Addvantage 1994 April

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

The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Gordon Collins First Vice President Dave Sivertson Vice Presidents Kathy Woods Will Hoag Joe Thompson Kurt Kamperman Secretary!Treasurer Jim Davis Past President Jack Justice WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO Tim Heckler Director of Operations Rich Fanning Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Director of Shawna Riley Communications Communications Gayden Cooper Marketing/Business John Tamborello Operations Magazine Coordinator Julie Myers Sports Marketing Karen Unger Coordinator , Public Relations Dan Saine Assistant Corporate Services Christi Call Manager

Volume 18- Issue 4

On the cover Wilson Sporting Goods' mr. pee Wee tennis introduces children to tennis using child-sized equipment. Photo courtesy of Wilson Sporting Goods.

SPECIAL ·SECTION The US PTA Education Manual: A Career Guide to Professionalism Books I and II is published as excerpts in ADDvantage magazine. The pullout chapters bring more education information to members - free of charge. This issue continues with Book II -Tennis Business Operations & Management, which explores business plans, career development and many other subjects to heIp tennis professionals keep their edge in the business world .

In this edition . ..

Book II - Tennis Business Operations & Management Chapter 6 Plan career, develop skills to keep on track

by Barbara Braunstein and Mark McMahon

FEATURES 9 Pros make 'Desert Discovery' at National Convention 10 And the walls came tumbling down Teach players to scale obstacles to improvement

by Larry J. Heflin

Secretary Dale Henry Computer Services and Kathy Buchanan Club Relations

12 Public relations

Education Coordinator Susan A. Thompson Membership/Education Sharon Duste Assistant Membership/Education Karen Mahon Assistant Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Assistant Financial Manager Renee Heckler

Relationship with media important part of PR efforts

13 Grassroots programs get boost from USPTAs Midwest Division 13 Training session for prospective speakers scheduled 14 Across America Tennis Day Follow-up program keeps players involved

15 Across America Tennis Day player retention program

Controller Theresa Weatherford Accounting and Michelle Williams Merchandise Services Receptionist Cindy Sauer Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies Co-Director of Academies Bill Tym Advertising/Marketing Phone {713) 97-USPTA Information

April1994

Guidelines for keeping players in the game

17 17 19 19

'Report cards' are out, but it's not too late to earn education credits Women are focus of membership drive Boca Raton Resort and Club named new US PTA resort headquarters USPTA Little Tennis™ is opportunity for children, parents and teaching pros

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-Law Paul Waldman

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

For information, write the World Headquarters US PTA One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713) 97-USPTA or fax (713) 978-7780 Office hours: 8:30a.m. - 5 p.m . Central time.

Copyright © United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1994. All rights reserved.

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

DEPARTMENTS 2 Executive Committee 3 CEO's message: USPTA program targets children Use tennis to combat inactivity of youngsters

by Tim Heckler

5 Vice President's message: The numbers are down, but don't count us out

by Will Hoag

20 Dates that rate 23 Industry action ADDvantage April 1994

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS GORDON COLLINS President (408) 395-7111

KATHY WOODS Vice President (305) 361 -9819

JOE THOMPSON Vice President (303) 278-1130

JIM DAVIS Secretary-Treasurer (419) 865-1141

DAVE SIVERTSON First Vice President (512) 453-7246

WILL HOAG Vice President (305) 564-1271

KURT KAMPERMAN Vice President (803) 671 -9540

JACK JUSTICE Past President (803) 642-7171

DIVISION PRESIDENTS AND REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS CALIFORNIA DIVISION

MIDDLE STATES DIVISION

PACIFIC NORTHWEST DIVISION

MARK HIRTLER President (714) 546-2900 DON GOMSI Regional Vice President (909) 792-4829

LARRY HAMPTON President (302) 571 -9263 BECKY DESMOND Regional Vice President (215) 260-0738

TED WATSON President (206) 325-4641 SUSIE HUNT MORAN Regional Vice President (206) 256-1510

EASTERN DIVISION KAY KONOVE President (914) 762-7102 GORDON KENT Regional Vice President (718) 293-2386

.

MIDWEST DIVISION TOM GRAY President (810) 652-1500 MIKE OWENS Regional Vice President (517) 337-0002

MISSOURI VALLEY DIVISION FLORIDA DIVISION HARRY GILBERT President/Regional Vice President (904) 437-2427

KEVIN HAMILTON President (913) 354-8565 RICHARD HALPINE Regional Vice President (712) 255-7659

HAWAII DIVISION BERNARD J. GUSMAN President (808) 946-2951 DAVID PORTER Regional Vice President (808) 293-3755

SAN DIEGO DIVISION ANGEL LOPEZ President (619) 275-3270 BILL BOND Regional Vice President (619) 454-7126

SOUTHERN DIVISION JOHN STONE President (919) 469-9938 GREG GROVER Reg ional Vice President (404) 392-7788

SOUTHWEST DIVISi ON NEW ENGLAND DIVISION TOWNSEND GILBERT President (802) 229-5142 RIC K SHARTON Regional Vice President (508) 653-6038

M ICHAEL MORSE President (602) 622-7310 JERRY LEAVITI Regional Vice President (602) 327-2431

TEXAS DIVISION INTERMOUNTAIN DIVISION DOUG SCHOELZEL President (303) 790-7777 JOE EDLES Regional Vice President (303) 985-3240

2

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DIVISION JIM Mc LENNAN President (415) 948-1656 DEXTER FONG Regional Vice President (916) 649-0909

MIDDLE ATLANTIC DIVISION

NORTHWEST DIVISION

TED MEYER President (804) 320-3244 CHIP KING Regional Vice President (703) 273-2056

BRUCE GULLIKSON President (612) 435-7125 TIM BURKE Reg ional Vice President (612) 861-4528

ADDvantage April 1994

RANDY MATIINGLEY President (817) 732-3303 RON WOODS Regional Vice President (512) 991-7561 ROD DULANY Past President (1990) (703) 524-3227 JIM REFFKIN Past President (1988) (602) 791 -4896 MIKE EIKENBERRY Past President (1986) (703) 573-0890

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

USPfA progrrun targets children

Use tennis to combat inactivity of youngsters Tim Heckler, CEO

~e

great fitness fad that began in the 1980s generated lots 0f activity at health clubs, running tracks and neighborhood' gyms as millions of adults worked to get into shape.

The key word is 'adult. It's important to note that while many adults became involved in some form of fitness training , our country's youth became more sedentary. While everyone knows that physical activity is important to maintain long-term quality health , it seems we're forgetting that these habits should begin early if people are to reap the rewards of physical fitness programs.

While today 's active adults can expect to live longer and freer from disease than their parents and grandparents, their children are destined to suffer from an inactive lifestyle that has started far too early.

When most of us were children , we spent a lot of time outdoors and we had to participate in gym class or some form of physical education at school. We weren't bombarded with video games, computer programs and the television choices of today. Our spare time was spent playing baseball in vacant lots, getting up a game of kickball , or walking to the local park to hit a few tennis balls on the municipal court .

While a lot of this inactivity can be blamed on the many modern distractions our children face, we still must take some responsibility for their participation, or lack thereof in activities that wi ll promote physical fitness.

We no longer can count on our public schools to provide the programs that we took for granted. Many states and school districts

are operating on budgets that will not allow them to buy new textbooks, much less the expensive equ ipment and staffing for physical fitness programs. States are slashing their physical education funds some cutting entire PE programs for elementary and middle school students.

As schools provide fewer alternatives for children to get exercise, we must provide them with other physical fitness choices.

As tennis-teaching professionals, we can make a difference in the fitness lifestyles of school-age children , and promote our sport at the same time.

USPTA has developed a nationwide program to introduce children to tennis.

USPTA Little Tennis'M combines lessons, activities and equipment with the expertise of teaching professionals and parental involvement. The program is designed to build both athletic and social skills of children ages 4 to 10.

The program offers the tennis industry a step in the right direction by recruiting new players and involving the whole family in tennis. It also is another weapon in the war to defeat inactivity among youth by getting them excited about a way to maintain their mental and physical well-being .

Sponsored by Wilson Racquet Sports, USPTA Little Tennis will be offered as a quarterly series of lessons and league activities.

Children may practice motor skills or learn basic tennis-specific skills which lead to playing tennis on short courts.

The program is flexible enough to alrow 4-year-olds to practice basic tossing , hitting and catching, while 9-year-olds compete in

actual match play. Each tennis-teaching professional should decide what is appropriate for his respective group of players. believe it's very important to encourage kids to get involved with some type of physical activity. FQr some, th"e recreational choice may be dancing or gymnastics, for others, it may be soccer or T-ball As tennis professionals, we should introduce our sport to children before they become entrenched in another sport, or decide that the latest video game is much more important than getting exercise.

This issue of ADDvantage features a short article on USPTA Little Tennis on page 19. It provides more detai,ls and the promise of more information in the coming months.

While Little Tennis'M may not be the sole answer to a nationwide problem, its ability to capture and retain new players may bode well for the tennis industry and USPTA members.

As concerned parents and citizens, we should demand more accountability on the part of elected representatives, who make laws and budgets that cut funds to physical education programs. Tennis-teaching professionals, some of whom work in the public schools, also should ensure that all sports are represented equally in schools and other public programs, and promote tennis as a game that can be played throughout one's life.

We can only hope the added benefit of physical fitness through tennis is evident to parents, coaches and physical education teachers who have the ability to influence our children . o ADDvantage April 1994

3

presents

emorative Collection ots of the game¡s greatest players sets of five postcards each.

All proceeds benefit The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS. Please make check for $16.95 payable to: The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, Inc., and mail to: TENNIS magazine Postcard Collection, 5520 Park Ave., Trumbull, Conn. 06611-0395.

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The numbers are down~ but don~t count us out Will Hoag, Vice President

~e

tennis industry is down.

The numbers are off people just are not playing tennis like they did in the pas1. Curiously enough , these figures are based largely on tennis ball sales. At my club and in the immediate area, noticed a slight decline in play. So the big question is, why?

One theory is that there are no exciting players to watch on the pro tours. Another theory)~ that we are losing our tennis players to golf But is there truly a problem with which teaching professionals shou d be concerned? n the January issue of Tennis Buyer's Guide, USPTA member Cliff Drysdale addressed his concerns on the issue. Gene Scott, in the Feb. 10 Vantage Point in Tennis Week, also addressed the decline in tennis play.

At The Super Show in February, the Tennis ndustry Association invited more than 500 of the top tennis representatives in the industry to meet and address this problem So back to the question should we be concerned? feel we should.

Please understand this is not the first time that tennis play has declined . A sim ilar situation occurred in the late 1970s following the 'tennis boom.

The teaching professionals were blamed for the decline. We did not have the knowledge to keep our players on the court (i .e. programming) , and we could not move our students to the next level of play in a reasonable amount of time.

We have overcome both of these hurdles, and the numbers are rising again. Credit is due to the USTA for its work with leagues, to the manufacturers for developing modern technology to make the game easier and more fun to play, and to tours for providing great players to watch and inspire us.

