Addvantage 1990 June

The Trade Magazine of Men and Women Tennis-Teaching Professionals'"

Volume 14 -

Issue 6

June 1990

The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Rod Dulany

First Vice President

Jack Justice

Vice President

Secretary/Treasurer CEO LEGAL COUNSEL

Gordon Collins Dave Sivertson Kathy Woods Cliff Drysdale Will Hoag

FEATURES

Paul Waldman

Rich Fanning

Coordinator of Tennis Teacher Development

Allan Henry

Communications Coordinator

· Bill Gordon

Marketing Coordinator

Dana Stull

Magazine Coordinator

Becky Senseney

Public Relations Coordinator

Photo by Arthur Coleman . Palm Springs, Calif.

Tim Heckler

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Assistant to the Executive Director

On the cover ...

US PTA's National Convention heads west th is year -to picturesque Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort. just outside Palm Springs, Calif. For detai ls, see pages 10-11 and 16-1 7.

David Selman

10

SWINGING INTO THE '90s

All you_ need to kn ow about the 63rd USPTA Con ve ntion.

11 16 17

SIGN UP FORM- NATIONAL CONVENTION SIGN UP FORM- NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SIGNUP FORM- NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

..-----

14

TWO'S GOOD COMPANY

Christl Neumann

The semi-private lesson is a valuable teaching tool.

Corporate Administrative Assistant

Dale Henry

18

Corporate Secretary

Lori Garrett

Corporate Services Manager

Computer Services and Club Relations

Kathy Buchanan

IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

Here 's what USTA 's Volvo League has to offer teaching pros.

23

TENNIS TIP: THE BACKHAND DROP SHOT

Overmatched? Here 's a shot that can lift your game.

Laraine Reid

24

Membership/Education Assistant

Donna Woodstead

Insights from the man who put the sizzle in Andre Agassi's strokes.

Membershrp/ Education Assistant

Nanci Seehorsch

Membership Coordinator

Financial Manager

Renee Heckler

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

DEPARTMENTS

Merchandise Services and Accounting

Stephanie Hulbert

3

CEO'S MESSAGE

Director of CertifiCation and Academies

George Bacso

4

PRO PENN DISCOUNT PROGRAM

6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

9 12 20

USPTA DRILLS UPCOMING EVENTS

24

TENNIS QUIZ

29

INDUSTRY ACTION

31

SPECIALTY COURSES

32

GUEST MESSAGE

Co-Director of Academies Advertising/Marketing Information

BiiiTym Phone(813)973-3777

AOOvantage is published monthly by lhe United States Professional Ten nis Association.

For information. write USPTA National Headquarters at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort, P.O. Box 7077 , Wesley Chapel, Florida 33543. or phone (813) 973-3777.

Office Hours: 9:00-5:30 EDT Copyright® United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1990. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of this magazine is not permitted without written permission from the publisher.

DATES THAT RATE

ow, for the first time, you can parfree through no-cost or very low-cost ticipate in a USPTA-endorsed repolicy loans. So your cash value lasts a tirement program designed to fl''Qjj"~)_ lot longer than it would if you were meet the needs of your organi~~ ~~~~ being taxed. zation's elite members.

At Last, a You earn a competitive interest It's called The Insured Retirerate today, you build an inUSPTA ment AdvantagesM (IRA) and it come tax free nest egg for offers the financial benefits that Retirement tomorrow, and you still have will last a lifetime. The power estate protection.

Program behind the IRA is Capital Gains~~'* a universal life inThe Insured Retirement That's the surance policy from First Capital Advantage. It's a winning Life Insurance Company, that Right Match match for your retirement. helps you build a substantial cash value over your lifetime, for You For more information on how while offering long term proyou can make a sound finantection for your family. cial decision for your future, fill out the attached coupon or call: All this without the government taxing it today. In fact, The Insured Retirement Andy lngeman Advantage pays a competitive rate of inUSPTA Retirement Program terest that grows tax-deferred.** 2895 East Ocean Blvd.

Stuart, Florida 34996 When you want cash flow at retirement, (800) 533-3996 you simply access your cash value tax

N

Name _________________________________________________________________ Address ------------------------- - - -- - - -- - - ----------------------------City _____________________________ State ___________________ Zip _ _ __ Day Phone Evening Phone _________________________ Date of Birth ____ _ __ _ _ _ _ ___ *Capital Gains is offered by First Capital Life Insurance Company, San Diego, California. Policy #1094. ** Under current tax law.

~~----------------------------

A Question of Debt Coaches and their prized pupils -

who owes whom and what?

Tim Heckler, CEO

I t was with keen inte rest that I read a recent article in the New York Times detailing the concerns of two prominent USPTA teaching pros, Nick Bollettieri and Rick Macci, over the departure of their prized female students, Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati , for programs elsewhere.

The article portrayed a pair of forgotten coaches, each one disappointed over a perceived lack of recognition for his assistance in developing the famous player. In the case of Bollettieri-Seles, it also addressed the possibility of a lawsuit over the monetary aspect of their relationship.

"It's not a. case of goodbye and God bless, I can tell you that, " Bollettieri was quoted. "There are monies and expenditures here that shouldn't be forgotten , all of thern documented." Bollettieri , also responding to a recent Seles statement that her father was her only coach , said, " Her fattier played a very important role , but what he left up to me was the coaching, and we spent four to six hours each day working with Monica."

Macci, meanwhile, described himself as being "lost in the shuffle," having spent 2 1/2 years and an estimated 4,000 uncompensated hours training Capriati in a relationship that ended in July 1989. "I guess this comes with the territory," Macci said. " If you

expect some type of financial obligation, you should have a contract. " The aforementioned circumstances are unfortunate and seem to be occurring here and elsewhere with greater frequency.

Whether either of these cases spawns legal action is a matter of interest to everyone in the tennis-teaching profession , regardless of whether you take sides in the controversy.

Certainly, there are few, if any, members of the Association who, in working with talented players, have not experienced similar problems. From the teaching pro's point of view, he or she has devoted an extensive number of hours to the development of the particular student at on ly a fraction of th e normal lesson costs, in exchange for the prestige a champion might bring to the pro and his or her programs. Then again , the pro would not devote the time to developing a special pupil were the pupil not extremely talented and had enormous potential.

It is the belief here that th e precedentsetting splittings of Bollettieri-Seles and Macci-Capriati will make it clear for future teaching pros and players that they owe a great deal of commitment and responsibility to each other. It is likely that these muchpublicized partings of the way will move our profession toward a more businesslike

approach and away from informal playercoach relationships predicated on a handshake and a vague assumption . Too, with tennis becoming a multimillion-dollar industry and training programs becoming more costly and complex, players need to consider the liabilities in getting involved in a particular program and realize that they should give something back to the coach.

Naturally, much more needs to be said and written about the pros and cons of this issue. Key questions remain , such as 1) Is it fair for the player to expect extra special attention from the coach and , at the same time, to expect a low fee?

2) How much should the coach imply that his or her training is responsible for the development of the player when, in fact, the player has benefitted most from natural talent?

It should be noted that the player lacking total self-belief and requiring someone at courtside to serve as a crutch will never make it to the top of the professional ranks.

Therefore, the question will always be: To what degree is the pro responsible and to what degree should the pupil be grateful?

Th is is an interesting topic and one that I hope elicits a hearty response . I invite you to express your views, including anecdotes, in the form of letters to the editor. tt 3

.fJtO_penn

USPTA- June Discount Program

FOR USPTA MEMBERS ONLY Save 20¢/dozen on Pro Penn tennis balls!

Save 40¢/dozen on Long Play!

Current Price 6-114dz.

120-1194dz. 1200dz.+ Extra-Duty I Regular $9.64 Dz. $9.56 Dz. $9.44 Dz. Longplay $10.04 Dz. $9.96 Dz. $9.84 Dz. Promotional Price 6-114dz.

120-1194dz. 1200dz.+ Extra-Duty/Regular/Longplay $9.44 Dz. $9.36 Dz. $9.24 Dz. Freight: Prepaid on 96 dozen tennis balls or more shipped at one time to one location.

Terms: 4%30 Days, 2%60 Days, Net 90 Days.

In addition to the discounted price, Penn will also make a donation of 10¢/dozen to your divisional USPTA office, and another 10¢/dozen to the USPTA National Headquarters. These funds will be used to help support programs for your association.

Earn a free pair of Pro Penn tennis shoes!

Now is the perfect opportunity to "try us on".

Our new Pro Penn tennis shoe is available only to authorized Pro Penn accounts. This exclusive footwear comes in "widths" in both men's and ladies' sizes.

Qualified dealers may buy 11 pairs of the same men's or women's model and receive the 12th pair of the same model free. Standard terms of Net 30 days applies.

If 96 dozen or more tennis balls are purchased for delivery at the same time, the 12 pairs of shoes will also earn the same free freight and dating terms as the tennis balls.

Pro Penn Pro Penn Women's Men's $40.50 per pair Sizes Narrow: 8-11 Medium: 7-12,13 Wide: 8-11

$38.00 per pair Sizes Narrow: 6-9 Medium: 5-10V2 Wide: 6-9

You and your association will also benefit from our new quarterly discount program on shoes. A donation of 25¢ per pair from Penn will be sent to each Regional USPTA division.

