USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - May 2023

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Farewell

It pains me to have to inform you of some very sad news. Our long-time colleague, USPTA ambassador and loyal team member, Fred Viancos, is going to be leaving the USPTA after two decades plus of service to assume the role as the new Executive Director of USTA Texas. While this is a devastating development for us, it is a wonderful opportunity for Fred and his family.

He is returning to his beloved home. With aging parents and an adult son living in Houston, I understand the motivation to get back to his roots. Nor can I blame him for wanting to put his own stamp on the tennis scene in Texas and to be the leader of that organization.

I could not have had a better “wing man” since coming on board over 10 years ago. As Chief Operating Officer since moving to Lake Nona, Fred has been the point man at all of our World Conferences; managed our building; supervised the Membership, Education, and Multimedia teams; and oversaw all our technology systems. But much more than that, he has been my confidante, my sounding board, and a trusted advisor.

Fred is a tennis lifer. A stalwart at TCU, I first met him when he came to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside in the mid 80’s to play a USTA satellite tournament while he was in still in school. Upon graduation, he played on tour for

a couple of years until he was hired to be a tour manager for the ATP, traveling to some of the most remote places in the world dealing with the players. Does he ever have stories to tell!

After globetrotting for eight years

his adult life dedicated to the USPTA. To his core, he always wanted what was best for our members. But after 24 years of service to us, he is moving on to the next chapter to lead one of the largest USTA sections. The good news is that USPTA will have a strong ally as he works to grow tennis in the Lone Star state.

I am proud of what Fred has accomplished with our Association. More importantly, he will be a friend for the rest of my life. His departure will be in late May. Let us celebrate his wonderful career with the USPTA over the next month or so. I am sure he would love to hear from you before he moves on. He can be reached at Fred.Viancos@uspta.org.

with the ATP, he settled in San Francisco with his lovely wife, Jody, to serve as the marketing and promotion manager for Spalding Tennis as they attempted to get into the racquet business here in the USA. Unfortunately, the company had a difficult time getting traction in the market. It was at that point that Fred returned to Houston to join the USPTA in 1999 as Director of Professional Development.

Fred has spent the lion's share of

In our sport, we are blessed to have so many terrific people dedicated to growing our game. Fred is one of the “good guys” and I know he will do great things for USTA Texas. I cannot thank him enough for all that he has done on behalf of USPTA members across the country. Our team is going to miss him terribly. Our Association will miss him just as much.

Best of luck, Freddie V! We will be watching your success from afar. But we take solace in knowing that you are one of us! *

John Embree, USPTA CEO

CEO

EMBRACE DIFFERENCE FOR PROGRESS

TRACY ALMEDA-SINGIAN USPTA NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT

Having spent most of my life in sports, I have seen and experienced the progress made within diversity and inclusion. And there is still more work to be done. There is no doubt that improving diversity and inclusion is and will be at the forefront of most company’s priorities moving forward- and as tennis professionals, this needs to be on our radar too.

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau identified that 50.2% of children are minorities and it is projected that more than 50% of all Americans will be minorities by 2044. Diversity in the workplace means that the organization employs a diverse team of people that are reflective of the society in which it exists and operates. When we look at our current membership, employee and student base, do we reflect today’s society?

Subconsciously, most of us would define diversity by social categories such as gender, age and race. However, in order to truly embrace diversity in the workplace, diversity includes different backgrounds, skills and life experience. Within your facility, club or academy, this can come to life through the tennis professionals and overall employee base. They all have different playing and work experiences, which helps bring diverse perspectives to help students and facilities reach their full potential.

In 2019, McKinsey & Company found that the greater the representation, the higher likelihood of outperformance. Companies with more than

30% women executives were more likely to outperform companies that ranged under 30%. We can certainly hire in diversity, that is step one. But if the work culture does not embrace different perspectives, we will not be able to retain diversity.

Inclusion requires that everyone’s contributions be valued, that individuals, regardless of diversity dimension, have the opportunity to do their best work and advance. Inclusion, separate from diversity, can be defined as SHRM has outlined, ‘the achievement of a work environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully, have equal access to opportunities, resources and can contribute to the organizations success.’ Ensuring that everybody’s voices and opinions are heard and carefully considered is vital in creating a more inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and accepted. Creating an environment where everyone is part of the decision-making process is extremely challenging and requires constant support and thought to make it happen.

So how can we as tennis professionals provide a more inclusive environment? Here are a few considerations:

HIRING PRACTICES

• Avoid needlessly applying barriers to entry in the hiring process, such as tour level playing experience, national rankings, advanced degrees, etc. Remember, some of the most successful coaches in tennis history like Nick Bollettieri never played on tour!