We owe it to the sport to put our minds together and give something back in order to get those numbers rising once again.

But now for the second hurdle: What can be done to put more tennis players on the courts? Here are some suggestions.

• Both teaching and tour professionals need to give free time to the game (i .e. free cl nics, charity programs. public appearances).

• Most club-level adults play double.s encourage television to air more doubles play.

• Look over your membership lists and lists of former students. Make a personal call to find out why these people are not playing and ask what you can do to get them back on the COL.Jrts.

• Be part of the USPTA delivery system support programs and events such as Across America Tennis Day, USPTA leagues and Champion of Champions.

• Find new events or make changes in existing events at your clubs to attract both your existing players and new players (i .e. a handicapped event with an active player competing with someone who has not played in the last year).

• ncrease your beginner player base by adding at least one name to the list.

• Get the once-a-week player competing twice and trying something new (singlesplayer attempting doubles, doubles-player branching into singles) .

• Teach your students how to relate a tennis match on TV to their personal games (watch the footwork, racquet preparation , how the point develops).

The fact that fewer people are playing tennis should not necessarily alarm us, but it should concern us. The tennis professional 's livelihood is dependent upon people playing tennis, and it has provided many of us with a nice living. We owe it to the sport to put our minds together and give something back in order to get those numbers rising once again. o ADDvantage April 1994

5

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MADE TO WIN ©1993 Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Made To Win and the Sweet Spot name and color scheme are trademarks, Wand Wilson are registered trademarks of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. USPTA is a trademark of the United States Professional Tennis Association. Head is a trademark of Head Sportgerate Gesellschaft MBH and Co. Dunlop is a registered trademark of DNA Housemarks. Prince is a trademark of Prince Manufacturing, Inc. Pro-Kennex is a trademark of Kunnan Enterprise Ltd.

Pros make 'Desert Discovery' at National Convention U

SPTA pros will travel to the legendary La Quinta Hotel Golf and Tennis Resort for the 67th annual USPTA National Convention, Sept. 17-25.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see the latest in tennis-related products at the second annual USPTA National Tennis Buying Show, Sept. 21-22, and participate in three championship tournaments.

The resort in La Quinta, Calif covers 45 acres of lawns and gardens, and is nestled against the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is located 19 miles southeast of Palm Springs and 120 miles east of Los Angeles.

The convention registration deadline is Aug. 16. Convention fees are $210 for members, $225 for nonmembers, $100 for spouses or spouse equivalents, and $210 for friends.

Hotel reservations must be made by Aug. 17 The special discounted hotel rate for the convention is $85 for a single or double room , but the official USPTA hotel registration form must be used to get the discount. Watch for more registration information and forms that will be in future issues of ADDvantage.

Built in 1926 by Walter H Morgan, ¡the hotel quickly became the favorite 'getaway' for some of Hollywood 's biggest stars.

Today, La Quinta, which means 'a country home, has 640 guest rooms (casitas), 25 pools, 35 heated spas, 30 tennis courts (clay, grass and:hard) and three championship golf courses. • This year's convention promises to be an exciting one. USPTA will offer many educational activities and seminars, information on which will be provided in a future issue.

The Buying Show will present the latest merchandise from tennis manufacturers and retailers. The show is free to all interested buyers and will highlight products from court accessories, to footwear and clothing . Last year 's buying show brought nearly 100 exhibitors, including Penn Racquet Sports, Asahi Shoes and Wilson Sporting Goods.

Other activities include the annual Awards Breakfast, the Battle of the Divisions, the USPTA National Championships and the USPTA TeamTennis and Senior TeamTennis Championships. The first tournament will be held Sept. 17-21 and costs $50 per person for singles and $20 per person for doubles. The singles entry deadline is Aug. 16, but doubles players may register at the tournament site.

The team championship is scheduled for Sept. 22-24. Players participate in team tournaments through their divisions, which pay

The La Quinta Hotel, built in 1926, offers a beautiful oasis at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

the open competition fees, but senior fees are $20 per doubles team to be paid by those competing . The deadline for divisions

and senior teams to submit entries and fees is Aug. 16. People interested in playing on teams should contact their divisions. ~

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ADDvantage April 1994

9

And the walls came tumbling down Teach players to scale obstacles to improvement

by Larry ]. Heflin

:l!ple often take up a sport with the idea of becoming the best they can be, but after years of effort, they become frustrated because they believe they no longer are improving.

Many tennis players reach this critical point. Usually, the player stops trying to improve, or gives up the game, which is not good for tennis. But, there is help for players who find themselves in this situation .

Players should be educated in the proper stages of learning development for tennis. In teaching tennis, as in teaching any subject, it is important to lay a foundation before embarking on the specifics. Often, players do not realize the importance of learning the game in an organized fashion.

These stages of development are referred to as 'the walls of tennis. The five walls are fundamentals, patience and consistency, styles and strategies, weapons, and mental toughness. All students must climb these walls to improve, preferably in order.

It is important to remember that no player ever makes it to the top of these walls. Players constantly strive for higher goals, understanding that there always is room for improvement.

Players should think of the type of play that best suits their abilities~ and learn the strategies that will enhance it. climbed all the walls, he most likely will lose.

He must work on his basics if he is to improve.

Patience and consistency The second wall that must be climbed is the patience and consistency wall. Many players underestimate this area and have difficulties being consistent and patient as the need arises. n any tennis match there are

crucial points that require extra patience and consistency. Any player who has not climbed high on this wall probably will lose many matches.

To improve this skill try finding practice partners that are very patient and consistent, and work with them on a regular basis. The player's goal during the sessions is to match her partner's consistency.

A player stereotyped as 'The Killer ' has great fundamentals and a full supply of weapons (which she tries to display as much as possible). Most of the time, this player has ignored completely the consistency wall and has scaled the strategy wall only a short distance.

She has spent a lot of time working on her weapons, but can't quite figure out why her shots work in practice, but not in matches.

This player generally has a hard time recognizing that her problem is consistency. Once she comes to terms with this, improvement will start immediately.

Fundamentals

...

The fundamentals wall is the first and most important wall to climb. Learning basic mechanics (e.g . mobility, forehand , backhand, serve, return, volley, overhead) is a must if players are to improve. Failure to become fundamentally sound in these areas will cause players to stop improving . A local pro can help a player determine which areas of his game need work, and can help develop a program to develop those areas.

A player who has not developed his fundamentals is referred to as 'The Dinker.'

His fundamental strokes are poor, but he has developed the patience of Job and the consistency to go with it. He definitely has a style, but not one that fits into any particular category.

This player can be a difficult opponent, but because he bypassed his fundamentals, he has been unable to develop any weapons and therefore only can wait for his opponents to beat themselves. When this player competes against another player who has 10

ADDvantage April 1994

Mental toughness is one aspect that set former No. 1,player Chris Evert apart.

Styles and strategies Styles and strategies is the third wall to climb after players are confident of their positions on walls one and two. Players should think of the type of play that best suits their abilities, and learn the strategies that will enhance it.

The three basic styles of players are baseliners, serve-and-volleyers, and allcourters. At the professional level, Monica Seles and Andre Agassi are examples of baseline players. Martina Navratilova and Stefan Edberg are two of the best serve-andvolleyers on the tour. Gabriela Sabatini and Jim Courier are play~rs who have become excellent all-courters.

Once a player has settled on a particular style, he must work on the strategies that enhance that style. For example, the baseliner needs to learn to use groundstrokes to create openings in order to step in and hit winn ing shots. The serve-andvolleyer can work on varying his serve in order to keep the opponent guessing . The all-cou rter can work on transition to the net.

Whatever style a player has, he must work on skills to develop his unique style of play, which will lead to improvement.

Jim Courier can .play any position well.

Weapons The fourth wall to scale is the weapons wall where players develop weapons that will allow them to win points, rather than waiting for opponents to beat themselves.

The greatest weapon a tennis player possesses is her mind . The ability of a player to use her brain to find ways to negate her oppone.c1t's strengths and to recogni ze and take advantage of the opponent' s weaknesses is truly a great weapon.

Tennis players must realize that mental toughness is a wall that must be climbed for the rest of their tennis lives.

Movement also is a weapon. There is nothing more frustrating to a player than having her best shots run down and returned with authority. There are many strokes that can be made into weapons, such as the serve, forehand drive and topspin lobs. If players want to advance to the next level, they must work on the weapons that best suit their games.

Mental toughness Finally, players should try to climb the mental tougt:lness wall Sports psychologists have done an excellent job of stressing how important and necessary it is to improve one's mental toughness. So often , especially among the professional players, the difference between two combatants is that one is more confident and mentally tough than the other. The mental toughness of former No. 1 players, like Bjorn Borg , Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf separated them from the pack.

Tennis players must realize that mental toughness is a wall that must be climbed for the rest of their tennis lives. Students often ask how they can improve their mental toughness. One answer is for the player and his practice partner to play specific match simulations designed to help close out sets when ahead, or fight to come back in a set when behind . To do this, play six sets, alternating starting the set up 4-2 and serving. This type of match play simulation will help improve a player's mental toughness.

A player called Mr. Nice Guy' appears to have it all great looking strokes, consistency, good feel for strategy, and at least one or two weapons.

To a casual observer, it appears that hE!' is winning his match, however, the match ends in a loss for him. If one watches more closely,

one will discover that while he is winning a lot of points, he can't seem to win the big points. nevitably, he seems to miss his shot by an inch , or double fault, or play a serve that is six inches out. He is the kind of player who will call his own shot out even before his opponent can make the call Clearly, the only missing ingredient in his game is mental toughness. It used to be called killer instinct' that ability to close a match , to win the big points, and to raise the game at a crucial time. This player needs to concentrate on the mental side of the game by paying attention to all these important times when he is not hitting the tennis ball 'The Player' has it all. He goes into every match knowing that, although he may not always win , he is going to put himself into the position to win . He is confident that if he consistently plays hard, he can win any match. Even in a losing effort, this player will get some satisfaction from knowing he gave his all He is the kind of player found in the final rounds of tournaments at every level.

The walls method should provide some insight for players of all levels who are frustrated or concerned about improving their games.

Any player who takes a realistic look at his game in terms of these walls will realize the following : A player always can get where he wants to go if he knows where to start and has a good map to show the way.

An insightful look at one's own game may be a starting point, and the walls a map. Then one always will be able to improve, and to keep enjoying this great game. o

Larry Heflin , a USPTA member since 1979, received a bachelor of science degree, majoring in mathematics, from Murray (Ky.) State University in 1972. He currently is in his 21st year as a teacher and tennis coach at Lone Oak High School in Paducah , Ky., where he began his caree[ Heflin has coached many highly ranked juniors. His high school teams have captured numerous titles, including state championships in 1992 and 1993.

As a player, he has won amateur titles throughout the South, and is ranked No. 1 in his age group in Kentucky. He was named 1990 and 1992 Kentucky State Tennis Coach of the Year by the Kentucky High School Coaches Association, and 1992 Region 3 Tennis Coach of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association. He was one of seven coaches nominated for the NHSCA 1993 National Tennis Coach of the Yea[

ADDvantage April 1994

11

Public relations

Relationship with media important part of PR efforts Understanding and knowing about local media outlets are just as important as understanding and knowing the needs of students, if one is to be a well-rounded tennis professional .