Take "Addvantage" of this offer today .

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• Discount good only on orders • • placed by June 27 for shipment • •• between June 1 and June 30, 1990.••

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••

DON'T DELAY, ORDER NOW! CALL TOLL FREE

1-800-BUY-PENN

The same kind of German engineering responsible for some of the world's fastest cars is behind the new Pro Penn tennis shoe.Created by a famous German designer, this shoe embodies the same obsession with performance and refined sense of style that you might see in a 911.

Look beyond the Pro Penn's uncluttered, white leather exterior and you1l fmd high-tech features and exotic materials. Like an interior

strap of nonstretching Hytrel*which anchors organization of tennis professionals. your foot in the shoe. And a sole made of Long Men's and women's Pro Penn tennis Play Formula 144A~ a new rubber compound shoes are available in narrow; medium which will wear for hundreds of hard matches. and wide widths. Look for them at This brilliantly conceived shoe is manufac- your pro shop or tennis tured with the stringent quality control that has specialty store. made Penn and Pro Penn tennis balls number not included. one in the world. The USPTA recently1JtlftlfJ81ftft named it the official shoe for their • U ••••· "A fi)9Stered trademark of Duoont Company.

Part tennis shoe, part Porsche.

TENNIS, EVERYONE?

Bill Tym shows his winning form.

Tym grabs 50s title

All across America, May 12 was a day to remember as tens of thousands of tennis players and teaching pros participated in USPTA's Across America Tennis Day. In these photos from the Shibley Summer Day Camp in Roslyn, N.Y., USPTA pro and camp co-owner Ernie Norris conducts an instructional clinic for hundreds of youngste rs. Teaching pros who hosted Across America Tennis Day events or assisted other pros but did not register in advance (you were not reg istered if you did not receive a starter kit or T-shirt) are urged to do so by calling the USPTA National Headquarters at (813) 973-3777.

Bill Tym , one of tennis ' leading coaches, is making news as a player. Tym won 10 of the final 11 games to defeat Fred Farzanegan 7-5 , 6-1 on May 13 in the final of the National Men's 50 Clay Court Championship in Sarasota, Fla. .

The match pitted the serve-and-volley style of Tym versus the baseline game of Farzanegan . Behind 5-4, the 15th-seeded Tym fought off a pair of set points against Farzanegan, the third seed.

"It's nice to know I can come back and play tennis well and maybe even better than when I was young," Tym, who coaches tennis at Vanderbilt University, told the Sarasota Herald Tribune after the match.

Tym, USPTA's 1989 "Coach of the Year, " served separate terms as USPTA national president and executive director.

Proposed Slate - 1990-91 National Board USPTA's National Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of nominees to serve on the 1990-91 National Board of Directors.

President First Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President .¡ Vice President Secretary!Treas_urer

Jack Justice Gordon Collins Dave Sivertson Kathy Woods Cliff Drysdale Will Hoag Phil Lancaster

Th e Nominating Committee, chaired by Florida Division president Mark McMahon, believes that these nominees together will form the best-qualified and cohesive group to serve on the National Board of Directors during the coming year.

Additional nominations may be made by the general membership until July 21 and submitted to CEO Tim Heckler at the USPTA National Headquarters. In order for a new candidate to be added to the ballot, he or she must be nominated by at least 20 members. Only one nominee per office will be added to the slate.

Additional nominations shou ld be submitted to: Tim Heckler, CEO, USPTA National Headquarters, P 0. Box 7077 , Wesley Chapel , FL 33543.

6

• MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE •

3:

0f\ ,&& MAJCH MATE'" 6\J\JI••

~ (') :z:

Ball Machine Drill

A DIV. OF CROWN MANUFACTURING

3:

l> -t

m

•

Lateral Volley Drill

3:

~ (') :z: 3:

Skill Levels: All levels. Machines can be adjusted to all levels of play.

~ m

•

3:

~ (') :z: 3:

Objectives: Developing stamina and muscle strength for volleys with emphasis on hitting to a deep, winning target area.

l> -t

m

• ~ :z:

3:

Sl S2

3:

Procedure: 1. Locate Ball machine at center-base-line on opposite side of court. · 2. Set Frequency Control (ball intervals) at 1.5 to 2 seconds.

Set ball speed in the low to medium range to begin with.

~ m

• ~ :z:

3:

S = Shot Location T = Target Location Ball Delivery Path= Return Shot Path =

3:

IIJ

~ m

•

3:

~ (') :z:

3:

~ m

3. Set Program for Shot # 1 just to right of center line, #2 a step to the forehand , #3 two steps to the backhand, #4 two more steps to the backhand, #5 another step toward the backhand and #6 two steps to the forehand (see diagram) .

•

3:

~

:z:

3:

~

m

•

3: l>

<=l

:z:

Options: 1. The first three times through the drill all shots should be hit deep cross-court.

2. The next three times through, all shots should be hit down the line.

3:

~ m

•

3:

r\c~ .· i · '·.

~

(')

:z: 3:

~*'-"·

~

•

.- . PcP-'.0'·'

• ~ :z:

3:

3. The next three times through, all shots should be wide-angle put-away shots.

4. This is a marvelous drill (with interval set to 2-3 seconds) to test your drop shot.

m

3:

For More Information Contact CROWN MANUFACTURING 24807 Avenue Tibbetts, Valencia, CA 91355 In Calif. (805) 257-7714 or Call Toll Free (1-800) 251-6716

~

m

•

3:

~

(')

:z: 3:

~

m • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE • MATCH MATE •

SPTA DRILLS The 6-9- Player Challenge This is a fast-paced drill for six to nine intermediate to advanced-intermediate players (put on teams of three players each).

The object is to score 5 points. When not playing , students work on their conditioning by running on the court until one of the teams loses five points. The new team always serves first.

Players A,B,D and E are restricted to the court area behind the service line. Players C and F may play any portion of the cou rt.

Players A and 8 of team #1 start in the backcourt behind the ¡baseline. Player C stands just slightly in front of the service line. Players D and E of team #2 stand behind the far baseline and player F stands in front of the service line in the same position as C. The ball is put into play with a drop hit to either corner . Player Cor F, depending on who serves, may elect to poach on the first shot, making the server hit a strategic shot to start each point. All players then proceed playing the point out, with the net court players attempting to cut off each shot at the net. A point may be scored by the servi ng team only.

Rotation of players occurs each time a new game is started. Each player must play the net at least once every three games in which they participate.

While the game is played, each player from the losing team must do the following, non-stop, on an adjacent court until one team has won five points: Starting on the baseline , each player hops back and forth across the doubles line for the length of the court. Players should keep their feet together while hopping. Upon reaching the opposite baseline, players slide sideways to the se rvice line. Players then sprint to the net, touch it, run backwards to the origi nal starting point and start the whole process over again until someone wins the game.

A

8

Team #1

u

c

F

E

Dan Hopkins Terre Haute, Ind.

Player Movement Ball Movement

Losing Team Penalty

Team #2

$69/single, $75/double For information on ly on persons interested in sharing a room , call the USPTA National Headquarters at (81 3) 973-3777. Important. all attendees - including room sharers - are responsible for making their own room reservations with the resort. Each room -share reservation requires a deposit equal to one night's room fare, payable to the resort Getting to and from the Convention Special discounts on airfare and car rentals are available exclusively through Great Escape Travel. Due to the limited number of available flights into and out of the Palm Springs area, Great Escape Travel has booked a block of seats on selected flights excl usively for USPTA members.

Contact Great Escape Trave l at 1-800 -5253402 or 1-800-445-9855 in Colorado.

An introductory guide to the 1990 USPTA National Convention

T here are conve ntions and there are conven tions. And then there is the USPTA National Convention, representing the state of the art in tennis teacher education and on-court com petition . It's where top teaching pros, dignitaries, manufacturers and industry leaders assem ble for one week each Septem ber to attend sem inars, hold busi ness meetings, play tennis and relax in all the luxury a world-class resort can offer.

The 63rd an nual USPTA Convention Swinging Into the '90s - visits Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort, outside Palm Springs, Calif, from Sept. 15-23. Located in th e heart of southern California's desert playground , Rancho Las Palmas offers 5star-rated deluxe accommodations in a . casual ly elegant "country club " setting , all ¡ at reasonable rates for USPTA members.

High on the list of amenities is a first-rate tennis center featuring 24 (mostly hard surface) courts plus a lighted stad ium hard court with a seating capacity of 1,000 .. perfect for watching or playing in the USPTA National Championships and National Team Championships.

Of course , it wouldn 't be a USPTA Convention without unique and extensive offerings in tennis teacher ed ucation. This year's tentative seminar schedule includes full morning slates Wednesday, Sept. 19 10

through Saturday, Sept 22, including a major indoor session each morning by a noted industry speaker. In addition, there wil l be four Specialty Courses, national tester training and certifi cation training , exam ination and upgrade examinations.

