CEO MESSAGE
THE NEW YOU
®
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE DIRECTOR OF RACQUET SPORTS SKILLSET
Brian Dillman USPTA CEO
M
y wife called this my dream job. She is right, like always. My kids said I was famous in a very, very, very small industry. Not sure they are right (about the famous part). My mentors said they were proud and thrilled. I am humbled by their comments because of the time, effort and faith they have in me. It is very hard to write this first letter without being trite, so I looked at ChatGPT to uncover the best words to describe how I feel about this role. It was useless. So back to my original reaction when I got the final call: Wow! We exist for you. We are here to serve you, to educate you, to help advance
42 - ADDvantage Magazine
your career and to make you the best you that you can be. You elected the board who nominated the Search Committee that managed the interview process and brought us to this point. Thank you! My vision is clear for the future of the USPTA, our industry and racquet sports. We need to Educate Better, Partner Better, Recruit Better and Service Better. One of the best bosses I worked with made t-shirts for the entire company that said, simply: Do Better. I think that sums it up perfectly. We need to elevate the prestige of a racquet sports career with advanced career development through multi-faceted education, networking, coaching (mentoring) and industry connections. Being in the tennis/racquet sports world is an amazing career with fantastic advancement potential and multiple career paths with very lucrative opportunities. If I were to describe the skills of a racquet sports director at any facility, what skills would be highlighted?
February 2024
Customer Service Commission Sales Human Resources Event Planning and Management Budgeting and P&L Responsibility Managing Multi-million Budgets Retail and Facility Management Capital Improvements Project Management Mentorship Strategic Planning And on and on and on.
Is it just me, or do all these skills, when you hide the title of racquet sports, describe a well-rounded, experienced, desirable CEO? We have a packaging problem and a communication problem. My goal as leader of our organization is to put “Professional” back in our industry and change the perception (real or imagined) to help you elevate your career through new skills, mentorship, coaching and caring. As a not-for-profit trade association, led by a volunteer board of directors and executive committee, we have a lot of stakeholders who care deeply about our organization. The volunteer commitment required to support our entire organization is much higher than I ever imagined. Nights, weekends, using PTO days for travel is just the beginning of what your leaders do to support your USPTA. We also rely on our partners and endorsees to help add value with their products and services to help make your life, your business and your customers' lives better. We need their support, and they need your support. As a not-for-profit trade association, we must change our culture to be:
ENERGIZED Let’s tell great stories about our members and celebrate them.
ELEVATED Let’s raise the level of professionalism and LEAD.
ETHICAL Safe Play certified with high integrity to enhance our reputations as professionals.
EDUCATED Be the best of the best.
EXPERTS Focus on areas of expertise in all racquet sports.
ENGAGED Staff and members all working together toward the same goal, while mentoring and coaching along the way.
Having met privately with the national staff, the new USPTA Board of Directors, the division executive directors and the incoming presidents, I am overwhelmed by the energy, passion and commitment they have for your organization, but we need you. Go to a division meeting, join a webinar, attend a Level II certification, take advantage of Tennisresources.com, sign up to be part of the mentorship program, join another division conference or, to top it off, come to the World Conference. When I joined the USPTA in 1990 on the recommendation of my mentor Nony Michulka, John Ingram III certified me at Prestonwood Country Club in Dallas. From the minute I received my USPTA Elite designation, I felt like I was part of a prestigious club and immediately had 100 new friends. My experience playing softball on the DPTA softball team was a blast. Craig Bell recently reminded me that John Ingram would sit on the bench, smoking a pipe and would hit with a wooden bat. Brett Schwartz, now the president of USTA Southern, called me when I first got to Lake Nona and we reminisced about my time in Louisiana playing doubles with professionals like Ray Andres, Jimmy Livesay, Bill Johnson and Chris Dazet. Even 30+ years later, the memories and the feelings of these friendships and connections are just as strong as ever. I am the third leader of our organization in the past 41 years. I am humbled and motivated to be called to this role thanks to the path my mentors showed me and the impact tennis and racquet sports have had on my life and on other people’s lives. Feel free to reach out to me by calling 773-551-6541 or emailing me at brian.dillman@uspta.org. My commitment to you is to be THE LEADING advocate for our industry. I will use my passion and energy for service, health and racquet sports to improve your lives and lead, guide, coach and serve the next generation of leaders. *
CEO MESSAGE
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT MESSAGE
“U”SPTA I
am guessing that many of you out there have heard the oldie-but-goodie saying about being a part of a team, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” As a coach of several of my kids’ team sports, I know I certainly have. At this time, I would like to have you think about this one: “There would be no USPTA without ‘U.’” As a member-led and member-driven trade association, this is an association about and for “U.” Over the years, my fellow board and executive committee members have always had you in mind in every discussion and decision. Now, I will also use another famous line from a former president, who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” While our leadership, national staff and volunteers are working hard for “U,” I would like to ask, “What are ‘U’ doing or what can ‘U’ you do for the association?” Here are a few possibilities:
46 - ADDvantage Magazine
Mark Faber USPTA First Vice President
Speak at or host an educational event.
