V-antagel
magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals
In this issue. USPTA introduces a new clay court tournament USPTA's Tennis Across America program guide
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the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals
Volume 19 — Issue 3 The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Kathy Woods First Vice President Kurt Kamperman Vice President Will Hoag Joseph Thompson Jim Davis Dave Porter Secretary/Treasurer Mark McMahon Past President Gordon Collins WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO Tim Heckler Director of Operations Rich Fanning Executive Assistant Marty Bostrom Director of ShawnaRiley Communications Marketing/Business John lamborello Operations Magazine Coordinator Julie Myers Sports Marketing Karen Unger Coordinator Sports Marketing Sharon Jasmer Assistant' Public Relations Dan Soine Coordinator Corporate Services Christl Call Manager Secretary Dale Henry Computer Services and Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Director of Education Kirk Anderson Education Coordinator Susan A. Thompson Membership/Education Sharon Duste Assistant Membership/Education Karen Mahon Assistant Membership/Education Vicky Tristan Assistant Financial Manager Renee Heckler Controller Theresa Weatherford Insurance/Merchandise Ellen Schmidt Services Receptionist Cindy Sauer Director of Certification George Bacso and Academies Co-Director of Academies Bill Tym Advertising/Marketing Phone (713) 97-USPTA Information LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-Law Paul Waldman ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association. For information, write the World Headquarters USPTA One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone (713) 97-USPTA or fax (713) 978-7780 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1995. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this magazine is not permitted without written permission from the publisher.
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March 1995
On the cover River Oaks Country Club in Houston is the site of the 19^5 USPTA National Clay Court Championships.
SPECIAL SECTION USPTA's Tennis Across America program guide This issue contains a complete program guide for running a USPTA Tennis Across America clinic. The pullout section includes promotional tips, press information, suggestions on how to run clinics, and guidelineson round-robin formats andcompetition. Pull it out and get started on your Tennis Across America clinic today!
FEATURES 13 14 15 16 18
USPTA hosts new clay court tournament at River Oaks Tournament registration form Market tennis facility events with Tennis Across America™ Tennis Across America registration form Develop sensory and arousal awareness for mental toughness by Gary Alan Sailes, Ph.D. 20 Bryan Shelton shares goals as player, teaching professional 32 Pro Penn quarterly discount
DEPARTMENTS 3 President's message: Thought you might be interested by Kathy Woods 5 CEO's message: USPTA's Tennis Across America™: A new name for program designed to grow our game by Tim Heckler 6 Growing the Game: Tennis not sacred; it's time for change by Jim Reffkin 8 Letters 10 Little Tennis talk: USPTA member, Oregon club adopt local schools 11 Little Tennis tips: Teaching pros share tips for teaching children 17 Off-court focus: Mary Jane Donnalley Tennis shapes life of USPTA member 26 Ask the professor: Cure faulty follow-through without over-teaching by Jack Groppel, Ph.D. 28 Dates that rate 29 Industry action 31 USPTA marketing tips: Smart marketing makes country club pro shop succeed ADDvantage March 1995
1
tennis
presents
emorative Collection Featurin in
ots of the game's greatest players II 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 100 Park Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Presidents message
Thought you might beinterested Kathy Woods, President
I
get lots of interesting questions about my role as president and many about the business of the USPTA and what we spend our time doing. Well,, here's an attempt Satisfying endorsee relationships. Looking for additional funds and sponsors for all of our exciting ideas. Evaluating legal issues and concerns. Pouring over budgets and financial statements. Continuing to improve tests, the classification system and the education program. Projecting the accurate professional image and worth of USPTA members to your employers. Standardizing divisional operations so you get the same benefits for your dues dollar, no matter where you live. Marketing the sport, getting more people to play and pay attention to tennis. Organizing our showcase national convention. Providing more competitive venues for you to 'do battle.' Finding ways to better communicate with you. Helping less-advantaged youth learn to play tennis. Brainstorming with tennis industry leaders and finding our niche in 'the plan' to spark another boom And most importantly, prioritizing the importance of all of the above!
