RSPA ADDvantage Magazine - January 2026 Edition

PERSONAL REBRANDING LEADING WITH REFLECTION RISE OF VALENTIN VACHERORT HITTING PARTNERS MY FIRST-TIME EVER WRC! PADEL INVESTMENT LOBBIN’ WITH LINDA

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LEADERSHIP

This year Personal Rebranding will be your Spark

W

Brian Dillman, RSPA CEO

e’re ringing in 2026 as the year

resume, and your interactions with your

of your personal rebrand, where

clients, bosses and investors are oppor-

you can channel your experiences

tunities to leave a positive, neutral or

at www.rspa.net. With your correct demo-

into a clear, confident version

negative brand impression. Make sure you

graphic, contact and personal information,

are very intentional with your brand.

we can better serve you with the programs

of who you are and how you show up in our industry.

and whose journey will you support?

Start by updating your personal profile

Throughout my career, I’ve been a

you need. Update (or create) your LinkedIn

It isn’t just about resolutions; it’s about

tennis professional, bicycle racer, fashioni-

profile. Promote the racquet sports industry,

reinvention. It’s about embracing change, re-

sta, fitness guru and more, and change has

update your headline to align it with your

fining your message and positioning yourself

been essential. Each transition required

purpose and values and update a professional

for the opportunities ahead. When you grow,

me to redefine how I led, communicated,

headshot (but please don’t have a fuzzy pic-

our association grows. Your success fuels our

and served the organization and people

ture, one of your playing days or a picture of

collective success. So, let’s make 2026 the

around me. Those experiences reinforced

your family dog). LinkedIn is a professional

year you: invest in your growth, amplify your

a powerful truth: your personal rebrand is

space to connect and promote your personal

voice and cement yourself as a leader.

not your title; it’s your story in motion. For

brand. The first thing people do when they

Why does “Rebrand You” Matter?

racquet sports professionals, your story is

meet you is check out your LinkedIn profile.

written every day in how you coach, how

Ensure it represents who you are and what

racquet sports vying for attention. We are

you collaborate, how you communicate

you want to convey about yourself. If you

witnessing a transformation that stretches

your expertise and how you contribute to

need help, please reach out to me directly.

far beyond tennis. Padel, pickleball, platform

the industry.

Our industry is changing, with multiple

The workshop walked through a Person-

tennis and squash are creating new pathways

al Action Plan, 13 questions that help create

for participation, coaching and business

a professional growth roadmap. It helps you

development. Most of us grew up on the

define your purpose, identify skill strengths

tennis court and are learning to adapt to new

and gaps, write your headline for two, five

sports entering our world and vernacular. As

and ten years out and outline accountability

consumer choice evolves and requires you

steps to make progress measurable. This will

to be the leading authority on “what’s new,”

be available in future webinars and divisional

we must gently push you out of your comfort

conferences.

A New Wave Begins

zone to help you identify who you want to be.

The Racquet Sports Professional

Our industry is entering uncharted terri-

Association has embraced this evolution

tory fueled by opportunities, innovation and

head-on. Our rebrand from the USPTA was

a “Hire Standard” of professionalism. The RS-

much more than a name change; it was a

At this year’s World Racquets Confer-

PA’s rebrand reflects that, but your personal

commitment to unity and progress. It was

ence, we developed three learning tracks—

rebrand is where it truly begins. We are here

about recognizing that we are all part of a

Leadership, Coaching and Operations— to

to support your personal success.

larger movement focused on professionalism,

define a clear pathway for your professional

continuous personal development and com-

development. As part of the Leadership

your personal rebrand and committing to

munity. With over 70 percent of facilities in

Track, I led a workshop titled “Rebrand You:

continual learning, you’re helping lead the

the US having more than one racquet sport

A New Wave Begins in Hawaii.” This theme

next wave of racquet sports professionals. The

as an amenity, we felt our rebrand identified

carried its message through the entire con-

opportunities are vast — one membership

what our association wants to be for the next

ference, as everything we do is designed to

spanning five sports, cutting-edge profes-

100 years.

help you craft your personal rebrand.

