for ball tracking. Racquet feeds can be used with this drill if the student is able to handle the feeds.

The next progression is for the

Receiving the ball with the racquet.

student to learn to receive and send balls using a racquet (see above, right).

Explain the grip or grips to be used and demonstrate the stroke from ready position, unit turn and pivot with back swing, then forward toward the contact point, follow through and recovery. It is now time for the student to receive the ball with the racquet. Drop the ball at the proper contact point for him to strike the ball. When the student is comfortable with this step, have him move to behind the service line about one to two feet.

Demonstrate the stroke you are working on again. Feed or rally with the student so he does not have to move, then make him move short distances then longer ones. Move him back to the base line and repeat the exercise. He may have some difficulty, so demonstrate how to move quickly for short distances and longer ones. Begin feeding balls or using live ball rallies out of his “wheelhouse”

A coach needs to teach both receiving the ball and sending the ball from the very beginning. The student must understand that moving to the ball, getting set up and in the proper position to send the ball is the name of the game.

– throw in a moon ball or two and see how he reacts. Show him how to back up to hit the ball and then how to take it in the air. Hit a few high mid-court balls he must strike at shoulder level then push him back for deep balls and short ones. Send balls to him with different heights, spins, pace and direction to give him a live game ball experience. Move him back, up, and side to side. Throw in a moon ball, hit a rally ball, a short low slice, etc. Build up to these skills and the students will learn to receive balls at different heights, pace, spin and from different directions.

During this period, teach the student how to prepare and receive different types of serves. The student can use a ball machine if available to improve receiving the ball. Many clubs have them for rent. The ball machine can be set to a variety of spins, heights, and paces for the student’s improvement.

You are now beginning to build a gameready player. A player who knows how to receive a variety of balls will be able to send the ball with better control, direction, spin, and pace, recover better, and win more matches than a player who is taught primarily to send balls.

In conclusion, a coach needs to teach both receiving the ball and sending the ball from the very beginning.

The student must understand that moving to the ball, getting set up and in the proper position to send the ball is the name of the game. If a student can’t accomplish this task he is not learning how to play the game. He is just learning how to hit the ball. h John J. “Jack” Foster is the director of tennis for the First Colony Community Association in Sugar Land, Texas. He coaches all levels of players and received the USPTA Texas Division’s Tester of The Year Award for 2009 and 2012. He also received the 2013 George Basco USPTA National the Year Photo

by BrianTester WaltersofPhotography award and the USPTA Star award in 2005.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 65

Career Development Division Activities Exams, Upgrades Coach Youth Tennis Workshop & PTCA I (6 credits)

(4 credits for PTCA I segment) April 9-10 Aurora, Ill. April 9-10 Orlando, Fla. April 10-11 Lakewood, Calif.

April 11-12 San Francisco April 11-12 Atlanta April 13 Hilton Head Island, S.C. April 14-15 Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Midlothian, Va. April 17 Las Vegas April 17-18 Tuscaloosa, Ala. April 19 Tyler, Texas April 20-21 Des Moines, Iowa April 23 Albuquerque, N.M. April 23-24 Fairfield, Conn.

April 23-24 * 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.

April 24-25

(2 credits) April 2 May 1 May 14

Gainesville, Fla. Pensacola, Fla. Palmetto Bay, Fla.

May 21

Port Orange, Fla.

May 22

Albuquerque, N.M.

USPTA Eastern Convention Chatham, N.Y. May 1-2 USPTA New England Convention Norwich, Conn.

May 12-14 USPTA Southern Convention Atlanta May 15 USPTA Hawaii Convention Honolulu

For more workshops, visit coachyouthtennis.com.

Cardio Tennis March 18

Cardio Tennis Training Course Crooked Creek Tennis Club, Alpharetta, Ga.

April 9

Webinars (.5 credits) April 13

TBD Emilio Sanchez

Cardio Tennis Training Course

Maines Pines Racquet & Fitness Club, Brunswick, Maine Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register.

Watch all 2015 recorded webinars at youtube.com/ user/TheUSPTA. For more information visit uspta.com/ Education>Education Calendar.

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.

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.

66 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Education requirements All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activities. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to education@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) ­Questions? Write to education@uspta.org or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.

USPTA News

2016 USPTA Surface Championships Begin in Memphis with Indoors

O

nce again, Memphis, Tenn., will play host to the USPTA Indoor Championships to start the 2016 calendar year for the USPTA Surface Championships.