• Consider advertising job vacancies in 2-3 different places to reach a wide range of people from different backgrounds. While there are standard

tennis outlets to advertise jobs, consider reaching out to affinity groups and networks.

• Where possible, have structured interview questions and processes, so decisions are not made based on age/ weight/looks, etc. Many Fortune 500 companies like Mercedes-Benz and Unilever have implemented structured direct to camera interviews, leveraging companies like HireVue to limit the unconscious bias and reach multigenerational talent through text and video on mobile phones.

TRANSPARENCY

• Lead by example. Leadership commits to openly sharing expectations, challenges, feedback, revenue, and other metrics.

• Provide avenues of communication. Whether it be through email, survey, Slack or other communication channels, employees are able to share their thoughts, feedback and ideas regardless of job level.

These are just a few things to keep in mind as you look to develop your diversity and inclusion practices and strategy. Truly diverse and inclusive leaders don’t just have people that look like members of an underrepresented group, they pay attention to and value the differences we can’t see. Whether it’s a unique upbringing, educational background, way of thinking or perspective of the world, we all bring our own strengths to the table.

Let’s help foster a sense of belonging that makes everyone feel like we are part of one team that will help enable progress. As we look to continue to evolve as an organization, I encourage everyone to embrace the differences that make each one of us unique and valued contributors to the sport we love.*

"There is always more than one way to think about something. There is more than one way to help someone improve their serve or forehand. The greater variation of approaches and unique perspectives to solve the problems your students and clubs face, the more you will be able to reach the goals set out."

TENNIS MAY BE THE MOST

DEMANDING SPORT OF THEM ALL

No matter how fit players may be, they are highly susceptible to all kinds of injuries. These ailments can strike at any time, disrupting the lives of outstanding competitors, depriving fans of witnessing their favorite personalities.

Aficionados cherish the resplendence of athletes who strike the ball impeccably, display supreme athleticism, and move from corner to corner with remarkable alacrity.

Watching top flight tennis is immensely pleasurable for me because the players thoroughly capture our imaginations by virtue of their court craft, shotmaking creativity and flexibility. Observing the best players in the world is endlessly fascinating and ever inspiring.

And yet, I worry about how rigorous tennis has become. In many ways, it is the most demanding sport of them all. In my view, the physicality in the game exceeds all others. In essence, it is a contact sport. The long rallies are exhausting. Changes in direction during points can be overwhelming and debilitating. Nearly every body part is tested to the hilt and the field of competition is fraught with danger.

A case in point is the recently contested “Sunshine Double” at Indian Wells and Miami. Those two Masters 1000 tournaments are right up there behind the U.S. Open among the most important American events on the calendar. But the redoubtable Rafael Nadal was not able to play in either of these illustrious hard court festivals as he recovered from his latest injury suffered during a second round Australian Open loss against Mackenzie McDonald.

Nadal suffered a hip flexor injury including a significant tear in his psoas muscle. His boosters would like him to be ready for the traditional opening of the European clay court season in Monte Carlo, but as this piece goes to press the precise timing of Nadal’s return to the ATP Tour is uncertain.

Meanwhile, Nadal’s countryman Carlos Alcaraz has endured more than his share of ailments since last November. He hurt himself at the Paris Masters 1000 tournament during a quarterfinal loss to Holger Rune, and that abdominal tear kept him out of the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin and Davis Cup as well. The Spaniard subsequently hurt his right leg while training for the Australian Open, missing the first major of 2023.

Back out on the ATP Tour after three months away, Alcaraz was triumphant on the clay in Buenos Aires, toppling Cameron Norrie in the final. But the next week in Rio de Janeiro his right leg flared up again during a hard fought, final round loss to Norrie. The strained right hamstring forced Alcaraz out of Acapulco the next week, leaving everyone speculating about how fit or confident he would be for Indian Wells and Miami, where he flourished last year, reaching the semifinals of the former and securing the latter crown.

Nadal’s history of physical woes—including daunting knee issues, a serious wrist injury, a rib stress fracture, a chronic foot impediment requiring injections all through his 14th triumphant journey through Roland Garros in 2022, and abdominal struggles thereafter—has been well chronicled across the tennis community. Somehow this soon to be 37-year-old gladiator has bounced back emphatically time and again to reestablish his preeminence.

Novak Djokovic was in a precarious place five years ago before elbow surgery saved his career. Since that crisis he has secured ten of his 22 major titles. Roger Federer’s career ended

Tennis is an incomparable sport showcasing the grace, grit and elegance of stylists from every corner of the globe.