Become a division leader.
Mentor a young high school student to get into the industry.
Serve on a division or national committee.
Become a mentor in our mentoring program helping our younger pros.
Write an article for your division newsletter or ADDvantage magazine.
February 2024
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT MESSAGE
As we continue to move our association forward, we must continue to have an association that reflects who “U” are. By doing this, we continue to build a diverse base that does not reflect one but reflects many. Our association is truly one for all people, as it is an association built by and for “U.” Now, there are members (and non-members) who at times tend to be critical of the association, its leadership, its staff and decisions that have been or need to be made. Hey, that is not always a bad thing. For those of you out there, I’m always open to listen to you and discuss the concerns “U” might have—you’re welcome to contact me through my email (mfaber@twosathleticclub.com) or phone (419-241-2222). I invite “U” to be part of the solution of your concern. At the end of the day, the “U”SPTA is an association that has been, currently is and always will be leaders in our industry. Some of the decisions, at the time, made
some scratch their head; however, we have always been on the forefront of things for “U.” We were leaders in adding Padel, platform and pickleball certifications which have allowed “U” to be more marketable
Our association is truly one for all people, as it is an association built by and for 'U.' in the industry and way ahead of others. When we raised the level of education credits needed, it was done to help “U” to be recognized as someone who believes in the highest standards and importance of continuing education, which many other professions require.
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Through the efforts and leadership of Tim Heckler, John Embree and now Brian Dillman, our association continues to evolve, not just in the tennis industry, but the racquet sports industry for “U.” Our national staff works hard for all of “U” every day. We are very fortunate. I can promise you that under the leadership of the USPTA presidents I have served under (Gary Trost, Feisal Hassan, Rich Slivocka and now Trish Faulkner), each of “U” has been what motivated them to lead our association. What I am asking all of “U” to do, is to find a way to get more involved, educate our customers on what it means to have “U”SPTA certified professionals on the staff and encourage new people to come into the industry that has provided so much to all of us. In closing, I would just like to thank all of “U” and let “U” know you are appreciated. Let us all take the “U”SPTA to new heights and continue to be leaders in our industry!*
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MEMBER FEATURE
THE DOUBLES COURT DIVIDED INTO THIRDS, NOT HALVES 50 - ADDvantage Magazine
February 2024
Robert Stewart Russell USPTA Elite Professional
O
ne of the first questions a tennis player may ask a new doubles partner upon their first match together is, “Which side of the court do you prefer playing—the deuce side or the ad side?” Normally, the new partner’s response will sound something like, “Well, my forehand is better, so I prefer the deuce court side.” While it is perfectly rational to pick a side of the court to play based on whether a player prefers to return from the deuce side or the ad side, the mentality of breaking the court into halves becomes a problem when the point progresses past the return of serve. The reluctance to cover a middle ball simply because it is not clearly on “my side of the court” may impede the versatility of doubles teams.
