Midwest Connection - Winter 2022

WINTER 2022

MIDWEST CONNECTION

2022

MIDWEST WINTER FORUM

Collaboration with the USPTA Midwest Division and the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association Hope College, Dewitt Tennis Center, Holland, MI Friday, January 28th - 8:00-12:00, 1:30-5:30 pm 8:00 am - Greg Patton, USPTA 9:00 am - Chris Wagner 10:00 am - Mark Ficks, USPTA 11:00 am - Jorge Capestany, USPTA 12:00 pm - Lunch/National Board Update 1:30 pm - Milena Stephens 2:30 pm - Todd Wojtkowski, USPTA 3:30 pm - Greg Aten, USPTA 4:30 pm - Adam Ford, USPTA Saturday, January 29th - 8:30-1:00 pm 8:30 am - Greg Aten, USPTA 9:30 am - Milena Stephens 10:30 am - Greg Patton, USPTA 11:30 am - Kevin Wolma 12:30 pm - Kyle Pipkin

This issue: President's Message

Page 02

High School Tennis Coaches Conferences

Page 03

Slate of Officers

Page 03

Winter Forum/MHSTeCA

Page 04

2021 USPTA Midwest Awards Application

Page 06

Meet the Greater Detroit Tennis Alliance Matchpoint Mixers Save The Date

Page 08 & 09

Page 10

Pages 11

Breaking Down Mental Barriers

Page 12

Getting Players on the Court this Winter

Page 14

USPTA Picckleball Certification

Page 16

March for a Cure, Parkinson's Disease

Page 18

Continuing Education Information

Page 19

Who's Serving on Your Advisory Board?

Page 20

President's Message MATT DAVIS

Greetings to our Midwest members and those of you that are reading our Midwest Connection Newsletter. I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday with their families. I am honored to be your USPTA Midwest President for the next two years. Before we move forward with 2022, I would like to thank Mike Graff for his leadership with our board the past two years. It certainly was a challenge for all of us to manage through the pandemic but with Mike’s leadership as President we accomplished many things. The biggest being the hiring of our new Executive Director Greg Aten. Greg has been with us since late Spring and has done an outstanding job.

Carol Anderson our long-standing Executive Director will never be forgotten as she has made an impact on so many of us.

Happy New Year and 2022 here we come! Our board has developed some goals for the year that we look to accomplish to help grow membership and provide education to our current members. We will look to engage our State Presidents and Vice Presidents with growing their areas with Education opportunities for the membership. Increasing our social media presence so you will be able to stay informed with what’s happening in the Midwest. We will continue to find D&I candidates for our conferences in person and virtual. Collaborate with the USPTA Midwest Section to work with Tennis on Campus to bring to their attention jobs in the rackets industry.

We have some upcoming events to save the dates for. Our Midwest Winter Forum will be January 28th and 29th at Hope College in Michigan. We will be assisting the Michigan High School Coaches with their workshop. Please see in this issue how to register as a USPTA member and learn more about the details. If you can’t attend that workshop, then maybe try to attend one of the other state high school workshops that you can find listed in this newsletter.

Another event to save the date for is the Sand Valley Grass Court Conference Saturday June 18th. We will be headed to San Valley in Wisconsin on the Grass Courts for 4 hours of education and a social after. Having the event on the Grass Courts will be something new that we have never done here in the Midwest. Speakers and details are being finalized this month. More events will be shared so stay tuned.

As you know Pickleball is exploding around the country with more people entering the sport at all ages. As a result of that we need to make sure Pickleball Teachers are properly educated to teach the sport. Scott Ficks is now our Midwest Head Pickleball Tester.

Scott has been teaching Pickleball for many years but recently completed his certification with the IFP Academy. The USPTA recently partnered with the IFP Academy to certify instructors. Scott will be going around the Midwest and conducting Pickleball Certification exams starting in February. Our goal is to have at least one test in each state for 2022.

I hope everyone has a great start to 2022 and can stick with some of your New Year’s Resolutions. Please reach out to Greg and I if you have any questions or comments on anything going on with the USPTA Midwest Division. My email is tenace4@gmail.com and Greg Aten is greg.aten@uspta.org Regards, Matt Davis, USPTA Midwest President

MIDWEST CONNECTION

PAGE 02

2022 High School Tennis Coaches Conferences

2022 Midwest Officers President Matt Davis • 224-247-2483 tenace4@gmail.com Regional Vice President John Frausto • 920-860-0751 johnfrausto@gmail.com

Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Clinic, February 28-29, Register HERE Speakers: (as of 1/4/22) Greg Aten, USPTA, Managing Director Chagrin Valley Athletic Club – Basic Stroke Production and Simple Drills for JV players Eric Hodge, Director of Tennis at Force Sports Rocky River Teaching Beginning and Intermediate Players Tori Painter, Teaching Pro at Five Seasons Cincinnati – Team Drills for ALL Levels Melissa Schaub, Head Women's Coach at Ohio State - TBD

Illinois Tennis Coaches Association Workshop, February 4th, Register HERE Speakers: Amanda Fink, USPTA, Games and Drills with Large groups GiGi Fernandez, All Doubles Matt Wright, Developing practice plans for various levels Jon Betts, USPTA, Drills, Drills, and More drills

_________________________________

Third Vice President Matt Boughton • 715-559-3168 mboughton@ymca-cv.org Treasurer-Secretary Chip Fazio • 313-670-3277 chipfazio@gmail.com

Dan Brown, Prize Court

Ross Wilson, Assistant Coach at Notre Dame - TBD Mike Teets, Kim Pacella, Greg Aten, USPTA, Chris JohnsonCoaches Roundtable – Building a Well-Rounded Successful Program

Second Vice President Cathy Thomas • 513-218-0782 cthomas6@cinci.rr.com

Wisconsin Tennis Coaches Association,

Past President Mike Graff • 248-866-0508 mike@baselinetennis.net Executive Director Greg Aten- 330-283-5837 greg.aten@uspta.org

State Presidents Ohio Todd Wojtkowski • 216-905-7463 todd.wojtkowski@gmail.com

Indiana Tennis Coaches Association Convention, February 3-5, Register at HERE Speakers: (as of 1/4/22) Greg Aten, USPTA, Progressive Drills for all levels and teams Eric Bowers, I have a LARGE team…Now what?