This three-day tournament takes place March 18-20 at the Racquet Club of Memphis and is open for registration to USPTA-certified Professionals through March 11. To register for the 2016 USPTA Indoor Championships, contact the Racquet Club of Memphis at tennis. office@racquetclubofmemphis.com.

Total prize money for the tournament is $4,700 and will feature events in the following categories: men’s and women’s open singles and doubles competition, men’s 35 singles, and men’s 45 singles and doubles.

As an added convenience for tournament players and guests, the official tournament hotel – the Doubletree by Hilton on Sanderlin Avenue in Memphis – is located 50 yards from the tournament site. The rate is $109/night, and the hotel offers free transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Participating players are eligible to receive tournament favors such as bags, badges, T-shirts and towels. On ­Saturday night, March 19, players will be treated to a catered player party in the ballroom of the facility beginning at 7 p.m.

As a benefit to certified members, the surface championships provide an opportunity to play against other ­USPTA Professionals, showcase skills,

and win prize money. Members who play in the surface championships have the opportunity to play their way into the USPTA Masters Invitational, which will be held in September at the 2016 USPTA World Conference in Indian Wells, Calif. This tournament, which replaces the International Championships, gives USPTA-certified Professionals an added opportunity to showcase their skills and earn a portion of the $7,500 prize money, which is the largest amount awarded of all the USPTA tournaments.

The USPTA Surface Championships are open to all USPTA-certified Professionals in good standing. For more information, go to uspta.com/­ tournaments. h

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Member News • On Nov. 21, 2015, Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club in Orange County, Calif., held their 13th Annual Charity Pro-Am benefiting Boys Town of Orange County. USPTA Professionals, David Page (director of tennis) and Michael Olds (head professional) along with the Coto For a Cure Committee presented a check for $32,000 to Boys Town Executive Director ­Lawren Ramos and Development Director Christina Garkovich just in time for the holidays. Coto member Val Lagutan and Former ATP Professional Rick Leach won the event. Picture: Chat Leonard, Bob Morris, Michael Olds, David Page, Christina Garkovich, Jay Carballo, Lawren Ramos, Bob Lazaro & Randy Riley.

• USPTA Professional Kim Dillard, director of tennis at the Colonial Country Club in Thomasville, N.C., conducted a doubles workshop at the East Coburg Tennis Club in Melbourne, Australia.

Dillard focused on drills that helped players improve their skills to become better doubles partners, including positioning, communication and giving a high five after every point. Helping Dillard with the clinic was Australian tennis professional Lynton Joseph, director of tennis at the East Coburg Tennis Club.

• Arizona Special Olympians took to the courts at Troon Country Club in the 6th annual Tennis Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 23. USPTA Professional Mark Pachtner, director of tennis at Troon Country Club, coordinated the event that attracted more than 200 participants. Prior to his tenure at Troon Country Club, Pachtner has developed Fun Day events with the local chapters of the Special Olympics in Georgia, Florida and California since 1999. The Tennis Fun Day is also a well-established fundraiser for the Special Olympics Arizona, raising nearly $14,000 at this year’s event. Since inception, a total amount of over $100,000 has been donated so far with 800 athletes and 2,000 volunteers participating.

• The Riviera Country Club recently announced that USPTA Professional Austin Soliz has been promoted to director of junior tennis. Soliz has been employed at The Riviera Tennis Club as a tennis professional and fitness coach since 2014. Prior to joining The Riviera, Soliz was the director of tennis at the Bay Area Racquet Club in Clearlake, Texas, and later the director of fitness/tennis professional at Ojakian Tennis in Marina Del Rey, Calif. He holds Crossfit L1 and Crossfit Endurance Certifications as well as a National Gym Association Athletic Performance Certification.

His promotion to director of junior tennis at the Rivera Tennis Club will give him the opportunity to combine his fitness and athletic training experience with tennis fundamentals for juniors of all ages and abilities.

• USPTA Professional Tom Daglis (center) attended the JPTA conference in Tokyo in November 2015 and made a presentation. Pictured with Mohammed Jannif (left), Davis Cup Player, PBI Tennis Professional and USPTA Ambassador.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President

Chuck Gill Gary Trost

Vice Presidents

Past President CEO Legal Counsel

Alan Cutler Feisal Hassan Ken McAllister Jack Michalko Diane Selke

TM

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202 Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org

68 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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.

Tom McGraw John Embree George Parnell

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. 2016. All rights reserved.

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