sional development that drives excellence

That same principle applies to each of

Rebrand You is a call to action. To lead

By renewing your membership, refining

and a network that connects leaders who are

us. Personal rebranding is about aligning

our industry, you must ensure your purpose

who we are today with where we want to

is aligned with where you are going and

go. It’s an intentional process of growth that

growing. This requires courage — to think

successful. The new wave of leadership is al-

helps us stay present, purposeful and visible

differently, to challenge the rules and norms,

ready happening at the RSPA. Are you ready

in a fast-changing world. When you rebrand

to ask, “Why has it always been done this

to ride it?

yourself authentically — when your actions,

way?” It also requires humility — to keep

values and presence match your aspirations

learning, listening and engaging with your

— you create trust, attract opportunities and

peers and network to build your rebrand

lead by example. Your rebrand is your living

team. Who is going to support your journey,

70 70--ADDvantage ADDvantageMagazine Magazine | |January January2026 2026

shaping what’s next.

True leadership is helping make others

Brian Dillman RSPA CEO CEO MESSAGE

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LEADERSHIP

Introducing the New RSPA President Leading with Reflection and Resolve:

I

t is hard to believe that another year has come and gone! I hope each of you enjoyed a meaningful holiday season and are energized for an incredible 2026 ahead.

I’m genuinely humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve this association as president for the next two years. As the new year approached, I found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here. What started out as a summer job, cleaning locker rooms and sweeping hartru courts, has turned into a 30-year career filled with unforgettable opportunities and the ability to raise my two amazing children.

As I start this next chapter with the RSPA, I truly believe we are in a great position. Yes, we are facing some challenges, but those challenges also bring opportunity.

We are in a great place with so much to build on due to the previous board efforts.

A special shoutout to Trish Faulkner, Jason Gilbert, Jenny Gray, Milos Vasovic, Kevin Theos and Rich Slivocka.

People have asked me about my goals as president. While yes, I am the person sitting in the chair, it is a team (staff and volunteer leadership) that will establish the goals. As we establish goals and navigate the waters, four guiding principles will guide our direction: 1. Is this good for our membership?

2. Will it help attract and retain members?

3. How does this affect us financially?

4. Does this help increase our thumbprint and impact in the racquet sports industry?

While the RSPA is certainly a strong association, collaboration will be essential to elevating our entire industry. Strength comes in numbers and working with our industry partners makes us all stronger. We will continue to build on our relationships with the CMAA, The Directors Club, PTR, USTA, RacquetX and others. Our door will

Mark Faber | RSPA President & RSPA Elite Professional

always be open because working together simply makes sense.

As a graduate of the Professional Tennis Management program at Methodist University, I hope to inspire others to see that the RSPA can provide them a lifetime career and a strong head start in the industry. PTM programs are truly a lifeline for our industry, and we plan to strengthen our support and engagement with them. You, our members, will be absolutely paramount in this happening.

Also, as a director of tennis at a commercial club, I hope to bring us back to our roots. All of us started somewhere: commercial clubs (myself being one), public parks or working summer camps at the local college. While many of my professional friends have advanced to be directors and general managers of highend clubs, a large number of our current and future members are working in a different space. One thing is common in ALL facilities; they are evolving as they offer multiple racquet sports now. The RSPA will be there to support their growth and provide a true career pathway.

With certification in multiple racquet sports through one membership, we offer a true one-stop shop for professionals who want to be the most educated and versatile leaders in the business. This empowers them to serve their members at the highest level and advance their careers in any direction they choose.

As our board moves forward, we will operate with consistency, transparency, and accountability. The only agenda we have is to provide our current and future members with the best possible information, education, networking, experience.

I am excited to begin this next step with our team: Kevin Theos, Jenny Gray, Scott Burton, Molly Beckmann, Milos Vasovic, Mel McRee and Trish Faulkner. The National staff is top notch and fully commit-

72 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

ted to you, the member.

At the end of the day, I truly am honored to represent our membership. I am just a guy from Toledo, Ohio who works at a commercial club. Daily, I am reminded of why I got into this profession as I am on the court providing a product to our members, who want to have fun and learn this great game of tennis as well as other racquet sports. While I was a nationally ranked collegiate player, those days are far behind me, yet the passion for playing has simply been replaced by the passion to personally grow and provide the best racquet sports experience to our membership, just like all of you. All of us have truly taken our passion and made it our profession!