When the desert sun goes down, the Conve ntion lights up with nightly cocktail parties, climaxed by the Battle Bash Extravaganza on Saturday, Sept 22 . And what makes the Battle Bash such an Extravaganza? The delightfully uproarious Lip Sync Contest, that' s what It's al l a part of the fun and excitement of Swinging Into the '90s.

To Register Fill out the Convention registration form on page 11 and return it to the USPTA National Headquarters by Aug . 18. Fees are: $140/member, $155/non-member. $75/ spouse. All fees received after Aug . 18 mu st include a $20 late charge . Important: All guests other than spouses will be charged the non-member fee. All registrants will receive a complimentary ticket for the Annual Awards Breakfast.

To Reserve a Room For details on available rooms or to make a reservation , call the resort at (61 9) 5682727 . Room rates are

Seminars and Courses Tentative semi nar topics incl ude player training , racquet stringing, private and group lesson programming, pro shop management, human resource management, sport science , sports medicine, career development and other key topics. There will also be Specialty Courses on strategy and tactics, stroke analysis, C.PR/first aid and nutrition; along with certification training, examination and upgrade examination, a

all begins with the USPTA Players Party on Monday, Sept. 1 7 followed by the Prince Welcoming Reception on Tuesday, the Exhibit Show Opening Party on Wednesday and the Penn Cookout/ Battle of the Divisions Kickoff on Thursday. Saturday's Battle Bash will be highlighted by the Lip Sync Contest.

national upgrade activities gram, to Augu st.

tester training clinic and a P-3 seminar. A full list of educational will appear in the· Convention Probe mailed to the membership in

National Tournaments For many attendees, the highlight of Conve ntion Week is playing in either or both of the USPTA tournaments. And this year, there's more prize money to compete for $40,000 in the National Championships and $10,000 in the National, Team Championships. The National Championships, presented by Prince, offers singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition in various age divisions ... all over six days, beginning Sept.

14. The National Team Championships, meanwhile, has become an exclusively doubles competition and will· begin on Thursday, Sept. 20 . For further details, see the tournament entry forms on pages 16 and 17.

Annual Awards Breakfast Outstanding members, divisions, endorsees and supporters of USPTA will be recognized on Wednesday, Sept. 19 during the Annual Awards Breakfast, hosted by GAMMA Sports.

All Convention attendees will receive a complimentary ticket to the breakfast in their attendee packet. Award categories include Professional of the Year, Coach of the Year, Player of the Year, Division of th e Year and Newsletter of the Year. New Master Professionals also will be recognized.

Nightly Parties Attendees wii"l have an opportunity to relax and have fun at the complimentary nightly cocktail parties, all leading up to the climactic Battle Bash Extravaganza on Saturday, Sept. 22 . It

,--------------1

I

Activities of Interest There's the National Seminar Contest, spouses activities, daily 3-mile fun runs, divisional activities, the fifth annual USPTA Golf Tournament, the annual Manufacturers' Exhibit Show, on-court product demonstrations and much, much more.

The USPTA Convention is an experience no teaching pro can afford to miss. Be a part of a tenni s happening. Register now to attend Swinging Into the '90s the 1990 USPTA National Convention.

REGISTRATION FORM

"SWINGING INTO THE '90s" • SEPTEMBER 15-23, 1990

1

DEADLINES

1

Convention Reservation : Aug . 18

Hotel Reservation : Aug . 27

I

I

N a m e - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - USPTA M e m b e r * ' - - - - - - - - -

1 1

Add ress - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Division - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- --

1

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I

Telephone - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Spouse's Name - - - - --

Zip _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

-------------

HOUSING To reserve a room(s) for your stay, please ca ll the, resort at (619) 568-2727 .

Interested in sharing a room? Give us a call at the National Headquarters to make special arrangements. (81 3) 973-3777 .

REGISTRATION Please register me for the 1990 USPTA National Convention (Check those which apply. All reg istrations received after Aug. 18 must include a $20 late fee) _ _ Member _ _ Non- Member _ _ Spouse TOTAL

$140 $155 $75

(Spouses must reg ister in order to receive a fantastic package of parties and products.)

PAYMENT OPTIONS Check or money order payable to: USPTA.. Or, please charge my: _ _ _ MasterCard Card Account II

L _________ Ret~ to

Exp. Date ~SPTA Natio~l Headquarters_:_P

_ _ _ Visa Signature

0 Box 7077 :._Wesley Chapei~L=543_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _j 11

Upcoming Events JP onvention Dates ~

USTA Tennis Teachers' Conference -August 29-31 , 1990 -Sheraton Centre- New York, NY.

USPTA National Tennis Teachers Convention - September 15-23, 1 990 - Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas - Palm Springs, CA.

USPTA California Division - October ¡11 -13, 1990 - Costa Mesa, CA. ..

USPTA Northern California Division- October 15, 1990 - San Francisco Tennis Center San Francisco, CA.

ther Events

USPTA Missouri Valley Division Convention - November 9-10, 1990 - Kansas City, MO. Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association (ITCA) - December 15-20, 1990 - Sonesta Sanibel Harbor Resort- Ft. Myers, FL.

~ ournaments

~

USPTA Middle States Division -July, 1990 -Philadelphia Cricket Club - Philadelphia, PA. USPTA Northern California Division- August 13, 1990 - Redwood City, CA.

~

Group Lesson (Part I) - June 2, 1990 - Palm Coast, FL.

Group Lesson (Part II) -June 3, 1990 - Palm Coast, FL. Stroke Analysis - June 17, 1990 - Pennsylvania, PA.

USPTA Pacific Northwest Division - Educational Clinic -June 3, 1990- Lloyd Nordstrom Tennis Center -Seattle, WA.

Stroke Analysis (Part I) - June 23, 1 990 Maywood, NJ.

USRSA Stringer Certification June 1 0, 1990 - Racquet Palace - Newington, CT.

Group Lesson (Part I) - July 14, 1990 Maywood, NJ.

USRSA Stringer Certification June 23, 1990 - Lakeshore Center - Chicago, IL.

USPTA Northwest Division Convention October 19-20, 1990 - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN .

~ pecialty Courses

Stroke Analysis (Part II) - June 24, 1990 Maywood, NJ.

Group Lesson (Part II) - July 15, 1990 Maywood, NJ. Stroke Production (Beginners) - August 11 , 1990- Maywood , NJ.

USRSA Stringer Certification July 1, 1990 - Nevada Bob's Golf and Tennis - Woburn, MA.

Stroke Production (Intermediate and Advanced) -August 12, 1990 - Maywood, NJ.

USPTA Middle States Division Workshop June 16, 1990 - Philadelphia, PA.

Strategies and Tactics - September 16, 1990 - Palm Springs, CA.

USPTA New England Division Workshop June 20, 1990 - Yale University - New Haven, CT.

Stroke Analysis- September 17, 1990 -Palm Springs, CA.

USPTA Texas Division- Summer Educational Seminar - August 18-20, 1990.

USPTA Florida Division Educational Function - August 18, 1990 - Destin, FL.

First Aid and C.P.R. - September 18, 1990 -Palm Springs, CA. Nutrition - September 23, 1990 - Palm Springs, CA.

USPTA Pacific Northwest Division - November 4, 1990 -Multnomah Athletic Center Portland, OR.

US PTA Southern Division - August 1 7-1 9, 1990- Melrose Country Club- Hilton Head,

sc.

USPTA Missouri Valley Division Educational Function - November 9-10 - Kansas City, MO.

USPTA Intermountain Division- August 18, 1990 - Cherry Hills Country Club - Cherry Hills Village, CO.

USPTA Florida Division Educational Function - December 8, 1990 - Naples, FL.

USPTA New England Division - September 7-8 , 1 990 - Point Judith Country Club Narragansett, Rl .

USPTA Hawaii Divisional Coaches Clinic - December 29, 1990.

The above schedules are subject to change. Questions should be directed to the division or organization in charge of the event. To have your upcoming event published, send the information well in advance to Upcoming Events!ADDvantage, P.O. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.

12

WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO.

Two's Good Company Try adding the semi-private lesson to your junior development arsenal

by Jay Massart

im~ortant

There are many factors that go into developing a successful junior tennis player. A coach strives to teach proper fundamentals, competitiveness with a positive mental attitude, maneuverability with total agility, and sound strategy. Along the road to success, a coach often will question whether a particular way is really the most effective way to promote learning.

He or she is always searching for new

ideas and information that will help the student reach his or her potential.

By adding the semi-private lesson to your JUnior development training program , you may find that your students have a better understanding of strategy and are better equipped to implement it.

The semi-private lesson - involving two players - allows the teaching pro to incorporate strategy and execution with the

The semi-private lesson allows the teaching pro to incorporate strategy and execution wi th the mental aspect of tenn is.

14

sometimes overlooked mental aspect by having the students play "situational " points.

The instructor picks a particular match situation and observes and educates as the points unfold. Because the feedback is instantaneous, the level of retention is high.

Each player learns which strategy to incorporate when working on the four "subgames" of tennis - the backcourt, the net, the approach zone and the passing shot.

Variations can be done by adding the serve and return of serve to any situation .

