Addvantage 1993 February by RSPA

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UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION -&CT

Vortex SB

\brtex7 A widebody so advanced, it's hard to believe this much power comes with this much control.

When aerospace technology came down to earth, it landed on the tennis court in the form of the Prince Vortex. A space-age material called viscoelastic polymer makes what was once impossible, possible: a racquet that actually self-adjusts to every shot. How does it do it? The viscoelastic polymer enables the frame to literally change its behavior upon impact. When

you swing hard it stiffens to generate greater power. When you swing softly it flexes to give you greater control. The kind of shot you have in mind is the kind of shot it gives you. Vortex. What used to be unbelievable is now true. And you can believe it in two racquet designs: our patented CTS widebody design, and our Straight Beam design for more of a classic flex and feel.

prince

Prince. Exclusively Endorsed Racquet of U.S. Professional Tennis Assoc. ÂŠ 1993 Prince Manufacturing, Inc.

In Love With The Gameâ&#x201E;˘

The Trade Magazine of Men and Women Tennis-Teaching Professionals™

Volume 17 — Issue 2 The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Gordon Collins

February 1993

On the cover Make plans to stop by USPTA's booths at the 1993 Super Show to pick up information about upcoming USPTA programs.

First Vice President Dave Sivertson Vice Presidents Kathy Woods Cliff Drysdale Will Hoag Joe Thompson Secretary/Treasurer Kurt Kamperman Past President Jack Justice WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO Tim Heckler Director of Operations Rich Fanning Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Coordinator of Tennis Allan Henry Teacher Development Communications Shawna Riley Coordinator Communications

Gayden Cooper

SPECIAL SECTION USPTA is publishing its newest educational manual as excerpts in ADDvantage magazine. Look for this exciting book i n every issue and collect the pullout chapters — part of our efforts to bring more education free of charge to our members. The USPTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism is divided into Book I — Tennis Teaching Skills and Book II — Tennis Business Operations & Management. These two volumes cover teaching private and group lessons, playing strategies, business plans, career development, and a myriad of other subjects vital to the successful tennis professional. And best of all... it's free. In this edition.,. Book I — Tennis Teaching Skills Chapter 5 Singles strategy: Honestly assess your game, know your limits by Cliff Drysdale

Marketing/Business John Tamborello Operations Sports Marketing Karen linger Coordinator Secretary Christine Fouts Corporate Services Christl Call Manager Secretary Dale Henry Computer Services and Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Membership/Education Sharon Schmuck Assistant Membership/Education Karen Mahon Assistant Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Assistant Financial Manager Renee Heckler Accounting and Trina Gambrell Merchandise Services Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies

FEATURES 5 The Super Show is bigger than ever 6 The Tennis Show map 7 Buying basics keep pros focused at The Super Show by Kurt Kamperman 8 Atlanta attractions promise to keep show attendees busy 10 Across America Tennis Day USPTA boosts number of multicultural Coast-to-Coast clinics 11 Across America Tennis Day registration form 14 Top players expected to compete at Lipton, ITTC 15 Entry form for International Tennis Teachers Championships

Co-Director of Academies Bill Tym Advertising/Marketing Phone (713) 97-USPTA Information LEGAL COUNSEL

17 Wantafun, profitable program? Jointhe USPTA Adult Tennis League 20 USPTA professionals share teaching tips

Attorney-at-Law Paul Waldman ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. For information, write World Headquarters One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713) 97-USPTA or fax (713) 978-7780 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1993. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine is not permitted without written permission from the publisher.

DEPARTMENTS 3 President's message Executive Committee encourages member involvement 4 CEO's message Super Show place to be if combining tennis and business is your goal 19 Dates that rate 22 Industry action

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE /*

NA MUNAL BUAKU UP UIKtU 1 Una GORDON COLLINS President (408) 395-7111

Vice President (305) 361-9819

Vice President (305) 564-1271

DAVE SIVERTSON First Vice President (512) 4537246

CLIFF DRYSDALE Vice President (919) 256-6735

JOE THOMPSON Vice President (303) 278-1130

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;\Y WO

Secretary-Treasurer (803) 842-1893 JACK JUSTICE Past President (803) 642-7171

DIVISION PRESIDENTS AND REGIONAL VICE no^oir>PMT^ PRESIDENTS

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CALIFORNIA DIVISION MARK HIRTLER President (714) 979-7126 HANK LLOYD Regional Vice President (714) 535-7740

MIDDLE STATES DIVISION LARRY HAMPTON President (215) 459-0173 BECKY DESMOND Regional Vice President (215) 269-0738

CRAIG KOESSLER President (503)223-6251 TED WATSON Regional Vice President (206)292-0473

EASTERN DIVISION

MIDWEST DIVISION

SAN DIEGO DIVISION

JIM DAVIS President (419) 865-1141 TOM GRAY Regional Vice President (313) 652-1500

JUDY PRESTON President (619)565-2260 DON HENSON Regional Vice President (619)435-7133

FLORIDA DIVISION HARRY GILBERT President (904) 437-2427 MARK McMAHON Regional Vice President (407) 488-6996

MISSOURI VALLEY DIVISION BRAD RICHISON President (913) 649-6272 JOHN WILLIAMS Regional Vice President (405) 242-5153

SOUTHERN DIVISION GREG G ROVER President (404 392-7788 FRED BURDICK Regional Vice President (404) 832-6570

HAWAII DIVISION

NEW ENGLAND DIVISION

DINO BONDALLIAN President (808)322-3441 DAVID PORTER Regional Vice President (808)293-3755

DAVE FLEURY President (207)846-3675 JACKDUNMEAD Regional Vice President (508)238-6210

SOUTHWEST DIVISION TOM BREECE President (602)991 1414 JOE LONG Regional Vice President (505) 822-0455

INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION

TEXAS DIVISION

JOE EDLES President (303)985-3240 DAVE ROMBERG Regional Vice President (303)761-9900

BILLRAPP President (415)364-6272

RANDY MATTINGLEY President (817) 732-3303 RON WOODS Regional Vice President (512) 991-7561

MIDDLE ATLANTIC DIVISION TED MEYER President (804) 320-3244 FRANK HATTEN Regional Vice President (301 469-6286 V

PACIFIC NORTHWEST DIVISION

GORDON KENT President (212)293-2386 STEVE DIAMOND Regional Vice President (201 857 7476

JIM MCLENNAN Regional Vice President (415)948-1656 NORTHWEST DIVISION TIM BURKE President (612)926-4408 STEVE WILKINSON Regional Vice President (507)931 1614

ROD DULANY Past President (1990) (703) 524-3227 JIM REFFKIN Past President (1988) (602)791-4896 MIKE EIKENBERRY Past President (1986) (703)893-4428 J

President's message

Executive Committee encourages member involvement

rn behalf of the Executive Committee and the USPTA staff want you to know that we take your concerns very seriously. Our goal is to serve your wants and needs. In order for us to be effective, we need you to keep us informed of your desires for the direction of USPTA. have listed some of the comments or suggestions many of you have made regarding our Association over the past few months.

The Continuing Education Program was never designed as a penalty, but more as a blueprint for success. Continuing Education for members It was mandated by the Executive Committee three years ago that a Continu ng Education Program be implemented for our Association. It was designed over a two-year period, and our initial three-year program commenced on

January 1 1991 The program was implemented to assist pros in their personal and professional development. The recreational industry is extremely competitive, and for us to meet this challenge, we must be better educated in all facets of the business. The Continuing Education Program was never designed as a penalty, but more as a blueprint for success. We want you to succeed, and we highly encourage you to get involved in this process. • ADDvantage magazine features pros Many of you have requested that we feature more of our Association's members in future issues of ADDvantage magazine. Starting with the April issue, we will publish profiles of USPTA members who have been a success in the tennis field, such as individuals involved with junior development, pro shop management, or the handicapped or underprivileged. If you know of someone whose story you feel would be of benefit to our entire membership, please send in a brief profile to our magazine coordinator at the World Headquarters. • Member involvement on committees A question often asked by members is, 'How can get more involved in my Association?' Due to your requests, we have made a change n the Executive

Gordon Collins, President

Committee meeting structure. This will enable us to organize 18 committees, which will meet at-the National Convention. All of the committees will have a representative from each division. If you would like to be on a national committee, please contact your division president.

Our Association has made great strides over the past decade, and this is due to our members having a tremendous desire to improve. Finally, thank you for all of your efforts on behalf of the USPTA. Our Association has made great strides over the past decade, and this is due to our members having a tremendous desire to improve. We certainly welcome all your comments, whether they be positive or critical. Once again, we are here to serve you. ®

CEO's message

Super Show place to be if combining tennis and business is your goal O

nee a year, the sports industry converges on Atlanta and The Super Show. During the four-day event, thousands of people will walk through the Georgia Wdrld Congress Center and surrounding areas to get a glimpse of the latest in fashion and product technology in 17 different sportsrelated fields. As manufacturers, buyers, sport celebrities and fans ramble through the vast expanse of sports paraphernalia and services, it soon becomes apparent that the show is the place to be seen if you want to cultivate your business or make new industry contacts. This especially is true if you are a tennis-teaching professional. If you are a professional interested in the business of tennis, the Super Show must be on your travel agenda. While many other career-enhancing tennis programs take place throughout the year, this show represents one of the most important business events. Whether you are buying for a pro shop, or looking for support of some entrepreneurial venture, the tennis teacher can make his or her mark among the flurry of business activity that characterizes the show. While the debate continues over the influence tennis teachers exert on the tennisplaying public, most professionals are confident of their ability to sway player opinions. When the number of pro shops dwindled following the tennis boom of the 1970s, some industry experts began to question whether pros actually did affect the buying habits of recreational players. There's no doubt that we are faced with an interesting challenge. According to the December 1992 issue of Tennis Buyer's Guide,

pro shops are losing the retailing battle with other tennis and sporting goods outlets, n today's market, tennis-teaching professionals are forced to compete with large discount and specialty stores when it comes to outfitting even the most loyal club members. But, ask any tennis professional, and you'll find out that there's little doubt that they have

If you are a professional interested in the business of tennis, the Super Show must be on your travel agenda. a huge impact on buying trends, particularly in the area of hard goods. This attitude holds true regardless of a pro shop's sales volume or whether or not a pro has a shop. Tennis teachers still are the strongest link between the millions of players and the numerous manufacturers vying for consumer loyalty. Local professionals meet tens of thousands of consumers each year and virtually set the trends by doing so. The clothes they wear, the equipment they use and how they conduct themselves may help determine whether a player buys merchandise from a pro shop or from other local stores. But either way, pros almost always influence the brands

Tim Heckler, CEO chosen by their students and other club members. It may be difficult to quantify this influence, but it would be absurd to say it is not of major significance. This influence is even more evident when companies such as Prince, Wilson, Head, Dunlop, Spalding and many others constantly strive for the approval of teaching professionals. Yet, it's not enough to simply influence customer purchases. We now must create a new market for pro shops. This can only be accomplished through special training in technologically advanced marketing techniques and in a teaching professional's personal desire to be a better businessperson. USPTA is working toward recreating a pro shop market for its members through continuing education programs and the development of cooperative projects with its major endorsees. For this effort to be a success, it's important for tennis-teaching professionals to take an active interest in industry events like The Super Show. I recommend that you place The Super Show on your calendar, since it offers the best atmosphere in which to do business, meet people and achieve your goals. For me, its the one event where I have no difficulty filling every half hour of a four-day schedule with important meetings. Everyone there seems geared toward achieving success. USPTA members are more than teachers, they are professionals with great business ideas and the enthusiasm to administer the programs created on their behalf, also know from past experience that many USPTA professionals will attend The Super Show, hope to see you there.