Please know that I want to hear from you. While we might not always agree, I promise your opinion will be heard, shared and respected. You can always reach me via email at mfaber@ twosathleticclub. com or call 419-241-2222.

I genuinely look forward to the conversations ahead.

Let us make 2026 the best year ever for our association and let’s do it together. Let’s “Win as One.”

BOARD MESSAGE

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BOARD MESSAGE - 73

The Stunning 2025 Rise of Valentin Vacherort is Unsurpassed Steve Flink, International Tennis Hall of Fame

PHOTO CREDIT: Fred Mullane, CameraWorksUSA

T

he way I look at it, there was much to celebrate in the world of professional tennis over this past season in both men’s and women’s games.

First and foremost, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner shared the four biggest prizes between them, just as they did in 2024. Sinner defended his Australian Open title and was victorious at Wimbledon for the first time. Alcaraz almost miraculously defended his French Open crown by rescuing himself from triple match point down in the fourth set, en route to a spectacular five-set triumph over Sinner in the final at Roland Garros, and he was victorious at the US Open for the second time.

These two proud and potent warriors went down to the wire in Turin at the ATP Finals to fight valiantly for the honor of who would become the yearend world No. 1 ranked player. They also made history by colliding in three major finals over the course of the year.

This had never happened before in the men’s game during the “Open Era” in 1968. Jimmy Connors and Ken Rosewall faced off in two 1974 major finals, and the same was true four years later with Connors and Bjorn Borg. Borg and John McEnroe clashed in the finals of Wimbledon and the US Open in 1980 and 1981—where the New Yorker took on Ivan Lendl in the 1984 French and US Open finals.

Three years later, Lendl and Mats

Wilander contested two-title round contests versus each other. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal met in two major finals for three consecutive years at Roland Garros and Wimbledon from 2006-2008.

Novak Djokovic squared off against Nadal in a pair of title round contests at the majors in 2011 and 2012, in fact, fighting out four consecutive Grand Slam tournament finals in that span. Later, Djokovic confronted Andy Murray in two of the four showcase events in both 2013 and 2016, collided with Federer in the 2015 Wimbledon and US Open finals, and faced Daniil Medvedev twice in 2021 on the premier stages of the finals.

Clearly, there are many instances in men’s tennis when a pair of estimable individuals squared off twice in the same season of “Open Era” Grand Slam final round appointments. But never did it happen thrice in one man’s season before 2025. Tip your hat to the Spaniard and the Italian. They are magnificent.

Among the women in 2025, there were four different champions at the Grand Slam tournaments, with American women claiming the first two honors. Madison Keys

74 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

secured her first major by taking the Australian Open. Coco Gauff claimed her second career major with a French Open triumph. Iga Swiatek won Wimbledon for her sixth career Grand Slam championship and then Aryna Sabalenka was victorious at the US Open for the second straight year.

All of the players mentioned were outstanding! They were an integral part of tennis in the year 2025.

But, late in the season, after the headline performers had sparkled on the biggest occasions, it was left to a 26-yearold from Monaco to irrevocably alter his athletic life. Valentin Vacherot is his name and his surge down the stretch of 2025 was stupendous.

Prior to the Shanghai Masters 1000 tournament in October, Vacherot was stationed at No. 204 in the world. He wanted to enter the qualifying, but there was a long list of players positioned ahead of him as alternates hoping to make it into the qualifying.

Others in his situation might not have made the trip to China, but Vacherot believed in not letting a remote opportunity pass him by. Vacherot improbably got his chance to qualify and somehow overcame one tough adversary after another during a dreamlike run in China.

REFLECTIONS

INDUSTRY Down a set in his first round qualifying contest against Nishesh Basavareddy, he rallied admirably to prevail 6-7 (7), 6-4, 6-2. Two points from losing in his next qualifying assignment against Liam Draxl, Vacherot survived 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.

In the first round of the main draw, Vacherot won in straight sets. Then he produced another comeback victory over Alexander Bublik 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. He won his next match easily, but in both the round of 16 and quarterfinals, was on the brink of defeat before removing world No. 31 Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6 (1), 6-4 and No. 11 Holger Rune 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

Having advanced to the semifinals, Vacherot took on none other than Novak Djokovic, but by then he was playing almost unconsciously well.

