USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - July 2023

For the last eleven years, the July issue of ADDvantage has been dedicated to promoting the upcoming World Conference. Toward that end, I have used my CEO messages to provide some personal insight into the headliners who will be appearing along with other tidbits worth noting. This article will do the same for this September’s conference.

This year’s event is going to be a grand slam home run! We are going to kick off the schedule on Monday morning with one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. Oluwaferanmi Okanlami, or Dr. O as he prefers to be called, spoke at the USTA Annual Meeting in Phoenix this March. I was overcome with emotion as I listened to his story and the incredible impact he is making in the adaptive community at the University of Michigan.

Born in Nigeria to two medical doctors before immigrating to the USA at a young age, he attended Deerfield Academy (where I am also an alumnus) and then Stanford where he ran track and field. He was captain his last two seasons, achieving Academic All-American recognition. He then earned his MD from the University of Michigan before enrolling at Yale for orthopedic surgery. It was during his third year that he experienced a spinal cord injury, paralyzing him from the chest down.

He earned a master’s degree in engineering from Notre Dame and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. He currently serves as the director of student accessibility and accommodation services at the University of Michigan; is the assistant professor of family medicine/physical medicine & rehabilitation/ urology; is also the associate director, health policy and economics path of

excellence and an adjunct assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

He coined the phrase, “Disability is not Inability,” which resonated with me as I sat and listened to his moving presentation in March. You do not want to miss this opening session!

Following Dr. O’s talk, I will moderate a Tuesday morning panel discussion of distinguished guests who achieved the highest levels in their respective sports. Peter Taglianetti’s NHL career spanned ten years with four NHL franchises. He won two Stanley Cups while with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992 as a defenseman.

If you have watched any golf telecasts on CBS and NBC, you know that Frank Nobilo is an integral part of the broadcast team. Originally from New Zealand, Frank won 14 tour events across the globe during his playing days, achieving his highest world ranking of 21 in 1997. He has also served as the vice captain of the International Team in the President’s Cup.

Finally, Charles Woodson will be the third panelist (pending). The only player to win the Heisman Trophy as a defensive player and a part of the 1997 University of Michigan National Championship team, Charles played eighteen years in the NFL. Drafted by the Raiders, he was a nine-time Pro Bowler and named Defensive Player of the Year while with the Packers, where he also

won a Super Bowl ring.

We will spend an hour talking about their individual experiences with coaches at all levels. Find out who had the most influence on them and the lessons they learned from their mentors. It should be a fascinating session.

Then, finally on Wednesday morning, USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Inductee Chris Evert will join us for a Q&A hosted by another ITHFamer, Steve Flink. Steve followed Chris’s career from her early days until her retirement in 1989 and has served as her biographer. There is no one better to probe Chris’s career than Steve. Chris actually introduced Steve during the enshrinement weekend in Newport when he was inducted as a contributor in 2017.

We all know about Chris’s uncompromising playing career, and you see her on ESPN’s telecasts of the four majors. But you may not know the impact the Evert Tennis Academy has had on so many tour players, college players and juniors since the academy was formed in 1996 in Boca Raton, Fla. The four values that they espouse on a daily basis are excellence, resilience, integrity and leadership. There will be plenty of lessons that our members can learn by listening to what will be a motivating session.

One could not ask for a more fabulous set of headliners to grace our World Conference. Of course, the other thirty education sessions will be led by some of the most dynamic personalities in our

John Embree, USPTA CEO

industry. On our last day, we will transport conference attendees to Lake Nona for three on-court sessions at the USTA National Campus, followed by an open house at your USPTA Headquarters with lunches to-go so people can get to

the airport. Some of you may have never been to the USTA National Campus nor have toured the USPTA's tech-savvy and environmentally sustainable office. What a way to cap off five outstanding days of networking, education and fellowship!

Registration opened on June 1, so if you have not done so already, make the commitment to come to this year’s conference. It should be quite a celebration!