Travis Daugherty, Motivational Speaker, TBD Terry Field, Tyler Miller, Small Schools BIG Success, Part 1 Wes Kirk, Progressions to teach Footwork, Spins & Serves Brita Miller, Keven Hickman, Mike Saine, Small Schools, BIG Success, Part 2

Wisconsin Dan Oliver • 920-227-7005 danonhgb@aol.com Illinois Lindsay L. Geiger • 773-960-4117 lindsaygeiger@sbcglobal.net Michigan Kyle Warner • 269-207-9236 kywar8@gmail.com Indiana Umang Chadda • 309-255-3224 umangrk@hotmail.com

Rajeev Ram, Bryan Smith, TBD Tim & Lisa Wright, Singles & Doubles Drills _______________________________

USPTA World Headquarters 407-634-3050 uspta@uspta.org

Special Thanks to our National Endorsees for their support of the USPTA Professional

MIDWEST CONNECTION

PAGE 03

REGISTER HERE

2021 USPTA Midwest Awards Application

Greetings fellow teaching professionals! It is award time for 2021! Please read the award description. Self-nominations are welcome but if you know of someone that would be a great candidate, please don’t hesitate to nominate him/her. It’s the ultimate compliment!

Please read the form guidelines carefully as applications are all ONLINE ONLY now! Our division, as well as national have strict deadlines. The Midwest Division deadline for applications and nominations is March 15th, 2022. To access each individual award, go to the direct link https://www.cognitoforms.com/USPTA1/_2022USPTADivisionAwardsNominationForm If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you all for thinking of your fellow USPTA certified tennis professionals. Let’s reward those that have accomplished great things for the game while representing our association.

Regards, Matt Boughton, USPTA mboughton@ymca-cv.org 715-836-8470

USPTA MIDWEST AWARDS CATEGORIES 2021

COLLEGE COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is sel ected based on his/her resul ts as a col l ege team coach.

Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2021 col l ege year or for l ong term commitment and continued success as a col l ege team coach. Incl ude both Spring and Fal l schedul es and data.

MIDWEST DIVERSITY AWARD – recognizes the USPTA member who has demonstrated an outstanding abil ity to unite diverse popul ations within his/her community through tennis FACILITY MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Large Facil ity: 9 or more courts, Smal l Facil ity: 8 or l ess courts. This nominee may be a non-member or a USPTA Midwest member.

Nominee need not be a General Manager by name but must function in the position of Manager of a USTA Member facil ity. The facil ity itsel f is not el igibl e for the award.

MIDWEST PRO OF THE YEAR – This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated exempl ary achievement in seven areas throughout their career – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and pl aying both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through publ ished articl es, presentations, education, and communications. Use onl i ne USPTA Al ex Gordon appl i cati on.

HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR – Award recipient is sel ected based on his/her resul ts as a high school team coach. Nominee may be nominated for success during the 2021 High School season or for l ong term commitment and continued success as a high school coach.

STATE PROS OF THE YEAR (WI, IL, IN, MI & OH) – This award recognizes a member in each state who has demonstrated exempl ary achievement in these areas during 2021 onl y – contributions to the USPTA and USTA, achievements in teaching and pl aying both on and off the court, contributions of time and expertise to other organizations and/or charities and commitment to growing the game through publ ished articl es, presentations, education and communications. Use onl i ne USPTA Al ex Gordon appl i cati on.

MIDWEST CONNECTION

INDIVIDUAL JUNIOR COACH AND TOURING COACH OF THE YEAR – This award is for those who currentl y coach a pl aying professional on the ATP Worl d Tour or the WTA Tour, ITF Satel l ite Tours or touring juniors and/or adul t teams for period of January 1 – December 31, 2021.

NANCY MICKLER MEMORIAL AWARD – Presented to the Midwest woman member who has done the most to promote tennis within the Midwest. Use onl ine USPTA Star Award appl ication.

FAY TOOLEY MEMORIAL AWARD – Presented to the Midwest member who has done the most to promote the USPTA and tennis but has not received notoriety. Use onl ine USPTA Star Award appl ication.

30 AND UNDER AWARD – This award is presented to a current USPTA member who is under the age of 30 during the 2021 cal endar year. This member exempl ifies the future of the organization, and he/she must show dedication to the growth of the game and the desire to l earn al l aspects of the business of being a USPTA professional . This nominee must show initiative and be invol ved in activities in their respective districts. This member needs to demonstrate sportsmanship, teamwork, and wil l ingness to reach out to other U30 members in the USPTA through social media or direct contact. This award winner shoul d have served on a committee, task force or initiated a program to hel p fel l ow members.

CHARITY EVENT OF THE YEAR (LESSONS FOR LIFE) – Over $10, 000 and under $10, 000 – The award wil l be divided into two subcategories to honor the many ways USPTA Professional s contribute to charities in their area, events raising l ess than $10, 000 and events raising more than $10, 000. An event may win the award onl y once in a category. Recreational Coach may appl y for either Charity Event of the Year award. ________________________

PAGE 06

MEET THE GREATER DETROIT TENNIS ALLIANCE (GDTA)

By Burrell Shields, USPTA Professional

President, Motor City Tennis Club CTA, Detroit, Michigan This article introduces the Greater Detroit Tennis Alliance (GDTA), a partnership of six local CTAs and the Southeastern Michigan Tennis Association (SEMTA), which provides low-cost tennis programs to underserved communities in metro Detroit.

GDTA was formed in 2018 when tennis was discontinued in multiple metro Detroit area school districts due to budget cuts. Local youth were missing the numerous physical and life-skills benefits tennis provides as well as the opportunity to further their education through attaining tennis scholarships.

Southeastern Michigan Tennis Association (SEMTA): SEMTA provides staff to deliver presentations, furnishes instructors and training resources, and provides evaluation and administrative services.

The 2022 – 2023 GDTA consists of the following partners:

GDTA Program Goals:

Motor City Tennis Club (MCTC): 501(C)(3) lead organization and fiduciary organization for grant funding. MCTC offers year-round lessons, leagues, and special events that provide health benefits, social interaction, and community enhancement through tennis. MCTC is a member of the ATA (American Tennis Association) and MIDTAC (Midwestern Tennis Association – Midwest section of ATA).

Farwell Tennis Club (FTC): offers year-round community-based tennis instruction programs and competitive play opportunities for youth and adults at Harvey Barcus Tennis Center on the east side of Detroit.

Flat Out Tennis (FOT): a community-based tennis program that operates summer programs through the Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Chandler Conservancy at Chandler Park in east Detroit.