By working together, the two students should be able to incorporate a mental "team concept." A good pro will also emphasize that competition is healthy and that, when handled correctly, competitors can learn from each other. Rivalries such as Borg-McEnroe, Navratilova-Evert and LendiWilander have helped make each a better tennis player.

Strategy teaches students that there shou ld be a purpose behind every ball hit.

Students should concentrate on hitting the ball into the court, but not so hard as to lose control. At the same time, they should always strive to increase - with control the pace of their shots. By having your students stand closer to the baseline, they will develop a greater variety of shots. They can be taught to move back in order to return with topspin on a high and deep ball; to slice a ball on the rise ; to move up in order to create an angle and put a ball away; and to approach short balls such as drop shots. In the process, the students will learn that good ground strokes are the foundation to their game and that tennis is basically a game of five C's - consistency, concentration, control and confidence, which together add up to continued success.

Jay Massar! is head tennis pro at North Shore Racquet Club in Milwaukee. Wise, and has been head profess ional at the Brynwood Country Club for the past three summers. A graduate of the University of San Diego, Massar! formerly coached the University of Wisconsin -Milwaukee men's tenn is team.

An active USPTA member since 1984 , Massar! was Wisconsin Pro of the Year in 1987 and president of the Wisconsin USPTA district in 1986 and 1987.

The mental aspect of the semi-private lesson involves teaching relaxation techniques, how to love the battle and develop a world-class look, and the importance of a positive mental attitude . As the students compete , the instructor teaches, corrects and observes how well they implement the mental and emotional aspects. Private lessons are more conducive to stroke production whereas the semi-private lesson teaches strategy. Both are essential to the growth of a tennis player.

A word of cautionl Some research may be required in order to make the semiprivate lesson work. A list of Do's and Don 'ts for you and your students is a must.

Inform your students of the rules they should know so there are no misunderstandings when situtations arise.

Some Do's to keep in mind: 1. Use the USTA code of conduct no matter what level you are teaching .

2.

Do your homework. Create. lesson plans that encompass the mental, emotional and physical aspects of tennis.

3.

Set goals for each player, short-term and long-term. Show the stut:Jents what it takes to become a dedicated tennis player. Teach them ·the importance of on-court training as well as off-court training.

4.

5.

Give them homework. This can be written , such as questions about an upcoming tournament, or it can be a set of exercises that will improve their stamina.

Keep the students and their parents informed. All parents like feedback on how their child is doing. Be consistent when talking to parents.

Don'ts: 1. Don 't play favorites. Your goal is to make sure that both students are improving and enjoying the game of tennis.

2.

Don't let situations get out of hand.

Stop any situation that could be psychologically damaging to a student. Exercise good judgment when in doubt.

N

F

N

T

I.

National Tennis Month Presented by

TENNI S MAGAZ INE lnfiniti Nat1onal Tenni s Month offers something for eve r yone: • lnfiniti A mateur Mixed Doubles Classic Tournaments • lnfiniti N at1onal Instruction C linics • lnfiniti N ational Tenn1s Month Tournaments

PROS & PLAYERS 3.

Don 't let the same student win every drill. Structure each drill so that each student wins from time to time. This can be accomplished by using a handicapped scoring system.

4.

Don 't forget to encourage both players.

Build their confidence by teaching them that effort is what counts. By teaching about winning and losing, and about handling success and failure, you will assist them for years to come . ~ r

Add your National Tennis Month events to your calendar now!

Local events conducted

April IS-July I For more informat ion call 1-800-344-44 69 or in CT. (203 ) 373-7024

It's more than just tennis!

'Dr. James f£. £oelir

Intemationa{ C{ub ~tworl( Now you can bring the

Mental Toughness Training Techniques of Dr. Jim Loehr to your club and your students!

• Personal, ori-site Mental Toughness Training seminars by Dr. James E. Loehr, sport psychologist, USTA and NBTA Director of Sport Science • Coaches Instruction Seminar at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, FL • Mental Toughness Hotline • Newsletter, Books, Videos and special merchandise discounts • Exclusive territories For more information , contact Carlos Salum , NBTA-Sport Science, 5500 34th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34210 or call813/755-1000 (FAX: 813/758-0198) 15

USPTA National Team Championships WHAT: Doubles-only divisional team comp e tition for open team s (Open Team Championships) and senior teams (Senior Team Championships) comprised of women 35-over and men 45-over.

WHEN : Sept. 20-22 (to Sept. 23 if rain), 1 p.m. daily.

WHERE: Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage , Calif., with a con tingency for playing some matches at alternate sites.

SURFACE: Hard PRIZE MONEY: $10 ,000 distributed among both tournaments.

ENTRY FEES: Open Team Championships - all fees paid by divisional presidents (to register, contact your divisional president).

Senior Team Championships - $20 /team .

All tournament players must also register for th e National Convention , however, TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION FEES MUST BE PAID SEPARATELY (see Conventi on registration form , page 11 ). Divisional presidents have until Aug. 20 to submit number of teams entered in Open Team Championships along with fee$ (check or money order payable to.¡ USPTA Open Team Championships) to the National Headquarters (Att. Open Team Championships). Senior team players are encouraged to se nd in th eir entries and fees (check or money order payable to: USPTA Senior Team Championships) to the National Headquarters (Att: Sen ior Team Champion ships) by Aug . 20 . Deadline for Senior team entries and final Open team rosters (including subs) is Sept. 18 at the tournament meeting. Further details on thi s meeting appear on this page .

OPEN TEAM FORMAT: Doubles-only, 32draw, Domino's TeamTenni s style . Each

divisional team consists of two Men's Doubles, one Women's Doubles, one Mixed Doubles and one Men 's 35 Doubles. Match scoring: 8-game pro set (no ad scoring), with . a tiebreaker at 7 games all. Each division is ¡ allowed two teams and may substitute as desired, except while a match is in progress.

SUBSTITUTES MAY PLAY ON ONE TEAM ONLY. In the event of an incomplete draw, divisions may enter additional teams, which will be placed into a lottery and drawn for bye(s) .

SENIOR TEAM FORMAT: Doubles-only, regular draw, single-elimination , with a consolation round for first-round losers.

Divisions designate (for scoring points) two teams in each of the following categories: Women 's Junior Vets 35-over Doubles, Women 's Senior Vets 45-over Doubles, Men's Senior Vets 45-over Doubles, Men 's Masters 55-over Doubles, Men 's Grand Masters 65-over Doubles. Regular match scoring , two-of-three tie-break sets. Team scoring : 2 points/ main draw win ; 1 point/ consolation round win . Any number of teams may enter the tournment, but ONLY TEAMS CHOSEN TO REPRESENT THEIR DIVISION ARE ELIGIBLE TO EARN POINTS. Divisions are limited to two teams per category, each team being comprised of players from the same division.

RULES: USTA 15-minute default rule in effect. Players in Senior team event allowed a minimum 30-minute rest between matches.

ON-COURT DRESS CODE: Proper tennis attire. T-shirts not permitted .

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: Limited to current USPTA members in good standing who have pre-registered for the National Convention. All membership requirements, in-

eluding completion of the certification exam, must be fulfilled and submitted at least 60 days prior to the entry deadline to allow reasonable time for grading the member's certification exam and processing his or her membership application . A member will be perm itted tournament entry only after all requirements are met, his or her certification exam is graded and the results are recorded by the National Headquarters.

USPTA will not be held respon sible by any ind ividua l or division if the entry is not accepted due to the above stated requirements not being fulfilled by the 60-day deadli ne.

Team members are selected by their divisions. USPTA 's chief executive officer, in conjunction with the national president and Executive Committee, shall immediately ensure that members belong only to those divisions in which they physically reside and that the records of the Association be changed accordingly. When a member moves to another div1sion, he or she may decide which division to represent in team competition provided the entry deadline for the team competition falls within 90 days of the date the member began physically residing in the new division. Thereafter the member is no longer eligible to represent the former division and must play for the new division.

TOURNAMENT MEETING: Sept. 18, 6 p.m., Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort (meeting room TBA). For team captains and divisional presidents. Topics - seeding, draws, rules, guidelines.

TOURNAMENT STAFF: Will Hoag, national tournament committee chairman; Allan Henry, tournament director.

,-------------------------------------------SENIOR TEAM ONLY ENTRY FORM Mail to: USPTA National Team Championships P.O. Box 7077 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Social Security** _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ City

State _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ _ __

Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USPTA Division Current USPTA # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Current USTA ** _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Fee:

Current Playing Record

DW35D

Events:

$20/event

DW45D

D M55D

Total Enclosed: _ _ _ _ _ _ __

USPTA Ranking: USTA Sectional Ranking : _ _ _ __

D M45D

D M65D

Doubles Partner's Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Date of Birth Social Security **

USTA National Ranking: _ _ _ __ State Ranking: Current Results: _ _ _ _ _ _ __

I, , hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association , its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA Divisions, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA National Team Championships.

I assume all risks inherent in my participation .

LDate: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Signe~-------------------

16

USPTA National Championships â&#x20AC;˘

Presented by H_IIRCBe

WHAT: Singles and doubles competition in open and age categories.

WHEN: Sept. 14-19 (to Sept. 20 if rain) Singles entrants to be mailed first-match starting times on Sept. 1.