2023 USPTA WORLD CONFERENCE HEADLINERS

MORE HEADLINERS AND SPEAKERS TO COME!

“I was overcome with emotion as I listened to his story and the incredible impact he is making in the adaptive community at the University of Michigan.”

Opening Session Speaker, Oluwaferanmi O. Okanlami, M.D., M.S.

– John Embree

Peter Taglianetti TWO-TIME STANLEY CUP CHAMPION

Frank Nobilo BROADCASTER & 14-TIME PGA TOUR EVENT WINNER

Chris Evert FORMER WORLD NO. 1 TENNIS PLAYER & 18-TIME MAJOR WINNER

WC23 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR MORE UPDATES GO TO USPTA.COM/WC23

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

SPECIALTY COURSE 1

WOMEN IN COACHING (in partnership with the WTCA)

ANN GROSSMAN, DR. ERIN BOYNTON, KIM BASTABLE

SPECIALTY COURSE 2

STROKE MECHANICS, FOOTWORK & MOVEMENT

DR. MARK KOVACS

SOCIAL EVENT: ANDRETTI INDOOR KARTING & GAMES

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

ON-COURT & CLASSROOM

SEMINARS

AD STAFF MEETINGS

USPTA MERCHANDISE AND TRADE SHOW

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

NETWORKING BREAKFAST

ON-COURT & CLASSROOM SEMINARS

USPTA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

USPTA DIVISION PARTIES

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

ON-COURT & CLASSROOM SEMINARS

Q&A WITH USPTA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CHRISSIE EVERT

USPTA AWARDS LUNCHEON

ON-COURT & CLASSROOM SEMINARS

PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION

POOLSIDE PARTY DINNER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

ON-COURT SEMINARS AT USTA NATIONAL CAMPUS

PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION

LUNCH AT USPTA HEADQUARTERS

INTRODUCING 2023 WORLD CONFERENCE

SOCIAL EVENTS

The USPTA is bringing its hallmark World Conference home to the City Beautiful—Orlando—Sept. 24-28, 2023. With its glittering skyline of palm trees and neon-lit attractions and a cityscape full of theme parks and luxurious adventures, the USPTA’s hometown makes for the perfect location to celebrate the sport we all love so dearly.

Set in the heart of Orlando at the grandiose Rosen Shingle Creek, this year’s World Conference will be framed by towering palm trees and sprawling lakes. Its magnificent meeting spaces and tennis courts bring practicality to the gorgeous ambiance of Central Florida. The Rosen Shingle Creek offers on-site dining, with a dozen restaurants that include the award-winning steak

house, A Land Remembered. Those who love to indulge in golf when not on court will find a lot to love about the on-site Shingle Creek Golf Club. Crafted by the prestigious Arnold Palmer Design Company, this classic course harkens back to the golden age of golf course design. World Conference attendees will be provided a special $49 rate to experience the course.

The USPTA is hosting many events during the conference, beginning Sunday night, when we’re shuttling attendees to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. At an attraction that exemplifies Orlando’s exciting atmosphere, this twohour event includes finger foods, highspeed go-karts, arcade games and a cash bar. As much time as we’ll get to spend discussing racquet sports throughout the week, we also want to emphasize the fun and camaraderie of our industry in ways that allow attendees to step off the court and socialize.

We’re bringing our buzzing Merchandise and Trade Show to Monday, a networking breakfast to Tuesday and will honor our fellow pros at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday. All our events will include delicious food, so you can meet your networking needs while you eat.

We would not properly be embracing the Sunshine State without some time in the sun, so Wednesday is set to bring attendees to our Poolside Party. A social event scheduled for sunset at one of the Rosen Shingle Creek’s four outdoor pools, this event is set to blend networking and relaxation while taking in the beauty of our destination and resort.