The relationship with local media is becoming more important as USPTA professionals strive to improve their images at the local level Television , radio, newspapers or other media (such as magazines) gather and disseminate news in ~lightly different ways.

Still there are some general guidelines to follow to increase the chances of being published or broadcast.

CLASSIFII:~IJ

AIJS

WANT A BEITER JOB? Bob Larson knows where the jobs are.

His TENNIS JOBS newsletter lists jobs acr ss the country ranging from entry level through Director of Tennis. For current issue, send $10.00 to Bob Larson Tennis Jobs, Box 24379-H, Edina MN 55424 HITilNG PARTNER/PERSONAL COACH Tour players and academies are looking for hitting partners and personal coaches.

For information on how to get these exciting assignments, write Bob Larson, HP /PC, Box 24379-H, Edina, MN 55424.

TRAFFIC BUILDER Build traffic in your pro shop with Bob Larson's Traffic Builder For more information, call Bob Larson at (612) 9208947 COLLEGE COACHING JOBS Bob Larson's TENNIS JOBS: COLLEGE COACH newsletter lists available college coaching jobs. 12 issues $37 Bob Larson CC, PO Box 24379-H, Edina MN 55424 FINDERS FEES We pay you $10 if you call first wj.th information leading to new job listings.

Call Leslie Kauffmann 605-532-5470.

12

ADDvantaae April 1994

1

Determine what is news. Tournaments, tournament results, charity events, new club staff (especially new tennis or golf pros) , special clinics and events open to the public all m ght be considered news. Local media are interested in news with strong local interest. What one person considers n!3WS may never make it into print or broadcast, but if it does, Going, going, gone the publicity generated Displaying somo of the merchandise that will be auctioned of tho 'Noncy Chick Memorial Sports Mcrot~on from 7:30 to 11 :30 p.m . Saturday in the Willowbrook Athletic Club, 215 will be worth the effort.

63.rd Sl., Willowbrook oro (from loft) Rou Mash of Hinsdale, Lauro Steigerwald of Become familiar Willowbrook! Colyn Heflin~~ Willowbrook and ~()Iissa Sakurai of Burr Ridge. Proceeds from th() ouc11on go to benef1t tho Now West Tcnn11 Court fund of Western Springs. More with the formats of information is ovoilobfc 6 55-35 01 . area media. Carefully read ng newspapers, An interesting photo is more likely to be printed than a "grip

2

and grin.''

watching TV, and listening to the radio will tune a person's senses to what kind of news each medium uses. It is important to determine in what kind of news they are interested, and to submit it in a way which fits each medium's style.

Television, newspapers and magazines are more visually oriented than radio. This should be kept in mind when taking pictures. The standard 'grip and grin' picture of a check presentation probably won't turn many heads fresh ideas relating to the subject of the news should be used to make photos interesting . If someone donates racquets to disadvantaged children , a photo of the children using the racquets will be more effective than a handshake photo.

Know who to contact. When submitting tennis news to newspapers, one should ask for the sports editor (if a small paper) or the tennis writer (at larger papers) .

If announcing a new employee, charity fund drive or club business news, the business or 'local spotlight' sections of the paper might be appropriate.

Another often overlooked area of the paper is the calendar listings of upcoming events and meetings. Also, the health and lifestyle

3

editor may be interested in the news that promotes health or fitness (such as USPTA's Across America Tennis Day) . Even though these sections generally are edited by different people, do not send news releases to each editor, as this makes some editors angry. This is when it is helpful to know the medium's format and what each section will or won't print. Give the section a call or attach a note asking them to forward the news release to the correct department if they aren't interested. It is helpful to call the paper to find out who edits which section.

Tennis news submitted to radio stations should be directed to the sports director (if the station is in a large market) or news director (smaller market). When in doubt, call and ask to whom the news releases should be sent.

For television stations, tennis news should be submitted to the sports director. To request coverage for an upcoming event (such as a charity tennis tournament or an Across America Tennis Day clinic) , call the station and speak to the assignments editor or the sports director. (continued on page 21)

Chapter 6

Plan career, develop skills to keep on track ~.

by Barbara Braunstein and Mark McMahon

0 1

The tennis-teaching profession is a career like any other Professionals face similar, if not the same, stresses, time constraints and career advancement situations as an executive. When considering either entering this career or advancing in it, one .~must ask oneself two questions.

•

Do I wish to spend the rest of my working days teaching tennis and/ or traveling to the various locations often associated with such a career?

•

To what level do I wish to advance in my chosen career field (teaching tennis or not), and to what length am I prepared to go in order to achieve these goals?

Career planning considerations The tennis-teaching profession has several levels of career options. Determining the right career level requires much thought be given to the other considerations that affect physical, psychological and economical well-being. ·s:

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The time one wishes to devote to a career vs. one's personal life, or the type of lifestyle one

wishes to live, may very well determine a level regardless of the chosen career Advancement in the tennis-teaching profession, much like any other career, often brings increased financial remuneration. This fact alone might be enough to propel each professional to climb the ladder as quickly as possible. However, recent studies of corporate "fast-trackers" report that many such people are trading boardrooms for youth baseball fields. In other words, spending time with the family is sometimes considered more important than continuing the corporate career climb.

A tennis professional must consider the degree of commitment she wishes to make to her career vs. other personal considerations. This is particularly important because weekends, holidays and after 5 p .m. are the times the services of a tennis professional are needed most.

Entry-level tennis professional This is where it starts. Working with an established professional, developing teaching skills in private and group lessons, becoming aware of the physical appearance of the facility, welcoming and checking in players, and learning to get along

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1994.

All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this manual is not permitted

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with co-workers are all a part of an entry-level tennis professional's job description.

The entry-level professional can be known as the assistant or associate professional working directly with the head professional or tennis director; however, the entry-level professional often is hired to work under a head professional to learn the business and develop skills, then advance to an assistant, associate or head-professional position. This especially is true in larger facilities (12 or more courts).

Each position re quires mastering increasingly difficult skills, and normally, accepting greater responsibility As the tennis professional advances in his career, interviewing, hiring, budgeting, programming, delegating and communication skills become more important to his success.

In order to achieve a certain career level, the tennis professional first must determine and master the particular skills necessary for that level.

Review current job and its skills

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At any career level, a professional must be prepared for advan cement opportunities. The associate professional might need to develop a greater understanding of multilevel p rogramming in orde r to assume a head professional p osition. The tennis director w h o desires to purchase an indoor facility must have a sound understanding of the variou s finan cial, maintenance or local zoning laws which face a club own er.

Even if the desired career level is obtained, one still should be involved in a variety of continuing education activities to stay abreast of new techniques and information.

Maintain resume, interviewing and hiring skills A resume always should be current and available when opportunity knocks, because an out-of-date or hastily prepared resume will not make a good impression. A resume should be updated at least yearly The resume should be prepared and reproduced by professionals after being proofread carefully by at least three people. (It is amazing how many professionally prepared resumes contain typographical errors.)

The resume is only the first step in the job application process. Being professionally prepared also means having a complete understanding of the position and its responsibilities.

The fo llowing exercise w ill he lp d etermine read iness for advan cement. •

Each responsibility of a current position should be listed .

•

Each additional fun ction required to perform in a position one career level higher should be listed .

•

Readiness for those additional job functions should be evaluated honestly, including consulting with a trusted colleagu e . It is important to be objective in this exercise. Normally a professional must deve lop one or more skills on a continual basis to advance.

There are numerou s resources available to imp rove profession al skills. These are readily available throu gh USPTA, and vary from edu catio nal articles in trade publications and manuals, to Sp ecialty Courses and semin ars.

50

Targeting required skills while keeping longrange career goals in mind is important to remember when improving professional skills.

A related field which is an option for a tennisteaching professional is retail sporting goods

The interviewing and hiring process is a time for both parties to determine if they fit each other's needs. The tennis professional should feel certain that the prospective position is at the proper career level.

About the authors ...

Barbara Braunstein is the owner and president of Barbara Braunstein & Associates.

She is a nationally acclaimed

More specific information on the interviewing and hiring process is available in the USPTA publication, "How to Hire a Tennis Professional. "

motivational speaker, trainer and consultant in all areas of personal and professional development.

Associated career considerations The tennis professional must use many different skills in the daily performance of duties. In part, she must be an understanding listener, teacher, motivator, activities director, administrator, promoter, retail buyer, manager and salesperson, and very often an artful politician. Leadership, the ability to implement policy which is often determined after negotiation with many different people, long hours, charisma and dedication are requirements for the tennis professional.

The variety of skills needed by a tennis professional gives her many different options in associated careers It is important ,to remember, however, that the same rules apply One must work hard to learn about a new career, stay abreast of new developments and research findings, determine how much advancement is desired, and how much time is needed for advancement.

Assoctated careers • . Manufacturer representative •

Club manager

•

Activities director of a resort or hotel

•

Tournament promoter/ salesperson

•

Special event (tennis) promoter

•

Tennis and/ or sporting goods retailer

•

Club owner

These are only a few career fields in the tennis industry that an experienced tennis professional might consider If she has a clear career path that includes a specific post-teaching career, she should try to establish which skills need to be developed and use every opportunity possible to work on those skills. (i

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Setting goals Most people have a general idea of where they want to be in the future, w~at they want to have, and how they want to live, but very few have written goals, either long-term or short-term, in

Braunstein served on the USPTA Florida Division Board of Directors , and was the Florida Tennis Association director

Barbara Braunstein

of the USTA Schools Program .

Braunstein is a former national USPTA champion and Florida Division Player of the Year, and was a UStA top 10 senior women 's player for eight consecutive years in the Florida Section .

Mark McMahon , USPTA Master Professional, is the director of tennis at Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta.

McMahon is a three-term past president of the USPTA Florida Division, and has held national USPTA rankings in singles and doubles.

He is a featured speaker at USPTA national and divisional conventions, national USTA Tennis Teachers Work-

Mark McMahon

shops and other industry events .

He has served as a USTA clinician, chairman of various USPTA and USTA national committees, and established two local USTA Tennis Industry Councils. McMahon is a member of the Prince and Penn advisory staffs and serves as a spokesperson and speaker for the companies throughout the tennis industry.

all areas of their lives (family, health, professional, financial, spiritual) As the saying goes, ''You won't get there if you don't know where you're going."

There are many reasons people don't have written goals, including fear of commitment or failure; and lack of time or "know-how " Less than 5 percent of the population have written goals, but 90 percent of the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies do .

Why should people have written goals? An analogy of winning an around-the-world airplane ticket good for only one year can help explain.

Would someone go to an airport and take any flight going anywhere?•Or would a great deal of time be spent carefully planning an itinerary?

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Written goals may be considered a road map for life, because they give attention to all parts of one's life and allow one to feel balanced. Happiness is not a goal - it is the result of working toward and reaching goals.

Setting goals is not a difficult process, but it is one that takes time, thought and energy A four-hour block of time should be reserved away from the distractions of the workplace, home and telephone.