Disregarding the stature of his opponent, he put on a stellar display to strike down the Serbian 6-3, 6-4. Then Vacherot stepped into a final round confrontation against his cousin Arthur Rinderknech and was not found wanting, capturing the crown with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph. In his nine matches in Shanghai, he was down a set on six occasions but met those propitious moments with astounding poise under pressure.

With that unimaginable run through the Shanghai field, Vacherot established himself as the lowest-ranked player ever to capture a Masters 1000 event. Taking that title

so improbably enabled him to move all the way up to No. 40 in the world, but he soon demonstrated emphatically that his rise was not accidental. He nearly defeated No. 4 seed Taylor Fritz in the first round of Basel before the American exploited his match playing acumen to win 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-5. Undeterred by that setback, Vacherot moved on to the ATP Masters 1000 Paris event and went to the quarterfinals before the big-serving Felix Auger-Aliassime stopped him in straight sets.

That spectacular autumn surge took Vacherot into the world’s Top 30, which was no mean feat. Here is a fellow who played college tennis at Texas A&M from 2016 to 2020. Not until 2020 did he reach the Top 500 in the world, and then in 2024 he moved inside the Top 200. In the middle of that year, he was ranked as high as No. 110, but injuries hindered the Monegasque.

In my view, Vacherot, now 27, is on his way to the Top 2. Standing 6’4” tall and weighing 184 pounds, Vacherot has an ideal build for today’s ultra-physical brand of tennis. He is not overpowering from the backcourt but Vacherot has a dandy of a two-handed backhand down the line, a very good first serve and excellent mobility.

Moreover, Vacherot has a commendable temperament, a strong disposition and an immense will to

win. He seems entirely comfortable in his new surroundings, close to the upper regions of the game.

To be sure, the likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, Sabalenka and Gauff shaped the tennis universe in 2025. However, as I reflect upon the players who shone most brightly, it is impossible to leave out Valentin Vacherot. He was the right man in the right place at the right time in Shanghai and what happened there has sweepingly altered his inner view of the player he could become. The enterprising Vacherot must be rated high among the most compelling tennis figures of 2025.

REFLECTIONS -- 75 75

Beyond Feeding: How Hitting Partners Transform Private Tennis Lessons Mike Pollard, RSPA Member

A

s teaching pros, we all have clients whose main goal is to learn the shots and tactics it takes to win that weekly match against a friend or compete in an upcoming USTA match. My client Larry is a 3.0 player who spends hours each week working on form, consistency and accuracy. He takes two lessons per week, during which he has hit thousands of balls with good form, pace and placement. We work on shot selection, shot production and, in my opinion, the most important aspect— point construction. Yet, even with all this practice and motivation, Larry just can’t seem to win that weekly match against his friend Mark. That leaves me, as his teaching pro, with one big question: why not?

At the beginning of each practice, we talk briefly about his recent matches and what our goal will be for the day’s session. In our lessons, Larry hits countless shots that I feed to him from different spots on the court. Each lesson, we focus on various spins, shot speeds, building points, and reading his oppo-

nent’s strategies. Every drill has a target, and Larry focuses on getting the ball into his perfect contact point so he can play offensively. Many 3.0 and 3.5 players focus solely on the shots they’re hitting, not the big picture of creating patterns of play. We talk a lot about creating more offensive opportunities by using those patterns. We also spend time on recovery after each shot, giving him the most time possible to read and react.

At the end of each session, Larry leaves confident and ready to play his big match. I always ask him to email me with his results. After all that work, I still got the same message: close match, but another loss.

I knew I needed to watch a match in person. So the next time Larry played, I found a discreet spot and took notes. I saw Larry trying to use the patterns and tactics we’d practiced, but he struggled during big points. He was often out of position or off balance. He changed direction at the wrong times or played too defensively. These were things I hadn’t seen during our lessons.

That’s when it hit me. My “dead ball”

76 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

feeding was holding Larry back. He needed real-time decision-making practice, and the best way to simulate that was to bring in a hitting partner.