Many of our events are on-site this year, and we’re providing transportation to the one that is just around the corner from the hotel. We’re excited to see all our attendees engage with one another throughout these events, all in between the conference’s five days full of tennis. We hope to see you for tons of fun this September in Florida!*

Collin Brazan Public Relations Coordinator

Kirk AndersonQ&Awith

USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Inductee

Marisa Lampe Director of Marketing & Communications

Kirk Anderson is a USPTA Master Professional and has been a member of the association for five decades. Over the years, Anderson has been a popular speaker, written several books on coaching and served as the USPTA director of education. In this Q&A, Anderson discusses his induction to the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame, the importance of continuing education and his upcoming book releases.

Q: Kirk, tennis has been part of your life for quite some time. How did it all begin?

A: I got a late start in tennis. I went to a small high school outside Kalamazoo, in a place called Parchment, Michigan. I didn’t necessarily have the greatest experience with team sports. I had one basketball coach who said, “I’ll keep you on the team, but you’re not going to play because you’re too small.” So, I didn’t play much my freshman year, but I worked hard. With an individual sport like tennis, there were no barriers. The summer between my freshman and sophomore years, I played a lot of tennis in the park with friends. We had fun and played all day until it got dark. It was just an enjoyable sport. It gave me the opportunity to run, hit, compete and completely control my own destiny. That’s what grabbed me.

I had a coach my senior year who ran a summer program. He asked me to take over and I thought, “Wow. What a deal.” I could teach tennis, make a little money, be outside and do what I like to do. So that was my start—pretty humble beginnings. I began teaching the day after I graduated and worked all summer.

I thought it was even better than playing because students appreciated it and I was helping them get better as people and players.

Q: You’re in rarified air as just a small group of people who have reached the Master Professional level from both the USPTA and PTR. What led you to pursue these two distinctions?

A: I always wanted to excel. I didn’t have a lot of high-level playing experience, so I wanted to distinguish and differentiate myself. I thought, do you want to be a sailor, or do you want to be a Navy Seal, do you want to be a carpenter, or do you want to be a craftsman? I wanted to be the best of the best, and it has definitely opened up doors that aren’t available to other people because I achieved that level. If you’re interested in becoming a Master Professional, find a mentor, look at the criteria, get started and document everything. It’s a long-term goal but if you’ve been in the business for 10 years, you should be able to check a lot of things off and you’ll get there and achieve your goal.

Q: You have 50 years of service to USPTA. What are some of your favorite memories from your time with our association?

A: You look back after 50 years and you have a lot of memories. But the memories that we still

talk about and laugh about are the networking that was done at divisional and national conventions. People that I ran into starting in the early 70s, we were breaking ground. We learned from each other, we shared each other’s successes, we learned from each other’s mistakes and when we went to conferences, we became very good friends. There are probably 20 people who are still in the business now that I became close with just through being around each other and sharing stories. Those experiences are the most memorable to me.

Q: What are the things you’ve been most proud of as a tennis-teaching professional?

A: Obviously, it is the development of my students. A couple years ago I asked a former student, “You were in my program for

six years. What do you remember most?” He thought about it for a short time, and said, “Coach, there are three things I remember. Number one—our practices were going to be really well organized. Number two — we were going to work really hard. Number three—at one time or another, we were going to laugh like crazy.” And I thought, “Oh, that’s pretty good.” I am proud of that.

On the flip side are the courses we developed for coaching tennis. The books we wrote and the online courses were innovative and groundbreaking. We did that with a lot of cooperation with USPTA and PTR and the US Olympic Committee. We got the information online and available for mass distribution in a short amount of time, so I’m proud of that, too.

Q: Speaking of those coaching resources, you served as the USPTA director of education back in the early 90s. In your opinion, what are the most crucial things for a coach to learn?