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Six categories of goals •

Family and significant others spouse, lover, parents, children

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Professional and financial job, income, investments, retirement savings

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Personal physical exercise, sports, health, nutrition

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Personal general leisure time, hobbies, vacations, grooming, shopping

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Home Owning, building, renovating, decorating, landscaping, cleaning, cooking

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Friends and community religious, spiritua~ entertaining, telephoning, corresponding, socializing, volunteering

A piece of paper (or a large index card) should be designated for each category and lifetime goals written in each area . While being as specific as possible, one should think big and dream a little.

For example, "I want to have $300,000 in retirement savings," "I want a sectional tennis ranking every year, " or, "I will get married and have two children."

"The more you know what you want, and the more you write it down, the more likely the laws of the universe, which you set into motion, will help speed you toward your goals, " said management consultant Brian Tracey Next, one must consider one's lifetime goals, and list the steps it will take to get there from one's current status. For example, if a professional goal is to be part owner and manager of a large golf

52

and tennis resort within 20 years, then one probably will need to be the manager of a small resort and have some financial backing within 10 years.

If a personal physical goal is to have a national tennis ranking, then one probably should begin by getting a sectional ranking .

Any additional skills, education or training needed, obstacles to overcome, and people and organizations which can help obtain the goals should be kept in mind.

The next step is to set the one-year goals along an action plan. The one-year goals and action steps must be "SMAC" small, measurable, achievable and compatible with lifetime goals.

For example, writing down, "I will lose weight by Dec. 1," is not SMAC A SMAC action plan for losing 30 pounds would include the following: "I will get a physical by Feb . 1 I will be enrolled in a weight loss program by March 1 I will attend weekly support group meetings starting March 1 " The final step is to take all the deadline dates from the one-year goals and action plans, and transfer them to monthly, weekly and daily plans.

One last word of advice: Written goals should be kept where they can be seen often- on a bulletin board or in a planner or wallet. They should be read often, shared with friends and family, said out loud, and believed.

Time management "I don't have time" is a commonly used, but untrue statement. Everyone has exactly the same amount of time - 24 hours a day How one chooses to use those 24 hours is the essence of time management.

Three questions should be considered for an in-depth look at time management.

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How do I w ant to spend my time?

•

How am I currently spending my time?

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How can I make changes to more closely align the answers to the first two questions?

Determining how to spend time involves figuring the number of hours of sleep needed each night in order to stay healthy and feel energized and relaxed. Those hours should be subtracted from each 24 hours and multiplied by seven days. (For example, if one sleeps seven hours each night, one will have approximately 120 waking hours each week.

number of hours spent in each of the six areas should be totaled and the results compared with the life balance chart.

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To more closely align the desired time schedule with the actual time schedule, the following questions should be considered.

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A life balance chart may be constructed by dividing a circle into six wedges, each representing one of the six goal areas. If one wants to work a 40-hour work week, one should make a wedge ~he size of one-third of the total and mark it (see illustration) Each of the remaining five areas should be treated the same way Hours must total 120 and percentages must total 100.

Time must be included for daily activities, such as meals, grooming, jogging and transportation.

The best way to determine how time is spent is to keep a time log for one typical week. Half-hour blocks of time should be written for each waking half-hour

Time log Activity

Time

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'What am I doing that could be done by someone else?"

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"Is the amount of time and energy I am spending on this justified?"

If not, work faster or skip the third draft. Sometimes perfectionism becomes a liability

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Personal general

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"Is what I'm doing, or about to do, helping me reach my goals?"

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Wake up, shower

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Dri ve to work, check mail and messages

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The way each half-hour was filled should be recorded accurately At the end of one week, the

Planning The last principle in the art of time management is planning. Planning is not just making a "to do" list. It is ensuring that goals will become a reality, and that one will spend one's life the way one wants to.

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Planning can be a simple procedure with a calendar or planner, one-year goals and action steps, and the life balance chart.

Annual planning involves writing down all annual dates, including meetings, conventions, birthdays, anniversaries, physical exams, car maintenance schedules, standing appointments and lessons.

Mon_thly planning should be done by the 23rd of each month for the following month by writing down deadlines, meetings and standing appointments. Periods of time should be set apart for special projects, professional reading and other activities which may be very imp ortant, but not urgent.

Weekly, perhaps on Su nd ay evening, one should try to get a good overview of the week ahead , making sure to stay on track.

Daily planning involves reviewing the following day's events, marking approp riate amounts of time for each, and p rioritizing every item with an A, B or C. Lunch awax from the working environment should be includ ed, as well as one free h our every day for the u nexpected .

53

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Spo n taneous planning should be done whenever something comes to mind. It should be written in the planner on the day of the year when it should be done or considered.

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This kind of planning is hard work and time consuming . Successful executives spend up to two hours per day thinking, planning and creating; and they block off time to do so .

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The professional management team

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To club tennis professionals, the chain of command-at the country club often seems more like the game of "Chutes and Ladders" than a complete and structured management system.

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The professional management team of a country club normally comprises the golf professional, tennis professional, greens superintendent, food and beverage manager, and club comptroller, all of whom report to the general manager The role of the general manager is to direct and support this team of department heads in implementing the policies and carrying out the wishes of the board of directors, the tennis committee and the club owner It is the complexity of what often occurs that causes most of the problems for today's tennis professional.

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The biggest challenge is understanding and working within the club structure to recommend and determine policy For example, if a tennis committee wants to adopt a new policy or run a certain type of activity, but first needs the approval of the board, the tennis professional must consider carefully how the board might react before giving his wholehearted recommendation.

The idea may wind up being presented to the board with the following addendum. "And this idea has the 100 percent recommendation of our tennis professional."

If the idea is not economically feasible, it will cause an excessive drain on the club's staff or other departments. If it has not been properly thought through, the tennis professional will come across as being a poor p lanner, a non-team player, or someone with tunnel vision . This scenario is not uncommon in country clubs today What, then, are the proper ways to handle this and the hu ndreds of other similar situations confronting tennis professionals each year?

54

Be a team member The first thing a professional must remember is that he is part of a team . It is a team with a leader that normally ¡has the most u nbiased view of an idea and can best see how it might fit into the total picture. The general manager can be an invaluable source for ideas and advice when a recommendation is needed on an idea or project.

As an example, planning, presenting and having the annual operational budget approved can be made much easier by involving the manager initially and during each stage of the task. Naturally, there must exist a mutual respect with the general manager if the professional is going to be able to rely on the expertise and support of this person.

The important thing to remember is that, whether hiring a new assistant, considering a policy change, planning a budget or changing days off, the department is only one of many in the club.

What happens in that department will have an effect on other areas of the club . It is courteous, and of considerable advantage, to consult the general manager

The biggest challenge is understanding and working wit hin the club structure to recommend and determine policy.

Frequently, only the general manager handles the day-to-day chores of payroll control, absenteeism and maintenance. Other concerns, such as equipment replacement, building repair decisions and staffing levels, sometimes are addressed by the tennis committee or its chairperson, the club president, the entire board, or the tennis committee. Often, the tennis professional and the manager are better prepared to handle these day-to-day matters, but first they must answer to any or all of the aforementioned entities.

Establish a rapport, open communication This is a management skill more often required of country club tennis professionals than their other colleagues in commercial and municipal facilities. The tennis professional must identify a situation quickly and establish where and with whom the power lies. The general manager

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should be informed of the power base. After assuring the general manager that he will be kept informed of everything that happens, the profess~onal must make certain that his primary concern is to satisfy the demands of the board member or committee chairperson in control. Without causing any embarrassment to the manager, he must perform his duties as directed by his supervisor Although this can be an uncomfortable situation, the experienced professional will recognize and give priority to those things which are important to the facility and develop a rapport with his superiors so they come to rely on the professional

for support, direction and expertise.

Even if the general manager concept is well established at a club, the need to gain the constant approval of the board or tennis committee must not be forgotten. However, the basic daily responsibilities of any tennis professional, if performed competently, normally will take care of most concerns. A well-staffed, maintained and programmed facility generally will take care of any problems this group might have. Naturally, the general manager also will be interested, but he would like to take for granted that these areas will

receive the professional's thorough attention on a daily basis.

As stated previously, it normally is the new or different things - the surprises - that cause the country club professional the most concern.

To minimize the possibility of surprises, one should encourage open communication through regular discussions with the tennis chairperson and general manager Each person should know what ¡t he other is thinking.

It also is important to know what the members of the club are thinking, what they like or dislike, and what improvements or changes they would like to see. By doing this, a tennis professional will be better prepared to form an opinion based on what is best for the club

MaKe everyone a winner A tennis professional must consider all groups that might be affected by a decision he is required to make. For example, a vocal group of members would like to see a policy requiring players with an NTRP rating of less than 3.0 to be excluded from social club tournaments.

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A tennis professional's first consideration in such a potential conflict is to determine which people within the club's chain of command are likely to be involved in making this decision. In this case, it is unlikely that the members will take their case to the general manager It is more likely that they will pressure the tennis chairperson, the president and their tennis committee friends . With this in mind, the professional should inform his general manager of the situation, concentrate on making his opinion known to the chairperson, and see how he might solve the problem quickly Obviously, it is the job of the tennis professional to program activities for all levels of play and encourage use of the facility by all the members, no matter how well they play Secondly, the typical tennis player probably has an NTRP rating of less than 3.0, supports the pro shop, takes lessons and tells his other friends how much fun the game is. This certainly is not the type of person a professional wants to discourage from the sport. To this end, the professional now has a second interest group to satisfy Although this group might not be as ocal, it is just as important, if not more, to the overall success and activity level of the club.

The tennis professional's job is to lend expertise when requested, and to implement any and all club policies regardless of who directs the policy This type of problem enables the tennis professional to use his management and communications skills to reach a win-win-win result.

The professional could approach a couple of the key people w ithin the group and explain the importance of having as many people play tennis as possible. Additionally, he must provide a solution to the problem. For example, he might suggest that in half of the social tournaments during the next 12 months, the events will have two distinct rating categories: less than 3.0, and 3.0 and above. This way there will be no hard feelings from the weaker players if they are not paired with more advanced players.

Winner No.1 The vocal group which wants the weak players out They will know in advance that they will play only with players at their own level. Obviously, this is the best way for this type of player to improve. The better

56

players will be able to stay only with their own group for half of the events, and hopefully will enter the other events for the fun and social benefit.

Winner No.2: The players rated below 3.0 These players have been saved from the embarrassment of having the "bad idea" become a source of controversy Secondly, these players will be better off if they play amongst themselves occasionally The professional might suggest scheduling some tournaments just for them.

Winner No. 3: The club, the tennis chairperson, the general manager and the tennis professional The club is a winner because the majority of its tennis members basically are content for the time being. The tennis chairperson is a winner because he was approached at the onset, provided with input and discussion, and involved in a course of action that was in the best interest of the majority The general manager is a winner because this small problem did not become a major source of discontent for an important group of members. The professional is a winner because each group of members will recognize his sincere concern for their social and tennis needs . He demonstrated this same concern for the well-being of the club and the tennis complex.