Steve Flink International Tennis Hall of Famer

not simply because he was 41 when he retired, but as as result of numerous knee surgeries that could not provide the strength he needed to compete any longer on his own terms.

Alcaraz turns 20 in early May. He could become one of the all time greats in the game he plays so joyously for a living. But will he eventually match Nadal’s longevity?

Injuries to the leading competitors will never be eradicated, but can be reduced. Players must determine their schedules more carefully. Agents, physiotherapists and coaches need to speak up forthrightly and think of the long

run, rather than solely examining the short term for their charges. The physical demands required to succeed at the highest levels of the game are almost unimaginably arduous, but lessons will inevitably be learned about the growing burdens of being an estimable professional tennis player in this day and age. The hope here is that the battlefield will soon be safer for the best performers to regularly produce their extraordinary magic.*

Photos Courtesy: Fred Mullane/ Camerawork USA

NATIONAL DAY OF GIVING

MAY 19-21, 2023

JOHN R. EMBREE, USPTA CEO

Iam sure that most of you know that May is National Tennis Month. Reinvigorated last year after being abandoned for several years, the industry is galvanized to create heightened awareness and greater interest in our game amongst consumers everywhere. With tennis experiencing significant growth coming out of the pandemic, National Tennis Month gives us a platform to continue the momentum.

Many of you may not be aware that the USPTA had an active 501(c)(3) charitable organization for many years- it raised money for worthy causes where USPTA professionals were involved. Historically, the USPTA Foundation used a silent auction during the World Conference Trade Show to fill its coffers. This funding enabled the USPTA to make donations to grass roots organizations that were introducing tennis to those who were less fortunate.

Unfortunately, the Foundation struggled to maintain relevancy a few years back, which forced the USPTA Board to reassess its viability. The administrative costs to file annual applications in every state (so that we could contribute to legitimate organizations) proved to be too costly and time consuming for our volunteer network. On top of that, soliciting prizes, experiences or gifts from corporate entities that could create excitement amongst our membership also was a challenge.

Thus, we folded our USPTA Foundation as a stand-alone entity and established a separate fund under the USTA Foundation umbrella. This allows us to operate as we have done in the past, but with the administrative might of the USTA. Now, our job is to make our membership aware that this fund exists and create money raising opportunities.

Enter National Tennis Month!

The specific date will be Friday, May 19 but we will extend the promotion to include that weekend of May 20 and 21. During any of those three days, USPTA professionals can run events at their facilities or clubs, with the proceeds being awarded to the USPTA Foundation. Or, if the USPTA professional chooses, he or she can donate a portion of their lesson income during that time. Any amount would suffice, be it 5%, 10% or more to help with this cause. Every little bit helps!

Our goal for the weekend is to raise $20,000. If 500 pros donate $400 each, that would hit our objective. If 1,000 of our members could come up with $200 in lesson proceeds or event contributions, we will have done our job. The more that participate, the easier it will be to accomplish our goal.

We have developed marketing materials to help you advertise your commitment to this cause at your facilities. Your clients should know what you will be doing to support this nationwide endeavor. You can access these promotional posters, a social media kit and other collateral material by going to uspta.com/ dayofgiving and downloading what you need.

With this money, the USTA Foundation Grant Committee along with our USPTA Board Liaison, Trish Faulkner, will meet in the fall to determine which 501(c)(3) organizations that have USPTA professional involvement deserve to receive grants that will support their mission.

May is going to be an exciting month for tennis. For the first time ever, the USTA National Campus will host the NCAA Championships for DI, DII and DIII Men’s and Women’s team and individual Championships. At no time in history have all three divisions been together to create a veritable college showcase of this magnitude. Couple that with so many other fantastic events that will be staged throughout the country, it is going to be a special time for our sport. Let’s rally our troops and do what we can to help those organizations who serve the less fortunate. As Arthur Ashe once said, “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” *

“ Our USPTA Board of Directors decided with all the hype that will be created during the month of May, we would establish a National Day or Days of Giving.”

you want SO, to be a BANGER?

The explosive growth of pickleball is changing game. Professional tennis players are looking at pro pickleball to extend their racquet careers. Collegiate athletes, football players, and even NBA players are picking up paddles and loving it. The uptick of elite athletes is elevating the speed and ability of play, and everyone is watching. I am seeing more players attempting to “bang” the ball over the net in an effort to overpower their opponents… and it is not good. The first thing to remember is that the hard drive wins only 30% of the time! If you still just cannot help yourself then it is time to learn when and how to pull off the big bang.