A: I think the most important thing to learn is to keep learning. You’ll want to continue to learn skills, tactics and techniques and keep refining them to become the best teacher you can be. The second piece is to realize you’re not only teaching tennis, but you need to teach people. You need to learn how to connect with kids, adults, seniors and special needs people. They all have different needs and come for different reasons, so you need to be able to learn how to teach them all. The third piece is that we are not only teaching tennis, we are not only teaching people, we are changing lives. If people ask me what I did for a living, I would say I changed the lives of a lot of people. I gave them confidence, encouraged them and supported them. We developed trust. As far as I’m concerned, we teach tennis, we teach people

and more importantly, we change lives.

Q: How important is it for coaches to receive continuing education?

A: The people I mentioned, who were in conventions with me 50 years ago, are still learning. They’re still in the front row taking notes. There’s no secret why they’re still in the business. It’s because they are still learning. I have always struggled with people who complain about continuing education. If you’re not reading books, going to courses and doing things online, you’re not going to be around in 10 or 15 years. Plus, if you’re continually growing, innovating and accumulating knowledge, your students pick up on that, too.

Q: You’ve written or co-authored 14 tennis books. Is there anything on the horizon you’re working on?

A: Yes! I have a book that’s almost finished called Tennis Beyond Lessons: Coach Yourself to Better Tennis. It’s not a technique book. It’s about decision-making, competing, preparing, all the things that happen outside of a skill- based lesson that are going to make you perform better. I also have a second book I am working on for youth coaches. This one is based on relationships and connections — how do you make that connection and how do you build that relationship with your students? I’ve surveyed more than 3,000 coaches over the last 10 years, and I asked them to think of one characteristic to describe their favorite coach. Almost every answer is about the relationship, not the knowledge the coach passed along. They were encouraging, motivating, I could trust them and they believed in me. Those types of things come up repeatedly, so that’s what that book is about.

Q: Is there one moment that stands out for you being a USPTA member?

A: I wrote a curriculum for Wounded Warriors. I had to do a lot of research about working with people with disabilities and with PTSD. I was aware this could be tough emotionally and physically. We started with foam balls on a short court, and the people I was planning with said, “Kirk, that’s not going to work. These guys are soldiers and they aren’t going to buy this short court stuff.” I said let me give it a try, and so we did. We went to the military base to work with 20 wounded warriors, and it was incredible. We were laughing, they were having fun and kidding each other. We had lunch and they talked about what they were going to do on the weekends, riding their bikes, being with their families. I had such a good feeling that, okay we are working with wounded warriors, but they’re just like any other person. On the second day of the workshop one of them called

me over and said he had to talk to me. He got right in my face and said, “Coach, don’t ever stop what you’re doing because it makes a difference.” Then he gave me a hug. That’s one thing I’ll always remember in my coaching career because it was pretty significant.

Q: Do you have any advice you’d want to pass along to young USPTA members?

A: Have you heard of the starfish story? There was a man going to the shore and the night before he arrived, there was a big storm. The storm washed up thousands and thousands of starfish onto the shore. When he approached the shore, in the distance he saw somebody stooping down and throwing starfish back out into the ocean. He walked up to him and said, “Sir, what are you doing?” He said, “I’m throwing these starfish out into the ocean because when the sun comes up these starfish will get dried out on the shore and die. The guy says, “There are thousands of starfish on the shore. How

can you possibly make a difference?” He threw another starfish in the ocean, and said, “Well, I made a difference for that one, didn’t I?”

You never know what impact you’re going to have on your students. I didn’t know my former student Danny Faber would become the CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, or that Eric Walsh was going to be a chief engineer for Whirlpool, but you make a difference. That’s one thing that I want to pass along. Every student is important. Reach them, motivate them, keep them in the game, because that’s the opportunity we have as coaches. The other piece of advice is to look at yourself as a teaching pro. Make sure you’re working on things that are going to make you better every day, so that ultimately, you’re the best coach you can be.

Q: What does it mean to you to be inducted into the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame?