This example is typical of the many small problems for which management skills must be exercised, and the professional's ideas incorporated into the framework of the club's and his own department.

Define and actuate policy Another important concern for the tennis professional wanting to be a part of the professional management team is determining and implementing club policy Her role as a professional at a country club is to provide service to the members in whatever fashion the board determines. The key to understanding the role of the professional regarding policy is to first understand the club's chain of command.

The typical country club is operated under the direction of a board of governors. The board generally will accept suggestions from advisory committees headed by chairpeople who normally are board members. The tennis committee usually will (and should) solicit the opinion of the tennis professionaJ in all areas, however, it is under no obligation to accept that opinion. Another consideration is that the board is under no obligation to

accept the recommendation of the tennis committee .

The tennis professional must remember that it is her job to implement new policies or rules graciously and to the best of her ability Secondly, it is a generally accepted procedure that whatever policies are set by the board, they normally are effectuated by the general manager It is important not to associate the policy with the manager The manager may disagree with the policy, but it is his job to effectuate that policy and it is the professional's job to adapt the policy to her department.

The tennis professional's job is to lend expertise when requested, and to implement any and all club policies regardless of who directs the policy However, if a professional feels that a particular idea will be detrimental to the tennis department or the club, she should express her opinion to the general manager If they agree that a problem could arise, a course of action should be determined and carried out. If the general manager

considers the professional's concerns unwarranted at that time, she must accept that decision.

Now she must act as a department head and implement the policy In a time when every club entity is looking for value with every expenditure, the professional management team is the club's most important asset. Tennis professionals must establish themselves as an integral part of the management team, and always consider the implications of their actions. This is imperative to the facility's success, and ultimately, to the success of the professional .

Team spirit helps all work together Today's tennis professional must display competence in many areas of club operations. One of the most important skills that a professional must possess is integrating his talents into the country club's management structure. This concept is explained well by Red Steger in the USPTA Guide to Country Club Tennis Management. Excerpts

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are included here from his "The Management Team is Teamwork That Works."

The management team concept is the key to successful club management. When the club manager, tennis professional, golf professional, clubhouse manager and club accounts manager work together, the performance level generally improves and the results are positive. A team spirit is developed, much like a winning football team, creating mutual respect, good communication, trust, acceptance and encouragement.

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Team spirit is a powerful source of positive energy, and when itis present, each team member seems to come alive . Members of such a management team report that team spirit keeps them energized and removes the pressures of each day When team spirit falters or becomes sidetracked, one or more of the management team members may feel a degree of isolation from the overall management goals of the winning team.

Managers and professionals have an ideal performance state, as do all management team members. This is related directly to the quality of interaction and respect among the team members.

The members of the management team will feel more relaxed and secure, give more of themselves, and perform more confidently when an atmosphere of team management and togetherness is present.

Many successful chief operating managers (COM), whether club managers or other team members, will say that the performance potential of the management team as a unit is greater than that of the individual team members. Those who have held a management or professional position at a club which enjoyed more success than rival clubs with greater experience and/ or talent, know, in part, the power of the management team concept.

There is no doubt that team spirit breeds inspiration, confidence and intensity In short, management team harmony can pave the way for the realization of each manager's goals, and success seems easier and more self-satisfying.

58

Delegation skills The art of delegation begins early in the employer-employee relationship . When interviewing a future employee, the interviewer must give a very clear description of the position and exactly what is required. After hiring, this procedure should be repeated. The employer and the new employee should form an agreement so that there are no misunderstandings later Forming such an agreement at the start of this relationship, and whenever a specific task is assigned to the employee, will establish the groundwork for motivating, critiquing and recognizing the employee's performance .

Delegating a task is not simply telling someone what to do, but giving that person the authority of representation. Developing delegation skills is important for effective time management. In itself, it also motivates employees, giving them an increased sense of self-worth .

Employers should invest as much time as possible into training employees, reviewing their performance, helping them adjust to changes, and recognizing good performance. If a professional is going to advance to his chosen "career level," he will need the assistance and success of his staff The only way to ensure that they will be successful is to coach them. The relationship is not unlike that between a teaching professional and a student competing at a high level. The teacher must establish the framework from which to add new skills to the player's game, constantly watching and critiquing his performance, all while making certain that the original framework stays in place.

It is with this same care and concern that the professional must develop his staff into winners.

Presentation skills Whether dressed in tennis clothes giving a group lesson, or in business clothes presenting a budget to the club board of directors, the four principles of making an effective presentation are identical: Know the material, know the audience, know the correct presentation structure, and practice.

Know the material and audience In order to communicate any information to another person, a presenter must know it, understand it and believe it. If he knows the answers to the most difficult questions possible, he knows the material.

Presentation structure The USPTA recommends a tennis lesson structure which may be adapted to any formal presentation situation.

•

Introduction- A casual and impersonal question is an excellent way to begin a presentation. For example, a good introductory question to a presentation skills seminar would be, {(How many of you love to make speeches?"

Another way to begin is with an aUention-geUing remark, such as, 'The famous book of lists names the fear of public speaking as the No. 1 fear among Americans. Death is No.7" •

Subject statement- The subject of the presentation, along with the outcome or result of listening to it, must be stated.

''In the next hour, I am going to help you make beUer, more effective pres• entations" •

Position statement-- The speaker's position on the subject must be clearly stated.

''Making effective presentations is a skill which can be learned and practiced, and is not as dif.ficult as you might think"

•· if the position is controversia~ or if the audience is biased, the position statement is made later •

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Background involvement, credibility-At this point, the speaker should state why she is interested in the subject and how she is involved with it

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Evidence points- The facts and evidence must be explained in no more than seven points The first and last should be the strongest The speaker can be interestingly repetitive by using stories and examples with which the audience can identify If audience bias prevented a position statement, it should be presented just before the last evidence point

•

Conclusion - The conclusion should be a restatement of the position, using a humorous anecdote or story, if possible New information should not be added. '

Likewise, it is critical to know as much as possible about the audience . How well the professional assesses the students' current knowledge, their level of understanding, their style of learning, and even their emotional state will determine how much they learn. Are they beginners, intermediates or advanced? Are they engineers, social workers or corporate executives? Are they tired, happy or hungry? Having this information in advance, or finding it out early in the presentation, will add to the effectiveness.

Practice makes perfect As with any learned skill, practice is the key to success. One can practice alone in front of a mirror, and in front of family members and friends who may give detailed feedback. A rehearsal presentation may be audiotaped or videotaped to get immediate feedback.

A tennis professional will have many opportunities to practice teaching a lesson, and consequently, skills in making this type of presentation will improve quickly Since a tennis professional will not have many opportunities to make formal presentation or speeches, it will take a concentrated effort to improve. He can take a cour~e in public speaking at a local college, join a local public speaking organization such as Toastmasters International, or purchase audio- and videotapes on the subject at a local bookstore.

The ability to make effective presentations will open many professional doors. It is a learned skill - no one is born a great public speaker

Stress management Some people would like to advance to a particular career level, but never seem to make the jump from their current positions. Instead, they may move laterally to another good job where they once again are very successful. This scenario can apply to a professional at any level assistant, head professional at a small club, or even a head professional at a relatively large club. There are many things to consider when advancing in a career, and several areas are important to control if .it is going to be achieved stress-free .

Burnout Too many professionals change careers, miss an opportunity, or stagnate at their current career levels because of boredom or burnout. Once again, an emotionally and physically healthy per59

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One should develop and take part in interests outside of the workplace. Playing tennis with a fellow professional is not an outside interest.

The family and career invol ve me nt The career of the tennis-teaching professional requires a high degree of understanding and communication amon.g all concerned. Weekends, holidays and evenings are prime time for tennis players and critical times for tennis professional to be visible. Important career decisions should be shared with close family members or friends, however, such decisions should be informed decisions .

.lf one f eels f resh a nd confident, o ne wiU be less likely to let a potentially difficu lt s ituation become a source of s tress

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Once again, this is where communication is essential. New positions on a career path may require greater amounts of time at work in return for career growth and increased financial remuneration . If a decision to take such a position is made without the full cooperation of family members, one of the two concerns is doomed to failure · the new position or the relationships.

Personal health and nutrition People generally are aware that career performance often is associated directly with a person's

60

personal living and nutritional habits . Maintaining physical health will help someone deal with the numerous emotional demands that are faced on a daily basis.

As with a world-class tennis possible to stay in competitive through playing tournaments. harder than one's competitive excel.

player, it is not condition simply One must train level in order to

Rarely does a six-hour lesson day provide the tennis professional with even 20 minutes of aerobic exercise The teaching professional should prepare for long hours of teaching through conditioning work beyond the level needed .

The extra effort increases confidence and is recognized by the students .

The effects of stressful situations are a direct result of how one deals with such occurrences. Someone who is tired, run down or impatient might lose control at the wrong time, which will compound an already difficult situation. If one feels fresh and confident, one will be less likely to let a potentially difficult situation become a source of stress.

Professional and industry involvement Participating in volunteer industry activities is an excellent way to help control burnout and aid career advancement. Taking part in a local tennis development program or school assembly, organizing a local league or tournament, playing in a charity program, or attending a convention or continuing education workshop are only a few of the ways a tennis professional can stay motivated, and at the same time, keep abreast of the latest in research and teaching advances.

The key to staying free of stress is to deal with difficult situations in a positive manner Being committed to a career path, having clear professional and personal goals, and maintaining good health and a variety of non-career interests will help keep that positive attitude.

Finally, there is no better way to deal with difficult situations than to avoid them. Anticipation is a skill that should be developed through careful planning and attention to detail.

Grassroots programs get boost from USPTA Miffivest Division ~e

USPTA Midwest Division provided $3,000 in grants n 1993 for five grassroots tennis programs developed in the region.

The programs that received the grants are the Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP) of Detroit; TOP of Chicago; the Chicago Tennis ndustry Council (CTIC) Tennis Fest; the USTA's National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) of west suburban Chicago ; and National Tennis Month of Evansville, nd .

Each year, the division allocates grant funds specifically for grassroots and start-up tennis programs that promote tennis.

'The purpose of the grant program is to encourage professionals to start new grassroots programs, said Tom Gray, Midwest Division president, and head professional at the Rochester Hills (Mich .) Tennis and Swim Club.

1993 was the third year for TOP of Detroit.

Fifteen USPTA professionals helped with the six-week program , whiGh ran during June and July in cooperation with the Boys and¡ Girls Clubs of Southeast Michigan. All participants who attended four or more sessions were given a tennis racquet, a can of Pro Penn balls and a TOP T-shirt. n August, the CTIC Tennis Fest was held in the Chicago suburbs of Lake Zurich and Lincolnshire. The two-hour event included instruction on basic tennis strokes , pro/student doubles play, and a chance to

win assorted prizes.

For the fourth consecutive year, the USTA NJTL of west suburban Chicago brought children off the streets and onto the tennis courts. More than 130 children , ages 8-18, participated in two separate, two-hour sessions per day, Monday through Thursday for si x weeks.