When to hit big

• Hit big when your opponents are still deep in the court. Otherwise, you set them up for an easy block volley. The ball must be deep with pace – keeping your opponent as deep in the court as possible allows you to control the point!

• Hit big only when your opponent

"I think of it like a hammer – a lightweight hammer is easy to swing, but I end up doing most of the work. While a heavier hammer may be harder to move, it does a lot of the driving and absorbing the blunt force of hitting."

Kelly Marshall is a USPTA Texas Division Vice President with over 30 years of coaching experience. She is currently the Director of Racket Sports at the Onion Creek Club in Austin, Texas. Kelly is also the USPTA Pickleball Coach Developer for Texas.

is in a compromised position. When you have moved your opponent wide off the court or to the middle of the court, trying to speed up the ball and attack behind the player is a good tactic. I tell my players as they elevate their game, it is no longer good enough to hit the ball “right to” their opponent – you must move them to create an attacking opportunity.

• Hit big when you have discovered your opponent cannot manage the pace and you can generate it. Sounds easy… but the pickleball court is much shorter than the tennis court and keeping a drive in can be challenging. Read up on HOW to hit this shot below.

• Only hit the drive when you can use the forward momentum of the shot to get to the non-volley line as quickly as possible - this neutralizes your opponent and their possible shots. Concentrate on using the follow through to easily continue your movement forward, look to make a smooth, graceful approach.

When NOT to hit big

• Do not ever hit a big ball when you are behind the baseline.

• Do not hit big when your weight is on your back leg. Your momentum will carry you backwards. You will be

forced to redirect your weight, and this takes time… you simply will not have that time when your opponent has beaten you to the non-volley line and you will be far too susceptible to the block volley shot.

• Do not drive the ball when you are off balance or out of position! Remember to hit offensive shots, you must have three things – balance, the ball in front of you, and good court positioning.

HOW to hit big

• The right paddle makes a difference. Most paddles range from 7.5 – 8.5 ounces. Using a paddle on the heavier side can help produce more power. I think of it like a hammer – a lightweight hammer is easy to swing, but I end up doing most of the work. While a heavier hammer may be harder to move, it does a lot of the driving and absorbing the blunt force of hitting. Do not go crazy – find the right balance of power and maneuverability for you.

• Consider paddle composition –look for a fiberglass or carbon fiber hitting surface. Fiberglass provides more “pop” with the ball leaving the paddle head quickly. Carbon fiber is a little softer and provides more feel and softer vibration off the hit. Which is better is

a personal preference, so you should try both.

• Grit – you will need it, mentally on the court and on your paddle. A paddle face with more grit will allow you to grab the ball better and influence the production of spin on your shots.

• Spin – I just mentioned it and yes, we use spin in pickleball too!

To bang the ball, you are going to need topspin. The more, the better, since the court is shorter – topspin will help you keep it in. Unlike tennis we do NOT use big loopy backswings. You will have to rely on a shorter backswing. Generate the shot from the shoulder with a closed paddle face and an upward swing or brushing motion. The doubles game is not about winners, it is much more about positioning. A drive can certainly be used correctly to get a positioning advantage and thinking about the position your team needs to be in will help you decide the best times to hit big. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a forceful drive, use the following tips.

How to beat a banger

• Use the block volley to absorb the power of the shot.

• Be sure you are dropping the ball at your opponents’ feet and not just dinking in the non-volley zone. Catching them as they are transitioning and setting the ball at their feet is a much harder shot than a shorter ball that would allow them to move forward easily.

• When possible, slower, lower bouncing balls will force your opponent to hit the ball upward to get it back over the net. This is virtually impossible to drive – the court is not that long and getting it over the net and in with any pace proves to be difficult.

Wishing you lots of luck on the courts. Bang away!*

The Key To Athletic Recovery and Keeping Yourself and Your Clients Healthy

BY: KEN MERRITT

Athletic recovery is an essential aspect of any athlete's training regimen, regardless of their age or level of play. It is crucial to ensure that athletes recover effectively after intense training or competition to prevent injuries and improve performance.

One of the most effective ways to enhance athletic recovery is through the use of therapeutic modalities such as Theragun and Recovery Air. These modalities offer several benefits that can help speed up recovery and enhance athletic performance, especially in tennis and pickleball.

Tennis and pickleball are physically demanding sports that require a lot of energy and focus. The repetitive motions, sudden stops, and starts, and the constant change of direction can take a toll on an athlete's body. Thus, it is vital to engage in effective recovery strategies to prevent injuries and improve performance. One such strategy is the use of Theragun and Recovery Air.