The Super Show is bigger than ever .he Super Show, on Feb. 5-8 in Atlanta, is just around the corner and tennis professionals are gearing up. The Super Show is the world's largest sports products trade show and is sponsored by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA). This year, it will take place in the Georgia World Congress Center, the Inforum building, the Atlanta Apparel Mart and the recently constructed Georgia Dome. Open to trade attendees only, tickets still can be purchased at the door for $20, although hotel space may be difficult to find for late registrants. The show will be open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, with,two exceptions: It opens at 10 a.m. on Feb. 6 and will close early on the last day — 5 p.m. on Feb. 8. Exhibitors will be grouped into 17 complete and distinct shows, which include: the Activewear Show, the Outdoor Sports Show, the Bowling and Billiards Show, the Cycle Show, the Fitness Show, the Footwear Show, the Golf Show, the Imprint and Apparel Show, the International Show, the Licensed Sports Show, the Marine and Water Sports Show, the New Products Show, the Team Sports Show, the Tennis Show, the Trading Cards and Collectible Products Show, the Trophies and Awards Show and the WinterWear Show. The event is targeted to retailers, owners, managers, floor personnel, buyers, manufacturers, sales and marketing personnel, suppliers to the industry and industry newcomers. More than 2,500 manufacturers of sports products will exhibit their merchandise to buyers from all over the world. More than 85,000 attendees are expected to view more than 9,000 booths occupying more than 2 million square feet of floor space. Stop by USPTA booths Make plans to stop by USPTA's three booths in the Georgia World Congress Center. Two booths, numbered 20953-K and 20954-K, are located in the Activewear Show II, Level II, on the East Concourse. The third booth is numbered 2957-C and is located in Hall C of the Tennis Show. Pick up information about USPTA's 1993 programs, such as the National Convention, the Continuing

Education Program and the USPTA Adult Tennis League. USPTA will host the Advanced Business School during the two days prior to the show's start — 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 3 and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 4. This school is designed for the professional who wants to plan for the future both financially and professionally. Participants will earn six continuing education credits for the two-day program. Advanced registration is recommended to ensure a seat, but limited space is available at the door on a first-come, first-serve basis. The two-day school cost $150 for USPTA members, $225 for non-members. For further information or to register, contact the USPTA World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA. ; New events This year, the show will use the newly opened Georgia Dome to house some exhibitors. The dome is the largest cablesupported domed stadium in the world, is the new home for the Atlanta Falcons, will host Super Bowl XXVIII in 1994, and will host gymnastics and basketball events for the 1996 Olympic Games. The Super Show has added a 17th event, the Trading Cards and Collectible Products Show, due to the increased interest in trading cards by sports product retailers. Some of the major card manufacturing companies and the industry's most reputable and well-known collectible product companies will be exhibiting. The Super Show souvenir shop has expanded its line of exhibitor-donated items, such as hats, T-shirts, key chains and hundreds of other products displaying The Super Show logo. The souvenir shop has a new location in the Georgia Dome, as well as the existing location in the main lobby of the Georgia World Congress Center. All proceeds go to the SGMA sponsored anti-drug program, Sports United Against Drugs. Win trip to paradise Five lucky buyers could win a trip to paradise by entering the new "Passport to

Bermuda" contest sponsored by Sporting Goods Dealer magazine. Each of the winners will receive an alf-expense paid trip for two to Bermuda in the spring of 1993. In the contest, all buyers will receive "passports" at the show, which will be "validated" at participating exhibitors' booths. Passports will be available upon check-in at most Atlanta hotels, at the show registration area and at the "Ask-Me" kiosks throughout the show. Celebrities in attendance Celebrities from the fields of basketball, football, tennis, hockey and many other sports will be on the show floor daily signing autographs. Some celebrities who attended the 1992 Super Show included Jimmy Connors, Jane Fonda, Zina Garrison, Rod Laver, Monica Seles and Kevin Willis. Information about the show For information about hotel accommodations, contact the Atlanta Housing Bureau at (404) 521-6630. Travel information can be obtained by calling The Super Show Travel Center at (800) 843-5177. For more information concerning The Super Show, call (800) 327-3736, or (305) 893-8771. ©

THE TEAM SPORTS SHOW THE TENNIS SHOW THE GOLF SHOW THE BOWLING & BILLIARDS SHOW THE TROPHY & AWARDS SHOW

THE TEAM SPORTS SHOW THE MARINE & WATER SPORTS SHOW

THE MARINE ft WATER SPORTS SHOW

B EAST

A EAST

GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER ATLANTA, GEORGIA

EAST

THE TENNIS SHOW ( TENNIS APPAREL & HARDGOODS )

The Tennis Show Map

Buying basics keep pros focused at The Super Show by Kurt Kamperman _ost tennis pros would have a tough time playing in a match or teaching a lesson if a three-ring circus was performing on the next court. At the very least, a pro would be distracted and make a number of mistakes that ordinarily wouldn't be made. n many ways, The Super Show in Atlanta presents a similar dilemma. With so much happening at the show, tennis pros lose their buying focus, make costly mistakes and don't accomplish what they went to the show to do. Here are a few buying basics that can help tennis pros stay focused and make the most of their time at the show. • Have a buying plan. It is always important to have a plan before buying anything for the pro shop, but it's especially critical when buying at The Super Show. Every manufacturer at the show is willing to pull out all the stops to get the attention of buyers and make them excited. Remember to stay focused on what the shop needs and what the customers want. The products that a pro personally likes should be of secondary importance. A buying plan will help the tennis pro to stay disciplined, which is an important trait to have at The Super Show. For example, a pro may want to purchase six new racquets at the show that all retail for $250. They may all be great products, but the clientele of most pro shops won't support that many highend frames. A buying plan will give tennis pros the necessary perspective to buy with brains and not egos. • Know the existing inventory levels at the pro shop before buying. Manufacturers at The Super Show will be offering many 'Super Show Specials, but if the pro shop already is overstocked on an item, it may not need more inventory. Don't overbuy, since most pro shops can't afford to be a warehouse. • Make time for "market research." The Super Show is the best place to comparison shop. Find out how various manufacturers compare on the same products. Don't just compare price, also look at quality, terms, availability, distribution and marketing support. The Super Show also is a great place to compare notes with other buyers on what's expected to be a hot product and what's not.

• Take advantage of educational opportunities at The Super Show. n addition to the USPTA's Advanced Business School on Feb. 3-4, the event offers a number of other industry seminars and workshops, so take advantage of them as your schedule allows. Education at The Super Show is not limited to the classroom. The floor of the Georgia World Congress Center offers an abundance of unique learning opportunities. For instance, the show offers hundreds of examples for creating better displays and improving the merchandising at the pro shop. Look at the smaller booths for ideas on how to create effective displays in a small area and with little expense. Watch the sales reps present their merchandise to prospective buyers and pick up ways to improve sales techniques for the pro shop staff The Super Show is one of the tennis industry's most exciting events; and with a little discipline and planning, it also can be an extremely profitable one for the tennis pro and his or her club. ®

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Kurt Kamperman is president of Stan Smith Design, a tennis facility planning and design firm, and director of tennis at Sea Pines Plantation. He has been active in the tennis industry for 16 years and has extensive experience in virtually every facet of the business, from club, resort and tournament operations to sales and marketing. Kurt is a featured speaker at numerous conventions and business symposiums throughout the United States and abroad. A USPTA Master Professional, he recently was elected secretary/treasurer of the National USPTA Board of Directors. He serves on the Tennis industry Committee and is a contributing editor to Tennis Buyer's Guide and Court Products Report.

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Atlanta * to keep show attendees busy T

J_he .he Super Show is a great place to spend some time while in Atlanta, but there are many more activities available to keep an energetic tourist busy during the days and nights away from the show. If you have an interest in the Civil War, stop by the Atlanta Cyclorama, which depicts the 1864 Civil War Battle of Atlanta in a painting in the round. The Atlanta History Center/ Buckhead, offers tours of two historic homes: the 1928 Swan House and the Tulie Smith Farm, with its 1840s plantation farmhouse. Others may be interested in a visit to The King Center site and King's grave at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Inc. Atlanta also offers a variety of museums, including the World of Coca-Cola, which is an unparalleled collection of over 1,000 articles of memorabilia, recounting the century-old history of one of the world's most popular soft drinks. Exhibits include soda fountains of the past and future, as well as films that offer a special look at those unforgettable commercials. The SciTrek science and technology museum is one of the 10

best science museums in the nation, with more than 100 interactive exhibits. The Atlanta Underground, located adjacent to MARTA's Five Points station, offers nightlife, shopping and dining. Atlanta also offers many restaurants to satisfy the most particular taste buds: American, Cajun, Caribbean, Chinese, Continental, Cuban, European, French, German, ndian, Japanese, Mediterranean Mexican, Middle Eastern, Seafood and Southern. If sports is your passion, make plans to see the Atlanta Knights hockey team battle the Peoria Rivermen at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Omni Coliseum. For ticket information, call (404) 525-8900. The Atlanta Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Omni Coliseum. For ticket information, call (404) 249-6400. The Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau will have a booth at The Super Show to assist people in visiting other Atlanta attractions. To contact the Bureau prior to the show, call (404) 521-6600. ÂŽ Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

From comedy to country to Caribbean and from Irish to Italian, Kenny's Alley is the entertainment and dining hub of Underground Atlanta.