WHERE: Marriott's Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage, Calif.

SURFACE: Hard PRIZE MONEY: $40,000, distribution affected by number of entries.

ENTRY FEES: $50/singles, $20/doubles.

All tournament players must also register for the National Convention , however , TOURNAMENT AND CONVENTION FEES MUST BE PAID SEPARATELY (see Convention registration form , page 11 L Singles entries along with fees {check or money order payable to: ''USPTA National Championships") must be received no later than Aug. 20 at the USPTA National Headquarters (Att National Championships). Doubles teams may register at the tournament site but are encouraged to sign up beforehand.

MATCH SCORING: Regular match scoring, . two-of-three tie-break sets.

RULES: USTA 15-minute default rule in effect. Players allowed a minimum onehour rest between singles matches, 30 minutes between a singles and doubles match, 30 minutes between two doubles matches.

ON-COURT DRESS CODE: Proper tennis attire. T-shirts not permitted.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: Limited to current USPTA members in good standing who have pre-registered for the National Convention. All membership requirements, including completion of the certification exam, must be fulfilled and submitted at least 60 days prior to the entry deadline to allow reasonable time for grading the member's certification exam and processing his or her membership application. A member will be permitted tournament entry only after all requirements are met, his or her certification exam is graded and the resu lts are recorded at the National Headquarters. USPTA will not be held responsible by any individual or division if the entry is not accepted due to the above stated requirements not being fulfilled by the 60day deadline.

Members of the USPTA National Board are not eligible for the National Champions hip s; members of the Executive Committee and Presidents ' Caucus are encouraged not to play.

PLAYEA/ EVENT REGULATIONS: Each eligible player limited to one singles and one doubles event. It is considered an event whenever two players or two teams participate. Men's open lim ited to a 128-draw.

Each event may utilize block seeding, depending on the size and strength of the draw.

MIXED DOUBLES RULE: Only players elimi-

nated from, or not entered in , regular doubles play are permitted to enter mixed doubles, which begins later in the week .

While limiting each player to two events, this rule is designed to enable players to avoid having to decide early whether to play in a regular doubles or mixed doubles event.

TENTATIVE STARTING SCHEDULE: Sept.

14, times TBA - begin Men's Open Singles (MOS), Men's 35 Singles (M35S).

Sept. 15, noon - end signup Men's Open Doubles (MOD), Men's 35 Doubles (M350); 3 p.m. - begin M40S, MOD, M350, WOS. Sept. 16, 9 a.m. - begin M45S, M50S, M55S, M60S, M65S, M?OS, W35S; noon - end signup M400, M450, M550, M650, M?OD, WOO, W350, W500, W550, W600, W650, W?OD, MXD; 3 p.m. - begin M400, M450, M550, M650, M?OD, WOO, W350, W500, W550, W600, W650, W?OO; 5 p.m.

- begin MXD. Sept. 17, 9 a.m. - begin M50S, M55S, W40S, W45S; noon - end signup M500, W400, W450; 3 p.m. begin M5QD, M550, W400, W450.

The above schedule is subject to change as draws increase in size. Players are advised to arrive one day in advance of their first match.

TOURNAMENT STAFF: Will Hoag, national tournament committee chairman; Allan Henry, tournament director.

1-------------------------------------------Name

Date of Birth

Street

Social Security It _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

City

State

Zip _ _ _ _ _ __

Current USPTA It _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Current USTA It _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Telephone Mixed Doubles Partner's Name

Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ Social Security It _ _ _ _ _ __

Doubles Partner's Name

Date of Birth

Social Security It _ _ _ _ _ __

Note: Each player limited to one singles, one doubles and mixed doubles event. (see above) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Men's MOS M35S M40S M45S M50S M55S M60S M65S M70S M75S

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Women's MOD 0 WOS 0 M35 D 0 W35S 0 M40D 0 W40S 0 M4 5D 0 W45S 0 MSOD 0 W50S 0 M55D 0 W55S 0 M60D 0 W60S 0 M65D 0 W65S 0 M70D 0 W70S 0 M7 5D 0 W75S 0 0 Mixed Doubles

WOO W35D W40D W45D W50D W55D W60D W65D W70D W75D

Current Playing Record ATP/WTA Ranking: - - - - - USPTA Ranking: - - - - - - USTA Sectional Ranking: USTA National Ranking: _ _ _ __ State Ranking: - - - - - - - Current Resu lts: - - - - - - Note : Please attach additional seeding information if needed.

0 Mixed Doubles

Fees: Singles ($50) Doubles ($20/person ) Total Enclosed: Mail to: USPTA National Championships P.O. Box 7077 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Entry Deadline: August 20, 1990

I, , hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association, its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA Divisions, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA National Championships.

I assume all risks inherent in my participation.

LDate _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Signe~-------------------1 17

In a

LEA

UE

Oflts Own USTA's Volvo League is a big hit with recreational players C urrently, more than 120,000 adults compete in USTA/Volvo Ter]nis League programs across the nation . For the participating teaching pro, it represents an opportunity to increas'e personal revenue and visibility while offering a source of competition for members or students¡- all at no cost.

The Volvo League is tailored to the teaching pro and his or her club; all that is required is a little time and initiative in getting players involved.

One USPTA pro who has benefitted from the program is Susan She lby Torrance of Corpus Christi, Texas, who, in 1987, began coaching a 3.5 women 's team in the AI

Players enjoy the camaraderie that comes from the team competition .

18

Kruse Tennis League. She has used that league as a base for increased lesson revenue and image exposure. " I try to make learning fun , and the team situation of the league is very good for that," Torrance said. "People who are just beginning to play tennis find it hard to get people to hit with . They only get discouraged if they constantly lose to a better player. " The USTA/Volvo Tennis League provides automatic practice partners to play with , and each week you get to play a new team . The next thing players want to do is take a lesson and improve."

Torrance discovered that by stressing the fun element of the league, she got more players involved and benefitted from it. "The league stimulated, for me, a wide range of students both in group and private instruction, " she said . " I now teach eight to 10 hours a day and that includes a lot of private lessons.

Many of the people I teach are involved with USTA/Volvo. " The Volvo League can also serve as a welcome mat for the teaching pro who is new to a community. " If the team you 're

working with does well or just has a lot of fun , your reputation spreads," Torrance said. "It definitely provides a vehic le for the stude nt and the teacher to reach the public."

In fact, the Volvo League represents a perfect tie-in for USTA and USPTA It is the goal of USPTA pros to have their players improve At the same time, the Volvo League makes for an organized and fun way for players to test their abilities against others.

-" Not eve ry player is cut out for tournaments, but everyone can get something out of the league," Torrance said. "Teaching is helping players to improve, and it's a lot better to set goals for yourself if you want to improve. The league, by its nature, has these goals set in ."

Coaching or organizing a team isn 't the only way for a pro to become involved. Jim Wolavka, a USPTA pro from Downers Grove, Ill , is head verifier for the USTA'& Western section . In this capacity, Wolavka is responsible for rating players according to the National Tenn is Rating Program (NTRP) To become a verifier, he attended USTAorganized training workshops in his area.

"O nce you work your way up to a ce rtain level (as a verifier), you get to travel to sectionals and nationals to help with verifying ," said Wolavka. "The experience you get ... can really broaden your horizons as a teaching pro. It helped me meet new people in the field. It gives you nice contacts and lets you see what pros are doing in other parts of the cou ntry."

Because of his duties as a sectional verifier , Wolavka isn't as involved with coaching teams as other pros, but he still sees the benefits of having a Volvo League at his club.

"I don 't coach teams, but I help with the placement of players on teams. When new players come to you for a (NTRP) rating, you can answer their questions. You don 't have to send them to someone else," Wolavka said.

According to Dave Schobel, a USPTA pro and the Volvo League's national administrator, the league represents a gold mine of opportunity just waiting to be tapped by teaching pros.

"I found the USTA/Volvo Tennis League program very valuable in many ways," said Schobe l, recalling his days as head pro at Northwood Racquet Club in Easton, Pa. "I used it as a tool to create use for courts during dead time and as a way to provide hours of both private and group lessons." ¡ Schobel also capitalized on the promotional opportunities created by the league to increase sales in his pro shop and double the membersh ip at his facility over a two-year period. "If I had to do it all over again , I'd do the same thing ," he said. "I see the program growing in such numbers.

"A pro who's not involved in the Volvo Tennis League is really missing out on a big part of tennis." o

USPTA pro Dave Schobel, above, increased memberships and pro shop sales at his club through the Volvo League .

The Volvo League enables players to lest their abilities against others.