dents, the national board of directors (that's me and the guys), and three of our past national USPTA presidents. Our staff in Houston, under the direction of CEO Tim Heckler, provides us with much of our business information. We meet at our Houston office at the World Headquarters and discuss the above mentioned issues and report on our committee activities. It is a three-day affair fully loaded with business. We have one day of planned discussion organized and run by divisional leaders, appropriately named the Division Leaders Workshop. This year, it's Mike Owens, regional V.P from the Midwest Division at the helm with able assistance from Harry Gilbert, prez of Florida, and Kevin
Hamilton, prez of Mo. Valley. The next two days, we are in executive session, complete with Robert's Rules of Order, business attire and other formalities which keep us running smoothly, punctually and sometimes gives us time for some evening tennis and pizza. So, April 21-23, we will be meeting. Now you know what it is. And if you have any concerns as a member, this is the time to contact your divisional president. If you need any assistance, call the World Headquarters. If you think of something anytime, write to any of us on the national board. Our next board meeting is in June. I'll explain that one some other time. <o>
And, I have left a lot out. This is what the staff and leaders of the USPTA think about and work on every day. And in April, we all get together for a big meeting of our USPTA Executive Committee appropriately named the April Executive Committee meeting. What is the Executive Committee and what does it mean for you, you ask? The Executive Committee is all the divisional presidents and regional vice presi-
USPTA Executive Committee ADDvantage March 1995
3
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CEO's message
USPTA's Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘: A new name for program designed to grow our game Tim Heckler, CEO
T
J_he .he logo and name have changed along the way, but USPTA's Tennis Across America has been successful in accomplishing what it was designed to do introduce tennis to thousands of potential players each year. When USPTA first introduced USPTA's Across America Tennis Day back in 1990, it did so in response to a call from the former Tennis ndustry Council The council requested that each vital industry group create a project to promote tennis to current, former and prospective recreational players. USPTA answered the call by developing a program that accomplished this goal literally and symbolically. The one-day event recruited thousands of tennis-teaching professionals to teach free clinics and host fun events on the second Saturday in May. USPTA hoped the symbolic effect of having clinic participants hit millions of tennis balls on courts across the nation would have a positive residual impact on teaching professionals, players and promoters of the game. The fact we will celebrate the sixth annual event this year is proof of the program's success. Tennis Across America is USPTA's flagship sports marketing event. It may have begun on one Saturday in 1990, but it has grown into a multifaceted event that reaches
hundreds of thousands of people through three distinctive program segments. It reaches people of all levels and backgrounds, providing them with free clinics, programs for special interest groups and a follow-up program to promote a continued interest in tennis. About 1,500 professionals volunteered to host free clinics for the inaugural event in 1990. Since then, the number of USPTA members who host activities has increased each year. About one-quarter of our membership 2,500 professionals hosted one-day or multicultural clinics in 1994. Although the program has gained momentum each year, we've seen the most dramatic growth in the multicultural segment of Tennis Across America. We began the program in Guam in 1991 and the special clinics crisscrossed the country, ending up on the White House tennis court. We hosted only 13 clinics that year, but the number increased to 25 clinics in 1992, 51 clinics in 1993 and 80 clinics in 1994. We hope to host 100 clinics this year for inner-city youth, senior citizens, wheelchair athletes and many other groups. USPTA's Tennis Across America has evolved into an event with a great potential to grow the game of tennis. Thus, we dropped the Day' in the name, and we've stressed the far-reaching effects of our
multicultural phase and follow-up programs. The multicultural clinics usually begin in March and some continue past the second Saturday in May. And, we encourage all clinic hosts to promote a follow-up program of lessons and leagues to retain player interest. By using a one-day clinic as a springboard to other tennis activities, each teaching professional is limited only by his or her imagination. All segments of Tennis Across America have received tremendous industry support through donations of equipment. Because of this support, USPTA is able to leave equipment at sites throughout the country to encourage new players to continue to play tennis, take lessons and join tennis leagues. We're excited about the work we are doing, and we want this excitement to be communicated to the public and industry leaders. It is important for everyone to understand what we are doing, since teaching professionals are the best group to deliver programs to the grassroots. We're asking teaching professionals to make Tennis Across America a priority program this year. We feel the collective efforts and support of our members will strengthen the grassroots network, making it stronger and more effective. This, in turn, will make USPTA's Tennis Across America a success at growing the game, e> ADDvantage March 1995
5
Tennis not sacred; it's time for change by Jim
Reffkin
JL n order to have progress, there must be change. To prevent tennis from plunging in popularity and participation, we must act immediately. First, we must realize that tennis is not sacred, and like everything else, it must change with the times (see sidebar, Small Changes for a Big Difference). If it doesn't, media coverage of tennis most certainly will continue to decline, as will general participation. It is simple cause and effect exciting television coverage promotes participation. The game itself promoted as a lifetime sport, is not going to bring in waves of new players. Sure, USPTA- and USTA-volunteer programming and promotions have been critical in increasing the player base. But without media attention, we're down five games to love in the third set! As teaching professionals, we would like to 'grow the game,' and think we are doing as much as we possibly can under the existing circumstances. So, how do other sports continue to increase participation and popularity? It's simple. Other sports change and we don't. Very few products or institutions, if any, have not changed to fit the current needs of the consumer. The tremendous changes that have taken place in other sports have been initiated by the owners and hired personnel, not the
players and participants. Other than the tiebreak, tennis has been static for the last 50 years.