An old-fashioned soda fountain, a futuristic bottling display, a high-definition television presentation, old television commercials and a retail mart are among the exciting features of The World of Coca-Cola. Photo by Kevin C. Rose. 8

He was 10 years on the professional tour.

Today he's a club pro. A teacher. A coach.

A member of the USPTA.

He's got a thousand priceless tips inside his head.

And one on his feet.

Asahi.

Proof, that with experience comes wisdom.

The new USPTA Glacier and Terraza for men, and Aralia for women.

Asahi, chosen the official shoe of the United States Professional Tennis Association. 9,000 members strong, and committed to one thing. Tennis. Just like us. Call 1-800-334-8737 for a dealer near you.

ASAHI COURTING PERFECTION.

-M/S^

Across America Tennis Day USPTA. boosts number of multicultural Coast-to-Coast clinics

'SPTA is expanding the Across America Tennis Day Coast-to-Coast clinics from 24 clinics to'40 in this, its fourth year. The enormous success and excitement the clinics created last year was a key in the decision to expand. 'Last year's Coast-to-Coast clinics reached many people and gave them the opportunity to play tennis and become involved in the sport, said Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA. The clinics, as well as Across America Tennis Day, generated a great amount of interest in the sport of tennis. The clinics are held in conjunction with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and target diverse groups which might not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis. Previous clinics were held for inner-city youth, deaf children, senior citizens, minorities and military families, n 1992, the Coast-to-Coast clinics began in Guam and ended on the White House courts with a special visit from then President and Mrs. Bush. All tennis professionals are urged to get involved in this effort to reach people of all cultures and backgrounds and unite them in the sport of tennis. Both USPTA members

and non-members are encouraged to register for an event or participate in an existing one) with the World Headquarters, by returning the registration form on the following page. Across America Tennis Day is a threephase program designed to revitalize tennis by inspiring new and former players to participate in the sport, promote the game as a means of phsyical fitness and advance the tennis-teaching profession. The event includes the expanded Coastto-Coast multicultural clinics held in different cities over a period of several months; the single-day event to be held on May 8 of free clinics and round-robin tournaments; and a five-week, follow-up program to maintain interest and enthusiasm in the game of tennis. n the one-day event on May 8, tennisteaching professionals may offer either a basic 45-minute clinic or a more elaborate 90-minute clinic. Both are followed by a social round-robin mixer. They also may develop formats of their own similar to those suggested. Across America Tennis Day is an opportunity for tennis professionals to promote the

Children take turns participating in a drill at an Across America Tennis Day clinic. 10

benefits of a physically fit and drug-free lifestyle within their communities. The program is an effective vehicle for creating awareness of tennis as a lifetime sport one which can be enjoyed by both the young and old The event is supported by many tennis manufacturers and organizations through a grant from the Tennis ndustry Association (formerly ATIF), and various companies have donated racquets and other equipment to help make the event possible. For more information on Across America Tennis Day, including the Coast-to-Coast clinics, contact the World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA. The March issue of ADDvantage will feature activity guidelines, promotional tips and more information on how to coordinate clinics. <G>

Look for the Across America Tennis Day packet in the March issue of ADDvantage magazine and sign up today.

An Across America Tennis Day participant gets the basics on hitting a volley.

USPTA'S

Across America Tennis Day May 8, 1993

What is it?

Where will it be held?

USPTA's Across America Tennis Day is a nationwide grassroots tennis event sponsored by USPTA and held in three phases.

At clubs and public facilities across the nation.

When is it? Across America Tennis Day is on Saturday, May 8, but multicultural Coast-to-Coast clinics will be held before and after May 8 at 40 different sites throughout the country. There also is a follow-up phase of clinics.

Is it limited to USPTA pros? No. Any teaching professional is eligible to host activities at his or her facility.

How do I register my facility? Simply fill out the registration form, or call USPTA World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA.

What are the activities? What is the purpose? To stimulate interest in tennis as a participation sport and as a means of maintaining physical fitness. New, existing and former players of the game are being targeted in order to have millions of tennis balls played simultaneously across the country on May 8.

Each facility will offer a free, basic tennis clinic, followed by a social round-robin competition. The size and scope of the activities will be determined by the participating pros. An outline of suggested activity guidelines and promotional tips will be featured in ADDvantage magazine in March.

Multicultural Coast-to-Coast clinics: This phase is held in conjunction with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to introduce to the sport those people not usually associated with tennis. These events are organized to promote the benefits of a physically fit and drug-free lifestyle. Anyone interested in hosting one of these events should contact the Sports Marketing Department at the USPTA World Headquarters. Follow-up program: This important final phase can be used to extend the participation of pupils in the oneday clinic to five additional weeks through an organized lesson and league play program. Join your fellow USPTA pros for what is becoming one of the largest grassroots events in tennis. For further details on USPTA's Across America Tennis Day, call the USPTA Sports Marketing Department at (713) 97-USPTA.

Registration Form Please register your event for division credit by returning this registration form. Yes, I will participate in USPTA's Across America Tennis Day as a D host professional

D assistant.

Name USPTA member D yes D no Member number Division Club/facility Street address .Phone. . (daytime) City State Zip My clinic/social will be open to: D public D members only Call USPTA with questions: (713) 97-USPTA Location of event: Street address. Club/facility .Phone. . State Zip _ City The following people will assist at my event: . USPTA member D yes D no Member number. .USPTA member D yes D no Member number. Please list additional assistants on a separate sheet. Send to: USPTA World Headquarters, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Dr. Houston, TX 77042

U.S. Pro Tennis Assoc.

USPTA Logo Merchandise ITEM

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Chapter 5

Singles strategy: Honestly assess your game, know your limits by Cliff Drysdale

^ The foundation of sound tactical play is knowing one's limits. This can be accomplished only by honestly assessing one's game. But understanding one's limits is only half the foundation. A player must be willing to play within those limits once they have been established. However, good tactics don't mean one should play conservatively or timidly all the time. A player must learn to play up to one's limits, as well. When there is an opportunity to play aggressively and hit with authority — do so. Just as it is tactically sound to play consistently, it also is sound to play forcefully when the opportunity presents itself. Jim Courier and Andre Agassi are aggressive baseliners with relatively weak volleys, so their singles strategy is based on a powerful groundstroke game. Their groundstrokes give them the widest range of options. They have defined clearly the strengths of their games and use them while avoiding the weaker aspects.

There are strategic limits to various shots. For example: •

A serve without spin hurts the margin for error, which leads to double faults, or a doomsday second serve.

•

Topspin shots are low-percentage approach shots (unless they are virtual winners), very poor percentage volleys, or no-percentage drop-shots.

•

Slice groundstrokes are low-percentage passing shots.

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A player's weaknesses must be worked on to widen the strategic options. Rate each stroke of your game on a scale of one to 10, and work hard to improve any shot rated less than five. The limits of one's stroke mechanics restrict the variety of strategic options, but adding new strokes to the repertoire can widen those options. For example, adding topspin to groundstrokes allows more effective passing shots and topspin lobs; whereas adding underspin or slice adds safety to groundstrokes, allows the player to hit

deeper, and produces a more effective approach shot.

Learning from computer charting Percentage tennis means playing the high-percentage shot, as opposed to a good-looking, but dumb, shot. Percentage tennis used to be the exclusive domain of top professionals with the help of their companion coaches. Today, computer charting has made a science of strategy and is available to everyone. The basic shots to chart are first and second serves, return of serves, and the strokes that end points. Approach shots also may be charted before the point ending play at the net. By tallying the numbers, a player can learn. • What percentage of first serves are in.

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•

How many points are won on first serves, vs. second serves.

•

How successfully serves are returned off the •player's forehand and backhand.

•

How many points are won when one advanced to the net, vs. how many points were won when one stayed at the baseline.

Tracking serves is an important measure of how much one is controlling the point with the first strike. The numbers can show consistency (first serve percentage in play), effectiveness (points won on first and second serves), and side strengths (points won in deuce court and ad court) There are many things that can be learned from computer charting, such as:

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•

If a high percentage of first serves go in, but a low number of those points are won, the player needs to be more aggressive with the serve.

•

If a low number goes in and a low number of points are won, the stroke needs to be improved.

•

If a low number goes in, but most of the first serve points are won, the player has a weapon, but should look at his or her secondserve success rate. If most of the second-serve points are won, the first serve should be backed off a bit; but if a lot of second-serve points are won, the player can afford to be much more adventuresome on the first.

•

Charting can determine if the player is more effective serving to the deuce or the ad courts, which is a pattern that otherwise might go unnoticed. This allows the player to practice the weaker position. For example, the serve could be moved around more in the ad court and closer attention paid to where it is most effective.

Because charting deals with facts, not just conjecture, recreational players can identify their obvious strengths and weaknesses. When the numbers bear out one's intuition by putting clear, quantitative definitions on weaknesses, a player will practice with more conviction.

Practice tips m Practice with a purpose and go for varying angles, depth and speed. m Ask your pro to watch you and make sure you are practicing correctly to improve your swing. Practice using the wrong mechanics will only perfect a bad shot. m Spend time on shots that others don't: lobs, overheads and dropshots. • Spend more time on your weaknesses. It is too easy to practice your strengths. m Maximize court time. You get more out of a purposeful, thoughtful, energetic one-hour practice than from six hours of playing without a purpose. • Play sets at least as much as you practice. m Put in quality practice time. Jack Nicklaus says that if a golfer doesn't spend time on the practice tee, then all the golfer is doing on the golf course is practicing, not playing. m Don't practice with someone who beats you all the time. Confidence plays a big part in your ability to win. Getting used to losing in practice is a bad idea.