At our club, we have two excellent Playmate ball machines, but ball machines lack the variability I needed. Larry needed to adjust to different speeds, spins, and depths in a single rally. He needed to read an opponent and recover quickly—in a live-ball scenario.

Finding the right hitting partner is tough. The ideal partner has a consistent style, good control, and can vary their spin, speed and depth. When I told Larry we were going to try something new, he was excited. I found a solid hitting partner—also named Mark—to join his lessons.

Within 10 minutes, I knew this was a fantastic idea. I was able to position myself behind and beside Larry to observe how he moved, set up, and recovered.

When I was the one rallying, I couldn’t focus on him as much because I had to recover and hit my own shots. With a hitting partner in place, I could watch Larry 100 percent of the time. I could also

PARTNERS ADVERTORIAL

COACHING demonstrate positioning and mechanics more effectively. Most players are visual learners, and this method worked.

Here is the lesson structure I use for hitting partner sessions:

Private Lessons in Three Stages 1. Warm Up 5–10 minutes, high intensity.

Warm-up drills should relate directly to the theme of the lesson.

Focus on footwork and contact point.

2. Technical Training: Observe swing shape, contact point and recovery. Use short, clear cues— don’t over-coach. Include target-based drills such as: • Two minutes hitting to Larry’s forehand • Two minutes hitting to his backhand • Two minutes alternating sides Then reverse: Larry hits exclusively to one side or alternates

3. Tactical Training: Live ball point play with purpose.

Ask questions like: “Where were you aiming?” “Why that shot?”

Favorite Tactical Games: • Wipeout: First to 12 points, but if someone wins three in a row, their opponent resets to zero.

• Four-Box Tennis: Divide the court into four zones; players can’t hit to the same box twice in a row.

• Pressure Sets: Missed returns or double faults lose the game instantly.

• Double Up: Win the point from the service box and earn two points.

• Luck of the Draw: Players must follow a strategy based on the number or logo on the ball.

Lessons can be 60 or 90 minutes.

If I’ve done my job, Larry leaves with improved footwork, swing mechanics, recovery habits, and tactical awareness.

And as a bonus, the hitting partner often ends up booking lessons too—once they see the time and planning that goes into it.

Adding a hitting partner transformed Larry’s lessons, and it might just do the same for your students too. The improvement wasn’t just technical. It was mental, tactical, and even emotional. Larry began to trust his patterns, stay composed under pressure and

make smarter decisions in real time. The live ball experience gave him something feeding never could: adaptability. So, if your students’ strokes are there, but the match wins aren’t, maybe it’s time to move beyond feeding and give them a live ball challenge that makes all the difference.

PARTNERS -- 77 77

racquets

CERTIFICATION CALENDAR PREVIEW

Notes

More to Be Announced! Visit RSPA.net

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Omni hotel | DaLlas, Texas

Platform

Squash

See RSPA.net for availability

Tennis

Tennis Level 1 Virtual (2 sessions) *usually, sessions are 7-days apart check rspa.net for all details

*Check Certification Calendars on RSPA.net for the most up-to-date information

PRO 78 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

CERTIFICATION CALENDAR

My First-Time Ever WRC!

T

he Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) World Racquets Conference 2025 (WRC25) was held in beautiful Hawaii at the Kona Outrigger Resort & Spa Hotel from Sept. 21 - 25.

This was my dream world class level meeting after I decided to enter my second career (coaching). However, this was also a big commitment for me in terms of finances and time. Fortunately, my dream became a truly great experience with support from the RSPA and the RSPA New England Division. I was one of only two recipients of the John Embree Scholarship. Thanks to the RSPA, the New England Division leadership and John Embree!

Under the leadership of Trish Faulker (Past President), Brian Dillman (CEO), Board members and Hawaii Division President Ikaika Jobe, RSPA designed many very rich educational workshops and courses both on the court and off the court, plus some fun activities and shows. So many world class coaches and industry leaders were invited to give presentations, including Mats Wilander, Dr. Dave Porter, Brenda Schultz-McCarthy, Mark Bey, Dr. Sophie Woorons, Andrei Daescu, Sarah

Stone, Craig O’Shannessy, Fernando Segal, Michael Mahoney, Andy Zodin, Cynthia Neiman, Bunny Bruning, etc. I tried to learn as much as I could.