A: I was incredibly honored and

speechless. I was trembling when John (Embree) called to tell me I had been selected for induction. I couldn’t be more grateful for this recognition. I went right to the USPTA website and looked at the people who are in the Hall of Fame and I thought wow, what an incredible group, and then I thought I’m so proud of the fact that I can be recognized as more of a development coach, rather than from coaching at the highest level. I have always struggled with that because I think you can be a high-performance coach at the developmental level, and I have always wanted to be the best development coach in the world. So, it gave me that recognition of yes, someone can be recognized for working with people at the development level. I am so grateful to have spent my career working with people, getting them started and getting them excited about the game, because it’s such a great game.

Your Guide to

ORLANDO

Collin Brazan Public Relations Coordinator

Amelting pot of cultures and experiences, Orlando surrounds September’s USPTA World Conference with nearly endless opportunities for adventure and excitement.

We Have to Mention Theme Parks:

Walt Disney World Resort: One of the most-visited tourism destinations in the world, the iconic four-park getaway makes its magic just a 20-minute drive away from World Conference. Its shopping and dining district, Disney Springs, remains open until 11 p.m.

Universal Orlando Resort: Thrills, comic book characters and Harry Potter await just 15 minutes down the road from World Conference. Universal’s dining and shopping district, Universal CityWalk, runs until midnight.

SeaWorld Orlando: Less than 10 minutes away from World Conference, Orlando’s premiere aquatic destination is a hop, skip and a swim away for those staying at the Rosen Shingle Creek.

Eat Near the Theme Parks: Exploring the theme parks around World Conference and looking for a great meal? From Michelin recommendations to out-of-this-world, specialized cuisine, the dining around Orlando’s greatest travel destinations is as grand as the places you’ll find.

Citricos: This elegant restaurant nestled in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa makes the finer side of Orlando dining accessible. A vibrant drink menu (and an excellent bar next door in the same resort) compliments a stellar meal that comes recommended by Michelin. Reservations are recommended.

Toledo: Elevated Spanish cuisine takes the stage at this beautiful rooftop restaurant. Another Michelin recommended eatery on Disney property, not enough words can be said about the quality of the meal, the jaw-dropping atmosphere and the top-notch wine selection. Reservations are recommended, but last-minute seats are often available.

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’: A lesson in classic southern cooking, this Disney Springs soul food spot is a showcase of Florida’s greatest offerings, with everything about the

restaurant—from its ingredients to the wood of its foundation—locally sourced from the Sunshine State. It’s run by Oprah Winfrey’s former head chef, and though reservations are advised, there is always walk-up availability.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar: Burgers and sushi make for a one-of-a-kind, must-try-for-yourself combination at Universal CityWalk. You should have little trouble getting in without a reservation, and it presents all the fun that comes with eating near an iconic theme park.

A vibrant and expansive vacation hub, the World Travel & Tourism Council named Orlando 2022’s largest U.S. travel and tourism city.

Fun Nearby:

Orlando is expansive, which means those staying on-site at the Rosen Shingle Creek will find plenty to indulge in without having to venture far.

ICON Park: The enormous Ferris wheel that dominates Orlando’s skyline, along with the other oversized carnival thrills, live fewer than 10 minutes away from this year’s World Conference. Those in search of a quick thrill or a collection of fast dining options can find them all situated here.

Topgolf: The renowned, high-tech driving range is just a five-minute drive away from World Conference, and is next door to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, the hub for this year’s opening World Conference social event.

Kabooki Sushi: Orlando is no stranger to great sushi, and Kabooki will be among the first names you hear any local mention.

Explore Winter Park:

The nearby town of Winter Park is the perfect destination for those looking to walk through one of Central Florida’s most beautiful destinations, and it only helps that it’s overflowing with some of its best restaurants and bars.

Park Avenue: This shopping district is full of local boutiques, big-brand storefronts, European-style side streets and hidden gardens and must-eat restaurants. Dine at Prato, Boca and Ravenous Pig, or grab wine samplers and tapas at The Wine Room on Park Avenue.