Another way a player can make statistics work is to match tactics to tendencies. For example, if a huge number of errors are made in the back court, the player might decide to stop playing on the baseline. Without improving strokes one lick, one's game could be turned around by working on approaching, serving and volleying. Players frequently are amazed by how different their assessment is from the computer's assessment of their game's strengths and weaknesses. The computer's statistics can force a player to modify his own sense of where his strengths lie. Club players who lack the time or dedication to remodel their strokes can be helped to play more effectively with the skills they already have. Not only is computer charting useful as a diagnostic tool, but it is a way of graphically illustrating improvements that may not show up otherwise. It is a way of knowing that one is on the right track and that one's efforts are reaping rewards.

Equipment Ivan Lendl changes his racquet at least every second ball change to make sure that his string tension remains constant. All of his racquets are strung at precisely the same tension. This is extreme, but a valuable lesson. Make sure that the equipment suits the game and that playing conditions are considered as part of a winning strategy Aggressive players should use light (championship) balls and defensive players should try heavier (heavy duty) balls. String tension is a matter of personal preference. Two players who dominated the same era had totally different string tension philosophies based on their opposite playing styles. Bjorn Borg strung his racquet very tightly so that he could hit his topspin groundstrokes as hard as possible. The trampoline effect of a loosely strung racquet makes the ball fly John McEnroe prefers loose strings to complement his touch game. His playing style is characterized by a slice serve, delicate volleys, very little topspin and no long swings. Racquet type also is a matter of personal preference. New technologies using space-age materials have given rise to a variety of racquet options. The new wide-body racquets allow anyone to generate more powerful shots, but are not sym-

About the author. mm

Although acclaimed of late for his commentary on ESPN's tennis telecasts. Cliff Drysdale's play on court originally brought him fame. Noted for his two-handed backhand, he advanced to the semifinals twice at Wimbledon and the French Open, the finals at the U.S. Open and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. He was ranked in the top 10 from 1965 to 1969, and again in 1971-

Cliff Drysdale

Drysdale serves as a vice president on the national USPTA Board of Directors. He became the first president of the Association of Tennis Professionals in 1972 and later served on its board of directors. From 1978 to 1981, he served as a player representative on the Men's International Professional Tennis Council. Drysdale is a bimonthly contributor to Tennis magazine and designs tennis and health facilities around the United States. He received the 1987 ATP Medallion Award and the 1989 World Championship Tennis Service to Tennis Award.

pathetic to players who use a lot of spin. Remember that extra power also is balanced by less control, so wide bodies are perfect for players who are consistent, but could be aided by more power Players who have plenty of power and need consistency, or who are trying to generate more spin, should play with more traditional racquet types. Shoes are a critical part of a tennis player's armor They should be as light as possible while offering support and comfort. On surfaces with a good footing, like hard courts or carpet, the shoe soles should be smooth with as little tread as possible. On clay or grass courts, the soles should have as wide and deep a tread as possible, so that slide can be controlled.

Preparing for a match A player should eat carbohydrates the night before a match for energy and stamina. Plenty of fluids should be drunk before and during the play, but food intake should be limited two hours before a match to light, healthy snacks. An average to above-average amount of sleep is recommended the night before a match, but the player must be sure to awaken at least four hours before the start of the match. It is important to warm up within two hours before the match. After a stretch, the player 31

should go on court and hit very gently, progressing to a more strenuous warm-up. The warm-up should be continued to the point where the player is sweating, then he or she should shower and relax before the match. After the match, stretching exercises should be performed as part of a cool-down routine.

Scout the opponent

"He's left-handed and has a big serve" is not enough. Know the opponent's strengths and weaknesses so that match strategy can be plotted effectively On the pro tour, traveling coaches scout opponents on their player's behalf, but you need to watch your opponents play matches against other players. Think of how you will play against him and develop answers to questions such as: •

Does his passing shot most often go down the line, or crosscourt?

• Will the opponent attack a short, second serve? •

Is the second serve short enough that it could be attacked?

• Does he lob a lot? • How does he react in pressure situations?

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If you haven't played your opponent before, or seen him play, watch his warm-up to learn about his game. Make sure he hits all the shots and rate them in your mind. Then in the early stages of the match, continue to make your opponent play all the shots so that you've seen his full range of strengths and weaknesses. Afterward, jot down your observations about the match — especially the opponent's vulnerabilities.

Go in with a game plan A game plan depends on the player's stroke mechanics and speed, balanced by those of the opponent. The fundamental strategic options are to play offensively or defensively Basic defense involves staying at the baseline and waiting for errors from the opponent, combined with the ability to make passing shots if the opponent is an aggressive player An offensive strategy involves more varied options:

•

Serve and volley all the time.

•

Serve and volley on first serve only

Drink plenty of fluids before and during match. •

Serve and wait for the first, short return before attacking.

• Go for baseline winners. • Attack the second serve. Varying between offense and defense should be a part of any game plan to prevent the opponent from getting into a rhythm, but the basic game plan should never be forgotten. If one's groundstrokes are not as good as the opponent's, one cannot stay back and trade baseline rallies. In this case, the player will be forced to test his net game, even if it's not the strongest part of his game. Go for aces only if there is a reasonable chance of success; otherwise, it is much more valuable to hit a high percentage of first serves to set up the point. Attacking a short, second serve can be part of a basic game plan. This policy has some risks, but it shortens the points and keeps the pressure on the opponent.

Shot selection should vary according to the opponent's strengths and weaknesses in relation to the player's. For instance, after several games, a player might find that the opponent has the stronger backhand and is winning a high percentage of the points when trading backhands crosscouit. Under these circumstances, the risk of going for a lower percentage shot by breaking

the angle and hitting down the line may be the best idea. Every attempt should be made to establish patterns with which one is comfortable, and which allow a player to match his strength against the opponent's weaknesses, whenever and wherever possible.

Include mobility in strategic equation Change tactics for different opponents Against a defensive "human backboard": m Try coming in to put the ball away. m Try hitting short angles to open the court for the winner on the next shot, or to pull him into the net so that you can pass him. •

Hit a drop shot to draw him to the net, which will be unfriendly territory to him.

Against a player with excessive topspin: m Move farther behind the baseline to allow time for-the spin to play itself out. Remember that it is not easy to approach behind topspin, so don't fear being rushed. •

Topspin eventually lands short — a good time to attack. Now move in and take the ball on the rise.

m Come in only behind a good approach shot, because topspinners usually pass well. Against a hard hitter: m Stand back. m Shorten your swing. • Keep the ball in play at all costs, because the hard hitter has a low margin for error and will make mistakes. Against a big slice-server: • The slice serve is most dangerous into one's forehand side, so protect it and cut off the angle by moving in. Against a big kick-server: • Don't be a lame duck by standing where you normally do. Either move in and attack before the spin has time to take its full effect, or take two or three steps back to give the spin time to work its way out

Strategy shouldn't be thought of only in terms of forehands and backhands. How well the player and his or her opponent move is crucial to planning effective tactics. Many players move well sideways, but not so well forward and backward. Against such an opponent, the dropshot and lob become a much higher percentage weapon. The lob also may be used more frequently against an opponent who doesn't jump well. The slower the opponent, the wider the strategic options. One's speed on the court should be realistically self-assessed. Are you quick enough? If the opponent moves better and faster, you can. •

Hit harder to keep him from controlling the point.

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• Attack the net more often to disguise your lack of mobility •

Hit your serve more aggressively to keep the opponent on his heels.

• Vary your game to keep the opponent from getting into a rhythm.

Change strategy during match A player who is losing a match should experiment with alternatives to the pre-planned strategy Strategy may need to be changed to reply to altered tactics by the opponent. For example, if a usually aggressive opponent changes his game by staying back and playing defensively, the player can lengthen his groundstrokes and attack more often to take advantage of what may be the opponent"s weak passing shots.

The opponent should be made to hit a full range of shots in order to take advantage of any specific shot with which he's having an "off' day Experiment with changed strategies at non-crucial times, like 4-0 in a set, or 40-love in a game. 33

Strategy: Big-point or tie-break? The key to winning the big points is to not choke; develop techniques for staying calm and in control. Here are a few suggestions:

u < 11.J Topspin has begun to dominate the modern game.

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Losing the first set of a match does not necessarily mean that strategy must be changed, a player's game may need just a general lift. But if the player is down by more than two games in the second set after losing the first set, basic strategy must be changed to turn things around. Sometimes the simplest tactics are the best. If the opponent is winning by repeating a set pattern, fight fire with fire. If he's coming to the net and winning, the player should try coming to the net. Even though the player may not be as confident at the net, he is interfering with his opponent's winning game plan. When one is losing, the opponent should be kept on the court as long as possible. The longer the match, the better the chance that the opponent will tire either physically or mentally

•

Create a mental image of playing against someone you play often and beat. Imagine the confidence that you feel when playing against your "patsy" and try to recreate that calm, secure feeling.

•

Concentrate on a specific strategic or mechanical objective to block negative thoughts. For example, think only about where to make contact with the ball in relation to your body

•

Make a firm decision that, at all costs, an error will not be made during the important point.

•

Relax by keeping the occasion in perspective. After his second Wimbledon victory, Boris Becker entered the following year and lost in an early round. He told the press that they were treating his loss as if it were a disaster. He pointed out that he was not in the hospital, had not died, nor was he fighting a war. Losing a tennis match will not change your lifestyle.

Think ahead. In the same way that an opponent's weaknesses can be opened by playing to his strengths, key points can be set up by some low-percentage tactics during less important points. For example, if a player serves and stays back for awhile, the opponent's return likely will become higher and deeper Then the player can attack the net unexpectedly on an important point to take advantage of the high return.

Playing conditions affect game A player always should be aware of how court and weather conditions can affect one's game. A player who ignores the environment, or doesn't have a strategy to deal with it, can be beat. The best players during a strong wind are those who are patient and mentally tough. Wind is a great leveler The conditions are unpleasant, but they present an opportunity to beat players that normally wouldn't be beat. When the wind comes from behind: • Aim shorter and hit softer •

Use more topspin which lands shallower

• Do not lob. 34

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• Attack more, because it's easier to generate power When the wind conies from the side:

• Direct an attack toward the side from which the wind is coming. • Hit passing shots and lobs into that same side. • When approaching, cover the passing shot on the same side. Facing the wind:

• The lob becomes very effective, making it a highpercentage, passing-shot option. • It is easier to hit effective drop shots. • Hit deeper and harder • When attacking, move closer to the net, because it will be difficult to lob over your head.

racquet to avoid the trampoline effect, because the ball flies farther in the rarefied altitude. Aim shorter, hit softer and lob sparingly Also, use more topspin, which lands shallower If there is a choice in court surfaces, choose one that suits your game. The faster the surface, the better it is for net rushers or aggressive players. Slower surfaces are better for groundstrokers and defensive players. Whatever the court speed, one's game should be adjusted to it. Aggressive players need to tone down aggression and be more patient on slower surfaces like clay Defensive players can attack more to take advantage of faster surfaces like grass, hard or carpet courts.