Television has lost interest in tennis To grow the game, we must have a spectator sport that attracts new players and motivates existing ones. As a spectator sport, tennis has some big problems television has lost interest. Wimbledon's TV rights, expiring on NBC, aren't high on CBS's list, according to CBS Broadcast Group President Howard Stringer. don't share the enthusiasm for tennis, he told the TV Critics Association. Tennis is rapidly becoming like watching grass grow.'
Desperate for exposure If tennis had owners who were looking for profits from the game, we would have had a variety of changes in tennis over the years. They never would have allowed the game to become so incompatible with television. After this year's televised World Cup, soccer officials immediately responded to the reaction of the viewing public by changing the aerodynamics of the ball to increase scoring and offer more excitement to viewers. Tennis has very little television coverage, and what we have is awful. Football, basketball and baseball continuously fine tune their
games every year for the viewing public. Television demands change to stay competitive. All sports, except tennis, have two things in common: they have a powerful rules committee that adjusts the game, even when it does not show signs of becoming stale; and they never allow their sports to become unmanageable and unexciting to network television. This sense of urgency has allowed major sports to increase both the viewing and participating public. Tennis unfortunately, is not capable of the same kinds of change enjoyed by other sports. The USTA Rules Committee has never been given a mandate to change the game. To make things more difficult, the USTA is locked into cooperating with the International Tennis Federation and the ATP Tour. Other sports in the United States do not have to worry about international federations. It doesn't matter if basketball is played differently in Europe. What matters is the potential for tennis growth in the United States. Let's grow the game, o Growing the Game is a new segment that feature members who have taken strides to improve the state of the tennis industry. If you have done something special to help grow the game, send in a description to the World Headquarters.
Small changes for a big difference It doesn't take monumental changes to grow the game. Teaching professionals can make small changes which will make tennis more fun and increase participation, Amateur tennis • Eliminate the third set — play a tiebreak instead. • Eliminate side changes — only change at the end of each set. • Eliminate let services and first serve — all shots will be played the same, including the serve. • Eliminate single sticks — net height will be the same for both singles and doubles. : • ;:: ; ; Like other sports, junior tennis must have special concessions for participants' ages and skill levels.
6
ADDvantage March 1995
Scale the length of matches to the age level — four-game sets (first one to four wins). Two-bounce rule — compatible for beginning junior tennis players. Promote and take to the next level compass draws — rank players accordingly. Generate junior NTRP rankings — yearly USTA ranking system is too slow. Serve underhand from a position closer to the net — the serve is the most difficult shot for young beginners. Coordinate programs with interscholastic tennis — emphasize junior development programs during high school interscholastic tennis seasons. Emphasize junior doubles — create programs that will encourage this. Emphasize regional events — quit putting all our competitive marbles in
national events and save money for participants. For special situations, creativity will excite your tennis constituency. • Shoot-outs — one-point tournaments with either singles or doubles elimination. • Tiebreak events — tiebreak tournaments with men serving to men and women to women in doubles. • Solo-doubles — continuous changing of partners. This is great for mixers and players of all skill levels. • Handicap — develop handicaps for your competing players based on your own system. Don't show this handicap until entire scoring of matches is posted. Most importantly, the professional must separate recreational tennis from competitive tennis. They must be developed and promoted differently. e>