The RSPA gave us many networking opportunities during the conference. I met some coaches from China, Coach Liyuan Wen and Coach Xin Wen (yes, we share exactly the same last name “ 文” in Chinese). I also met some coaches from Korea, Europe and Canada. This shows that the WRC is an international conference and the RSPA does expand globally! I even met famous YouTubers Scott and Nat. Although this was my first time attending a WRC, my first time attending an RSPA meeting was at the RSPA New England Division Annual Meeting held this May. That two-day division meeting inspired me a lot! I even received the Michael Mercier Diversity & Inclusion Award during the awards banquet at that meeting. I am so grateful to the strong New England Division leadership (Lisa Wilcott, Milan Kubala, Kristen Gerety, Mike Kolendo, Pam Dodman, etc.).

They have done a fabulous job for our division, that is why they won this year’s RSPA Small Division Award again (three times winning in four years)! Personally, I received direct mentoring from Pam Dodman and Mike Kolendo. In my opinion, the reasons why New England Division does

LEADERSHIP

Jason Wen | Ph.D., MBA, RSPA Certified Elite Professional, Founder & President of Boston Chinese Tennis Association

well are not only for the great annual meetings and professional newsletters they have (I contributed three articles during 2024-2025), but also for the dedicated leadership and supportive operation they provide to their members!

As the founder and president of Boston Chinese Tennis Association (BCTA), I am so lucky to become an RSPA member and can access a huge number of resources that the RSPA provides to its members. Plus, I can learn so much from others in the RSPA. I feel all the people who joined the WRC are so friendly and supportive. What a wonderful experience during the 2025 WRC!

MY FIRST-TIME EVER WRC! -- 79 79

PADEL: The Smartest Investment Your Club Can Make — If You Do It Right Marcos del Pilar, Head of Padel, RSPA

As someone who has dedicated more than 30 years to growing this sport around the world, I can say with confidence: padel is the most exciting business opportunity in racquet sports right now.

But like any investment with high potential, success depends entirely on how you execute.

Why Padel Delivers ROI Like Few Other Sports

I

n the business of racquet sports, few opportunities in recent decades have shown the kind of momentum—and profitability potential—that padel represents today.

With more than 30 million players worldwide and thousands of courts under construction, padel has moved far beyond trend status. It’s now a global movement, reshaping the economics of clubs, attracting new demographics and redefining how facilities think about engagement, retention and community.

The fundamentals are compelling. Padel courts generate higher utilization rates per square foot than tennis or pickleball, support both member and pay-toplay models and encourage repeat play through social connection.

A typical padel court can host four players every 90 minutes, and with its smaller footprint—roughly a third the size of a tennis court—it allows facilities to maximize underused spaces or repurpose existing infrastructure. Add in strong secondary revenue streams from coaching, events and retail, and it’s easy to see why padel is being called the “ROI engine” of the modern club business.

But the real value goes deeper than numbers. Padel is inherently sticky. Players don’t just play, they build relationships. They stay after their matches. They bring friends. They talk about it. That sense of belonging is the heartbeat of every successful club and padel accelerates it like few other activities.

The Five Pillars of a Profitable Padel Operation After years consulting for leading racquet sports facilities and investments groups worldwide, I’ve identified five key pillars that determine whether a club’s padel project becomes a long-term success—or a short-lived experiment.

80 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Strategic Feasibility & Market Fit: Before breaking ground, start with a clear market assessment. Who are your local players? What’s the competitive landscape? What’s your unique value proposition? The most successful clubs understand their audience and design their pricing, programming and marketing around it.

Smart Design and Quality Construction: A great player experience begins with premium materials, lighting and infrastructure. Poorly built courts or cheap enclosures can damage reputation fast. Partner only with certified suppliers who meet international standards and deliver a professional finish that reflects your club’s brand.

Operational Systems that Scale: Once the courts open, operational efficiency becomes the real differentiator. Digital booking, transparent court allocation and flexible programming are essential. Consider dedicated padel memberships, dynamic pricing or partnerships with corporate groups to fill nonpeak hours.