MEMBER FEATURE
When teaching a team to play better doubles, the job of the tennis professional is to coach the team to envision the court as split into thirds, not into halves. By charting the ball placement during several games in a doubles match, it becomes apparent that most balls are hit down the middle third of the court, not in the outside thirds near the alleys. Court coverage in the middle third of the court is of utmost importance for the success of a doubles team, and too often players are traditionally taught that the person who should cover a ball down the middle is the person hitting a forehand. That perceived rule should not exist in high-performance doubles play. Instead, players need to be
taught that both partners should be eagerly attempting to hit the ball down the middle. Stop deferring to your partner and shying away from the middle ball based on what side of the court you play! Coaches should take a proactive approach to coaching partners in doubles. Too often, coaches wait until after the point ends to instruct players on who should have hit the middle ball. This approach is reactionary—coaches are teaching doubles players to react to the ball that their opponent hits. Coaches should change their instruction to a proactive approach where players can pre-plan what shot to anticipate next. If coaches can identify independent movement triggers for players, partners can better anticipate who
should hit the middle ball based on the placement and validity of the ball previously hit. Don’t worry so much about what ball the other team plans to hit from the other side of the court. Instead, focus more on what is happening on your own side of the court and what ball your partner is setting you up to hit! Nine times out of ten, you can proactively determine who should hit the middle ball based on the pattern of play and opportunities that you and your partner create. Truly, it is both players’ responsibility to venture into the middle third of the court. Whose ball the shot down the middle becomes should be based on who hit the previous shot, court positioning, and each partner’s individual strengths and weaknesses. Who takes the ball down the middle should never be based on what side of the court you initially chose to return your opponent’s serve to, as that mentality turns doubles into glorified cross-court singles rallies. When coaching players to serve in matches, there are three basic service placements: out wide, into the body and down the "t." It is time to think of the doubles court split into thirds in the same manner. It is easy to determine which player should hit the balls out wide to the ad court or deuce court based on the side of the court they traditionally prefer to play. Envisioning the doubles court in thirds rather than halves can help transform two separate players covering separate sides into one unified team that is unbeatable down the middle of the court.*
February 2024
ADDvantage Magazine - 51
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REFLECTIONS
PROJECTING A STELLAR
SEASON FOR THE MEN IN
Steve Flink International Tennis Hall of Fame Photo Credit: Fred and Susan Mullane; Camerawork USA
M
ost of us steadfastly stand by the notion that the past is prologue, which is why each year in the world of tennis is so intriguing. Prognosticators understand how precarious it can be to bank on their forecasts, and so they use history as their guide. I believe the 2023 men’s season in professional tennis is a good barometer of what will happen in 2024. Novak Djokovic was the sport’s unassailable pace-setter last
54 - ADDvantage Magazine
year, winning 56 of 63 matches, taking seven of the 12 tournaments he played, sweeping three of the four majors, claiming two Masters 1000 crowns and prevailing at the prestigious year end ATP Finals. He raised his total of Grand Slam titles to a men’s record number of 24, achieved an eighth year-end No. 1 ranking and made the most of his many opportunities. Meanwhile, Spain’s charismatic Carlos Alcaraz took his second career major at Wimbledon and five other titles, concluding the year at No. 2 in the world. He was followed by the impenetrable Daniil Medvedev at No. 3 and Italy’s surging Jannik Sinner at No. 4. Medvedev finished the year with a 66-18 match record, reached the US Open final, and took five titles.