The coin toss

You've won the coin toss, so what's next? The The sun has ruined options are to many a player's serve first, to regame. When startceive, to choose ing, check the sun's sides, or to allow position and in the opponent to which direction it's choose. The moving The ball server usually has toss on the serve and the overhead are the the advantage, so the best choice is biggest concerns Certain times of the to serve first. The day are worse for chances are you left-handers, and will get your nose others for rightout front first and handers. Try to have should stay that the match played extra game in when conditions are Add topspin to groundstrokes for more effective passing shots. front, with the best for you. Practice opponent always serving with differplaying catch-up. If the player keeps holding, one break gets him ent ball-tosses to prepare for the days when you are forced to serve into the sun. A cap with a visor or her out front, 3-0,4-1 or 5-2 — a nice cushion. to shade the eyes should be worn when playing The player could choose to receive if he or she into the sun. suspects that the opponent is cold or vulnerable There are several tips which can help when playing at a high altitude. Use a tighter strung

early in the match. Remember that the opponent

chooses which side to start, so everything is in his favor to hold his first-serve game. There is no logical reason to choose sides; if you do, your opponent has the choice of serving or receiving. If you put him on the bad side, he could choose to receive; so there is no gain for you. Remember that the bad side is only the bad side for one game â&#x20AC;&#x201D; then you're stuck with it for two games.

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There is no reason to forfeit the right to make a choice if you win the toss. If you do, your opponent gets to choose whether to serve or receive, and from which side. This option should not even be in the rules of tennis. If the toss is lost and the opponent decides to serve, give him the good side. The only exception is if the two of you favor opposite dominant playing hands Hit the serve aggressively to keep (one is a lefthander and the other a right-hander) There are certain times of day (usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) when the sun may be in his eyes and not in yours. Then make him serve the first game into the sun.

Choosing the best position on court When serving, stand comfortably close to the center line. Have a friend check to see that you are not foot-faulting. Foot faults are never called until a match is umpired. An embarrassingly high number of amateur players foot fault without knowing it. 36

Agassi takes advantage of a kick serve to the ad court by sometimes moving over to serve next to the sideline. This is dangerous, because it opens the down-the-line return. In Agassi's case, it works because he's quick and has an outstanding forehand. Positioning oneself to return a serve depends on whether the opponent has a weak or strong serve. If the serve is weak, one should be positioned so as to hit the return off one's stronger wing. If the first serve is strong, but erratic, threatening his weaker second serve will put more pressure on his first serve. If the opponent can vary his serve direction effectively, the player can cover his weaker return of serve only to the extent that he doesn't leave his stronger side open. Be attentive to patterns in the the opponent on her heels. opponent's serve. Many servers vary the first serve, but are predictable on the second one. Recognizing the patterns will allow you to position yourself for your favorite return without fear of surprise. Watch for the server whose serve grip or swing allows him to serve in only one direction, and position yourself accordingly Varying where one stands lengthwise to return a serve has three advantages: It gives the server a different and probably a confusing depth perception, if one stands back, it allows more time to experiment on how best to return the ball, and if one stands in, it allows an earlier and more aggressive return.

A weak second serve is the best opportunity to dominate a match, don't pass it up. Never play a match without at least trying to challenge the second serve. To take advantage of a weak second serve, try hitting or chipping the return to approach the net; hit the return hard to put the server on the offensive.

Hitting the ball While there are variations of spins, there are three basic ways to hit a tennis ball. 1) flat, 2) slice or underspin, or 3) topspin or overspin. Use flat shots for power, depth, groundstroke winners, approach shots and passing shots. Slice shots should be used for control, depth, safe groundstrokes, approach shots, volleys, and dropshots. Use topspin for passing shots, safe groundstrokes, offensive groundstrokes and lobs. Spins and when to use them Bjorn Borg turned topspin into the most desired shot in tennis. The advantages of topspin are: • It permits a high margin for'error, because the ball clears the net with more room to spare than any other shot.

• It is a very effective passing shot (the most difficult volleys are low volleys), because it drops sharply • You can miss-hit a topspin and have a better than average chance of the ball staying in play. • Topspin lobs are easier to hit and more effective than any other Borg notwithstanding, topspin has begun to dominate the modern game because of the changed surfaces of major championships. When Australia dominated men's tennis in the 1960s and early 70s, three of the four Grand Slam events, Australia, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, were all played on the fastest surface grass. With little time to make a full, time-consuming swing, slice returns and approach shots were the most effective play With the introduction of medium-paced, indoor, supreme court surfacing and outdoor hard courts, alongside the slow European clay, topspin became the most effective style. One doesn't have to be a net rusher to be aggressive. Agassi and Courier stay back, hitting powerful shots off both wings. Jimmy Connors also is an aggressive baseliner who stalks the back of the court.

The slice is better than topspinfor approaching the net, and is the only high-percentage way to hit volleys. 37

Slice still has its place. The slice is better than topspin for approaching the net, and it represents the only high-percentage way to hit volleys. It lands deeper than topspin and stays lower, making it more difficult to attack. Both topspin and slice should be part of any advanced player's arsenal. Mats Wilander, who became the world's best player in 1988, added variety to his game by complementing his reliable, two-handed, topspin backhand with a single-handed, defensive, slice shot.

Flat shots penetrate better than spin shots. A ball which is hit flat has more velocity then either slice or topspin. It also will stay lower than either so that it is the most effective approach shot. However, it is balanced by being the lowest-percentage groundstroke because it clears the net with less margin for error and lands deeper than either spin shot. While flat, approach shots are the toughest to make, they have the highest success rate.when they go in.

more the crosscourt becomes a sounder shot tactically • As the ball bounces higher (above the level of the net) and closer to the net, the risk of hitting down the line is reduced — although geometrically, crosscourt still remains the better choice. • An outstanding weakness of the opponent. • The opponent's position. • Sometimes running wide to either side makes it impossible to get there in time to hit crosscourt, so down-the-line becomes one's only option. Shot selection is clearly based on the opponent's position. For example, if the opponent is pulled wide to the forehand and cannot regain the

How to use angles

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All other things being equal, the physical layout of the court makes the crosscourt shot automatically a higher-percentage shot than the downthe-line. The crosscourt groundstroke can travel approximately 82.5 feet — almost 4.5 feet longer than the downthe-line distance, which measures 78 feet. The crosscourt also will pass over the center of the net, which measures 3 feet in height, while the down-theline will pass over the net at the point where it measures 3.5 feet in height. So the crosscourt carries over the longest part of the court and the lowest part of the net, which makes it a safer, higher-percentage shot. Crosscourt also will pull the opponent wide, which establishes a greater opening for your next shot. So if only the geometric theory is considered, the crosscourt is the best shot. Other factors affecting the percentages: • The lower the ball, or the closer to the net you are when you hit it, the

Rally with the basic crosscourt when the opponent hits a deep or forcing shot to either wing.

optimal tactical position near the middle of the baseline, then the down-the-line groundstroke becomes the optimal angle since the opponent is now on the full run to his or her backhand. The higher the opponent's return bounces, and the closer to the net one can execute the down-theline shot, the more effective it will be. Most of the top players in the world use a basic, crosscourt, game plan, incorporating modifications when necessary

Most of the top players in the world use a basic, crosscourt, game plan . . . Most spectators only recall the small percentage of shots that land closer to the line, so most observers believe that the top players literally are aiming at the line when the ball lands near there. Bjorn Borg says that he aims a yard or two beyond the service line and that, when the ball lands close to the line, it's an accident. To play tactically sound tennis, one must realize that one lacks perfect timing and coordination. Therefore, a conservative aim point must be established well inside the lines. Serve • Wide serves open the court for the approach, or winning, volley •

Serves into the body can jam a receiver who is slow to react.

Return of serve • Return short, low and wide against a net rusher • Return deeper and higher against a baseliner • Watch for the server whose grip or swing only allows him to serve in one direction. Rally A fundamentally sound, back-court game plan involves automatically responding with a basic crosscourt when the opponent has hit a deep or forcing shot to either wing. This allows the greatest margin of safety When the opponent hits a short ball with less pace, break the angle, or respond by hitting the ball to the opponent's weakness If the opponent's shot is short and weak, then take the

short ball on the rise and hit an approach shot to the opponent's more limited shot. Volley • The closer a player is to the net, the better the angle to hit a winning volley • Hit shallow volleys with the greatest possible angle. • Deep volleys should be winners or out of reach, so as not to set up the opponent for an easy passing shot. • Deep volleys give a higher percentage on faster surfaces. • Angle drop volleys crosscourt. • If the opponent is mistakenly given a short ball, making for an easy passing shot, anticipate which way the opponent is going and cover that side. If wrong, the point is lost; if correct, there is at least a chance. If you just stand there, you lose either way In a defensive volley position, volley deep to the opponent's weaker shot; in an offensive volley position, attack the volley and make contact high and as close to the net as possible. Intermediate and advanced players should use slightly different tactics on the volley The intermediate player should hit virtually every volley crosscourt following a down-the-line approach shot. For advanced players, a crosscourt volley from a defensive position is too dangerous because it opens the court for a down-the-line passing shot. Therefore, the advanced player should return the volley down the line from the defensive position until he has worked his way into a better position to hit a winning shot.

Where and how to hit passing shots and approach shots On passing shots, there is nothing wrong with hitting the ball hard and aiming close to the lines. The problem is when one tries to do both at the same time. One effective tactic is to break the angle (hit down the line off a crosscourt hit to you) when hitting to an opening.