19

Dates That Rate Exams and Upgrades June 1-2 June 2-3 June 2-3 June 3-4 June 9-10 June 12 June 16-17 June 24 June 30-July 1 July 7-8 July 8 July 20-21 July 21-22 July 22-23 July 23 July 28-29 July 28-29 July 29-30 August 4-5 August 5-6 August 5-6 August 16-17 August 17-18 August 19-20 August 19-20 August 26-27 September 6-8 September 9 September 9-1 0 September 21-23 September 24-25 October 4-5 October 6-7 October 7-8 October 9 October 19-20 October 20-21 October 20-21 November 3-4 November 4 November 5 November 9-1 0 November 10-11 November 11 -1 2 November 13 November 17-18 November 18 November 18-19 December 1-2

Palm Coast, FL Seattle, WA Nashville, TN Denver, CO Minneapolis, MN Flushing, NY New Haven, CT Redlands, CA Nashville, TN Murrieta, CA Redlands, CA Tampa, FL Monroeville, PA Houston , TX Chicago, IL Nashville, TN Flushing, NY Mclean, VA Cherry Hill, NJ Parker, CO Richmond, VA Chillicothe, OH Destin, FL Carmichael , CA Houston, TX Atlanta, GA Phoenix, AZ Richmond , VA Mclean, VA Palm Springs, CA Chicago, IL Hot Springs, AR Ft. Washington, PA Las Vegas, NV Flushing, NY Bradenton, FL Boca Raton , FL Detroit, Ml Portland , OR Redlands, CA La Jolla, CA Tampa, FL Louisvi lle, KY Dallas, TX Flushing, NY Milwaukee, WI Farmington, CT Los Gatos, CA Hilton Head, SC

December December December December December December December December

7-8 7-8 9-1 0 9-1 0 11 13-1 5 15-16 15-16

Naples, FL Minneapolis, MN Denver, CO Myrtle Beach, SC Flushing, NY Phoenix, AZ Tampa, FL Jackson, MS

at1 lYJ~fP>lf/A\ I tntf.IIH 01\ 1:>10 '

August 19 August 26 September 6 September 9 September 24 October 4 October 19 October 20 October 20 November 9 November 10 November 17 November 18 December 1 December 7 December 9 December 13 December 15 December 15

Carmichael , CA Atlanta, GA Phoenix, AZ Mclean, VA Chicago, IL Hot Springs, AZ Bradenton, FL Boca Raton , FL Detroit, Ml Tampa, FL Louisville, KY Milwaukee, WI Los Gatos, CA Hilton Head, SC Naples, FL Myrtle Beach, SC Phoenix, AZ Tampa, FL Jackson , MS

Tennis Teachers' -courses June 27-29 July 25-27 August 16-18 September 6-8 October 17-19 November 15-1 7 November 19-23 December 12-14

Certification Training -courses June 2 June 16 June 30 July 7 July 20 July 21 July 28 July 28 August 5 August 5 August 16 August 17

Nashville, TN New Haven, CT Nashville, TN Murrieta, CA Tampa, FL Monroeville, PA Flushing, NY Nashville, TN Parker, CO Richmond , VA Chillicothe, OH Destin, FL

Nashville, TN Nashville, TN Houston, TX Mclean, VA Tampa, FL Los Gatos, CA Los Gatos, CA Tampa, FL

Specialty Courses June 2 June 3 June 17 June 23 June 24 July 14 July 15 August 11 August 12 September September September September

16 17 18 23

Palm Coast, FL Palm Coast, FL Lancaster, PA Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA

The above schedule of USPTA Certification exams and courses is subject to change. For more information, call the USPTA Education Department at (813} 973-3777.

20

r----------------------¡- To: USPTA Insurance Plans 4250 Kirchoff Rd., Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008 Phone: (708) 359-4210 Please send me information on the USPTA Insurance Coverages: D Life Insurance

D Disability Income Insurance D $1 ,000,000 Major Medical Insurance D Accidental Death Insurance D Cancer Insurance D Hospital Indemnity Coverage Print N a m e - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

SHOT: Backhand Drop Shot PLAYER: Mel Purcell Purcell, on clay, in a ready posit on , tracks the on coming ball and prepares to pivot.

2¡ He rotates his shou lders and , importantly, moves toward the ball to disguise the shot as a lull backhand .

3

4

5

Purce ll continues to disguise the shot as he begi ns his forward motion from a high position .

His racquet decelerates as he comes down and through the ball, scooping through the ball like a spoon.

Purcell follows through as the ball, affected by underspin, lands a few feet past the net and spins backward .

How Purcell Surprised Boris Becker West German Open (clay) Round of 32 ¡ Sept. 15,- 1986 Becker Purcell

566 727

In what appeared to be a mismatch,even on clay, Mel Purcel l used a perfectly disguised backhand drop shot to upset Boris Becker, a little more than two months after Becke r had won his second straight Wimbledon title.

"Somebody like Mel Purce ll playing Boris Becker ... he 's got no chance against that

kind of power unless he's got a special What do you come up with to beat somebody like Becker? You run him, use the weapon," says Tommy Thompson , director of coaching at Hopman/Saddlebrook Interangles and play a little cat and mouse." nationa l Tennis near Tampa , Fla ., wh e re Purcel l trains periodically.

"You talk about specialty shots, here 's one that came in handy. Mel came up with something special ; he used his backhand drop shot to play a little game of cat and mouse with Becker, to get angles and run Becker around the court. " It's a good shot to use when you're overThe drop shot just prior to con tact: The open racquet face allows the ball to "c limb matched and on clay .. up" the strings, creating underspin.

23

Topic: Specialty Shots

1. True or false: In hitting a ground stroke slice, it is important to raise your elbow.

D C angle of shot D D. lower chance of a miss-hit

2. For a slice shot, your racquet should move from ___ t o - - - .

D A side to side D B. low to high D C high to low D D. front to back

9. What spin is generally used for a defensive lob?

D A no spin or topspin DB. sidespin D C. no spin or backspin D D. A& B

3. This volley is defined as basically a " pick-up" stroke.

D A drop volley D B. drag volley D C. snap volley D D. half volley

10. What spin is generally used for an offensive lob?

D A no spin D B. backspin DC sidespin D D. topspin

4. Why is the term "half volley" a misnomer?

D A because it takes a "full " stroke to accomplish D B. technically, it is not a volley at all D C because it is more a "quarter" stroke D D. none of the above

11 . What are the three principles of a good service return?

D A control, angle, power D B. stand in, move into ball, no backswing D C. on your toes , aim for ball , go for winner D D. move into ball , slight backswing , always in control

5. What shot is described here: You will have to swing in more of an upward plane than normal and also open the racquet face.

D A drag volley [] B. slice volley DC lob D D. smash 6. True or false: A drag volley is so named because the racquet is dragged down and across the ball.

7. True or false: In hitting a ground stroke slice , relax your grip and wrist, letting your racquet drop lower than your hand.

8. What is the main purpose of a snap volley?

D A ball speed D B. easy control

24

12. What stance is best used for a forehand return of serve?

DA open DB. closed DC. power D D. none of the above 13. True or false: On an overhead smash, swing the racquet down past your knees before you raise it behind you.

14. Which describes a proper " ready hop?"

D A always keep your feet moving until your opponent hits the serve D B, " hop" into the return of the serve to get more power D C " hop" into your stance as the opponent tosses to serve D D. " hop" into your stance as the opponent strikes the ball

15. A good rule of thumb: Your net game is only as good as your ___ .

D A volley technique D B. ability to angle your shots DC approach D D. opponent allows it to be 16. When slicing a ball that is below net level, you should ___ your racquet face slightly.

D A open DB. close DC angle D D. drop 17. This shot generates speed by either arm action or a combination of arm action and shoulder rotation.

D A snap volley D B. drag volley DC half volley D D. drive volley 18. This volley takes speed off the ball.

D A drop volley D B. drag volley D C drive volley D D. snap volley 19. True or false: When hitting a drive volley, hold your racquet loosely to eliminate wrist action.

20. True or false: A well-executed drop shot should not "skin " the top of the net.

Answers on page 30.

• 37 tennis courts • 36 holes of golf • 10% commission or pass-along discount on packages •10% OFF Hopman/Saddlebrook packages for members • Group rates & scholarship awards for Hopman/Saddlebrook Tennis, upon agreement • Complimentary accommodations, tennis and fitness center for USPTA members accompanying groups of 6 or more • 60% or more OFF airfare on Eastern

PWS, you earn 10 chances to win a TRIP TO THE U.S. OPEN for every suite-night referral! Call today ... and make the most of your Home Court Advantage program!

1011 Free 1-800-237-7519 FL 1-800-282-4654

~l!~lJJ~l!l£CL~

100 Saddlebrook Way. Wesley Chapel , FL 33543-4499 Telephone (813) 973-1111 Telex 522621 SADDLEBROOK WSCL

Like Father, Like Son It's no wonder Andre Agassi plays the game with such abandon.

His dad taught him to.

by Jonathan Bailin

To

the Las Vegas tennis community, he is much more than the father of Andre Agassi. Long before his son achieved notoriety, Mike Agassi was recognized as a great tennis benefactor. And , yes, Las Vegas does have a dedicated tennis commun ity, even though the city is often dismissed as morally and socially barren, devoid of family life and inhospitable to children 's programs.

Mike Agassi , above, told his son, " Hit the ball as hard as you can ."

In fact, for many years, Mike and fellow Las Vegas tennis pros like as many questions as time (and manners) would permit My curiosity was especially Pancho Gonzales and USPTA member George MacCall have given much of th eir high, not just because I am a teaching pro, time and energy to providing a sort of junior but also because of my sport science background and Andre 's "child prodigy" tennis oasis; fertile soi l for even the smallest seeds of tennis interest. In th is context, reputation . I only suspected that a very Andre 's success is just one product of the unique child environment was responsible.