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IJLuFTT1? It M M. Ma Teaching pros are the solution An open letter to Joe Thompson, USPTA Vice President Dear Joe: Your reaction to my Tennis magazine article on teaching pros missed my point. You conclude that I think that the teaching pro is responsible for the decreased popularity of tennis. After all the times you've heard me say we pros are the solution not the problem. n case any other of our fellow pros come to the conclusion that my article was demeaning, let me be clear. The teaching pro is more important than the USTA, ATP ITF or any other alphabet soup organization because, in my view, to turn tennis around, "participation is the key and teaching pros are the key to participation." Of course, tennis pros are more than game arrangers. A lot more, Where there are great pros, tennis is booming. That's the point. Pros are the solution not the problem. The paradox is that you are my hero because you epitomize what I'm talking about. You and your Intermountain Division, through the USPTA leagues, are master game arrangers. Don't you get it? Pros are the solution not the problem. Joe, you claim that I'm an idealist, and you re right. But it was action not idealism when, as President of the ATP led 80 of the world's top tennis players to withdraw from Wimbledon for a principle that changed the face of pro tennis. Now the ATP Tour dominates men's pro tennis. 'm still an idealist, know that there is no more potentially potent force for the good of tennis than a powerful USPTA. dream of the day that the Association, of which you are a leader, becomes proactive and realizes that potential dream about the tennis equivalent of the Republicans 'Contract With America, where leaders define a new agenda for tennis pros. Where the USPTA, instead of following the lead, becomes the leader. Tennis pros are the solution, not the problem. To reiterate from my Tennis magazine article: "Participation is the key." The one group that can make participa8
ADDvantage March 1995
tion grow is the teaching pros, without a doubt, the most underused tennis resource in this country.' The tennis pro is far more important to the success of tennis at a club than a golf pro is to the success of golf The point person who can and should make sure that everyone finds the right game is the teaching pro. The teaching profession does a lot to help grow the game but it could do more. Participation is the key to pro event attendance, TV viewership, equipment sales and the next tennis boom, but no group will benefit more than USPTA pros. Sincerely, Cliff Drysdale USPTA received many phone calls and letters in support of Joe Thompson's editorial in January's ADDvantage magazine. In an effort to publish some of these letters, we were able to include only excerpts because of space limitations. Editor. Dear USPTA, agree with Joe Thompson with regard to Cliff Drysdale's article in Tennis magazine titled, How Professional Is Your Teaching Pro?' We, as an organization and as individuals, have never worked harder than we are right now to promote the game, keep members of our clubs happy, and support club owners. There are thousands (not scores) of terrific, well-qualified pros currently in the field. There are very few of the "racquet back, bend your knees, that'll be forty dollars please' pros around these days, and to imply that there are is demeaning to our profession. The USPTA, through its Continuing Education Program, has made a tremendous effort to ensure that its members are up-to-date and well-informed. Sincerely, Bill Bond, regional vice president San Diego Division Dear USPTA, After reading Cliff Drysdale's article in December's Tennis magazine, have received several calls from USPTA ntermountain professionals who were as surprised and disappointed as
Fortunately, Joe Thompson once again has had the courage to stand up for the tennis-teaching professional. If the public, and more specifically managers and owners, perceive us as just 'game arrangers' and ball bumpers, our profession is in trouble. His article in January's ADDvantage magazine, USPTA professionals doing their part was right on. Thanks again Joe! Jim Swiggart, president USPTA Intermountain Division Dear USPTA, Cliff Drysdale has always had my highest respect as a leader and spokesman of the tennis industry, and he still does. But, had a little problem with his article, think the average person who reads this is going to get steered in the wrong direction. What Joe Thompson had to say in his article interpreted as his way of standing up for teaching professionals, as he is elected to do. The USPTA professional definitely has been overlooked for their efforts, as Joe stated. Sincerely, Angel Lopez, president San Diego Division Dear USPTA, Joe Thompson's response to Cliff Drysdale's article in Tennis magazine was a much more accurate portrayal of the certified professionals out in the field and how we are working to build tennis back to its former glory. We shouldn't all be lumped together, and it shouldn't be implied that our club members aren't getting what they deserve. Today, asked 10 of my members what they thought my primary obligation was, and got six different answers, not one of which was to be a game arranger. Ted Meyer, president Middle Atlantic Division ADDvantage magazine welcomes your comments. Letters should be typed and signed and may be sent to ADDvantage, USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042. For more information on submitting articles for publication, write to the same address, or call (713) 97-USPTA.