An error can be prevented by increasing the margins over the net and inside the lines when breaking the angle, or when increasing power There is nothing wrong with increasing the 39

power of one's shots, provided one also increases the margin for error by moving the imaginary target to a more conservative spot. Most players do not make errors because they aim the ball too close to the line, or hit it too hard, but because they try to do both at the same time. Keep in mind that the lob is one of the greatest all-around tactical shots. When a player is pulled out of court, the lob allows additional time to return to a good tactical position. If the lob is disguised and used frequently against aggressive players, it will enhance one's passing shots and help tire the opponent. Hit the lob over the opponent's backhand side, where even a poor lob can be very effective.

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The primary consideration in shot selection is to attempt only those shots one knows one can make The secondary consideration is the opponent's location. Don't make the dangerous tactical mistake of reversing these considerations, by attempting to hit to an opening without first considering whether the shot can be made.

Approach deep when going down the line, but short on crosscourt.

Ball height Changing the height of the ball over the net can dictate the pace of play Three reasons to hit the ball low over the net are: on passing and approach shots; to hit groundstroke winners; or to quicken the pace and finish points sooner. Hit the ball higher over the net if the opponent is rushing you and you want to slow the pace of play; to lengthen points if the opponent is not as physically fit as you are, or is beginning to tire; or to benefit from a greater margin for error If on the defensive and out of position, lob high to gain time to regroup and get back into the point. Using topspin makes it easier to hit high over the net and hold the ball in play

Tips for passing shots • Hit flat or with topspin. Topspin dips low, and flat has more velocity, but not as great a margin for error • Hit deep and hard down the line.

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• Hit softer, shallow and angled crosscourt. Tips for approach shots • Approach down-the-line off either side, which makes it easier to cover passing shots. • Dissect the angle of the possible passing shot. • Use flat or slice shots to keep the ball low • If approaching crosscourt, make sure that the approach gets the opponent out of position, or is a virtual winner, because it leaves one vulnerable to the down-the-line passing shot. • Approach down the middle to make it more difficult for the opponent to find an angle on the passing shot. Approach down the middle to make it more difficult for the opponent to find an angle on the passing shot.

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USPTA GIFT SHOPPE One USPTA Centre • 3535 Briarpark Drive • Houston, TX 77042 TEL (713) 97 USPTA • FAX (713) 978-7780

Top players expected to compete at Lipton, T

Lhâ&#x201A;Ź .he Lipton Championships, scheduled March 12-21 at the nternational Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Fla. promise to be filled with great tennis action. The event, featuring both men's and women's professional competition, also will host The USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships, to be held March 17-21 This tournament runs simultaneously with the touring pro tournament, and highlights USPTA's top tennis players. Pat Serret, 1992 ITTG men's singles champion, and Tracy Houk-Kuhn, 1992 women's singles winner, are expected to return and

if you host an event. USPTA's involvement with this tournament helps to improve the Association's status within the tennis industry and in the minds of many recreational players across the United States. The Tennis ndustry Association (formerly ATIF) again will be collecting old tennis racquets at the tournaments for its Racquets for Kids' program TIA has collected and distributed more than 300 racquets in the four years we have done the program, said Brad Patterson, executive director of TIA. The racquets have gone to the Greater Miami Tennis Patrons Foundation, an organization that helps support tennis programs in the Dade County area. The Lipton is attended by most of the top touring players. Michael Chang and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario are expected to return to defend their 1992 Lipton titles. ÂŤ

WHY? "Aren 't You Playing Tennis Right Now?" Tracy Houk-Kuhn is expected to defend her

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title at the ITTC. Photo by Russ Adams.

defend their titles, said Will Hoag, USPTA Tournament Committee chairperson. Other players expected to participate in the tournament are the 1992 open singles National Champions, Mark Fairchilds and Jami Yonekura. The Lipton will be broadcast live on ESPN March 13-19, and ABC will pick up coverage of the men's and women's finals on March 20-21 Television commentators will be USPTA professionals Cliff Drysdale and Mary Carillo. Tennis professionals can help USPTA support The Lipton by watching the tournament in person or by hosting an event for Tennis and Tea with Lipton. Organize a social event like a round robin or a clinic at your club. Make plans for the group to watch the finals of The Lipton on television after the event. Notify USPTA of your plans for Tennis and Tea with Lipton by dropping us a card

Pat Serret in winning form at the 1992 ITTC. Photo by Russ Adams.

1993 USPTA INTERNATIONAL TENNIS TEACHERS CHAMPIONSHIPS SPONSORED BY $20,000 in Prize Money Held in conjunction with The Lipton Championships at the International Tennis Center, Key Biscayne, Florida, March 17-21,1993 â&#x20AC;¢Qualifying rounds of men's and women's singles will be played off site. Main draw matches will begin Wednesday, March 17 1993. *The Tournament Committee reserves the option to conduct (or cancel) a qualifying event in the three days prior to the main event. On March 14-17 a qualifying tournament will be held if necessary (site to be announced).

I TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE: Will Hoag Kathy O'Neal Tom Krukiel I GENERAL INFORMATION: The court surface will be Laykold "Cushion 3000." The balls will be USPTA Pro Penn championship yellow. I ELIGIBILITY: Only current national and international members of USPTA who have paid 1993 dues will be eligible. All membership requirements, including completion of the Certification Exam, must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the entry date of the tournament.

I ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS: Players will be accepted into the tournament based on a combination of the following qualifications: ATP/WTA points (rankings) National rankings USPTA rankings Sectional or state rankings Individual playing records (win/loss record must be elaborated on the second sheet) Wild cards: The Tournament Committee reserves the option to keep two wild card positions for the men's draw and one wild card for the women's draw for use at its discretion.

I DRAW EVENTS: 'There will be two divisions of play: 1) Men's open (singles and doubles) 2) Women's open (singles and doubles) The men's draw will be limited to 32 entries. in singles (16 doubles). The women's draw will be limited to 16 entries (8 doubles). Players will be permitted to play both events. Doubles entries will be based on team's qualifications (ranking record, etc.). There will not be a qualifying event for doubles.

ENTRY DEADLINE: Entries must be received no later than Friday, February 12, 1993 and must include the entry fee. No entries will be accepted unless accompanied by a check or money

order made payable to USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships. Absolutely NO entries will be accepted over the telephone or without an entry fee. I ENTRY FEE: $50/player for singles and $20/player for doubles. Total entries received in each event will determine the proportionate prize money for each event. Make checks payable to: USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships. I TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS: All car rentals and hotel accommodations should be made through Lipton Travel. Call (305) 446-2200 and ask for Kim Hall. Airline reservations: Continental Airlines will offer an attractive discount off the regular coach fare when booked through Continental Airlines. Call (800) 468-7022. Identify Lipton group as ZC 87 to book reservations and receive discounts. Travel dates March 4-24, 1993, any Continental Airlines city to Miami/return. Car rentals: Contact Kim Hall at Lipton Travel. Hotel accommodations: Local hotels will offer special discounted "player rates" for reservations made through Lipton Travel.

Detach form below and mail MAIL ENTRIES TO: 1993 USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships USPTA World Headquarters * One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive * Houston, TX 77042 NAME

DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 12, 1993

TELEPHONE

ADDRESS

CITY

USPTA MEMBER #

USTA#

STATE

ZIP

AMOUNT ENCLOSED $ SS# (Make checks payable to: USPTA International Tennis Teachers Championships)

DATE OF BIRTH: I COVERING ENTRIES IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:

SINGLES

DOUBLES

PARTNER

MEN'S OPEN WOMEN'S OPEN I CURRENT PLAYING RECORD AND SEEDING INFORMATION: PAST CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

(Include separate sheet of wins and losses if you wish to have them considered) ., 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 International Tennis Teachers Championships. I assume all risks inherent in my participation.

Date:.

.Signed:.

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Want a fun, profitable program? Join the USPIA Adult Tennis League T

.he USPTA Adult Tennis League will JLhe begin its second national season on July 1 after a successful introduction in 1992. With a flexible format that allows tennisteaching professionals to adapt it to meet court and player availability, the doubles-only fall league offers a unique program for the summer and autumn months. Area Directors (USPTA professionals who coordinate leagues within specific locations) may select seven weeks of play during the six-month period from July 1 through December 31 The league is designed to promote camaraderie, fun and team support among players. Squads are divided into four NTRP levels, including 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5/5.0 levels. Two doubles teams, plus substitutes, compete at each of the four levels and represent a club or facility. However, since some areas have few players' with 3.0 or 4.5/5.0 capabilities, Area Directors may choose the levels of play that are best for their area. Area Directors also may select among the following four doubles formats: men's, women's, mixed and mixed level. The mixed level format consists of one men's doubles team and one women's doubles team at each of four NTRP levels. Each squad is coordinated by a Site Director, a facility's tennis professional who solicits players, establishes level captains, collects squad entry fees, reserves courts and has tennis balls ready for the league match Site Directors, who are not required to be USPTA professionals, are recruited by Area Directors through phone calls, letters, meetings and publicity. The national entry fee is $140 per squad, which means that a player would pay $8.75 if he or she were on a squad with 16 players and no substitutes. Pros who would like to provide tennis balls, arrange court time, host clinics and provide giveaway items for league participants, may charge additional fees to cover those expenses. To register as an Area or Site Director, or for more information, return the registration form to the National League Office. Respond by March 1 to get an early start. o

The first USPTA Adult Tennis League divisional playoff was held in Houston on January 15-17. See the March issue of ADDvantage for highlights on the Texas Division Championships.

USPTA

Adult Tennis League REGISTRATION FORM

Name. ADULT TENNIS LEAGUE Street address. City . State Zip Business phone (_ Home phone ( USPTA member? D yes D no USPTA member #. Division Do you live or work in or near a city or metropolitan area? D yes D no City's name I â&#x20AC;˘would like to participate by being a: L Area Director D Site Director

Please respond by March l

If you want to order Foundation logo patches, coordinate Foundation activities at your local club or make a contribution please write to

The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, Inc. 100 Park Avenue Oth Floor New York, N Y 10017 U.S.A. Phone (212) 922-0096

Checks should be made payable to The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, IncJ

MATCH MATTE ADIV OF CROWN MANUFACTURING

Zone 5 Defense Drill THE DRILL

PURPOSE To recognize, move to, and play a Zone 5 ball at their preferred contact point level. Also, using the Match Mate Air Target, to return ball at the proper height.