Little did I know how unique local teaching expertise as wel l as Mike Agassi's own affection for children and thi s Li ke Mike, the two Agassi daughters and two sons were exposed to a variety of game for all ages. sports and activities at an early age. Mike It was through MacCall - who teaches at Agassi's special reverence for tennis grew the Sands Hotel, a great focal point for local out of his own childhood , when he cared for junior tennis activity - that I met Mike Agassi wh ile on vacation last December. neighborhood clay courts in his native Iran.

Instinctively, I cornered Mike, a stoutly built But the complex tennis beliefs of the elder Agassi are even more compelling than they and dark-featured man, and began posing

26

appear on the surface.

Much of Mike's unique training philosophy is derived from his informal studies of chemistry, physics and mathematics . An example of Mike 's understanding of tennis and science is seen in his recent assistance of Donnay's engineers in the deve.lopment of a prototype racquet for Andre.

Another product of Mike's background is his belief that the key to winning tennis is to hit the ball hard, from any part of the court, as often as possible . "This theory," he said, " is proven by principles of elementary physics."

At the same time , it should be noted that many in the teaching industry find mechanical considerations to be far from elementary. In his book, Tennis Science for Tennis Players , sport science author Howard Brody uses an enormous number of computer simulations to illustrate the complexity of purely mechanical implications on strategy.

However, for purposes of understanding And re Agassi's unique development, his father 's on-court strategy can be summarized by the following simplified equation:

H1gh Ball Velocity vs. High Opponent Footspeed = No Contest (High Velocity wins} How, then , is Andre Agassi able to successfully combine accuracy with high ve locity? For examp le, how is he able to return a winner from the flat first se rve of Boris Becker, even before Becker has finished his service motion?

The answer, according to Mike Agassi , may be traced, literally, to the cradle .

Imagine Andre when he was a few months old, too young to focus his eyes , gazing up at a tennis-racquet-and-ball mobi le dangling

above his crib. Mike recalls spend ing up to two hours a day by his son 's crib, swinging the mobile back and forth above his head .

Andre would use his neck muscles to track the object, which must have appeared to him as a blur of movement.

Andre's tennis training continued into his toddler years with games of catch , using a variety of balls. Once Andre learned to hold a racquet, he began receiving a unique instructional program . Mike modified nine ball machines to pitch at high speed, using a variety of spins, and aimed the balls at all points of the court. Andre 's instructions were simply to " hit the ball as hard as you can and don't worry about wheret " For months, Andre struggled to incorporate his father 's teachings, but, slowly, the awesome power we see today began to emerge. And with it came controversy.

Andre's topspin response to an oncomi ng ball can be truly breathtaking. Mike is quick to point out, however, that his son also was wel l trained in such subtleties as underspin ground strokes and drop shots, Still, Andre is often critized for his unconventional use of topspin in hiqh-risk situations, such as his topspin volley. Though it certainly sells tickets and sponsors, Andre 's dare-devil instinctiveness may have destined him for eternal brinksmanship. He seems sentenced to a sort of tennis purgatory: never quite satisfied with his successes, nor educated by his failures.

NCA

National Qub Association

From my conversation with Mike Agassi, I was able to infer that a caring and sensitive environment was provided for Andre's growth. But before a parent goes making plans to train the next aspiring tennis superstar , there are a few things he or she should know.

In the October 1989 issue of the consumer newsletter Privileged Information, Dr. David Elkind , president of the ~ational Association for the Education of Young Children and a professor of child study, identifies certain pitfalls in attempting to provide pre-school children with a headstart in academic and motor skills.

Today, many parents have the resources and motivation to provide their children with sophisticated schooling. This can be a dangerous trap, say Elkind and other chi ld development experts, who note that during the second and third years, a child begins to develop a sense of control over his or her body.

"Mastering these basic motor skills gives children the confidence to have a healthy sense of independence later on," says Elkind. "If a chi ld is pushed too soon toward the mastery of motor ski lls that he cannot handle at this time, he will come to doubt his innate abilities and feel shame for his failure.

"Children, " Elkind adds, "need to be praised and appreciated for the inherent motor ski lls they master at their own initiative n during these years."

In addition to his doctoral studies on exercise physiology/biomechanics at the University of Southern Calilornia, Jonathan Bailin serves as chief consultant for Los Angeles-based Exercise Options Management, advising clients on products and programs in the areas of fitness assessment, exercise prescripti on and sparling goods development.

A USPTA member since 1976, Bailin served for three years as assistant coach of the USC women 's tennis team . Currently, as a member of the USTA Clinicians Service and Speakers Bureau, he speaks on a variety of sports medicine topics at USPTA California Division workshops and conferences.

The Indispensable Membership For Private Clu6s

The National Club Association is the club of clubs. Today, 1000 private clubs belong because it's a membership they simply cannot do without.

• NCA represents the business, legal, legislative and policy interests of private clubs, coast to coast.

• NCA provides the tools a club must have to operate within a framework of sound business practices.

• NCA develops programs and techniques that keep clubs up to date on a host of issues and developments.

• NCA monitors Congress on issues that protect and expand clubs' business opportunities.

• NCA protects clubs' rights to select the members they want and control their destiny.

NCA promotes the business of clubs, the education of their members and the defense of their rights.

It's the Indispensable Membership To find out how your club can join the club of clubs call (202) 625-2080, or write to Washington Harbour, 3050 K St. NW, Suite 330, Washington, D.C. 20007.

27

INDUSTRY ACTION

Associations • The U.S. Supreme Court on April 17 heard oral argument in Portland Golf Club v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, nearly bringing to a close the National Club Association's (NCA) 10-year challenge to the IRS's Revenue Ruling 81-69. The NCA contends the IRS misinterprets the law when it asserts through the ruling that taxexempt private clubs should not be allowed to offset losses from unrelated business activities against investment income unless those activities were undertaken with a profit motive. The high court's pending decision is of major importance to private clubs which engage in substantial unrelated business activities.

• The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is distributing a $2 million grant to a number of athletic programs, associations and needy causes.

The recipients _include: Athletic Footwear Association ($350 ,963), American Tennis Industry Federation ($197,227) and National Sporting Goods Association ($1 00,000).

SGMA's primary source of funding is its annual Super Show in Atlanta.

• Sports Research , Inc. has been selected to conduct an industrywide tennis research project funded jointly by the American Tennis Industry Federation, USTA and the Athletic Footwear Association . The objectives for this year's project include basic research and evaluation of existing programs; evaluation of why people play and others do not; evaluation of the atmosphere for corporate sponsorship; and analysis of what other industries do to promote their sport.

• Jill Workman, executive director of the United States Racquet Stringers Association, is the recipient of Ferris State University's " Professional Tennis Management Industry Person of the Year" award.

and Sports, served as co-hosts for the event, which featured 12 different sports

demonstrations. Arthur Ashe and Pam Shriver also participated.

Manufacturers • New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. is sponsoring a nationwide campaign, "Say Yes to Tennis, No to Drugs," combini ng more than 150 tennis clinics for teen-agers with efforts to promote an anti-drug message through local drug rehabilitation centers and community groups. Former U.S. Open champion Tracy Austin and Houston Rockets guard John Lucas helped kick off the campaign in May at the Manhattan Beach (Calif.) Country Club.

• Dunlop Slazenger Corp. has named Larry Leukhardt as national accounts manager of the company's Racquet Sports Division . Leukhardt previously served as national sales manager for both Porter Athletic Equipment Co. and Case Cutlery.

He will work in Dunlop Slazenger's U.S. headquarters in Greenville, S.C

USTA • Director Ron Woods and director of coaching Stan Smith of the USTA Player Development Program joined President Bush, Mrs. Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger at the White House on May 1 for the "G reat American Workout," kickoff to National Health and Fitness Month. The Bushes and Schwarzenegger, who is chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness

BEAUTIFUL ETCHED CRYSTAL MUGS as low as

$10°0 comp lete!

Sea rching for good looking, desirable, low cost trophies? We have them!

Complete with all tournament deta ils. Any quantity, no minimums, fast service.

Plus many other new trophy ideas for 1990. Please ca ll.

-FREE CATALOG -

800--343--0710 In Mass. 617-63 1-2500

~ ~

EcLIPSE CoMPANY, INc.

~

MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945

{j;~

BOX 365 - 2 CENTRAL ST.

29

INDUSTRY ACTION rcontinuedJ

• The 20th anniversa ry USTA Tenni s Teachers Conference will be held Aug. 2931 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel and Towers in New York. The confere nce, scheduled the first week of the U.S. Open , will feature seminars by Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, Roscoe Tanner, Dennis Van der Meer, Tracy Leonard, Jack Groppel, George Bacso, Lewis "Skip" Hartman, Eve Kraft, Rod Dulany, Eugene Scott, Collen Kaczor, Allan · Goldberg and Kathy Woods. Wr ite to USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, 7(:)7 Alexander Road , Princeton, NJ 08540, or call (800) 223-0456 .