Hamtramck CTA: offers K-12 programs in Hamtramck Public Schools and summer instructional and organized play days for youth at Hamtramck Memorial Park in Hamtramck, MI. Opportunity Tennis (OT): conducts summer programs and competitive play opportunities through the Inkster Parks and Recreation Department and the Wayne/Westland Public Schools. Program is based at Stottlemyer Park in Westland, MI. People for Palmer Park (PFPP): 501(C)(3) community organization formed to maintain and improve the viability of Palmer Park in Detroit. Conducts the Palmer Park Tennis Academy featuring a 10-week high performance training camp and introductory tennis lessons for youth ages 8 – 18.

MIDWEST CONNECTION

Motor City Tennis Club, Farwell Tennis Club, Opportunity Tennis, and People for Palmer Park have attained USTA National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) status and incorporate educational and life-skills offerings with their tennis programming.

Identify community organizations, schools, and churches and assist them with establishing new tennis programs and play opportunities for youth.

Train coaches and tennis instructors, at community and church-based organizations, to teach the fundamentals of tennis.

Train PE teachers to teach the fundamentals of tennis in their physical education classes or after-school programs and encourage free play.

Provide community-based opportunities for more area youth to learn and to participate in an organized sport which their school district may not currently offer.

Provide opportunity for youth to learn tennis fundamentals so that they may eventually play on their own or participate in organized competitive events.

GDTA Program Components: In-School Program – school agrees to include tennis as part of its physical education curriculum (no charge to students).

After-School Program – school agrees to allow an after-school program on-site. A small fee may be charged unless the school supports the program.

Summer Program – youth participate in a summer program run by one of the GDTA teaching partners, for a nominal fee.

Partner Programs – community and churchbased organizations agree to establish tennis programs and play opportunities for their youth members.

instructors working in public and charter schools are also required to complete the District mandated background checks.

To date, GDTA has instructed over 300 kids and trained 30 - 40 instructors. The following are some additional community organizations where GDTA has conducted programs: Bates Academy, Detroit, MI Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of Metro Detroit Dearborn Health and Racquet Club, Dearborn, MI Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI Tabernacle Baptist Church, Detroit, MI Tindal Recreation Center, Detroit, MI UPrep Charter/Magnet Schools, Detroit, MI YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Covid-19 caused cancellation of activities in 2020 and early 2021. Tennis programs started reengaging in schools and community programs in late Spring 2021. Summer programs experienced an increase in regional activity and participation numbers due to pent-up demand and the social distancing that tennis provides. Consistent scheduling remains an issue because some schools and recreation centers have experienced subsequent closures due to occasional Covid-19 outbreaks.

GDTA is funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, through the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan (CFSEM). Individual partners receive funding additionally through the USTA Foundation and private organizations.

GDTA needs training of additional instructors as the current instructor base is aging (most are age 55+). Initiatives are in progress to obtain an indoor facility in the city of Detroit which would serve to enhance GDTA year-round programming.

Coaches, schools, and community instructors are required to attain USTA Safe Play Certification to ensure the safety of youth participating in their programs. Community coaches and tennis

PAGE 08

Tindel Rec Center Program

Stoepel Park Program

Boys & Girls Club Metro Detroit

CTA Educational Program

Chandler Park Program

Farwell CTA

Farwell CTA

CTA Summer Program

Chandler Park Program

MIDWEST CONNECTION

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MATCHPOINT MIXERS: SOCIAL MATCH PLAY FOR 2.0-2.5 NTRP RATED PLAYERS

B y S usan Court r i g h t , U S P T A

Are you looking for new ways to beat the winter blues and hit the refresh button on the tennis courts? The USTA/Southeastern Michigan (SEM) District has a new social play initiative for adult players – MatchPoint Mixers. MatchPoint Mixers feature co-ed, doubles play in a social environment for new or returning 2.0-2.5 NTRP rated players. The concept of MatchPoint Mixers was introduced by the SEM in June 2021 to provide more informal playing opportunities to a rising segment of players. The 2021 Physical Activity Council report concluded that the overall number of tennis players grew about 22.4% in 2020 from 2019. This rise in popularity encouraged SEM to think of innovative opportunities to introduce, or in some cases, reintroduce, new players into the game and bring benefits to all involved. We began to host MatchPoint Mixers during the outdoor season and the program was free for players to participate.

When the cold weather arrived, mixers were forced to move indoors, and a player fee of $25 was assessed to cover the cost of court fees. Our goal to offer at least two MatchPoint Mixers per month spread across the district.

The Format: MatchPoint Mixers typically last two hours during the day on weekends. Scheduling for events is determined by the host facility. During a typical MatchPoint Mixer, a 10-minute warm-up is offered, and tips are given by the organizer to explain how to have a proper warm-up that one might experience at a USTA League match or tournament.

Following the warm-up, the organizer assigns players to their courts and a timed doubles rotation begins. The popular “up and down the river” format works well, with winners moving up and losers moving down. After each rotation, players switch partners to ensure they meet more people. We encourage one coach/volunteer to move around the courts and offer possible tips on tactics, strategy or technique. For the last rotation, the organizer can add their twist to the event if they desire. A fun game like a one-point tournament can be played or perhaps a demo that is deemed important for the group. If the organizer has a volunteer assisting, the volunteer can also hit in with the mixer.

MIDWEST CONNECTION

The Benefits: The Player: MatchPoint Mixers are a wonderful way to connect players of similar ability within their community in an informal, social and nonstressful atmosphere. This soft entry into a USTA-sponsored event is a wonderful introduction to learn more about the game, the host facility and the USTA. The no-price tag or low-cost fee for indoor matches is a nice enticement and it gives players the chance to see an indoor facility that may not have been easily accessible. MatchPoint Mixers can be the first step in a player’s journey into competitive tennis.

The Host Facility: MatchPoint Mixers allow clubs to connect with new players and showcase their tennis program and facility.

Many past MatchPoint Mixers participants have become new members at the host facilities and numerous organizers have gained new private or group lesson members. Many players are looking to connect with others in their local tennis community and MatchPoint Mixers provide a gateway through local tennis facilities. The Southeastern Michigan District handles all administrative fees and marketing. The sole responsibility of the organizer is to execute the mixer.

The USTA: The USTA is always looking to bring new players into the game, connect players and offer match play opportunities that suit the needs of those players. MatchPoint Mixers are a great way to bring players to the USTA pathway to get them to experience additional playing opportunities such as social leagues, league play, tournaments and more.

Jump on board with MatchPoint Mixers and support your local tennis community! If you have questions or would like to learn more about MatchPoint Mixers, please contact Susan Courtright, USTA/Southeastern Michigan and Northeastern Michigan District Tennis Service Representative, at susan@midwest.usta.com or 317-333-3558.