PREPARATION Set ball machine in center of baseline in Zone 5. The ball should be delivered at a 5 height, rally speed, with moderate topspin, bouncing in Zone 3, but the ball characteristics force the player to play the ball in Zone 5. Set interval at about 4 seconds. Set program slide controls to throw a forehand and a backhand. Set Match Mate Air Target for an air window of a 5 height.

DRILL Have player alternate hitting forehands and backhands to Target Areas 1 and 2, while utilizing the Match Mate Air Target to maintain the proper height for the shot.

Shofl

Shot 2

Returned from zone

Phase of play

Defense

Segmented swing

5-5

Height over net

T = Target Areas A = Player Locations â&#x20AC;¢ = Shot Locations = Ball Path = Air Target

A System Five Ball Machine Drill

ZOIME1

ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

ZONES

For More nformation Contact CROWN MANUFACTURING 24807 Avenue Tibbetts, Valencia, CA 91355, (805) 257-7714 or Cal Toll Free (1-800) 251-6716 USPTA PROS WILL BE PAID $100.00 FOR ANY DRILL SUBMITTED & PUBLISHED BY CROWN MFG.

Dates that rate ^^^^^^^^^I^^H Specialty Courses jtixams, upgrades and Certification Training Courses Feb. 5

West Chester, Pa.

(Upgrade)

Feb. 6-7

Indianapolis, Ind.

(CTC)

Feb. 7-8

Atlanta, Ga.

Feb. 11

Freeport, NY.

Feb. 13-14

Boca Raton, Fla. (CTC)

(CTC)

Date Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 20 Feb. 27-28 March 6 March 7 March 7 March 19 March 21 March 21 March 26 March 28

lennis Teachers' Courses Date Feb. 24-26 March 4-6 April 28-30

Location Murrieta, Calif. Boca Raton, Fla. Chicago, III.

Hours 24 24 24

Feb. 14-15

Grapevine, Texas

Feb. 18-20

Phoenix, Ariz. (CTC)

Feb. 19-21

Tulsa, Okla.

Feb. 20-21

Kailua Kona, Hawaii

Feb. 27-28

Rochester, NY. (CTC)

Feb. 27-28

Carrollton, Ga. (CTC)

Feb. 27-28

Murrieta, Calif. (CTC)

USPTA Schools of Teaching

March 5-6

Burnsville, Minn. (CTC)

March 5-7

St. Louis, Mo.

March 6-7

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Date Feb. 3-4 March 20-21 July 16-18 Aug. 14-15

March 6-7

Malibu, Calif. (CTC)

Division meetings/activities

March 6-7

Cleveland, Ohio (CTC)

March 6-7

Lake Wylie, S.C.

March 7-8

Parker, Colo.

March 9

Flushing, NY

Date Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 13 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 22 March 5-6 March 11

onventions

(CTC)

March 13-14 Lexington, Ky. (CTC) March 14-15

McLean, Va. (CTC)

March 20-21 Hershey, Pa.

(CTC)

March 21-22

Coronado, Calif. (CTC)

March 27-28

Boca Raton, Fla.

(CTC)

March 29-30 Santa Rosa, Calif. (CTC) Mar. 30-Apr. 1 Las Vegas, Nev.

Location West Chester, Pa. Grapevine, Texas Phoenix, Ariz. Fort Myers, Fla. Wallingford, Conn. Winston-Salem, N.C. Bloomington, Minn. McLean, Va. Goto de Caza, Calif McLean, Va. Kelseyville, Calif Long Island, NY

Course Title Creative Programming Fitness Training & Periodization Pro Shop Operations Competitive Singles & Doubles Skills Needed for Dream Job Mental Toughness Junior Development Tennis Business Management Competitive Doubles Patterns Fitness Training & Periodization Motor Learning Personal & Professional Development

(CTC)

Date Feb. 11 14 March 19-21 March 26-29

School Advanced Business School Business School USPTA Playing School School of Tennis Teaching

.-, ; : ,

•

: :: i

. •

. . .

Location Atlanta, Ga. Middle States Division Maywood, NJ. Maywood, N.J.

City Ventura, Calif Denver, Colo. Ormond Beach, Fla. Coral Springs, Fla. Richmond, Va. Virginia Beach, Va. Winston-Salem, N.C. Denver, Colo.

Division California ntermountain Florida Florida Middle Atlantic Middle Atlantic Southern Intermountain

C<oaehes Workshops Date Feb. 5 Feb. 5-6 Feb. 5-6 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 21-22 March 5 March 5 March 13

Location Dallas, Texas McLean, Va. Kelseyville, Calif

Division Texas Middle Atlantic Northern California

•

Division Intermountain Midwest Midwest Northern California California Midwest Eastern New England Midwest

The above schedule is subject to change.

Cooperating agency conferences

The deadline for registering for an exam, upgrade or CTC is 21 days in advance. r 3 . , , „„ Exams which are accompanied by a CTC are indicated in the right margin. For more information, call the USPTA Membership Department at (713) 97-USPTA.

Date ^eb. 4 Feb. 5-8 Feb 1Q.21 Feb 2-|-25 March 5-12 March 24-28

•

Event USTA Tennis Workshop at The Super Show The Super Show USTA ^Train|ng Center Workshop CMAA Annual Conference USTA Annual Meeting IRSA Convention & Trade Show

City Englewood, Colo. Indianapolis, Ind. Troy, Mich. Sacramento, Calif. Inland Empire, Calif. Columbus, Ohio Maywood, N.J. Wallingford, Conn. Milwaukee, Wis.

City Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, Ga. ndianapolis, nd. Nashville, Tenn. Maui, Hawaii San Diego, Calif 19

USPTA professionals Serve Focus on the contact point to improve serve consistency When most players practice the serve, they tend to watch where the ball will land n the court instead of watching the contact point. The contact point, which is critical in developing a consistent serve, should be the main focus during practice. Work on trying to establish the point where the racquet will meet the ball every time. This will further aid players n the •correct development of the slice serve and mprove consistency Watch the contact point and watch your serve improve.

Some people have problems with their serve because of their ball toss. When tossing for a serve, imagine the result if your toss is a knuckle ball Do not hold the ball in your knuckles like a baseball but hold the ball n your fingers to produce a smooth fluid slow motion on the toss, so the ball does not spin when it is tossed This will produce a more consistent toss and you will be watching the ball to see if it spins. This tip has been my No. 1 pointer for people with wild nconsistent toss placements on the serve. It usually results n the correct speed n the arm motion to toss and n the proper height of the toss. Clay Robinson Wintergreen, Va.

Andrew C. Baker Dayton, Ohio

place the ball where you want it to go. Power is the last consideration You must have consistency and accuracy before you can add power. David Webb Fort Worth, Texas

To ensure proper clearance and depth for your groundstrokes, look at your opponent's face above net level and aim for that height. Lifting your ball to this height will provide clearance, while the forces of gravity and air resistance offer a comfortable placement nside your opponent's baseline. Jonathan Zolin Tallahassee, Fla.

Groundstrokes When students are serving and rush ng the net, I tell them to make sure they don't sit back and adm re their serve, n other words, don't wait to see if the serve is good Rush the net right away Julie Millman Snyder Northbrook, III.

Th nk of C A P on all your strokes. Consistency first, Accuracy second and Power last. Consistency means hitting your strokes the same way every time. Every forehand looks like the forehand before, every serve looks ke the serve before, and so on Accuracy means being able to

On your groundstrokes, start bringing your racquet back as the ball leaves your opponent's racquet, and make sure that your racquet is in position to hit the ball before it bounces on your side of the court. Spike Gurney Boca Raton, Fla. ORDER FORM

USPTA EDUCATION

MANUAL USWA £DUCATIOM MANUAL A career guide to professionalism

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As The USPTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism is printed free of charge in ADDvantage, collect the more than 15 chapters and insert them in an attractive, matching three-ring binder Purchase your binder through the USPTA Gift Shoppe for only $5, plus shipping and handling.

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BOOK h TENNIS TEACHING SKILLS BOOK II: TENNIS BUSINESS OKfcATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

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USPTA World Headquarters One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 TEL (713) 97-USPTA • FAX (713) 978-7780

share teaching tips Volley When hitting volleys or groundstrokes, keep your head still and eyes focused on the ball throughout the shot. Don't look at where you intend to hit the ball Rick Hammerquist Salem, Ore.

Balance is very important in tennis. One aspect of balance that is over looked frequently is in the recovery phase at the baseline. A player should try to incorporate a step-slide n his recovery to be able to move n any direction smoothly Mark Mountan Alpharetta, Ga.

Footwork

Approach Shot

In facilitating proper movement n doubles at the net position pretend you are tied to the ball by a string and the ball is pulling you close to the net when it is deep in your opponent's court. The ball pulls you back to the T" area when it is n your back court.

When contemplating an approach shot: A short ball is determ ned by where you are standing n relation to the service line, not by where the ball bounces. You must be quick enough to secure your offensive position n front of the service line: Right place, right time, right shot.

Brian Wardhammar East Lansing, Mich.

Bruce C. Wild Nanuet, N.Y.

Backhand For maximum control of your twohanded backhand, play chin tag with your shoulders. As you turn to set up for the stroke, rest your chin on the nside of your right shoulder (left shoulder for left-handed players) As you rotate through the stroke, your left shoulder (right for left-handed players) will rotate and touch your chin This tip will ensure that your head was still throughout your twohanded backhand Stephen Thuot Millville, Mass.

Â°

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"I never endorse a product I don't believe in. I've been using Stim-O-Stam and Cross-Trainer bars and I've had good success with them. I always try to stick with a winning game." GULF PERFORMANCE ^ CROUP

Industry action

USPTA Board Nominations • The National Nominating Committee is accepting applications from members who are interested and available to serve on the USPTA National Board of Directors for 1993-94. Applicants must submit a resume and a 250- to 500-word essay outlining their opinions on the goals, directions and objectives of USPTA. These materials should be postmarked no later than March 1, and sent to: Judy Preston 5130 Enelra Place San Diego, CA 92117

• Matt Wheeler, USPTA, has been appointed director of the tennis club and spa at the Four Seasons Resort Bali in Bali, Indonesia. Wheeler has spent the last two years as the tennis professional at the Denarau Tennis Club in Fiji, serving Fiji's two largest five-star resorts, the Regent of Fiji and Sheraton Fiji Resort. He is employed by Peter Burwash International Tennis Specialists. • USPTA pro Jim Giachino, head coach of women's tennis at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn, led the women's team to its

Randy Stephens, USPTA Master Pro, has been elected president of the Georgia Tennis Association.