National Tennis Month in Evansville ntroduced many new players to the game, and revived enthusiasm in former players through activities for all ages and skill levels.

Events held in July included clinics for people ranging from 4-year-olds to senior citizens, social events for juniors and adults, and tournaments for all skill levels.

TOP of Chicago summer activities included Windy City Open Night, when more than 125 TOP children were treated to a special dinner, speeches from touring professionals and the opportunity to watch a professional tennis match TOP of Chicago provides free lessons for disadvantaged children at three sites in the city.

To apply for a grant, professionals running grassroots programs in the Midwest Division must meet certain requirements, such as providing a written summary of the program and a list of USPTA professionals involved, and submitting an article and photos for the division newsletter, Midwest Connection. o

Training session for prospective speakers scheduled

U

SPTA is establishing an instructor training program for continuing education because of the large number of requests it is receiving from people interested in teaching new or existing courses.

USPTA will begin the new program at this year's National Convention in La Quinta, Calif. for people who meet the qualifications listed on this page. This forum will assist USPTA in maintaining the program's exceptionally high standards, and will add the most qualified candidates to the existing excellent contingent of USPTA instructors. n order to be considered, the following information must be submitted by June 1 for review by a subcommittee of the national USPTA Education Committee. All participants selected for the first training session will be notified in writing by July 15. The training session will be free to all participants, but they will not be reimbursed for their expenses.

Following the training , participants will be reviewed by members of the national USPTA Education Committee, and will be informed of their status in writing .after the convention .

If you need additional information, contact the USPTA Education Department at the World Headquarters, (713) 97-USPTA. o

Instructor qualifications A resume, listing educational background and experience.

2. Detailed outline for two four-hour courses in any of the following areas (one or more): a. Tennis skills (on court) b. Tennis strategy and tactics (on court) c. Communication skills (oral and written) d. Organization and administrative skills e. Sport science 3. A list of prior speaking presentations (US PTA national or divisional seminar contests, community ¡groups, allied associations).

4. A videotape (need not be produced professionally) showing one hour of either of the two topics submitted .

Send the information to:

The USPTA Midwest Division awards grants to grassroots and start-up tennis programs that help bring new players to tennis.

Ms. Barbara Braunstein 103 Deer Lake Circle Ormond Beach, FL 32174 ADDvantage April 1994

13

Across America Tennis Day Follow-up program keeps players involved

A

to ow-up program to Across America Tennis Day can help maintain the enthusiasm of the thousands of people introduced to tennis through free Across America Tennis Day clinics After the balls and racquets are put away on May 14 USPTA professionals can help those excited players remain a part of the sport by organizing a follow-up program of essons and league play.

Not only will the follow-up program maintain player involvement , but it also will serve as an excellent vehicle for. filtering players into other programs such as leagues¡ and group lessons .

On the facing page is a supplement to the Across America Tennis Day program guide with suggestions for a five-week payer retention program the th rd phase of the event. The original program guide appeared as a pullout in the March issue of ADDvantage. Pros may follow the format , or develop their own to provide tennis activities for the less advanced

player Promoting the follow-up program ¡during the Across America Tennis Day clinic will generate continued interest.

The tennis pro may provide

a follow-up program including the benefits to the professional and the industry from continued participation of new players . With increased participation pros can expect increased lesson revenues , and the industry can anticipate growth Members may sign up to run an Across America Tennis Day clinic by completing the registration form on this page. 10>

The Northwest D vis on AATD Coordinator has a new telephone number Northwest Division Brian McCoy (612) 571-3080

players with a brief explanation and outline of the program and encourage participants to invite family and friends to join the fun After the Across America Tennis Day clinic, the pro should send a press release to the local media announcing the follow-up program There are many advantages to running

The Southwest Division has a new AATD Coordinator Serena Quarelli 6950 E Soyaluna Place Tucson AZ 85715 (602) 722-6975

~------------------------------------------------------------------------, Register for Across America Tennis Day!

Please register your event for division points by mailing this form to the address below Use additional sheets if needed.

Yes , I will participate in USPTA s Across America Tennis Day as

D host professional

D assistant

Name ------------------------------------------------------------------------------~---------Member number ____________ Division USPTA member D yes D no Club/facility ____________________________ Street address -----------------------------------------City State _________ Zip ______ Phone _______________ (daytime) My clinic/social will be open to:

D public

D members only

Call USPTA with questions: (713) 97-USPTA Location of event-----------------------------------------------Club/facility -------------------------------------=- Street address -----------------------------------City----------------------------------- State _________ Zip _______ Phone _______________________ The~llowing people will ass~tatmy event:-------------------------------------------------------------~

---------------------------------------------- USPTAmember

Dyes

D no

Member number _________

---------------------------------------------- USPT A member

D yes

D no

Member number _________

USPTA World Headquarters, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042

__________________________________________________________________________ JI

14

ADDvantage April 1994

â&#x20AC;˘

NATioNwidE fREE cliNics

Player Retention PrograJD

PlAyER RETENTiON pROGRAMS

The Across America Tennis Day Player Retention Program is designed as a follow-up program to the general clinics, held on the second Saturday each May, and the multicultural clinics The purpose of the program is to maintain the enthusiasm generated on Across America Tennis Day, and to ensure that those people who participated in the clinics continue to play tennis The follow-up program is a five-lesson (clinic and play) format designed for the less advanced player, and should be implemented easily at both private and public facilities The program may be conducted as an introduction to summer programs each year

â&#x20AC;˘

After the one-day clinic takes place, send a press release to the local media announcing that an Across America Tennis Day follow-up program is available, and remind participants they are invited to attend. Send thank-you notes to the people or businesses who donated merchandise, time or money, and properly acknowledge their participation.

Remember to stay in touch with these contacts, since they may offer tennis marketing opportunities In the follow-up program, it's a good idea to maintain a ratio of eight students to each instructor The key is to get participants involved in a structured program. A good idea is to place students into a league format, which will introduce play and provide built-in practice partners

Week one: The first lesson should refresh the students about grips, forehands and backhands and briefly introduce court movement. When introducing groundstrokes, follow the suggestions that were in the 45-minute clinic format in the Across America Tennis Day program guide found in the March ADDvantage. During the lesson review, explain the format for the remainder of the follow-up lessons and emphasize the importance of practice. Encourage the participants to remain after the lesson to hit balls.

Week two:

â&#x20AC;˘

Review the forehand and backhand, then allow students to hit balls using court movement skills Review ground strokes, then introduce the volley You may use the information on volleys provided in the Across America Tennis Day program guide . Encourage students to take part in an hour-long supervised practice session and divide the group into similar playing levels. Inform the students of the lesson's length, and suggest that they plan their schedules accordingly

Copyright c United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1994. All rights reserved.

Week three: Review the forehand, backhand, volley and introduce the serve Again, use the serve format in the Across America Tennis Day program guide and allow time for review and questions. Divide the group into teams for league play Continue the league concept throughout the remaining sessions, so that each team has the opportunity to compete with all other teams in the clinic. Explain the service rotation and scoring system. You may want to implement some rule changes to encourage actual play These may include.

• Allowing players to serve by drop-hitting or serving closer to the service boxes • Using pingpong scoring, or a one-two-three-four type of scoring.

• Having no defaults once league play begins. If a team member cannot play, another player may substitute.

• Emphasizing fun and learning, not competition.

Week four: Review all strokes, and discuss movement and ball control in more depth . With the group divided into teams , practice partners automatically are provided.

After instruction, begin the second week ofleague play The instructor(s) should encourage practice , observe play and give support.

Week five: Again, review all strokes and allow students to ask questions Try using drills that incorporate all strokes (five-ball drill) Allow time to practice serving. After the instruction period, begin the third week of league play After league play , explain that the lesson series is ending, but league play will continue for two to three weeks At this point, ask participants about their interest in group lessons Group lessons are less expensive , more fun and allow people to socialize. Since they are economical, students are able to continue taking lessons throughout the season.

Invite beginners, intermediate and advanced participants to an NTRP rating clinic, so they may become involved in formal league play Host a fun tournament using the NTRP as a handicapping system, so that beginner players may compete with more advanced players Mention the leagues available in the area, such as those sponsored by USPTA , USTA and TeamTennis, as well as club and city leagues Consider offering a discounted lesson package to participants , or giving a free lesson. Utilize the event as a membership drive for the club or facility, or negotiate with parks and recreation departments for the use of public courts for summer programs.

Rules and regulatio••s The system of charging, scheduling and amending the follow-up program will be left to the discretion of the teaching professional.

USPTA recommends reasonable rates, since participants will become full-time students and players at the facility and eventually full-service customers.

Record the name, address, age and sex of each participant and forward the information to USPTA s Sports Marketing Department, to be recorded in the database of new players Additional promotional material and information on programs to enhance the enjoyment of the sport will be sent to participants This follow-up system will provide valuable benefits to USPT A professionals through the indirect means of creating large numbers of players each year The ultimate goal of USPTA's Across America Tennis Day is to create mass appeal during the one-day event, as well as, to encourage a continuance of the game by many of the same one-day participants

'Report cards~ are out~ hut it~s not too late to earn education credits ~e

credits are in and the report cards' are out for al members participating in the Continuing Education Program's first grading period.

The grading period ran from Jan . 1 1991 to Dec. 31 1993, and required members to earn nine credits (credits were prorated for those joining during the period) Didn't earn all your credits? Don't worry, it's not too late to bring your tally up, because any credits earned during the new grading period will be applied to the 1991-93 grading term until your requirement is satisfied.

Points earned subsequently will be applied to the new period (1994-96), but the same points can't be applied to both periods.

If members disagree with what is listed on the report cards, they may

complete and return the USPTA credit verification forms (which accompanied the report cards) to the education coordinator at the USPTA World Headquarters. Proof of attendance must be submitted with the fo.rm (photocopy of either the certificate of attendance ; an official letter from the sponsoring division or agency¡ a receipt; or an attendance roster) Members are responsible for submitting proof of attendance for non-USPTA events.

Members who have not completed their requirements will not be dropped from USPTA membership, nor will be listed as inactive in any publication or correspondence.

However, members who did not complete their requirements lost certain membership benefits effective Jan. 1 including the r.ight to hold office, receive

free merchandise from USPTA endorsees, purchase USPTA logo merchandise, receive a national ranking , apply for any available USPTA grant programs, be a tester, or be eligible for USPTA awards. The period of time in which the member has not met the program's education requirements will not count toward the total years of service.

After paying normal membership dues, members will continue to receive liability insurance coverage, ADDvantage and other industry magazines, and will be able to participate in the USPTA employment assistance program .

A detailed list of activities and a complete explanation of the USPTA Continuing Education Program was included in the December issue of ADDvantage. 4:P

Women are focus of membership driye UsPTA

hopes to double the number of its female members when the Women's Committee, in conjunction with the World Headquarters, kicks off its membership drive this month Under the direction of chairwoman Bev Raws of Boston and vice chair Beth Barden of Kenosha, Wis. the Women's Committee plans to expand the women's membership with the help of all USPTA women members.