Art Museums: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the world’s greatest Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, and the Rollins Museum of Art hosts over 5,000 works. These affordable experiences provide a perfect window to Orlando’s exciting arts culture.

Join us this September to experience five days full of tennis and everything Orlando—one of the world's top travel destinations—has to offer.

Left: Kabooki Sushi

Below: ICON in Orlando, FL

Bottom: Downtown Winter Garden, FL

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

YOUNGER GETTING

Jason Gilbert USPTA Vice President

At 2012’s USTA Annual Meeting, then CEO Gordon Smith shared some alarming statistics: the average age of USTA players who played in leagues was 58, and the average age of certified coaches was 57. The numbers were so concerning and alarming that the USTA Annual Meeting was themed The Urgent Imperative!

The intent of the meeting was to use conclusive data to educate the tennis industry that our tennis players and coaches were aging out, and to inspire a call to action by all to discover what we can do to get younger.

Even more alarming, today that call to action was more than ten years ago, which (if my math is correct) would make our average-age USTA player and certified coach in their late 60s! I believe we all understand the problem, but the question is, what are we all doing about it? How do we bring in those younger players and professionals? It is everyone’s responsibility as tennis coaches and players to protect and support our great sport.

To combat the problem, the USPTA started an initiative in 2013 to recruit

and retain younger professionals, called U30. The U30 initiative was so different and successful because it was completely driven by younger professionals. I will never forget the party at the 2013 USPTA World Conference at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, when thirty U30 USPTA professionals in bright orange shirts walked into the general membership meeting.

The U30 initiative gained traction until 2018, when it was morphed into a new initiative called Elevate. Elevate supports members who have been in the organization five years or fewer and focuses on member retention, inclusivity and supporting the needs of new members.

As the needs and mindsets of the younger professionals are constantly changing, I feel it’s imperative to create new strategies to recruit and retain them. We need to ensure the younger professionals are involved and engaged in the decision-making process, so we can hit the nail on the head every time. The main reason why our U30 initiative was so successful was because the younger professionals drove the initiative.

It is also very important that our entire tennis ecosystem works together

to achieve our goal of getting younger. You can have multiple initiatives going on at the same time, but collaborating at every level will maximize participation and opportunities for all.

For example, our younger professional initiative and mentoring initiative can work hand-in-hand, as they both have common needs that support each other. In the last USPTA committee term, we combined the Elevate Committee and the Mentoring Committee, and the collaboration between the two has been excellent. If anyone should be interested in our USPTA mentoring program, please contact Kevin Theos at usptamentoring@gmail.com.

Although we older members can’t turn back the clock, we can all work together to ensure our great association— and tennis in general—gets younger and stays healthy. We can continue to embrace and support our younger members by taking it upon ourselves to mentor them and guide them into being future leaders of tomorrow. Most of us have stories of one specific person who took a genuine interest in us and went out of their way to bring us into the USPTA. Let’s all give back and keep that great cycle going.*

VICE

ELECTRONIC

LINE CALLING

IS HERE TO STAY

Not long ago, the ATP Tour announced that, starting in 2025, electronic lines will be used in every tournament on the men’s circuit. The way I look at it, this decision to, of course, stick with umpires while eliminating all lines personnel the year after next, is a logical and important step in the evolution of tennis officiating. Electronic Line Calling Live (ELC Live) will usher in a new level of professionalism to the sport, ensure players can focus solely on carrying out a winning game plan without worrying about disputing line calls, and guarantee near-perfect accuracy across the board. This is, above all else, a victory for the players.

Think about how much officiating in the upper regions of the game has changed. Before the Hawk-Eye Line-Calling System moved into the mainstream of tennis 17 years ago, if a bad call was made, the only way a player could have it reversed was if an umpire overruled. Hawk-Eye enhanced the game immeasurably, allowing the competitors recourse after an erroneous decision was made by a lines person.