Community and Programming: Padel’s magic lies in its social DNA. Build that energy through structured events: launch nights, mixers, leagues and corporate challenges.

The more players interact, the stronger their loyalty—and the more they spend at your facility.

Certified Coaches and Staff Education: This is where I see the biggest gap—and the biggest opportunity—in the U.S. market today.

PADEL

OPERATIONS Why Certification Is the Key to Long-Term Profitability Many clubs underestimate the importance of properly trained coaches. They think any racquets pro can “just teach padel.” That mistake can cost thousands in lost retention and credibility.

Padel is its own discipline—with unique tactics, court positioning and team dynamics. The difference between a certified coach and an improvised instructor is the difference between short-term curiosity and long-term loyalty.

That’s why, as the Head of Padel for the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), I’ve made it my mission to raise the standard for padel education in America and beyond.

The RSPA Padel Certification ensures that every coach is prepared not only to teach proper technique, but also to deliver an outstanding player experience—safely, professionally and consistently. Certified coaches know how to develop a program sustainably, manage group dynamics and represent your club with excellence.

When your padel staff carries RSPA credentials, you’re not only just adding value but also you’re protecting your investment. It’s the difference between building courts and building a business.

The Strategic Mindset Behind Padel Success These business principles are at the heart of my new book, “The Secret of Padel: Business and Life Lessons on Achieving the American Dream with the Fastest-Growing Sport in the World.”

In the book, I share the strategies that have helped entrepreneurs, investors and clubs worldwide capitalize on this extraordinary sport—while creating environments that inspire people. Padel isn’t just a game; it’s a model for leadership, teamwork and innovation.

If you’re looking to understand the “why” behind the padel boom and how to translate that energy into your club’s success story, this book is your roadmap.

Learn more at www.marcosdelpilar. com.

The Business of Belonging What truly makes padel transformative isn’t just its numbers—it’s its network effect. When players feel part of something bigger, they stay longer, spend more and become ambassadors for your brand.

That’s why the best padel operations don’t focus solely on filling courts. They focus on building culture.

And that culture begins with coaches who care, programming that excites and leadership that sees padel not as a side project—but as a strategic pillar for growth.

If you’re ready to unlock that potential, begin with education. Begin with certification.

Start with The Secret Code of Padel and the RSPA Padel Certification that brings its principles to life.

Because in the future of racquet sports, the clubs that win will be the ones that understand the code.

Final Thoughts In an industry driven by innovation and engagement, padel represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for clubs willing to lead. But success won’t come from imitation. It will come from intention.

Start with a plan. Invest in quality. Educate your team.

And above all, remember that padel is more than a sport—it’s a business catalyst.

With the right vision, structure and people, it can transform not only your facility’s bottom line but the very spirit of your community.

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86 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

COACHING

Certification - The Core of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association Linda Gordon, RSPA Director of Membership

s the world’s leading certifying body for professionals across five racquet sports, the RSPA has set the gold standards in racquet sports—offering elite training, mentorship, and a lifelong career path for racquets sports professionals. Being the most trusted, rigorous and respected education programs in racquets sports, what we are not is a weekend workshop with a hat and a handshake, a generalist platform with vague requirements and no accountability or a one-size-fits-all certification that skis over actual standards.

Our tennis Instructor (Level 1) certification is great for entry level instructors, assistant coaches, high school coaches, college players or individuals who are just getting started in their tennis teaching career. The pathway includes safety courses consisting of the USTA Safe Play compliance and CPR certification, along with online courses and a two-day

A

Instructor (Level 1) workshop that we offer both in-person or virtually!

Coming out of this certification teaches a better understanding of coaching fundamentals for beginners to intermediates players, fundamentals for player improvement/development and understanding how to develop and conduct group lessons with engaging drill and game-based learning!

For those aspiring to have a full-time career in tennis, interested in head professional or director of racquet sports positions, wanting to work with advanced players, the tennis Professional (Level 2) pathway is the one for you. Building on the coursework and workshop from the Level 1 certification, a certified professional will also be able to apply coaching fundamentals for all ages and levels, teaching group and private lessons, develop and implement lesson plans, as well as diagnose and develop a plan for their student’s improvement!