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SAND VALLEY, NEKOOSA WI

B r e a king Down M e n t a l B a r r i e r s : H o w Players C a n O v e r c o m e A n x i e t y a n d N e g a t i v i t y

By Andre Dupret, USPTA Professional A 10U player freaks out ahead of her first-round tournament match. A 12U player begins berating himself after l o s i n g a h a r d - f o u g h t f i r s t s e t . A s U S P T A p r o f e s s i o n a l s , w e ’ v e a l l e n c o u n t e r e d th e s e k i n d s o f s i t u a t i o n s i n w h i c h o u r players are experiencing some sort of “mental meltdown” or, as I like to say, fighting the battle between the ears.

H o w e v e r , a s t r u s t e d m e n t o r s a n d i ns t r u c t o r s , w e a r e i n a n i d e a l p o s i t i on t o h e l p o u r s t u d e n t s o v e r c o m e u n c o m f o r t a b l e t h o u g h t s a n d f e e l i n g s . B el o w a r e a n u m b e r o f s t r a t e g i e s y o u c a n s h a r e w i t h y o u r p l a y e r s s o t h e y c a n p e r f o r m c a l m l y a n d c o n f i d e n t l y o n t h e ma t c h c o u r t : 1. T e a c h p l a y e r s t o u s e p o s i t i v e s e l f - t a l k . W h e n o u r p l a y e r s e n c o u n t e r a d v e r s i t y d u r i n g a t e n n i s m a t c h , i t i s a n a t u r a l h u m a n t e n d e n c y t o r e s p o n d b y e n g a g i n g i n a n e g a t i v e i n t e r n a l d i a l o g ue ; t h i s i n t e r n a l d i a l o g u e , i n t u r n , leads to the emotional reactions we often see. If we can help our players engage in a more positive internal dialogue, they will be able to break this defeating cycle. To improve self-talk, we begin by teaching our players t o c h a l l e n g e t h e i r o l d s e l f - t a l k . F o r i n st a n c e , i f a p l a y e r i s e x p e r i e n c i n g a th o u g h t s u c h a s , “ I ’ m s u c h a b a d p l a y e r . ” , t h e n w e w o u l d i n s t r u c t h i m o r h e r t o e x a m i n e t h e e v i d e n c e f o r o r ag a i n s t t h a t i n t e r n a l s t a t e m e n t . I n m o s t c a s e s , p l a y e r s c a n f i n d e x a m p l e s t h a t r e f u t e t h a t n e g a t i v e s t a t e m e n t . On c e o u r p l a y e r s r e a l i z e t h e y a r e o v e r g e n e r a l i z i n g , t h e n e x t s t e p i s t o in s t r u c t t h e m t o r e f r a m e t h e i r t h o u g h t . C o n t i n u i n g o n w i t h t h e p r e v i o u s e x a m p l e , “ I ’ m s u c h a b a d p l a y e r . ” c a n b e r e f r a m e d a s , “ I m a y n o t b e p l a y i ng m y b e s t t o d a y , b u t I k n o w I ’ m c a p a b l e o f h i t t i n g g o o d s h o t s a n d t u r n i ng t h i s m a t c h a r o u n d . ” O n e f i n a l t h i n g t o n o t e a b o u t s e l f - t a l k i s, w a t c h o u t f o r p l a y e r s ’ u s e o f e x t r e m e s / a b s o l u t e s. W h e n p l a y e r s u s e w o r d s l i k e “ n e v e r ” a n d “ a l w a y s ” w h i l e e n g a g i n g i n n e g a t i v e s e l f - t a l k , t h e i r e m o t i o n a l r e a c t i o n s a r e l i k e l y t o b e i n t e n s i f i e d ; a d di t i o n a l l y , t h e u s e o f t h e s e w o r d s b u i l d s a s e n s e t h a t t h i n g s c a n n o t i m p r o ve – t h e r e b y c a u s i n g t h e m t o s t o p e v e n t r y i n g t o i m p r o v e t h e o u t c o m e .

2. T e a c h p l a y e r s t o e n g a g e i n m i n d f u l n e s s m e d i t a t i o n . M i n d f u l n e s s m e d i t a t i o n i s t h e a c t o f ap p l y i n g a g e n t l e f o c u s t o w a r d s o m e t h i n g . I t c a n h e l p p l a y e r s s h i f t t h e i r m i n d t o t h e p r e s e n t a nd n o t d w e l l o n m a t c h s e t b a c k s . A s i m p l e w a y t o i n t r o d u c e p l a y e r s t o m i nd f u l n e s s i s t o h a v e t h e m c l o s e t h e i r e ye s , f i n d a q u i e t p l a c e , a n d c o u n t t h e i r “ i n ” a n d “ o u t ” b r e a t h s . I n s t r u c t p l ay e r s t h a t a w a n d e r i n g m i n d i s e x p e c t e d d u r i n g t h e p r o c e s s ; T h e y s h o u l d s i m p l y r e c o g n i z e t h a t t h e i r m i n d h a s wo n d e r e d a n d a g a i n r e f o c u s o n b r e a t hi n g . T h r o u g h t h i s t h e y l e a r n t h a t staying present-focused involves constantly redirecting themselves once their minds have drifted toward negativity. As players get more advanced with their practice, they can use the breathing technique during c o m p e t i t i o n e v e r y t i m e t h e y r e c o g n i z e u n c o m f o r t a b l e t h o u g h t s a n d f e e l i n g s a r i si n g .

3. T e a c h p l a y e r s t o a d o p t p o s i t i v e bo d y l a n g u a g e . D r a w i n g f r o m c o g n i t i v e - b e h a v i o r a l t h e r a p y , t h o u g h t s , behaviors, and emotions have a reciprocal influence on each other. If our players are feeling down, they are n a t u r a l l y g o i n g t o r e a c t b y w a l k i n g s l o we r , p u t t i n g t h e i r h e a d s d o w n , a n d n o l o n g e r g i v i n g t h e m s e l v e s f i s t b u m p s .

U n f o r t u n a t e l y , t h e s e n e g a t i v e b e h a v i or s a r e s u r e t o c u e m o r e n e g a t i v e t h o u g h t s – t h u s s t r e n g t h e n i n g t h i s negative cycle. If we teach our players to keep their heads up high, smile, and engage in other positive shows of e m o t i o n e v e n w h e n f e e l i n g d o w n , t h e ne g a t i v e f e e d b a c k c y c l e w i l l b e d i s r u p te d . E n g a g i n g i n m o r e p o s i t i v e o n c o u r t b e h a v i o r s , o u r p l a y e r s w i l l n a t u r a ll y b e g i n h a v i n g m o r e p o s i t i v e t h o u g h t s an d e m o t i o n s .