• Dick Squires has been named editor of the member magazine Tennis USTA. Squires, on the staff of TENNIS magazine since 1983, will begin his new assignment with the magazine's July issue. A former top junior, Squires played in the USTA National Championships at Forest Hills during the 1950s.

• Nominations are being accepted for the USTA/USPTA Public Service Award . Criteria include involvement in community programs and service organizations. The winner will receive a plaque, lifetime membership in USTA, a $500 educational scholarship and

SCIENCE & TENNIS

Playing Coaching Winning 0

°

Tennis Science for Tennis Players

by Howard Brody, Ph.D 150 pp., 11/us., 1987 Dr. Brody explains how the laws of physics work in the game of tennis. Item #4049 Price $15.95

Science of Coaching Tennis

by Jack L Groppel, Ph.D , James£ Loehr, Ph.D, Scoll Melville, Ph.D , and Ann Quinn, MS. 272 pp., 11/us. , 1989 A combination of the sport sciences of biomechanics, motor learning, exercise physiology and sport psychology into one comprehensive volume. Item #4 149 Price $2 1.00

Complete and mail to: USTA Publications Department 707 Alexander Road Princeton, NJ 08540-6399 Quantity

Amount

Tennis Science for Tennis Players (Item #4049) $15.95 Science of Coac hing Tennis (Item #4 149) $2 1.00 The Pursuit of Sportin g Excellence (Item #4151) $24.00

The Pursuit of Sporting ExceUence

Total

ADDR ESS CITY /STATE/Z IP

30

Pro Tours • Ted Tinling, revolutionary tennis designer and noted historian , died May 23 in Cambridge , England . He was 79. In recent years, Tin li ng served as a consultant to the WITA Tinling took on the tennis establishment wi th futuristic designs worn by Gertrude "Gussy" Moran at Wimbledon in 1949; Billie Jean King at her 1973 " Battle of the Sexes" match with Bobby Riggs; and Anne White at Wimbledon in 1985.

• Pierre Carmon wi ll head the IBM /ATP Tour 's European Operations. Darmon, 56 , was once the top-ranked player in France and appeared with doubles partner JeanClaude Barclay in the French Championships and Wimbledon . Darmon will resign his position at ProServ.

• Anne Hobbs, a 10-year veteran of the women 's tour, has signed on as a full-time teaching pro at the East River Tennis Club in Long Island City, NY Hobbs, a one-time Bri tish nati onal champion , advanced to Wimbledon 's third round last year before losing to Chris Evert.

• Former junior star Meredith McGrath, 19, will debut professionally at Wimbledon .

McGrath won 19 national and international junior titles and advanced to the singles finals in last year 's Junior Wimbledon competition . She will be managed and represented by her longtime coach , USPTA pro Glenn William.

by David Hemery. 295 pp. , 11/us. , 1986 The candid remarks of 63 top performers from 22 sports give you valuable insight into the ingredients of athl etic success. Item #4 151 Price $2 4. 00

20% of total for shipping and handling

NAME

a two-year membership in USPTA Nominations are due by Aug. 15. Send them to: USTA/USPTA Publ ic Service Award , 707 Alexander Road , Princeton, NJ 08540.

II

ll~

United States Tennis Association Publications Department 707 Alexander Road Princeton , NJ 08540-6399

Answers to Tennis Quiz on page 24.

1. False

2. C 3. 0

1 5. C

16. A 17. 0

11 . B

18. B

5. C 6. True

12. A 13. False

19. False 20. True

7. Fa lse

14. C

4.

B

8. A

9. C 10. 0

(N ote Al l questions were taken from How to Prepare for USPTA Certification.)

USPTA Jla~ter Jtrofe~~~onal~ are, not appointed It takes talent, dedication and hard work to achieve this prestigious rating.

If you aspire some day to become a USPTA ,Jmasttt l8toft.5.5ional. now's the time to start working toward completing the necessary requirements.

"It's never too early to start!"

In addition to teaching, playing, industry service and professional tenure requirements, applicants for the USPTA ,Jmasttt l8toft.5.5ional rating must also complete a series of Specialty Courses to enhance their professional skills.

Get a Head Start on the Specialty Course Requirements 1990

3 courses (24 Credit Hours)

1991

5 courses (40 Credit Hours)

1992

7 courses (56 Credit Hours)

1993

10 courses (80 Credit Hours)

If you aspire to achieve this lifetime goal, start by signing up today for one or more of the following Specialty Courses, which are offered at a fee of $50 per course:

DATE

LOCATION

TOPIC

SPEAKER

June2 June3 June 17 June23 June24 July 14 July 15 August .11 August 12 September 16 September 17 September 18 September 23

Palm Coast, FL Palm Coast, FL Lancaster, PA Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood, NJ Maywood,NJ Maywood,NJ Maywood,NJ Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA Palm Springs, CA

Group Lesson I Group Lesson U Stroke Analysis Stroke Analysis I Stroke Analysis U Group Lesson I Group Lesson U Stroke Production {Beginners) Stroke Production (Intermediate & Advanced) Strategies and Tactics Stroke Analysis First Aid and CPR Nutrition

George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso George Bacso Bill Tym George Bacso Red Cross Jack Groppel

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information (813) 973-3777

guest message

A Total Approach Our new master education plan points us in a positive direction

Dave Sivertson, Vice President

USPTA's Education Committee has been at work for two years on putting together a: master education pla'n to meet the growing needs of our profession as we head into the 1990s.

Th e theme and goal for th is plan is " developing the tota l professional. " The Education Committee identified nine areas important to the development of the professional: tennis teach ing , racquet and string ing technology, club and activity programming, retail management, human resource management, business and operations management, sport science, court construction and maintenance, and a miscellaneous category of topics.

Although many of our professionals already specialize in one or more of these areas, the commi ttee felt that a truly well -rounded professional should have a minimum working knowledge of all nine . The committee also felt it Important that the material be different for the newly appointed assistant pro as opposed to the experienced tennis director.

Cost was another heavily weighed factor. It was concl uded that the more USPTA can physically " bring " education to the divisions, th e more convenient and, therefore, costeffective it will be for the members. We hope to accomplish this through regional seminars and workshops, educational manuals and publicatio ns , and audio tapes and video tapes.

Ove r th e past two years, USPTA has introduced three " How to" manuals: How to Hife a Tennis Professional, How to Apply for USPTA Membership and How to Use Your USPTA Membership. These manuals have made it easier for professionals to join USPTA, take advantage of the numerous membership benefits and also find quality employment A planned fourth publication in this series will examine the many career paths available to the teaching professional, drawing upon the personal experiences of th e game's top professionals. It will offer an honest look at our 32

profession as well as fresh ideas for moving up the career ladder.

As for the master plan, it proposes to utilize ed ucational manuals for the nine areas of development, each containing valuable insights from leading professionals as well as handy references to outside material. Th ese manuals will be packaged in such a way as to easily allow for updates and new material as it becomes available.

In addition , specialty courses are being desig ned to reflect the material covered in the manuals. These courses have been shortened from 16 hours to eight, which will allow members to take more than one course over a single weekend. We 'll also offer mini-courses at divisional conventions, usi ng local speakers when possi ble to keep costs down.

The master education plan includes many other important components: With a new National Headquarters will come an intern program to accommodate those professionals wanting to spend an extended amount of time furthering their education . Th e program will be divided into segments such as on-court, classroom and practical applications through cooperating fac ilities.

Regional teacher train ing centers will be established to make it easier to attend full educational programs. Two pilot centers will be opened in the near future. These centers may offer specialty courses, tennis teacher courses, internship programs and college coaches courses.

The National Convention will continue to support special education programs such as high sc hool coaches workshops , co llege curriculum accreditation and certification training.

We will have our national education programs work more closely with the divisional programs and support them in any way possible.

We will introduce several other educational publications, including a municipal tennis facilities manual and a teaching drills manual.

In an effort to further upgrad e our members and the image of the Association, mandatory education for all members will be in place effective January 1, 1991 .

At that time, it will be necessary for each member to complete at least nine continuing education credits each 36 months.

Points will be awarded through attendance of conventions, specialty courses and other cou rses, book reviews and other means.

Mandatory upgrade testing for all Professiona l 3-rated members took effect January 1, 1990. All new members hereafter must pass one upgrade exam within 36 months.

Requirements for th e Master Professional rating have been upgraded. All Master Professional applicants are now required to have held a Professional 1 rating for 10 years (formerly it was five years) . Also, specialty course requirements will increase from three completed courses in 1990 to five in 1991 , seven in 1992, and 10 thereafter.

Our testing procedures and information are being updated and will coordinate with many of the programs being put in place.

Three of the major goals of our Association are to: 1) upgrade the image of the teaching professional and the Association ; 2) address and meet the needs of the membership, and; 3) create an education program that is second to none.

It is the opinion of many that th is master education plan is exactly what is needed for USPTA to further its leadership role in the tennis-teaching profession .

Your comments are always welcome . .o

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Tennis Professionals

UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. At Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort Wesley Chapel, FL 33543

Permit No . 3887 Tampa. FL