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BY U)i£aon,
USPT4 member, Oregon club adopt local schools
M
.ore and more USPTA professionals are using USPTA Little Tennis to reach children in the community who otherwise might not have the chance to play tennis. In Oregon, USPTA member David Andrews, Ph.D. has developed a program in which he uses Little Tennis and club members to introduce children to tennis in local schools. The goals of the Little Tennis School Match Program are to increase tennis participation through USPTA Little Tennis, encourage the tennis community to get involved with high-risk youth by 'adopting' schools, and provide a funding mechanism for school-based Little Tennis programming. This'is a great way to getclub members involved in the community,' said Andrews, a researcher for the Oregon Social Learning Center. It is an opportunity to take advantage of the strength and enthusiasm of club members who are willing to share their time and money.' The Eugene Swim and Tennis Club, where Andrews works part time as a sport psychologist, adopted two schools in January to test the program. Andrews hopes that other clubs and recreational facilities will get involved. Responsibilities of the Elementary school children enjoy the benefits of being "adopted" by a club adopting facilities include providing training, and through the Little Tennis School Match Program. volunteer support and equipment, if necessary, toward the implementation of USPTA Little Tennis in high-risk elementary schools for kindergarten through third (which is donated to the school), customize the program and grade students. train volunteers. Andrews suggests a series of steps a club or tennis associa5. Volunteers from the adopting facility work with the USPTA tion and its USPTA professional should follow to adopt a school. professional and physical education teacher to implement the USPTA Little Tennis program. 6. The adopting organization challenges other community 1 The local USPTA professional assists a facility/organization tennis organizations to adopt additional schools. in discussions with the local school district and schools about implementing a USPTA Little Tennis program. 2. The facility, with leadership from the USPTA professional, Both schools adopted by the Eugene Swim and Tennis Club selects a school and solicits participation from the physical received the program enthusiastically. One school has the education teacher. means to purchase Wilson Tennis Carnival™ and mr. peeWee 3. The organization, with leadership from the USPTA profestennis® equipment, and it plans to make USPTA Little Tennis part of its curriculum. Club members are raising money through sional, raises funds to purchase the necessary equipment contributions and fund-raisers to purchase equipment for the and help compensate the USPTA professional other school Money raised also will compensate the teaching 4. The USPTA professional works with the adopted school's professionals for their time. physical education teacher to purchase the equipment
Send your Little Tennis teaching information, tips and photos to USPTA, ADDvantage magazine, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042.
10
ADDvantage March 1995
Teaching pros share tips for teaching children Warm-up exercises Playing 'Simon Says' is a good way to warm up, teach children court positions, and how to follow directions. With young players, the teaching professional should begin by telling them to go to certain places on the court. For example, 'Simon says, 'Run to the singles line. For older and more skilled players, the professional can make the commands more complicated. For example, 'Simon says, Hop to the net, then sprint to the service line. After teaching the children basic tennis positions, the game can be used as practice for them, such as "Simon says, 'Get into the ready position, side step, and turn to the forehand position. The professional can teach hitting movements the same way. Butch Seewagen Old Westbury, NY For a basic warm-up, have juniors go around the tennis court with the instructor, following certain directions, such as easy jog, skip, gallop, shuffle, march with knees high, or kick up heels behind. The following are more skill-specific warm-ups for children ages 4-7 Scoring racquet/ball relay — This exercise teaches movement and scoring. Place racquet at the net and four balls at the service line. Beginning at the service line, students pick up one ball, run forward and place the ball on the racquet, and call out the score: '15" for the first ball, '30' for the second ball '40' for the third ball, and 'Game' for the fourth ball. Knock down — Students start at the service line, take a ball out of the basket, run to the net, and toss or throw the ball across the net. The goal is to knock down their tennis racquets, which are standing on their ends at the opposite service line. After each time a student knocks down the racquet, she must call out the score. Line jumps — This exercise teaches coordination, jumping, names of court lines, and scoring. Students must run to a particular line and jump back and forth over the line four times, calling out the score (15, 30, 40, game). Roll (toss)/shuffle/catch — This teaches movement, tracking, throwing, tossing and scoring. One student or professional, who stays in a stationary position, rolls or tosses a ball to his partner, who shuffles to retrieve the ball. The retriever then tosses or throws the ball back to the stationary player. This is repeated four times, each time calling out the score. Magic racquet (magic ball) — The professional moves the racquet or ball to the right, left, forward or backward, and the students move in corresponding directions. This teaches movement and tracking. Balance beam — Students walk on the court lines like a balance beam, forward, backward and sideways, with or without
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a racquet. A variation of this exercise is to place a small bean bag on the student's head. Beans and cones — Students weave through a series of teaching cones with bean bags on their heads or balancing balls on their racquets. Line rolling — Students attempt to roll the ball along the lines of the court using the racquet. Pee wee hops — Students hop on one foot for five seconds. This helps teach balance. Hot potato — Students form a circle and toss the ball around the circle for one minute. They should count the number of catches they make, and try to break the record on the next attempt. This exercise helps teach teamwork, tossing, catching and counting. Rick Vetter Mequon, Wis.