The problem with the challenge system has always been forcing players to be judicious. They might succeed in getting some injustices remedied, but not all. They can’t see every wrong call while they are in perpetual motion. Just as lines personnel understandably make mistakes, so too do the players. In a Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer quarterfinal contest at Cincinnati in 2013, the Spaniard laced an inside-out forehand for an apparent winner on match point at 5-3 in the final set. There was no out call from the linesmen. Federer walked up to the net, shook hands, and conceded defeat to his chief rival without challenging the call. Nadal triumphed 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

But the Hawk-Eye replay on television revealed Nadal’s forehand landed wide. Once the ATP Tour goes to the electronic lines calling system full-time in 2025, there could be no such occurrence. The electronic lines have been phased in over recent years at some tournaments (starting with the Next Gen Finals in 2017), gaining widespread approval among the players. Thankfully, there will soon be uniformity with this brand of officiating.

The challenge system was a step in the right direction, but it was not built to correct every erroneous call. Some learned observers may lament the loss of animated interaction between human beings calling lines and players chagrined by questionable calls, but the machines will surely get it right more than the human eye ever could.

As NBC tennis analyst Mary Carillo told me in a recent conversation, “The game has gotten so physical and so fast. There is so much spin on the ball. You

cannot ask a person to try to keep up with the pace and weight of shot. It is unreasonable to think lines people can make calls better than technology can do it.”

That is, in my view, indisputable. Yet there can be snags periodically, as the highly respected coach Brad Stine discovered last year during the U.S. Open, when his charge Tommy Paul was playing a match and a ball that seemed clearly long was not called out. An official came out at the subsequent changeover and, as Stine recalls, “recalibrated the camera on that baseline. So, I don’t think it is completely infallible, but the accuracy level is way, way better than when we had just umpires and linesmen doing it. The electronic lines system is a better one than players having the ability to challenge calls. But they still must make sure they are getting it right all the time.”

Fair point. But I am confident the

electronic lines will become even more precise. As Carillo says, “I honestly think this is the way to go. Everyone should just calm down and trust the technology. This was always coming and now it is here.”

The public might reflect on days gone by, and altercations between linesmen and hot-blooded competitors like John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. So be it. The professionalism of officiating is far more important.

As Stine concludes, “The electronic lines [system] creates much greater peace of mind among the players. It will be an overall better and cleaner presentation for the game without lines people out on the court, highlighting a more gladiatorial type of dynamic with the two combatants. Players will more easily stay focused and play better. You are not going to find anybody that says they want to go back to lines people.” *

Good Compression Wear:

Creating Tomorrow’s Lower Body Health Today

By Jonathan Oe

Let’s face it, tennis and pickleball take a toll on your lower body. And the effect is cumulative. The more you play, the more fatigue you stack on top of the previous day’s fatigue. Muscles lose pliability and begin to pull on ligaments and tendons, providing the perfect scenario for injuries to occur. Tennis and other court sports require sudden starting, stopping and change of direction. Labrum damage and other injuries to the hips are common. And strained hips can also lead to issues in your lower back and distortions in your physique as you age.

But there are simple ways to fight back. In addition to proper hydration, training and stretching, using GOOD compression tights are a fundamental piece of improving your lower body health.

But what is GOOD compression wear? Most compression wear purchased at retail is cosmetic in nature.

It’s flimsy and offers little-to-no support. You can also oppositely experience over-compression that can be uncomfortable and feels like your circulation is being cut off, decreasing performance and restricting your movement.

What you are searching for is a balanced compression. Balanced compression provides a supporting structure for your hips, glutes, quads and hamstrings. It is soothing, comfortable and gives you reassuring confidence as you move. Good compression tights have been proven in professional sports to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and speed recovery.