Davis Cup Committee. Bohrnstedt is a member of the U.S. Davis Cup Committee, chairman of the Men's Ranking Committee and vice-chair of the Player Development Committee. He also serves on the USTA Circuits Committee and the Father/Son Ranking Committee. Bohrnstedt has been the director of tennis at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. for the past 18 years. • USPTA professionals Susan Reeder and Steve Proulx are the new owners and directors of the Carmel Valley Tennis Camp. Reeder has been with the camp since 1988, performing sales and marketing while teaching and directing the camp during the summer. Proulx has been with the camp since 1983 and has directed the tennis program for the last eight years. USPTA pro Kevin Black is a recent Peter • Sheldon Caldwell has merged talents Burwash International award recipient. with Andres Molina, both USPTA pros, to form the Add In Tennis Academy at the Tierra Verde Yacht and Tennis Resort on first Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tierra Verde Island, Fla. The academy will Championship in the school's 50-year offer daily programs for gifted juniors, after history. The team has one of the largest school programs and adult clinics. Fo/further winning margins ever recorded in the information, contact the Tierra Verde Yacht competition. and Tennis Resort at (813) 867-8611 ext. • Randy Stephens, USPTA Master Profes7103. sional, has been elected president of the • Bob Kraft, USPTA pro, has packed his Georgia Tennis Association. The GTA, with bags and moved to China, according to the approximately 40,000 members, is the largest January 1993 issue of Tennis USTA. The district of the USTA. Stephens has served as 35-year-old former Indianapolis teaching pro tennis manager for the city of Macon, Ga. has started a tennis training program in since 1984 and the executive vice president China for physical education teachers. The of the Georgia Tennis Association from 1990 program has allowed Kraft to work with to 1992. educational leaders, political and business • Kevin Black, USPTA, recently received figures, and the common people of China. Peter Burwash International's (PBI) According to the same article, USPTA profes"Rookie of the Year" co-runner-up award sional Doug MacCurdy also has been on for 1992. This award is given yearly to the the road and in the sky as the development top new professionals in the company at director for the International Tennis FederFBI's Annual Meeting. Black is the director ation. MacCurdy's job responsibilities of tennis at Canon Tennis Club in Fairfax, include promoting the game of tennis to Calif • The Blairwood Health and Sport Club national tennis associations around the world, attracting players to the game, and in Louisville, Ky. a USPTA club member, has educating officials and coaches. been named the Kentucky Tennis Associ• Lisa Seeman, a USPTA pro from ation's 1992 Club of the Year. This is the Solvang, Calif, recently won the Women's 30 second time the club has received this honor Hard Court competition held at the Internain the last six years. The Blairwood Club also tional Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Fla. She has been named by the USTA to hold the defeated Rosie Bareis, 6-3, 6-1 in the final Boys' 18 National Clay Court Championship match. in July. • Ron Bohrnstedt, USPTA member, has • Congratulations to Jan Grover, USPTA pro, and her family for being voted the been named vice-chairman of the U.S.

Family of the Year by the Virginia Tennis Association. Graver also has been voted the USTA Mid-Atlantic Division's Schools Program/School Teacher of the Year. Grover, of Suffolk, Va. serves on the USTA's Mid-Atlantic committees for Junior Team Tennis and Schools Program. She is the Hampton Roads representative for USTA's Schools Program and Hampton Roads League commissioner of Junior Team Tennis. Grover also is head scout for the Hampton Roads area training center. She was the former head pro at the Cedar Point Country Club, but has decided to devote all her time to teaching tennis to her three children.

Member Product Showcase • Spike Gonzales, former USPTA Eastern Division president and longtime member of the USPTA Executive Committee, announces the formation of AD-ln Club Management, Inc., which will provide consulting and management services to club managers and racquet sports professionals. Gonzales, the former chief operating officer of Tennis Corporation of America, has overseen the management of over 30 clubs and hundreds of tennis professionals. AD-ln, located in Rochester, NY will specialize in upgrading the business and programming skills of tennis professionals and in the development of team-oriented club management staffs, Gonzales said. For more information, call (716) 461-0148. • Howard Hunt, USPTA member and president of Tennis World, announces that Kangarucci, an Australian tennis sportswear line, will be introduced into the U.S. market. Representatives from Kangarucci will be at The Super Show in Atlanta to promote the sportswear line. • Skip Singleton, USPTA Master Professional has written The Junior Tennis Handbook, a complete guide to tennis for juniors, parents and coaches. Singleton explains how to guide youngsters to enjoy the game of tennis and develop their skills. The book is published by Betterway Publications Inc./Shoe Tree Press, Crozet, Va. and costs $12.95.

Spike Gonzales, USPTA pro, will head his new company, AD-ln Club Management, Inc. in Rochester, N.Y

USTA • The Southern Tennis Association has announced that Flex-all 454 will be an official sponsor of USTA League Tennis in the Southern Section in 1993. The STA is thrilled to have Flex-all 454 involved with the USTA League Tennis program said John Callen, STA executive director. 'We will be exposing our 50,000 plus USTA/STA league participants in the nine Southern states to an excellent sports-related product. Flex-all 454 is a sports cream that relieves body aches and pains resulting from playing a long tennis match. • Professional tour and teaching veterans Robert Van't Hof and Jai DiLouie have been named USTA coaches for the USTA Player Development program. Together, they bring 24 years of world-class tennis experience to the USTA's National Coaching Staff Robert Van't Hof will be working primarily with male professional players under the direction of USPTA pro Tom Gullikson, in the USTA's Touring Program. Jai DiLouie, under the direction of USPTA pro and U.S. National Coach Lynne Rolley, will be working with several of America's top junior girls and touring pros.

• Nicole London, Julie Steven and Sandy Sureephong led the United States to its 10th Continental Cup title in December in Delray Beach Fla. 'Winning this tournament speaks well for our program, said Ron Woods, USTA director of Player Development and a USPTA pro. The U.S. boys team of J.J. Jackson, Vincent Spadea and Eric Taino took second place at the 1992 Sunshine Cup, also held at Delray Beach. The U.S. teams were coached by U.S. National Coach Nick Saviano and USTA Coach Carol Watson, both USPTA pros. • The January 1993 issue of Tennis USTA published the results of a reader survey concerning the habits of USTA members. The survey points to some trends that are occurring in the tennis industry. For instance, the typical USTA member took 3.7 weeks of vacation and spent, per person, close to $1,400. Of the readers, 47 percent said tennis courts were very important at their vacation site. Concerning tenn s equ pment purchases, 98 percent of the readers purchased balls during the past 12 months, 95 percent bought footwear, 86 percent bought strings, 85 percent bought apparel and 64 percent bought racquets.

Associations • The United States Tennis Court and Track Builders Association (USTC & TBA) announces the publication of its newest reference, the Buyer's Guide for Tennis and Court Construction, which answers the questions of first-time tennis court buyers, owners and end users. The Buyer's Guide is free to owners and end users who contact the Association about construction projects, but the publication also is available in bulk for $3 each with discounts of 15 percent for those purchasing 5-24 copies, and 25 percent when purchasing 25 or more copies. Call the USTC & TBA at (410) 752-3500 for more information. • The RSA Tennis Forum is scheduled for March 24 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, Calif The forum is sponsored by Indoor Courts of America and is free to (continued on page 24)

Industry Action (continued from page 23)

members of RSA. For more information, contact RSA at (617) 951-0055. • The American Industry Tennis Federation (ATIF) has changed its name to Tennis Industry Association (TIA). A formal announcement of the name change will be made at The Super Show at the ATIF (TIA) Forum on Feb. 7

Manufacturers • Babolat VS, Inc. and Maxima have joined in an agreement regarding cross participation of stock. Maxima is the leading firm in distribution of tennis equipment in Italy. According to a press release from Babolat, the goal of the agreement is to reinforce the relationship between French products and distributors and their Italian distributor. By taking advantage of the synergy in this arrangement, each company's skills will be put to greater use to expand its market penetration through common efforts. Babolat also announced that of the 48 players who still remained in the Bercy Open '92 after the first rounds, 29 were under contract with Babolat and seven were paying customers. Only 12 players were not playing with Babolat products. • Wilson Sporting Goods and Goodyear Tire and Rubber have long teamed up to make the Wilson Pro Staff tennis shoe. The two companies are moving beyond that relationship to additional products, promotions and advertising. Wilson, which is building a line of performance tennis shoes with plans to expand into other athletic shoe categories, uses only Goodyear outsoles in its performance tennis shoes and features Goodyear in all its tennis shoe print and television advertising Goodyear also has featured Wilson shoes in its footwear industry advertising. Crossover promotions have been planned, such as giving customers a ride in the Goodyear Blimp and featuring an Indy driver and car at Wilson's Super Show Booth in Atlanta. • Netpro Tennis Cards has released the 1993 Tour Stars Series a limited edition of 1993 tennis collector cards supplementing Netpro's popular 1991 Tour Stars series and 24

Legends series released previously. The series will feature 100 top touring pros, with each card containing an action photo, a close-up photo, biographical information and career highlights. Tour Star series will be available at BM/ATP Tour events, WTA Tour events, tennis pro shops, sporting good stores, card collectible shops and through mail order at (800) 833-6615. • Head Sports Inc. has added many products to its sporting goods line. They are the Trisys Series, a complete new line of Head tennis racquets developed to correspond to individual playing styles; the Head Trisys Racquet Selector, an interactive, point-ofpurchase device which helps consumers and retail sales staffs rate their playing styles and recommends the most appropriate racquets from the Trisys Series line; and the

Shock Absorbing System, a new shockdampening technology that will minimize shock by more than 45 percent. Head's '93 footwear line also includes new models of Head Anatom technology designed for indoor court sports and women's tennis, and the Head Anatom Viper Series.

Translators needed USPTA needs individuals to translate French and German written test material for the Association. If you are able to help, contact George Bacso at (713) 97-USPTA.

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