4. T e a c h p l a y e r s t o v i e w m a t c h a n x i e t y i n a p o s i t i v e w a y . I f y o u h a v e a p l a y e r t h a t a l w a y s g e ts e x t r e m e l y n e r v o u s b e f o r e a n d d u r i n g c o m p e t i t i on , t r y t e a c h i n g t h e m t h a t , t o s o m e de g r e e , a n x i e t y i s a g o o d t h i n g .

B o r r o w i n g f r o m t h e f i e l d o f s p o r t s p s y c h o l o g y , t h e r e l a t i o n s h i p b e t w e e n a nx i e t y a n d p e r f o r m a n c e i s o n a n i n v e r t e d “ U ” c u r v e ; t h a t i s , h a v i n g s o m e l e v e l o f a n x i e t y a c t u a l l y i n c r e a s e s p e rf o r m a n c e . A n x i e t y m a k e s u s a l e r t and helps us to mobilize our internal resources. If players did not have any anxiety during matches, they would b e l e t h a r g i c a n d e m o t i o n a l l y f l a t . O f c ou r s e , t h e r e c a n g e t t o a p o i n t i n w h i c h t o o m u c h a n x i e t y c a n n e g a t i v e l y i m p a c t p e r f o r m a n c e ; f o r t h i s r e a s o n , m an a g i n g t h e a n x i o u s f e e l i n g s i s s t i l l v e r y i m p o r t a n t .

5. T e a c h p l a y e r s b r e a t h i n g s t r a t e g i e s t o r e d u c e e x c e s s a n x i e t y . T o h e l p y o u r p l a y e r s r e d u c e u n h e l p f u l , e x c e s s a n x i e t y , t e a c h t h e m t o b r e a t h i n a w a y th a t s i g n a l s t h e b o d y t o c a l m d o w n . K e e pi n g t h e i r s h o u l d e r s d o w n , p l a y e r s s h o u l d b e t a u g h t t o t a k e “ b e l l y b r e a t h s ” ( i . e . b r e a t h i n g t h r o u g h t h e d i a p h r a g m ), a n d e x h a l i n g s l o w l y t h r o u g h t h e m o u t h . W h e n e x h a l i n g , p l a y e r s s h o u l d be t a u g h t t o p u r s e t h e i r l i p s .

6. T e a c h p l a y e r s t o v i s u a l i z e m a t c h s u c c e s s . V i s u a l i z i n g w h i l e m e d i a t i n g c a n b e a ve r y p o w e r f u l s t r a t e g y f o r o u r players because the human brain does not know the difference between an imagined situation and an actual situation. Often times, I have my varsity athletes imagine themselves stepping onto the match court and playing a perfect match. In my imagery scripts, I always make sure to engage as many of their senses as possible; after all, the brain is going to perceive the imagined situation more realistically if scripts involve more than just “seeing” a desired outcome. When our players engage in imagery, they are essentially programming t h e m s e l v e s / t e l l i n g t h e i r b r a i n s h o w t o a ct w h e n t h e r e a l m a t c h s i t u a t i o n c o m e s a l o n g .

7. R e a s s u r e p l a y e r s i t i s n o r m a l t o e x p e r i e n c e n e g a t i v e t h o u g h t s a n d e m o t i on s s o m e t i m e s . P l a y e r s m a y f e e l a n g r y a t t h e m s e l v e s f o r “ g e t t i n g i n t h e i r o w n w a y ” i n m a t c h e s , a n d s o i t i s i m p or t a n t t o l e t t h e m k n o w t h a t m e n t a l m e l t d o w n s h a p p e n t o t h e b e s t o f u s . En c o u r a g e p l a y e r s t o k e e p p r a c t i c i n g t h e a b o v e s t r a t e g i e s a n d , o v e r t i m e , they will win the “battle between the ears” and enjoy greater match success.

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n r e g a r d i n g a n y o f t h e p r o v i d e d s t r a t e g i e s , p l e a s e e ma i l A n d r e D u p r e t , M A , U S P T A a t a d u p r e t @ u m i c h . e d u.

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Getting Players on the Court this Winter By: Sara Sessions

There are many ways to keep players engaged in tennis during the winter months. Just plan an event, advertise it well, serve food/drink to serve during or after the event. Give out prizes for 1st and 2nd place. If possible, give out an inexpensive gift to all the players, like a water bottle with the club logo, or a discount coupon toward an activity at the club. And always organize yourself ahead of time. These things will ensure you have a very successful event.

Below are some of my favorite events over the years: Triples Tournaments Have you ever played in a triangle/triples drill? I decided to make this great drill into a tournament and it was very popular at our club. Per the diagram below, it involves 3 or 4 players to a side. If you have 4 players, one person can wait in the wings behind the deuce court player. First team to 21. Self feed. One side feeds underhand (playable) from the deuce court to the opposite deuce court. Play out the point. Rotate one spot after each point, per the diagram below. Switch the ball basket to the opposite side of the court after one team reaches point 10. Continue playing up to 21, win by 2. Each team should play each other as in a round robin. The tournament director keeps track of wins and losses after each round. The team with the most wins is the tournament winner.

If there is a tie and time permits, have the 2 top teams play a short game to 11, win by 1. It’s always a good idea to have some prizes for the top 2 teams. Remember, keep it fun!

Mixed Doubles Round Robin Tournaments I have found these round robin events to be very successful at our club. With 2.5 - 3.5 levels, players want good tennis but most importantly, they want to have fun. A round robin allows doubles teams to play against many other teams. Higher level players really enjoy tournaments with a main draw and back draw. Do timed rounds so players aren’t sitting around too much waiting for the last teams to finish.

Mixers Mixers are one of the best and easiest ways to get players on the court. Friday nights or Saturday/Sunday afternoons work well. You can set these up as drop-in events or have players sign up ahead of time. Use a large bulletin board or dry erase board with the court numbers displayed. 3 rounds / 2 hours of play works well. It really helps to know your core players’ levels. If you don’t know a player, ask for their rating when they come in. Make up a sticky note for each player with their rating on the back. Arrange the doubles groupings on the board. After each round, write the players’ court number and designate “A” or “B” at the top of their sticky note. A’s partner together as do the B’s. This way you won’t partner two people together more than once. I always serve a light meal after the event. This is a good time to thank everyone for coming and remind them of the date for the next one. My goal is to always say hello to every player, thank them for coming, and chat with them at some point during the Mixer.