Motor skill development Balance and timing are two keys for teaching children in the elementary school age level. Walking the court lines, jumping rope and running drills help teach basic footwork skills. An activity to teach the basic footwork for a right-handed forehand groundstroke is a pivot with the right foot and a step with the left foot. For the backhand, a pivot with the left foot followed by a step with the right foot should be practiced. The teacher should emphasize a knee bend and weight transfer. Ty Fuller Atlanta
Ball skill development Start elementary-age school children with basic tossing and catching skills. The professional can use a buddy system and begin drilling them with a two-handed underhand toss. Students then progress to a single-handed underhand toss, first with the right hand, then with the left. Later, the professional should have the students add a step with the corresponding foot, such as left foot/right hand and right foot/left hand. These activities also can be performed against a wall. Ty Fuller Atlanta
Racquet skill development Balloons work great for young children. They go slow, so children of any skill level can hit them. Also, balloons can be used indoors. They won't break mom's lamp, and dad can sit in his easy chair and hit with the child. By using an 8-inch round balloon, children can practice their serves and hitting back and forth. Jan Grover Suffolk, Va.
ADDvantage March 1995
Willis Gorroon Corporation of Georgia, in conjunction with USPTA, is proud to present a variety of benefits including:
Medical Dental Disability Life
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More details to follow in the coming months!
If you want to order Foundation logo patches, coordinate Foundation activities at your local club, or make a contribution please write to
The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, Inc. 100 Park Avenue, 10th Floor New York, N Y 10017 U.S.A. Phone (212)922-0096 Checks should be made payable to The Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS.Inc.
Graphic Design: Courtesy of Lee & Lothian Studio, NY
USPTA hosts new clay court tournament at River Oaks 'SPTA Us
professionals who like to compete on the courts will have the opportunity to do so at the $15,000 USPTA National Clay Court Championships, USPTA's newest national championship tournament. The USPTA National Clay Court Championships, sponsored by Wilson Racquet Sports, are scheduled May 2-7 at the River Oaks Country Club in Houston, site of the annual River Oaks nternational Tennis Tournament. The USPTA Pro Penn tennis ball is the official tournament ball
being the USPTA National Championships and the USPTA National Team Championships, both held annually in September. A tournament entry form is on page 14. For more information, call the USPTA World Headquarters. For airline and rental car information, contact Atlas Travel at (800) 338-6996. A list of local hotels is available from USPTA. River Oaks Country Club, founded in 1923,
has hosted the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931 This event attracts the world's top players. Ellsworth Vines was the inaugural champion. Other well-known players who have competed there include Boris Becker, Bjorn Borg, Michael Chang, Jimmy Connors, Jim Courier, Roy Emerson, Pancho Gonzalez, Jack Kramer, Rod Laver, Ivan Lendl and Bill Tilden. <o>
USPTA professionals will battle it out on the red clay courts at the River Oaks Country Club.
'We look forward to hosting the first-ever USPTA National Clay Court Championships in Houston," said Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA. The tournament will give USPTA members more opportunities to compete against their peers, many of whom are former and current tour players. The red clay event will feature singles and doubles draws in the following divisions: men's open, women's open, men's 35 and over and women's 35 and over. An open mixed doubles draw also will be held. The event is open to current national and international members of USPTA. Entry fees are $50 per singles event, and $20 per person for each doubles event. The entry deadline for singles is April 7 Doubles teams may register at the tournament site, however, preregistration is encouraged. The USPTA National Clay Court Championships is one of several national prizemoney events offered by USPTA, the others
USPTA national champions will have the chance to defend their rankings at the USPTA National Clay Court Championships. ADDvantage March 1995
13
1995 USPTA National Clay Court Championships At River Oaks Country Club, May 2-7, 1995 Sponsored by IDiC&Oll Racquet Sports $15,000 in Prize Money What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories
will be eligible. All membership requirements, including completion of the Certification Exam, must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the entry date of the tournament.
When: May 2-7,1995
Draw events: There will be five divisions of play
Where: River Oaks Country Club, Houston, Texas S.r,,c.aÂťdb,|ls: Prize money: $15,000, number of entries affect distribution Individual entry fees: $50/singles, $20/doubles. Singles entry and fees deadline, April 7 Doubles may register at tournament site, preregistration encouraged.