The Padel Certification is ideal for new or current padel coaches, racquet sport coaches looking to add the sport to their programming or padel players formalizing their teaching credentials. You’re equipped with the skills needed to understand technical and tactical parameters for

strokes, develop and conduct group lessons and the business fundamentals in running a padel program.

With the requirement of the Safe Play training, along with about 10 – 12 hours of online coursework, the in-person workshop is held over two days, including on-court evaluations—participants will come out feeling prepared to launch and direct padel programs and lead introductory padel workshops to a variety of skill levels.

Similar to the ideal group of potential padel applicants, our pickleball certification equips new or current pickleball coaches along with players of the sport or any other racquet sports, with the ability to run effective lesson progressions for all levels of players, understand strategic court positioning with tactical development and stroke technique fundamentals. On top of that, applicants will learn program development, business growth and technology integration in teaching!

Safe Play, along with four-six hours of online learning modules, the one day in-person workshop that consists of hands-on teaching and on court playing, and coaching assessments, ensures that the applicant comes out more than qualified to lead and run pickleball programming – whether it be at the recreational level, public schools, private clubs or starting their own business!

Calling all coaches in the Northeast and Midwest or anywhere else where temperatures drop—don’t let LOBBIN’ WITH LINDA - 87

the winters limit you.

A certification in platform tennis is a great way to expand income and impact during the colder months of the year! Consisting of comprehensive online learning, practical on-court evaluations and hands-on teaching assessments, our certification will teach applicants effective teaching progressions for all levels of players, court positions, movement patterns and strategies specific to paddle, along with program developments for clubs and community settings. Weather-proof your teaching career with a certification in platform tennis!

The Squash Certification is designed for collegiate coaches, club professionals and experienced squash players who are ready to expand their teaching credentials. Through selfpaced online modules and a practical in-person workshop, you will gain essential knowledge in techniques such as strategic court positioning, technical stroke correction methods and safety considerations unique to the sport itself.

With the squash certification, you’ll finish your certification feeling fully prepared to master program

creation for diverse segments and learn vital business development strategies.

None of these workshops would be possible without the incredible coach developers that we have on the ground floor facilitating these events, sharing their knowledge with those in attendance. The feedback speaks for itself! After attending a pickleball certification with our 2025 Pro of the Year, Bunny Burning, someone stated, “She helped us with a lot of practical advice. She didn’t deviate from the plan and ensured the checkpoints were covered. Her wealth of experience in coaching and playing the game at the highest level was evident. She had a great knack for finding out technical flaws.

We were given a bunch of simulations in real-time to find flaws and suggest corrective actions. I am very delighted and proud to be part of the session.” As a result of a tennis certification workshop run by Amy Nestle, a member wrote, “Amy was fantastic!

She created a welcoming learning environment, where we all felt safe to share and learn in a non-judgment zone. She would answer any questions we had in great depth and taught us so much. She also

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................... Mark Faber First Vice President....................................................Kevin Theos Vice Presidents...............Molly Card Beckmann, Jenny Gray, Milos Vasovic, Mel McRee and Scott Burton Immediate Past President......................................... Trish Faulkner CEO & Contributing Editor...................................... Brian Dillman Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell

Editor.................................................................................Collin Brazan Layout/Design.................................................................. Sara Schetritt Editorial Assistance ................................................ Ellen Weatherford, Laumaur Lindsay, Ramona Husaru, Ashlynn Webb Circulation............................................................................. Tim Baum RSPA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.RSPA.net

88 - ADDvantage Magazine | January 2026

asked us to share about our current jobs, so we could share information regarding the industry. It was very easy to see why she loves coaching and teaching fellow tennis professionals. She is great at it!” “Marcos is the man, the myth, and the legend, he is an incredible instructor, mentor and friend to everyone.” “From the learning, to the experiential piece on court, to being at a new club and creating new relationships with new friends that hopefully will last for a long time.”

To start your certification journey or add a new racquet sport certification to your dossier, visit RSPA. net or call the membership team at 407-634-3050, option 2 today!

ADDvantage is published monthly by the Racquet Sports Professionals Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the Racquet Sports Professionals Association.

Copyright© Racquet Sports Professionals Association, Inc. 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the RSPA.

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