Just remember these key points and you will always have a very successful tennis event at your club: • Plan your event.

• Advertise it well.

• Organize as much as you can beforehand.

• Serve food during or after the event. It doesn’t have to be a full meal.

• Give out small prizes for the winners and runners-up if it’s a tournament.

• Be sure to make your players feel welcome.

• Take a group photo before you begin and post it on your bulletin board.

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USPTA Pickleball Certification Coming in 2022 Scott Ficks Head Midwest Pickleball Tester scottfickstennis@gmail.com

Seventeen USPTA professionals were recently chosen to be division head testers for the new pickleball certification program that will be rolled out in early 2022. The division testers spent a weekend getting trained and certified by the IFPAcademy coaches in either California or Lake Nona in early December. I was very pleased with the training we received that included 14 hours on the court in addition to classroom time. The process was exhausting, thorough, humbling and exactly what training of this kind should be. We were trained in all aspects of the game from beginning players to advanced players, equipment, rules, and the overall direction of the sport. The long term goal is to create a team of coaches who can administer the test throughout the country. Tests should begin as early as February or March in each division. See below for current information and reach out to me with any questions or if you are interested in hosting an exam at your club.

*3 hour course will certify coaches to teach beginner to intermediate level pickleball *Certification is open only to current USPTA members *Cost of the certification is $220 *A national committee is currently working on finalizing the details of the workshop *Pre-requisite skills, higher level testing, and continuing education options are being discussed *We are looking for host clubs throughout the midwest who would like to host a workshop *Visit this link to learn more about the IFPAcademy: www.ifpickleball.org/training

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March for a Cure, Parkinson’s Disease Dan Hopkins (USPTA Master Professional) Casa Grande, Arizona – Terre Haute, Indiana)

We all know someone dealing with Parkinson ’s disease. For many years, my friend and c o l l e a g u e , S c o t t R i g g l e , h e a d t e n n i s c o a c h o f D e P a u w U n i v e r s i t y , G r e e n c a s t l e , I n d ia n a , h a s f a c e d a c o u r a g e o u s b a t t l e . A s I w r i t e t h i s a r t i c l e h e i s p r e p a r i n g f o r a s t r a t e g ic treatment trip to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. There’s nothing simple about this disease and certainly only the top facilities, like the Mayo Clinic are attempting to solve the problem.

I retired from coaching three years ago and always found a way to contribute to Scott’s f o u n d a t i o n . H e r e i s h i s a m a z i n g s t o r y , a n d t h u s , m y r e a s o n f o r w r i t i n g a n d b e i n g a p a r t o f h i s t e a m . M u c h o f w h a t i s w r i t t e n i s n o t m i n e o r o r i g i n a l i n i t s a u t h o r s h i p . I c o m p i l e d t h e t h in g s t h a t w e r e o n h is T e a m R i g g l e w e b s i t e a n d F a c e b o o k p a g e s , a n d a d d e d m y o w n t h o u g h t s . S c o t t ’ s s t o r y i s n o t a l l t h a t d if f e r e n t than others that I know afflicted with the same disease.

Scott’s Story

S c o t t d e c i d e d a f t e r b e i n g d i a g n o s e d w i t h e a r l y - o n s e t P a r k i n s o n ' s i n 2 0 1 1 t h a t h e w a s g o in g t o t u r n a n e g a t iv e s it u a t io n in t o a p o s it iv e o n e . H e d e c i d e d t o s t a r t t h e T e a m R i g g l e F o u n d a t i o n t o n o t o n l y r a i s e m o n e y t o h e l p f in d a c u r e , b u t a l s o t o h e l p in s p ir e t h e p e o p l e that surround him to rise above adversity.

I n J a n u a r y o f 2 0 1 1 , S c o t t r a n h i s a n n u a l a d u l t t e n n i s t o u r n a m e n t , T h e D e P a u w O p e n . A f r ie n d , K e it h W a t e r m a n b r o u g h t a b o x o f y e l l o w b r a c e l e t s i n s c r i b e d w i t h t h e w o r d s , “ T e a m R i g g l e . ” H e p a s s e d t h e m o u t t o t h e p l a y e r s in t h e t o u r n a m e n t a s a s h o w o f s u p p o r t f o r Riggle. Scott had his plan, although it took him a few weeks to make the connection.

S c o t t R i g g l e , “ A f t e r t h e i n i t i a l s e t b a c k a n d c o n c e r n f o r m y f a m i l y u p o n r e c e i v i n g t h e b a d n e w s , o n e o f m y g o a l s w a s t o s e t a p o s it iv e e x a m p l e f o r m y c h i l d r e n a n d f o r t h e p l a y e r s o n t h e D e P a u w t e a m s i n t e r m s o f h o w t o d e a l w it h a d v e r s it y . ” T R F ( T e a m R i g g l e F o u n d a t i o n ) , a 5 0 1 © 3 f e d e r a l c h a r i t a b l e t a x - e x e m p t o r g a n i z a t i o n w a s c r e a t e d . S c o t t ’ s g o a l f o r t h e f o u n d a t io n w a s t o r a i s e m o n e y a n d a w a r e n e s s f o r t h e d i s e a s e a n d t o d o i t i n s u c h a m a n n e r t h a t h e a l l o w e d h im s e l f t h e t im e a n d f l e x ib il it y t o b e a n e f f e c t i v e h u s b a n d , f a t h e r , a n d t e n n i s c o a c h . I t a l s o a l l o w e d h i m t i m e t o d e a l w i t h t h e c h a l l e n g e s t h a t t h e p r o g r e s s iv e l y d e g e n e r a t iv e d i s e a s e b r o u g h t . H e w a n t e d t o h e l p b r i n g f i r s t c l a s s c a r e f o r t h o s e a f f l i c t e d b y t h e d i s e a s e b y d o n a t in g t o t h e M a y o C l in ic .

S c o t t R i g g l e , “ I k n o w f i r s t - h a n d h o w e x p e n s i v e i t i s t o g e t t o t h e M a y o C l i n i c i n M i n n e s o t a f o r m y a p p o in t m e n t s . W e ’ d v e r y m u c h l ik e to help people with expenses like that if we can. We just have to find out who needs our help.”

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is the world’s most respected hospital. Patients from the farthest reaches of the globe travel to Rochester to get the best care available.