1 2. 3. 4. 5.
Men's Open (Singles & Doubles) Women's Open (Singles & Doubles) Men's 35 (Singles & Doubles) Women's 35 (Singles & Doubles) Open Mixed Doubles
Rules: USTA.
The Men's Open and 35 Singles draw will be limited to 64 (32 Doubles). The Women's Open & 35 Singles draw will be limited to 32 (16 Doubles) (must have eight entries to hold event). The Mixed Doubles draw will be limited to 32. Entries will be accepted on a first come basis with preference given to ranked players.
Dress code: Proper tennis attire. No T-shirts, tank tops or Capri tights. This includes practice courts.
Travel arrangements: Contact Atlas Travel (800) 338-6996 for airline and rental car information. A list of hotels will be available from USPTA World Headquarters.
Player eligibility: Only current national and international members of USPTA who have paid their 1995 dues and have fulfilled their continuing education requirements
Tournament staff: Van Barry, tournament director, Todd Taylor and Brad Bradham.
Match scoring: Regular match scoring, two of three tiebreaker sets.
S-c Mame Street City Phone ( Birthdate USPTA No. Doubles partner Birthdate Mixed doubles partner Birthdate
Ranking State
ZIP
)
D ATP/WTA.
D
MOS
D
D USPTA
D
M35S
D M35D
Women s
D USTA national _
SSNo.
D State
D WOS
n woo
D W/L record
D
D
Attach past and present ranking information if needed.
SSNo.
W35S
W35D
D MIXED DOUBLES
, hereby release
the United States Professional Tennis Association and River Oaks Country Club, its officers, directors and employees and tournament sponsors, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the 1995 USPTA National Clay Court Championships. I assume all risks inherent in my participation.
Entry deadline Singles $50
$
Doubles $20 /person $
Total enclosed $. Date:
MOD
D USTA sectional
SSNo. USTA No.
I,
Men's
Signed:
Mail this entry, along with your payment, to: 1995 USPTA National Clay Court Championships One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042
Make check payable to: USPTA
April 7, 1995
Market tennis facility events with Tennis Across America1 'SPTA's Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘ is the world's largest, free, grassroots tennis program, and was designed to stimulate interest in tennis and promote physical fitness. The three-phase program consists of a one-day event on May 13, multicultural clinics and a follow-up program. The one-day event is celebrated annually on the second Saturday in May, with clinics at clubs and facilities throughout the nation. The multicultural clinics target special groups of people who wouldn't ordinarily have the chance to try tennis. These clinics begin as early as March and continue through the summer. The follow-up program strives to maintain player interest in tennis with a series of clinics and group lessons.
Holding a USPTA Tennis Across America event can provide numerous opportunities to promote a club or facility and its activities. Tennis Across America is an industry-wide event and has received support from many companies. Penn Racquet Sports has provided continual support over the years. This year, Penn has agreed to donate 120 cases of USPTA Pro Penn tennis balls to Tennis Across America clinics. Holding a USPTA Tennis Across America event can provide numerous opportunities to promote a club or facility and its activities. If the event is held at the club or facility, widespread exposure is possible, especially if extensive public relations efforts are made. Television coverage and articles in local papers about the event will increase awareness of the club and its reputation. Tennis Across America also provides opportunities to promote leagues, camps,
tournaments, clinics and special lesson plans. The professional can hand out fliers and offer special discounts to Tennis Across America clinic participants. A professional may promote USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ during a Tennis Across America event by hosting a tennis carnival for children and parents. The professional can distribute the colorful Little Tennis brochures, which are available from the USPTA World Headquarters, to promote the club's Little Tennis programs. Introducing USPTA Little Tennis in conjunction with a Tennis Across America event can be exciting for people of all ages, and help promote the idea that tennis is fun. Teaching professionals can use USPTA's Tennis Across America event to promote a club's tennis program to club members who do not play tennis. Since Tennis Across America is for people of all ages, a professional may opt to hold an all-day, free tennis event and invite all club members to attend. By advertising the event throughout the club with fliers and in the club newsletter (with management's permission), the professional can let nonplaying members know about Tennis Across America and the activities the club is offering. Several USPTA members used Tennis Across America to promote or assist other tennis