Theragun is a percussive therapy device that uses rapid and repetitive strokes to target specific areas of the body with increased blood flow and decreased muscle tension. This device helps to reduce muscle

soreness and stiffness, improve circulation, and increase range of motion. Tennis players can benefit significantly from Theragun, as it can help them recover from the high-intensity movements required in tennis, such as serving, running, and hitting the ball. Similarly, pickleball players can use Theragun to relieve soreness and stiffness in their arms, shoulders, and back, which are often overworked during gameplay.

Recovery Air is another therapeutic modality that can benefit tennis and pickleball players. This device uses pneumatic compression to apply intermittent pressure to the muscles and improve circulation. Recovery Air helps to reduce swelling, improve lymphatic drainage, and speed up recovery after intense physical activity. Tennis and pickleball players can use Recovery Air to speed up their recovery after training sessions or competitions, allowing them to return to the court faster and more refreshed.

The benefits of Theragun and Recovery Air modalities are not limited to professional athletes alone. Athletes of all ages and levels can benefit from these therapeutic modalities, as they are designed to aid in recovery and enhance performance. Whether you

are a beginner or an experienced tennis or pickleball player, incorporating Theragun and Recovery Air into your recovery routine can help you stay injury-free and perform at your best.

In conclusion, athletic recovery is an essential aspect of any athlete's training regimen, and the use of Theragun and Recovery Air modalities can be beneficial in speeding up recovery and enhancing performance for tennis and pickleball players of all ages and levels. These therapeutic modalities offer several benefits that can help athletes recover effectively after intense physical activity, reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, and improve circulation. Therefore, it is recommended that tennis and pickleball players incorporate these modalities into their recovery routine to stay injury-free and perform at their best.

To get your USPTA discount, please go to www.teamhqs.com and click the “Join” button and you will be approved- then you can login and see your USPTA price. This website also acts as your own B2B for any customers that want to order from you and allows you to make up to 20% margin on any other orders you resell. Enjoy in health.*

Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” I’ve been given the opportunity and pleasure of becoming the next Director of Membership with the USPTA.

I am excited to be a steward of the more than 14,000 USPTA members worldwide and our membership department has the responsibility to assist you in getting everything you can out of your USPTA membership.

I have been an employee of the USPTA National Staff for a little over 2 ½ years. When I was first hired, I started in the Membership Department, with a focus on insurance for members of our Association. From there I was promoted to Certification Manger and more recently to Senior Manager of Certification, as part of the reorganization of the department. During that time, I helped in the development and implementation of the new certification pathway. I also assisted in creation of the in-house Pickleball Professional Certification now offered by the USPTA.

To share a little of my background, prior to working with the USPTA, I worked in various management roles within the telecommunications industry for over 15 years with a focus on customer service and support. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business management, Summa Cum Laude, and went on to earn a graduate degree with a concentration of Master of Business Administration. Outside of work, I keep busy with my wife and four children. We enjoy spending time outdoors- especially hiking, camping and boating.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President. Richard Slivocka

First Vice President Trish Faulkner

JAMMIN' WITH JIM

Jim Stockwell, USPTA Director of Membership

MY TEAM

I have the absolute honor of working with Kim Brown and Linda Virgovicova - the three of us make up your membership team. Kim has been with the USPTA and the membership team for over 2 years as well. Kim has more than 17 years of customer service experience. Her primary focus with the Association is to make sure our member’s needs are met. She helps members and applicants find information about their certification path standing, reinstatements, and benefits, amongst other things. Linda has been with the membership team for over a year and a half. Her focus is on our member’s personal, facility, and also non-member assistant insurance coverage, but she’s available to help in many other areas as well. Linda has tennis in her blood, as she’s played for 10 years, including club in college. She previously worked at the USTA National Campus next door, and loved working in tennis so much that she took a position here to gain experience on the

The USPTA’s Mission Statement is to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches. The membership department is here to further that statement by elevating the membership experience for all of you. We aim to deliver the highest standards of customer service and assist all members with their membership as a tool to further their careers and livelihoods. Our team goes above and beyond to be courteous, patient and kind and we love it when our members return all of that to us.

WHATCHA UP TO?

I’m also looking forward to sharing your stories. Please reach out to me to let me know how you’re elevating experiences for your students. I’ll be using this column to highlight many of you along the way and I can’t wait to get to know many of you even better. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns for the membership department, let us know. We are here for you!*

Pictured from left:Jim Stockwell, Linda Virgovicova, Kim Brown