The committee would like each woman member to sponsor at least one woman for membership, which would double their numbers. Male members also are encouraged to get involved.

Joining USPTA opens up many different avenues to women tennis-teaching professionals, said Raws, director of tennis at the Boston Athletic Club. 'The Association works to promote women members and their achievements, offers many educational opportunities, and provides great ways to network with other pros.

Women members have been an important part of USPTA since the 1930s, and the organization has led the industry in attracting

Lynne Abbes Rolley is. one of many women members who are involved and visible in the tennis industry.

female tennis teachers. Nineteen percent of USPTA's 10,000 members are women . ncreasing the number of women professionals will give women a greater voice in the tennis industry and increased job prospects

through certification .

'Women long have been an important part of our membership, said Tim Heckler, USPTA's CEO. 'Our Association is excited about the women's membership drive. We have a lot to offer women teaching professionals to help them advance in their careers in the tennis industry.'

All women members are encouraged to contact women in their own areas who are not USPTA members and speak to them about becoming certified. If a woman is interested in joining USPTA, the member will mail the woman's name and address to Gayden Cooper in the communications department at the World Headquarters, who will see that appropriate membership packets are sent.

It is important that the packet is sent only to those who are contacted before and who request it.

One month later, the member will call the potential member to discuss the packet, USPTA and certification . The member also will offer to be a sponsor or arrange for a compatible sponsor in the area. The member (continued on page 21) ADDvantage April 1994

17

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Boca Raton Resort and Club named new USPTA Resort Headquarters ~e

Boca Raton Resort and Club, one of the country's premier resort destinations, is the new USPTA Resort Headquarters.

USPTA members who attended the 1989 or 1993 national conventions know the beauty of the resort, with its 34 tennis courts, several pools, two 18-hole championship golf courses and a full-service marina. The resort, located in the heart of Florida's Gold Coast, is one of only si x in the country to have earned both the Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings.

USPTA professionals who wish to vacation in south Florida may take advantage of a 25 percent discount on published room rates throughout the year at the Boca Raton Resort and Club. n addition , USPTA members may receive a 10 percent commission if friends (continued on page 21)

The 365-acre Boca Raton Resort and Club is the new USPTA Resort Headquarters.

USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ is opporbmity for children, parents and teaching pros

U

SPTA has developed a nationwide program to introduce children to tennis.

The program , USPTA Little Tennis'M combines lessons, activities, equipment, teaching professionals and parents in the common goal of athletically developing chil dren, ages 4 to 10. The program is sponsored by Wilson Racquet Sports.

USPTA Little Tennis is a groundbreaking program that will increase the base of tennis players in America, while fulfilling the needs of parents, children and teaching professionals, said Tim Heckler, USPTA's CEO. 'There have been many junior tennis programs, but few have introduced the sport to children as young as 4 years old something common in other community-based sports such as soccer and T-ball USPTA Little Tennis is a flexible, quarterly series of lessons and league activities.

Depending on age and skill level , children may practice motor skills or learn basic tennis-specific skills which lead to playing tennis on short courts. Through lessons and league play, juniors will develop basic tenni s strategies and interpersonal skills, enabling them to graduate to regular tennis or match

play.

It's important to get children hooked on tennis before they get hooked on the other sports, Heckler said . Many young people have picked their favorite sport before tennis has had a chance to reach them The program offers suggestions for a range of skills, ages and capabilities. If a child is not capable of league competition , play days can be substituted or other learning tool s used for their specific abilities. While older players may be ready for tennis competiti on , USPTA Little Tennis initially promotes the development of strong motor skills and the social and fun aspects of the game.

Parents are a vital part of USPTA Little Tennis. They are encouraged to take part serving in roles such as 'assistant coach' in order to bring the family back into the game of tennis, thereby increasing club activity and creating spinoff markets for all segments of the industry.

The program uses graduated equipment that meets the needs of youngsters as they grow and develop specific skills. Recom mended equipment comes from Wilson's mr. pee Wee tennis'M package, which includes

racquets proportioned to children's smaller sizes, foam balls, plastic net posts, nets and instruction manuals. mr. pee Wee tennis products provide 'short courts, dividing a regular tennis court into four smaller ones.

USPTA Little Tennis is designed to be run year-round and is divided into four seasons, allowing students to play in one or more 'quarters, or rotate tennis activities with other seasonal sports. The system also provides flexibility for the tennis professional , who can coordinate the four seasons into his or her yearly schedule, based on other programming needs of a tennis facility.

While being good for children and good for the game of tennis, USPTA Little Tennis also is good for the tennis-teaching professional. The program is designed to help pros increase their income through an increase n lessons and club activity a true 'winwin' concept for all involved .

The program will be introduced formally at the 1994 USPTA National Convention in La Quinta, Calif but USPTA members can read more about it in upcoming issues of ADDvantage. <3 ADDvantage April 1994

19

Exams, upgrades and Certification Training Courses

ere

Each date includes an exam, upgrade and unless otherwise noted.

April 6-7 Steamboat Springs, Colo.

April 10-11 Marietta, Ga. April 11-12 Santa Rosa, Calif.

April 14 Freeport, N:Y. (no CTC) April 15-16 Gastonia, N.C. April 16-17 Kailua Kona, Hawaii April 17-18 Palm Springs, Calif.

April 22-23 Bakersfield, Calif.

April 23-24 Boca Raton, Fla. April 24-25 Murrieta, Calif.

April 24¡25 Tyler, Texas April 25-26 Bronx, N:Y. May 6-8 Springfield, Mo. May 12 Freeport, N:Y. (no CTC) May 12-13 Stratton, Vt. May 13-14 Bradenton, Fla. May 15-16 Murrieta, Calif.

May 15-16 Richmond, Va. May 15-16 St. Louis, Mo. (no CTC) May 19-20 Tucson, Ariz.

May 21-22 Wilmington, Del. May 21-22 Fountain Valley, Calif.

May 21-22 Key West, Fla. May 22 Albany, N:Y. (no CTC) May 25-26 West Orange, N.J. June 3-4 Wesley Chapel, Fla. June 3-4 Minneapolis, Minn.

June 3-4 Louisville, Ky. June 3-4 Hilton Head Island, S.C. June 4-5 Kailua Kona, Hawaii June 4-5 Kingsport, Tenn.

June 5-6 Parker, Colo.

June 5-6 La Jolla, Calif.

June 5-6 Houston, Texas June 5-6 Detroit, Mich.

June 9 Freeport, N:Y. (no CTC) June 11-12 Hamden, Conn.

June 12-13 Sacramento, Calif.

June 12-13 Baltimore, Md. June 18-19 Camarillo, Calif.

June 18-19 Oahu, Hawaii June 23-24 Mesa. Ariz.

June 24-25 Detroit, Mich.

June 26-27 Marietta, Ga. July 16-17 Dixville Notch. N.H. July 16-17 Flushing, N:Y. July 16-17 Orlando, Fla. July 23-24 Greensburgh, Pa. July 23-24 Redlands, Calif.

July 24-25 Mclean, Va. July 28-29 Albuquerque, N.M. Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam. or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly Pending members: late cancellation fee - $75; failure to cancel - application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee - $25; /ailure to cancel- $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until these cancellation fees are paid.

20

ADDvantage April 1994

Specialty Courses Four-hour courses are denoted by an asterisk (*). All others are eig ht hours.

April 23* Stress Management Lauderhil I, Fla. April 23* Time Management Lauderhil I, Fla. Nutrition/Sports Physiology April 30 White Pia ins. N.Y. May 1 Competitive Doubles Patterns Cleveland . Ohio May 1 Creative Programming La Quinta , Calif.

May 7 Strategy and Tactics Ponte Ve dra Beach, Fla. May 7 Competitive Doubles Patterns Detroit, Mich.

May 7 Creating a Total Service Organization Burnsville, Minn.

May 13* Team Coaching Stratton, Vt. May 13* Pro Shop Operations Stratton, Vt. May 15* Motor Learning Stratton, Vt. May 20* Stress Management Tucson, Ariz.

May 20* Time Management Tucson , Ariz.

June 2* Motor Learning/Sports Psychology Wesley Chapel, Fla. June 5* Stress Management Wesley Chapel , Fla. June 5* Time Management Wesley Chapel, Fla. July 10 Junior Development Torrance, Calif.

Stringing, Gripping & Equipment Consulting Stratton, Vt. July 25

Conventions May May May May

12-15 20-22 20-22 31-June 5

Stratton , Vt. Albany, N y TUGSOn, Ariz.

Wesley Chapel Fla.

New England Division Eastern Division Southwest Division Florida Division

Division meetings/activities April 18 April 23 April 24 April 30-May 1 May 1 May 26 June 3 June 11 July 1 July 8-17 July 10 July 20

Mid-Atlantic Division New England Division Midwest Division San Diego Division Missouri Valley Division Texas Division Northwest Division Hawaii Division Northwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division

Virginia Beach , Va. Rocky Hi II, Conn.

Schaumb urg, Ill. San Dieg o, Calif.

Kansas City, Mo. Austin , Texas Richfield, Minn.

Honolulu, Hawaii Richfield , Minn.

Homewood, Ill. Glenbroo k, Ill. Oakbrook t Ill.

US PfA Schools of Teaching July 22-24 August 13-14

Playing School School of Tennis Teaching

Maywood N.J. Maywood , N.J. I

Coaches Workshops April 24 April 24 May 22

Eastern Division Midwest Division Southern Division

Tennis Teachers' Courses May 18-20 June 2-4 July 21-23

Fountain Valley,. Calif Nashville, Tenn.

Nashville, Tenn .

Bronx, N.Y Schaumburg, Ill. Louisville, Ky. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one -half the course fee. This sche dule is subject to change. Fo r more information, call the USPT.A Membership Department at (713) 97-USPTA.

l

Relationship with media

Women are focus

(continued from page 12)

(continued from page 17)

4

will keep in touch with the professional and encourage her to complete the membership application process.

The Women's Committee serves as a liaison between USPTA's local and national levels; and works to help women members become recognized for their achievements, become more visible and involved in the tennis industry, and prepare for divisional and national roles within the Association. The 19-member committee comprises a national chairwoman a vice chairwoman and representatives from the 17 U.S. divisions.

The Women's Committee has had many accomplishments since its inception. For example, it assisted in providing housing at the USPTA nternational Tennis Teachers Championships in Key Biscayne, Fla. consulted to increase the prize money distribution for women at all USPTA national tournaments; created a Women's Committee seminar at all national conventions; and nominated Billie Jean King as an honorary member of the USPTA. o

Supply news in a form the media prefers. A news release is the most common way to inform the media about news. Releases should be typed , doublespaced , with a contact name and number (daytime and evening) included. The date the release is sent and a release date (usually FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) belong in the upper-right corner.

The headline and the five Ws and H (who, what, when , where, why and how) belong in the first and second paragraphs, and facts, not opinions, should be stated. Quotes from one or two people involved in the event make a release more interesting. One should anticipate questions an interested person might ask, and answer them in the body of the release. Spelling and grammar always should be checked thoroughly.