Compression tights benefits add up to less wearand-tear on the court, leaving your body in better condition at the end of each day. Think about what an advantage this is during multi-day tournaments. Fatigue is cumulative, and as a tournament marches on, it can turn into a war of physical attrition as much as pure skill. But this goes far beyond competitive tennis. How about the thousands of tennis instructors who are on their feet for hours every day? By reducing your fatigue each day, you are in better shape to take on tomorrow’s opponent or wake up feeling better to take on your day.

Incrementally reducing the stress on your lower body is a daily mission that can change your life. Bad hips and lower bodies are linked to lower back issues. As we age, those accumulated aches, pains and injuries build and distort our alignment and physique. It can affect our activities and confidence to take on those things we love to do. Do you enjoy cycling, hiking, dancing or going on long walks? Do you want to continue playing tennis or pickleball?

Choosing to wear good compression tights can help you get there. *

USPTA Members can sign up for the USPTA Ambassador Program to receive a gift pair of tights, future 25% product discounts and 15% sales commissions for promoting this award-winning product. To register, go to www.leorever.com, scroll to bottom of page, click on “USPTA Ambassador Program” and complete the form to get your complimentary pair of compression tights.

Jonathan Oe is the designer and CEO of LEORÊVER - manufacturer of luxury compression wear and activewear. LEORÊVER is the official compression wear of the USPTA and Association of Pickleball Professionals, and Men’s Health Magazine Compression Award winner. He is a former vice president of Gilda Marx Bodywear and has designed and produced custom compression wear for the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Chargers.

JAMMIN' WITH JIM

Earn up to $300 per calendar year with the NEW USPTA Refer & Earn Membership Referral Reward Program

When tennis professionals are asked what the most rewarding part of being in the industry is, many will respond they are passionate about teaching and growing the sport they love. The United States Professional Tennis Association is no different, and right now, the sport of tennis is booming. According to the Physical Activity Council, participation has increased to 10.08% of the United States population playing tennis in the third quarter of 2020, versus 6.75% in the third quarter of 2019, an increase of 49.33%! With more interest, the industry needs more quality coaches teaching the game to these new players.

Starting July 1, the USPTA will partner with Tennis Warehouse to launch a new and exciting referral rewards program called Refer & Earn to bring in new pros to help meet these industry needs. The process is easy! If you are an existing USPTA member, active and in good standing, refer a new applicant. Once that new applicant successfully signs up by completing the USPTA application online to become a Certified Tennis Instructor or Certified Professional (which includes payment of the one-time application fee and prorated portion of membership dues for the current calendar year), then you will receive a $50 Tennis Warehouse gift card! To qualify, the new applicant must list the existing member’s name who

referred them to the USPTA in the Refer & Earn referral field on their application. Each existing member can refer up to six applicants and earn a maximum of $300 in Tennis Warehouse gift cards per calendar year. These gift cards can be used on all Tennis Warehouse merchandise. USPTA members receive 30% off through Tennis Warehouse on apparel and shoes from Fila, Nike, adidas and ASICS and 20% off racquets, string, grips, bags and accessories from Babolat, Prince and Technifibre. Your discounts will still apply with these gift cards.

July 2023 USPTA Membership Drive

During the month of July, the USPTA is offering an additional incentive where you can refer new applicants to the USPTA and earn even more! Any existing member who refers a qualify-

ing applicant to the USPTA during the month of July will receive a BONUS $25. That’s a $75 Tennis Warehouse gift card per applicant referred to the USPTA (up to a maximum of $300 per calendar year) during the July membership drive. After July 31, any qualifying referral will earn a $50 Tennis Warehouse gift card. The July membership drive and the Refer & Earn referral reward program are designed to thank our loyal members for their passion in teaching and coaching the sport they love. What better way to do that than by turning your referrals into free gear from Tennis Warehouse!

To learn more about how to refer an applicant to apply to the USPTA, go to our website at www.uspta.com or contact a membership services representative at 407-634-3050, option 2.*