S c o t t R i g g l e “ Y o u u s u a l l y a r e a t t h e M a y o C l i n i c i n t h e f i r s t p l a c e b e c a u s e y o u h a v e s o m e t e r r ib l e d is e a s e t h a t n o o n e e l s e c a n f ig u r e o u t h o w t o t r e a t . S o o n y o u r f i r s t v i s i t y o u ’ r e e x p e c t i n g d o o m a n d g l o o m . T h e n y o u e n t e r t h r o u g h t h e s t a t e l y d o o r s a n d y o u s e e t h is w o n d e r f u l a r t e v e r y w h e r e y o u l o o k ; y o u h e a r s o m e o n e p l a y i n g a n o l d s t a n d a r d o n t h e p ia n o in t h e l o b b y t h a t is a v a il a b l e f o r a n y o n e t o s i t d o w n a n d p l a y . A n d t h e n y o u s e e t h e p a t i e n t s - p r e s u m a b l y m a n y o f w h o m a r e d y in g - a n d t h e y ’ r e a l l s m il in g . I t ’ s in c r e d ib l e h o w positive the place is.” “ I g u e s s p e o p l e w h o a r e t h e r e u n d e r s t a n d t h a t t h e y ’ r e a t t h e b e s t p l a c e t h e y c a n b e a t f o r t h e ir c o n d it io n , a n d if t h a t w o n ’ t w o r k , t h e n , then, well, it just wasn’t meant to be. And with that understanding comes a sort of peace.”

T e a m R i g g l e F o u n d a t i o n a t t h e m o m e n t h a s d e c i d e d t h a t f o r e v e r y $ 2 0 , 0 0 0 i t r a i s e s , it w il l d o n a t e h a l f o f t h a t t o t h e M a y o C l in ic r e s e a r c h d e p a r t m e n t . T R F w i s h e s t o d o i t s p a r t , h o w e v e r s m a l l , t o c o n t r i b u t e t o t h e g r e a t r e s e a r c h b e in g d o n e a t M a y o t o t r y t o f in d treatments and an eventual cure for Parkinson’s.

T h e f o u n d a t i o n h a s a l r e a d y c o n t r i b u t e d $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 t o t h e M a y o C l i n i c a n d i s j u s t a l i t t l e o v e r $ 3 0 0 0 in d o n a t io n s r e c e iv e d f r o m b e in g able to write a second check in the same amount. This is where our club in Arizona has taken over.

As I left Terre Haute this fall for my own trip to Mayo Clinic, and my own personal treatment, I gave Scott a call and asked if I could help carry the ball with my club in Arizona. This year I assumed seasonal duties as the president and director of Palm Creek Tennis Club, Casa Grande, Arizona. Over the years we have done a cancer fundraising event which has raised thousands of dollars. This year I added the Team Riggle Foundation as a second fundraiser. On Thanksgiving Day, here at Palm Creek Resort and Residencies, Casa Grande, Arizona, we held a 3.5 mile walk and raised $800 for the Team Riggle Foundation. Our season is only beginning here in January and so I hope to raise a total of one thousand dollars for TRF this year and next.

Palm Creek Tennis Club Early Season Members

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T h e USPTA requ i r e s a l l c e r t i f i e d m e m b e r s t o m e e t a c o n t i n uing education re q u irement in a 3 - y e a r p e r i od ( i n t e r n a t i o n a l m e m b e r s a n d those 65 or older are e x e m pt). The tim e c o i n c i d e s wi t h t h e d a t e y o u c o m p l e t e d the certification exam o r r einstated yo u r m e m b e r s h i p. P l e a s e l o g i n t o M y U SPTA to c heck your P r o f essional Dev e l o p m e n t P r og r a m e n d d a t e t o s e e w h e n your credits are due.

A s o f January 1, 2 0 2 1 , t h e U SP T A e d u c a t i o n g u i d e l i n e s a n d requirements have c h a n ged: T h e education c r e d i t f o r m u l a h a s c h a n g e d t o 1 h o u r = 1 c r edit. Additional c r e d its will be o f f e r e d f o r U S PT A f a c e - t o - f a c e e v e n t s a n d new certification w o r k shops.

T h e education r e q u i r e m e n t h a s c h a n g e d t o 1 5 c redits eve r y t h r e e y e a r s.

W h a t does this m e a n f o r e x i s t i n g a n d n e w U S P T A m e m b e r s ? (International m e m bers and th o s e o v e r t h e a g e o f 6 5 a r e e x e m p t ) U S P TA certified m e m b e r s w i t h a c o n t i n u i n g e d u c a t i o n r e q u irement period s t a r ting on J a n . 1, 2021, an d ending on D e c . 31, 2023, ar e now requir e d t o e a r n 1 5 c redits to m aintain the i r m e m b e r s h i p. T h i s r e q u i r e m e n t w i l l a p p l y to a l l subsequent c o n t i n u i n g e d uc a t i o n p e r i o d s .

U S P TA certified m e m b e r s w i t h a n e d u c a t i o n p e r i o d e n d i n g on D e c . 31, 2021, o r D e c . 31, 2022, will c ontinue w i t h t h e p r i o r cr e d i t r e q u i r e m e n t ( w h i c h i s now 1 2 c redits with t h e f o r m u l a c ha n g e ) u n t i l t h e i r c u r r e n t e d u c ation period ends.

T h e new educat i o n r e q u i r e m e n t o f 1 5 c redits eve r y t h r e e y e a r s w i l l begin o n c e their curre n t e d u c a t i o n pe r i o d e n d s .

A s o f Jan. 1, 20 2 1 , t h e e d u c at i o n r e p o r t c a r d r e f l e c t s t h e n ew credit system.

T o c heck your co n t i n u i n g e d uc a t i o n p e r i o d a n d s t a t u s , a c cess your education re p o rt card h e r e.

If y o u have any q u e s t i o n s , d on ’ t h e s i t a t e t o r e a c h o u t t o u s at 407-634-3050 or e d u cation@uspt a . o r g.

If t h e requireme n t i s n o t m e t , y o u w i l l h a v e y o u r m e m b e r s h ip suspended. To help y o u meet that go a l , U S P T A p ro v i d e s h u n d r e d s o f h o u r s o f education every year in th e form of conf e r e n c e s , w o r ks h o p s , w e b i n a r s , a n d m o r e . T e n n isResource s . c o m is a n e xcellent res o u r c e f o r f r e e e d u c a t i o n o p p o r t u n i t i e s . P l ease note that courses a r e eligible for c r e d i t s o n e t i me .