February 2024
Sinner claimed four titles, went 64-15 and led Italy to victory in the Davis Cup. These four individuals were irrefutably the standout performers of 2023. They will remain front and center in 2024. At 36, Djokovic is driven by incomparably powerful private engines, determined to keep making the strongest possible case for himself as the greatest player ever to lift a racket, and motivated by the reality that the next two years will be crucial as he looks to add luster to his record. The view here is that Djokovic will take two of the four majors this year, demonstrating his enduring excellence, garnering more of the highest honors in tennis. Djokovic had captured 12 of his last 19 Grand Slam tournaments as he
REFLECTIONS
headed into 2024. The way I see it, he will be joined in the major champion’s circle this season by both Alcaraz and Sinner. The Spaniard upended Djokovic in an enthralling five set Wimbledon final but did not win a tournament thereafter. Sinner did most of his finest work in the second half of the year, reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon, taking his first Masters 1000 crown over the summer in Canada, finishing the year with a flourish as the runner-up to Djokovic in Turin at the ATP Finals. He then improbably rescued himself from triple match point down to defeat Djokovic in the Davis Cup semifinals a day before sealing the Cup triumph for Italy against Australia. Sinner is poised to realize even larger dreams in 2024. He split four matches against Djokovic over the 2023 season, winning two of their last three clashes in a stirring twelve-day
span at the end. He took two of three meetings last year against Alcaraz. His controlled brand of backcourt firepower and a vastly improved serve are the twin motors of his success. He will surely win one of the premier prizes this season. Alcaraz will not be left out of the equation either. His shot-making artistry is breathtaking. No one in his field is more gifted, versatile or ambitious. He finished 2022 at No. 1 in the world and only Djokovic surpassed him in 2023; that did not happen by accident. He is going to win another major this year. Medvedev’s triumph in Rome last year was his fifth title of the season, but he did not take another. Sinner ousted him three times in a row across the autumn. This enigmatic player will inevitably reside
among the five best players on the planet again in 2024, but I doubt Medvedev will win one of the majors. In closing this piece, I must mention Denmark’s Holger Rune, who finished 2023 at No. 8 in the world despite a disrupted, injury-ridden season. He can worry any adversary with his match playing flexibility and healthy defiance as a competitor. No one has a larger supply of gumption. I expect him to finish this year at No. 4 in the world. Finally, keep your fingers crossed that Rafael Nadal’s comeback bid is successful. If he can reestablish himself as he approaches the age of 38 and avoid another serious injury, then a 15th Roland Garros title run for the dynamic left-hander is not out of the question. His fighting spirit knows no bounds.*
Most of us steadfastly stand by the notion that the past is prologue, which is why each year in the world of tennis is so intriguing.
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WHAT GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU SEE WITH PICKLEBALL AND PADEL FOR BOTH COACHES AND THE INDUSTRY?
WHY DID TENNIS WAREHOUSE CHOOSE TO SPONSOR THE USPTA? Rick Kerpsack President Tennis Warehouse
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT TENNIS WAREHOUSE? I have been working for Tennis Warehouse for 16 years. Prior, most of my experience came from the supplier side of the business—starting at Prince, then Wilson and then adidas. In 2007, I came to Tennis Warehouse to expand the business into Europe. We now have warehouses in Germany to support our European business and a warehouse in Melbourne, Australia, to support our business there. I'm very proud of our team and how we have been able to expand and thrive as a global business.
WHAT MAKES TENNIS WAREHOUSE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPECIALTY RETAILERS? I believe our passion for the sport and the products we select come through when you shop at Tennis Warehouse. Our employees are very similar to our customers we serve and are passionate about tennis. We hope we add value to the purchasing decision with our reviews and unique point of view.
We wanted to find a way to give back to the industry. It really started with a brainstorming call with John Embree. John and I worked together at Wilson many years ago. We talked about how we both liked the way the PGA gathers support from all their major suppliers. This was the idea behind the TW USPTA partnership. Tennis Warehouse sits in the middle, which allowed us to bring some major brands to the table to help with their support. In footwear and apparel, we have the support of Nike, adidas, Asics and Fila and in racquets and equipment we receive support from Babolat, Tecnifibre and Prince.
It’s an exciting time to be in the racquet sports industry. For many years, nothing really changed and innovation and participation stalled. Now, if you want to try pickleball, there are plenty of places to play and a wide range of products to enjoy. Padel is also fun to play. We know from our business in Europe that Padel is strongly embraced by tennis players, too. Padel courts are more expensive to build, but they are being built and it is growing in the U.S.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR TENNIS WAREHOUSE? Tennis Warehouse is constantly looking for ways to grow and add value to our customer experience. I see growth opportunities everywhere, but we also need to be disciplined to make sure we invest our resources where it makes the most sense for the company.