If possible, photos (black and white are preferred) protected by cardboard should be sent with the release. The subjects should be identified on the back of the photo. One should not send the only copy of the photo, as it likely won 't be returned .

The majority of news releases are thrown away after a quick glance. However, if news has local interest, interest to the media's particular audience, and the release is written well , the chance of the news being· used increases dramatically.

Supply news at the appropriate time.

When reporting about an upcoming event, news releases should be sent to media well in advance (two to three months ahead).

A reminder news release should be sent as the eveint nears (one month ahead). Since magazines have particularly long lead times, they need news the furthest in advance.

Follow-up releases should be sent the day of the event, or immediately afterward. Daily newspapers have an abundance of news to cover and time is of the essence. It is important to call to find out editorial deadlines, and to supply a release well in advance of them.

One may follow up with a phone call , but should not pester the person who received the release. It is important to remember that editors and writers usually receive a very large number of news releases and are very busy.

Thank the media when appropriate.

If the media covers your event, a short thank-you note can make a tremendous impact, and increase the chance of events being covered in the future.

5

6

..

The key to working with local media is understanding their needs. Doing this makes it easier to publicize club activities, tennis programs, USPTA events and any other newsworthy events which might happen. o

Since turning pro in 1989, MaliVai Washington has risen from 199th to 13th in the ATP world rankings.

..... ....

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Boca Raton Resort and Club (continued from page 19) or club members book rooms based on their recommendations. The 10 percent commission (on room charges only) does not apply to reservations made by USPTA members and their families.

The 365-acre resort offers many amenities to its guests, including a half mile of private beach along the Atlantic Ocean with water sports facilities. With more than 960 rooms, USPTA members may choose from suites in The Cloister, the 27-story Tower, the Boca Beach Club and the golf villas. Three complete fitness centers provide a wide array of cardiovascular and weight training equipment, along with a basketball half-court, four racquetball courts, hydra-fitness equipment, and aerobic and toning classes.

While the adults are away, the children are at play with the resort's supervised daily recreational programs available throughout the year. With four programs geared toward specific age groups, children are treated to special activities, excursions at the resort and educational sessions.

For more information about reservations and accommodations, contact the Boca Raton Resort and Club at (800) 327-0101 or at PO Box 5025, Boca Raton, Fla. 33431-0825.

For more information about the benefits available to USPTA members at the resort, contact the Sports Marketing Department at the USPTA World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA. o

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USPTA seeks Director of Education The oldest and largest organization of tennis-teaching professionals in the world seeks someone with a strong background n tenn s-teach ng writing , editing and administration .

Organizational ski s mportant.

Master's degree in education or related field preferred. Minimum five years teaching experience required .

Duties include supervising Education Department developing and improving courses and convention seminars, writing grant proposals, coordinating educational events, managing projects, working with allied organizations. No phone calls, please. Send resume to: USPTA World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston , Texas 77042 Attention : Search Committee. Resumes must be received by May 1

US PTA • USf»TA member Bev Raws of Boston, director of tennis at the Boston Athletic Club, recently was appointed chair of the USPTA Women's Committee, and Beth Barden (USPTA) of Kenosha, Wis. was ap- Bev Raws pointed vice chair.

Barden is the director of tennis at the Oak Lawn (Ill.) Park District Racquet Club and the women's team head tennis coach at DePaul University n Chicago.

The two women are directing the women's membership drive, which begins in April.

Raws replaces Kathy O'Neal of Beth Barden Pembroke Pines,

Fla. who resigned after assuming new positions at two companies in addition to her consulting firm O'Neal has served the Women's Committee for nine years, starting as a divisional women's liaison .

• USPTA pro Mike Goitein is the newly appointed Peter Burwash International tennis director for the Tokyo Bay Hilton International.

Goitein , a former editor at Racquet magazi ne, has begun collaboration with William Reed on a book combining tennis instruction with Ki (Japanese for 'internal energy" ), a form of martial arts.

• Mark Campanile, USPTA member, has joined Bow Brand USA as technical adviser.

Campanile is a USRSA certified racquet technician and certification tester. He also is a member of the USTA and USRSA's string testing staff • More than 300 people attended the USPTA Texas Division annual convention and Southwest Buying Show. The Texas Division named Sally Schwartz Professional of the Year. Schwartz is the director of junior tennis at Canyon Creek Country Club (Richardson , Texas) .

Other award winKim Barry ners were Kim Barry, Female Player of the Year· Bobby McKinley, Maie Player of the Year· and Dick King, Coach of the Year. Marcia Rodriguez received the division's Community Service Award .

• USPTA pro Dino Bondallian is a new member of the Hawaii Pacific Tennis Association board of directors. Bondallian is director of player development at the Keahou Beach Hotel.

He has been chosen USPTA Hawaii Division Professional of the Year Dino Bondallian twice, and is a former USPTA division president.

• USPTA member Jack Kramer held a tennis clinic for USPTA pros and Iowa high school tennis coaches at Maharishi International University (Fairfield , Iowa) in March

Texas Division Professional of the Year Sally Schwartz (left) is congratulated by division President Randy Mattingly.

The clinic, 'Playing Percentage Tenn s, provided opportunities for coaches to participate in drills that ncorporate percentage tenn s tactics. The event was sponsored by the USPTA Missouri Valley Division Jack Kramer Wilson Racquet Sports and the Iowa High School Coaches Association .

USTA • The USTA Texas Section awarded USPTA member Chuck Sanchelli with the 1993 Community Service Award . He has served as a volunteer with Houston and Texas tennis for more than seven years.

• The USTA Southern Tennis Association Wheelchair Tennis Committee will give five $100 scholarships to the Randy Snow Wheelchair Tennis Camp on Hilton Head Island, S.C. The scholarships will help provide training for junior wheelchair tennis (continued on page 24) ADDvantage April 1994

23

Industry action

(continued from page 23)

players at the camp, May 6-8.

To nominate a player, send recommendations by April 20 to STA Wheelchair Tennis Committee, care of Jeanie Peabody, 1124 Lower Woodville Road, Natchez, Miss.

39120.

Member product showcase • Jim Taylor, Ph.D., USPTA member, has released the third edition of The Mental Edge for Competitive Tennis, a manual that provides simple and practical information, techniques and exercises for tennis professionals. Topics include tennis confidence, intensity, concentration , motivation and tennis imagery. For more Jim Taylor, Ph.D. information, write Taylor at P.O. Box 10205, Aspen , Colo. 81612 , or call (303) 920-4520.

• The Four Seasons Resort Nevis tennis program, directed by USPTA affiliate member Peter Burwash International, is offering two new, year-round , luxury tennis vacation packages in Charlestown , Nevis, part of the country of St. Kitt in the West Indies.

The advanced package, starting at $2 ,950 (for two people) , includes seven nights with seven hours of instruction, group clinics, dinner with the PBI pro, and Peter Burwash's Tennis for Life instruction book.

The basic package, starting at $400 a night for two people, includes one hour of instruction and breakfast and dinner for two for every night's stay.

The PBI tennis director is USPTA pro Greg Smith. For more information about the vacation package, call PBI World Club, at (713) 363-4707 To register, call (809) 469-1111 • USPTA professional Dr Martin Vinokur's 22nd annual Tennis: Europe tournament tour for juniors, ages 14-18, is scheduled for this summer. The 14-member teams will compete in Europe, Russia and Canada, and in California and Hawaii. Two $2 ,000 scholarships are available. For more information about Tennis: Europe, call (800) 253-7486, or write to Vinokur at 146 Cold Spring Road , No. 13, Stamford, Conn.

06905.

24

ADDvantage April 1994

Manufacturers • Wilson Racquet Sports has entered into a five-year agreement with the Monarch Luggage Company to produce a new line of Wilson sports bags, luggage, duffel bags, business cases and backpacks. The new bags will be available through department stores, sporting goods stores, discount stores, luggage store:;; and through mail order.

• For the second year in a row, Ashaway was named the official string of the Easter Bowl Tennis Tournament. The tournament was held March 27 through April 2 at the Doral Resort in Miami • Malibu Tennis Accessories Inc. has produced a new line of tennis racquet string , which consists of three string types designed for players ranging from beginner to professional. The three styles are the Classic Synthetic Gut, the Super Synthetic 401 and the Super Synthetic 801 • n 1993, four of the world 's top 10 male players, including No. 1 Pete Sampras and No.2 Michael Stich, used Babolat string .

Also, eight players among the top 10 women used Babolat products, including Steffi Graf and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.

Pro tours • Pete Sampras, Jim Courier and Cedric Pioline will return to the Indianapolis Tennis Center in August for the 1994 RCA Championships. Tickets for the Aug. 13-21 event are available by mail at the tournament office, 815 W. New York St. ndianapolis, nd .

46202 , or by calling (800) 622-LOVE. • Natalia Zvereva defeated Chanda Rubin in the final of the Virginia Slims of Chicago, 6-3, 7-5, in February, winning her first singles title in 74 events played since 1990.

• Manuela Maleeva-Fragniere officially retired from the WTA Tour after defeating Iva Majoli, 6-1 4-6, 7-5, in the final of the Asia Women's Open in Osaka, Japan her 19th title since her pro career began in 1982.

Associations • BMW will sponsor the 1994 Southern Tennis Association (STA) mixed doubles league, which is now referred to as the BMW/STA Mixed Doubles League. Thewinner will have the use of a new BMW for one year.

• The 1994 edition of the Stringer's Digest, published by the United States Racquet Stringer's Association, offers information on stringing patterns for newly released tennis, squash racquetball and badminton racquets, plus updated recommendations from manufacturers on proper frame tensions. The new edition is free with USRSA membership. For more information, call Phyllis Zarro, USRSA membersh ip director, at (619) 481 -3545.

• The Club Managers Association of America announced its new 1994 Board of Directors: William Schultz, president ; Norman Spitzig, vice president; George Carroll, secretary-treasurer· and Richard Kolasa (USPTA member), immediate past president. New national directors are Dennis Ahearn, William Arseneaux and Harry Waddington.

• Tennis magazine and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association have created the Tennis magazine Collegiate Journalism Award to honor a college student interested in a career as a tennis writer. The winner will be selected using the following criteria: published writing samples; an essay· recommendations from professors, a sports information director or school paper adviser and the student's grades. For information on how to apply, call the ITA at (609) 258-6332.

• In a little more than a year, the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS Inc. has raised more than $3 millio~ at tournaments, and has had booths at more than 100 tennis events around the world . The foundation's educational TV spot, translated into English , French , Spanish and German, has been aired voluntarily by TV networks worldwide.

• The Baton Rouge Wheelchair Tennis Association will host the Cajun Classic Southern Grand Prix Wheelchair Tennis Championships and the Southern Regional Junior Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Baton Rouge, La. April 29-30 and May 1 The events will be at the Louisiana State University tennis courts and field house. For more information call (610) 445-5101 or (504) 343-3347

MiscellaJIV .;

• Germania of America Inc. has acquired all of the interest in Bluewater Bay Resort, previously owned by a group of investors affi iated with Eurepco Management Company. Germania now owns 50 percent of the tennis and golf resort located in northwest Florida.

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