In a ddition, the C o a c h Y o u t h T e n n i s w e b s i t e o f f e r s 6 f r e e online courses that earn a 1 education cr e d i t e a c h ( y ou d o n o t n e e d t o c o m p l e t e t h e online workshop u n l e ss you are c o m p l e t i n g y o ur U S P T A c e r t i f i c a t i o n ) . P l e a s e note that courses are e l i g ible for cre d i t s o n e t i m e .

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WHO’S SERVING ON YOUR ADVISORY BOARD?

B y J A Y H A R D M A N, U S P T A M a s t e r P r o f e s s i o n a l

A f e w y e a r s a g o , I r e c e i v e d a c a l l f r o m a f e l l o w p r o w h o w a s ju s t r e l e a s e d f r o m his p o s it io n a f t e r 1 5 y e a r s a t t h e s a m e c l u b . H is f ir s t q u e s t io n t o m e w a s , “Ho w ha ve y o u be e n a bl e t o s u r v i v e a t y o u r c l u b a s l o n g a s y o u h a v e ? ” H e w a s t a k e n b a c k by m y a n s w e r : “I do n ’ t s p e n d a l o t o f t i m e w i t h o t h e r t e n n i s p r o s .” D o n ’t g e t m e w r o n g : I h a v e n u m e r o u s f r ie n ds in o u r in du s t r y , b u t i f I w a n t c a r e e r o r b u s i n e s s a d v ic e , I s e e k o u t p e o p l e o u t s ide o f t e n n is w ho s e r ve o n m y personal advisory board.

M a n y o f u s s e r v e o n t h e a d v i s o r y s t a f f o f v a r io u s r a c q u e t c o m p a n ie s . Ho w m a n y o f y o u ha ve p e o p l e i n o t h e r p r o f e s s i o n s w h o s e r v e o n y o u r p e r s o n a l a d v is or y bo a r d? O ve r t he y e a r s , I ’ ve h a d a f o r m e r t o u r m a n a g e r f o r a n ic o n ic r o c k b a n d , o n e o f E S P N ’ s t o p c o l l e g e f o o t ba l l a n a l y s t s , a n d a n e n t r e p r e n e u r w h o j u s t “ c r u s h e s it ” in h is in d u s t r y . T he f u n n y t hin g a bo u t t he e n t r e p r e n e u r i s t h a t h e k n o w s I g r e w u p a s a b ig f a n o f t h e D e t r o it R e d W in g s . He in vit e d m e t o g o s e e t h e m p l a y i n P i t t s b u r g h . O n t h e w a y h o m e , h e m e n t io n e d he w a s f l y in g o u t e a r l y in t he m o r n i n g t o b u y a c o m p a n y i n C a l if o r n ia . I f e l t h o r r ib l e t h a t I h a d ke p t him o u t s o l a t e . He s a id he d i d i t b e c a u s e h e k n e w I w o u l d b e “ p ic k in g h is b r a in ” o n t h e wa y t o t he g a m e . A n o t he r t im e , I m e t w i t h h i m i n h i s o f f i c e , a n d I s t a r t e d o f f b y t e l l in g h im I d id n ’t w a n t his m o n e y , bu t his a dvic e o n a p r o je c t I w a s w o r k i n g o n . H is r e s p o n s e w a s c l a s s ic : “ J a y , l l o ve t his kin d o f s t u f f . ” A c t u a l l y , h e u s e d a d i f f e r e n t w o r d t h a t s t a r t s w it h t h e l e t t e r “ s .” I m e n t ion t he s e s t o r ie s n o t t o br a g bu t t o d e m o n s t r a t e h o w i m p o r t a n t i t is t o s u r r o u n d y o u r s e l f w it h t h e r ig ht m e n t o r s .

I t h i n k w a y t o o m a n y o f u s c o m m it w h a t o n e o f m y f a v o r it e m a r ke t in g g u r u s D a n Ke n n e dy r e f e r s t o a s “ i n d u s t r y i n c e s t . ” W e n e v e r l o o k o u t s id e o f o u r in d u s t r y f o r a n s w e r s . O n e o f t he be s t b o o k s I h a v e r e a d r e c e n t l y i s B r u c e F e l d m a n ’s T h e Q B : T h e M a k i n g O f M o d e r n Q u a r t e r b a c k s.

T h i s i s a f a s c i n a t i n g b o o k a b o u t t h e q u a r t e r b a c k g u r u b u s in e s s a n d ho w dif f ic u l t it is t o p r e dic t w h o i s g o i n g t o m a k e i t . T r e n t D il f e r is t e l l in g h is c o a c h in g s t a f f t ha t he do e s n ’ t w a n t t o de ve l o p a n y “ d r i v i n g r a n g e q u a r t e r b a c k s .” A g r e a t a n a l o g y t o t h e g o l f e r w ho l o o ks g o o d o n t he dr ivin g r a n g e b u t c a n ’ t p u t i t a l l t o g e t h e r w h e n h e p l a y s 1 8 h o l e s . Ir o n ic a l l y , I m a de s u r e m y f o o t ba l l f r i e n d r e c e i v e d a c o p y o f t h i s b o o k . A f t e r s e v e r a l m o n t h s , I f in a l l y a s ke d his w if e if he ha d r e a d i t b e c a u s e I h a d q u e s t i o n s f o r h im . S h e s a id t h a t , u n l ik e m e , he w a s m o r e o f a c o l l e c t o r o f b o o k s a n d n o t a r e a d e r . W e l l , a f t e r m u c h p r o d d in g , I f in a l l y g o t him t o r e a d it , a n d I l e a r n e d a g r e a t d e a l a b o u t o n e o f t h e g u r u s . T h e in t e r e s t in g t h in g is t h a t t his g u r u did n o t ha ve a g r e a t r e p u t a t i o n a s a p l a y e r b u t w a s a b l e t o s u c c e s s f u l l y p o s it ion him s e l f a s o n e o f t he t o p q u a r t e r b a c k e x p e r t s a n d a p p e a r e d a s a r e g u l a r g u e s t o n E S P N ’s G a m e D a y s ho w .

I o f t e n e a t l u n c h w i t h t h e g o l f s t a f f a t o u r c l u b , a n d I’m c o n s t a n t l y a s kin g t he m q u e s t io n s o n h o w t h e y t e a c h g o l f , e s p e c i a l l y b e c a u s e I d o n ’t p l a y . I c h a l l e n g e y o u t o s e e k m e n t o r s o u t s ide o f t h e t e n n i s i n d u s t r y t o i m p r o v e y o u r c r a f t a n d c a r e e r . I w e l c o m e y o u r c o m m e n t s a n d q u e s t io n s .

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MIDWEST CONNECTION

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