As the official apparel, shoe, & equipment shop of the USPTA, Tennis Warehouse is proud to offer USPTA WHAT VALUE DOES TENNIS WAREHOUSE OFFER members 30% off MSRP on shoes & TO COACHES, BESIDES THE OBVIOUS DISCOUNTS? apparel, 20% off racquets (including Padel racquets and pickleball paddles), Access to information about the bags and string. Some exclusions apply. products, custom embroidery and fast delivery from two warehouses, just to name Go to www.tennis-warehouse.com/uspta to shop.* a portion.
February 2024
ADDvantage Magazine - 57
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JIM Jim Stockwell, USPTA Director of Membership
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INSURANCE • $6 million of on-court liability insurance included • Ability to purchase additional insurance products including: • Facility Additional Insurance • Sexual Abuse and Molestation Insurance • Non-member Teaching Assistant Coverage (Levels 2-4 only) • Health insurance options via Lighthouse Insurance Group partnership
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• Full Access to TennisResources.com, USPTA’s online education resource library • USPTA World Conference discounts and division conventions • Free monthly webinars
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TENNIS WAREHOUSE • Apparel and Footwear Member Pricing • 30% Off MSRP with endorsee brands: Nike, adidas, Asics, Fila • Equipment Member Pricing (Racquets, String, Grips, Bags, Junior Racquets, Pickleball Paddles, Padel Paddles, and other accessories) • 20% Off Retail with endorsee brands: Babolat, Tecnifibre and Prince • Get your USPTA Member Discount Code from Tennis Warehouse: www.tennis-warehouse.com/uspta. Active USPTA members will receive their discount code via an automated email upon registration. • Supplemental Savings Program contribution 5% • Pro Shops can apply for an account with Tennis Source (www.tennissource.com) for wholesale pricing on Prince and adidas.
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ELITE PRIVATE ONLINE EDUCATION - POWERED BY ICL ACADEMY AND DWIGHT GLOBAL • For grades 6-12 • USPTA children or dependents get 10% discounted tuition. • Supplemental Savings Program contribution 5%
NYBERG, FLETCHER & WHITE (AWARDS & PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS) • 10% member pricing discount • Supplemental Savings Program contribution 3%
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February 2024
ADDvantage Magazine - 59
MEMBERSHIP DEPARTMENT UPDATE
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COURTRESERVE • 5% discount off club management software standard pricing for use at their facilities • Supplemental Savings Program contribution 5%
STRING PING • USPTA members get a free month of service at 500 SMS level including 1 free phone number and 30 minutes of free onboarding.
PUTTERMAN ATHLETICS • 8% discount on the purchase of fabric products • Supplemental savings program 4% of all purchases of indoor fabric
SELKIRK SPORT • USPTA members receive discounts on select pickleball balls and pickleball nets
SPORTS INTERIORS • 4% discount on the purchase of products • Supplemental Savings Program 1% of all purchases of L.E.D. indoor lighting
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS • Racquet Sports Industry Magazine with ADDvantage • Refer & Earn – Membership referral dues discount program • Avis Car Rental – Save up to 30% at participating locations • Enterprise Rent-a-Car – Save up to 5% at participating locations • National Car Rental – Save up to 10% at participating locations • Discounts/complimentary tickets to US Open Series tournaments
SUPPLEMENTAL SAVINGS PROGRAM • A vendor-supported savings plan, with select vendors providing concessions to the USPTA for the benefit of participating Level 2 member professionals. Payments will be made on a quarterly basis to member accounts. These contributions will be considered taxable income. To learn more about these and other membership benefits, go to www.uspta.com or you can contact our membership team at 407-634-3050, option 2. *
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE
President................................................................ Trish Faulkner First Vice President.................................................... Mark Faber Vice Presidents.....................................Jason Gilbert, Jenny Gray, Kevin Theos, Rob Scott, Milos Vasovic Immediate Past President....................................... Rich Slivocka CEO.......................................................................... Brian Dillman Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell
Editor...............................................................................Marisa Lampe Managing Editor...............................................................Collin Brazan Layout/Design........................................................... Kerry Schneeman Editorial Assistance ........................ Jim Stockwell, Ellen Weatherford, Phoebe Allan Circulation............................................................................. Tim Baum USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827 407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com
60 - ADDvantage Magazine
February 2024
ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from the USPTA.