programs or events in 1994. USPTA member Danny Streiff of Charlotte, N.C. combined the Tennis Across America one-day event with the Jeff Adams Youth Foundation to reach disadvantaged children. More than 400 children participated. The Capital Area Professional Tennis Association in Austin, Texas, held a Tennis Across America event in conjunction with the (Texas) University Interscholastic League (UIL) State High School Tennis Tournament. The event hosted top high school tennis players and gave all attendees a chance to win free prizes and participate in match play with local professionals and celebrities. The event drew more than 400 people of all ages from Texas. The Peninsula Covenant Church Community Center hosted the third annual Pro Penn Pro-Am tennis tournament in conjunction with Tennis Across America. The amateurs' entry fees were donated to a local high
school's boys' and girls' tennis teams. Included in this issue is a complete Tennis Across America program guide containing promotional tips, press information, outlines on how to run clinics and guidelines for round-robin formats. A registration form with a clipout coupon is on page 16. o>
Tennis Across America Divisional Coordinators California
Rick Acosta (310)868-9577
Eastern
Bob Litwin (516)767-0661
Florida
Frank Swope (407) 734-6877
Hawaii
Judy Weitz (808)261-3504
Intermountain
Melody Partrick (303) 733-2441
Middle Atlantic
Paul Cranis (301 924-3450
Middle States
Becky Cecere (717)566-9830
Midwest
Scott Simpson (217)443-4232
Missouri Valley
Russell Warner (918)299-2643
New England
Avis Murray (508) 283-0809
Northern California
Chris Bradley (415)851-8843
Northwest
Brian McCoy (612)490-0826
Pacific Northwest
Dennis Margoni (206) 352-0258
San Diego
Debra Schroeder (619)782-3555 Eduardo Sanchez (multicultural) (619)756-1123
Southern
Jonathan Mains (615)373-3988
Southwest
Jack Michalko (602) 263-5208
Texas
Chuck Sanchelli (713) 980-4219
ADDvantage March 1995
15
USPTA's TENNJS ACROSS AMERICA
TM
MAY 1J, 199*
is IT? USPTA's Tennis Across America is a nationwide grassroots tennis event sponsored by USPTA and held in three phases.
is ir? The Tennis Across America free, oneday clinics wil be Saturday, May 1 3, but multicultural clinics will be held before and after May 1 3 at more than 80 different sites throughout the country There also is a follow-up program to retain p ayer interest in 'the sport.
is T^E PURPOSE? To stimulate interest in tennis as a participation sport and as a means of maintaining physical fitness. New, existing and former players of the game are targeted in order to increase the player base.
WhAT ARE ThE ACTivmES?
Follow-up PROQRAM
Each facility will offerafree, basictennis clinic, followed by a social round-robin competition The size and scope of the activities will be determined by the
This important final phase can be used to extend the participation of pupils in the one-day clinic to five additional weeks through an organized lesson and league play program. Join your fellow USPTA pros for one of the largest grassroots events in tennis. For details on USPTA's Tennis Across America, cal the USPTA Sports Marketing Department at the USPTA World Headquarters.
participating pros. An outline of suggested activities and promotional tips wi be featured in ADDvantage magazine in March.
MutricutrimAl cLi ivies This phase is held in conjunction with
WliERE Will EVENTS be
the President's Counci on Physical Fitness
At clubs and public facilities across the nation.
and Sports to introduce to the sport those people not usually associated with tennis. These events are organized to promote the
IS IT llMITEd TO USPTA PROS?
No. Any teach ing professional is eligible to host activities at his or her facility
benefits of a physically fit and drug-free ifestyle. Anyone interested in hosting an event should contact the Sports Marketing Department at the USPTA World Headquarters.
How do I REqisTER iviy EVENT? Simply fill out the registration form, or cal USPTA World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782)
R FOR TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA! Please register your event by mailing this form to the address below Use additional sheets if needed. Yes, I will participate in USPTA's Tennis Across America as a/an
Q nost professional
Q assistant
Name USPTA member
D yes
d no
Street address
City My clinic/social wi
Division
Member number
Club/facility
State be open to:
D public
ZIP
Phone (
.(day)
D members only Call USPTA with questions: (713) 97-USPTA
Location of event Club/facility
Street address
City
State
The following people wi
ZIP
Phone
assist at my event: USPTA member
D yes
D no
Member number
USPTA member
D yes
D no
Member number
Please use additional sheets if necessary USPTA World Headquarters, One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 16
ADDvantage March 1995
USPTA's TENNIS ACROSS AMERICAâ&#x201E;˘ MAY 1995 Dear USPTA Professional This special issue of ADDvantage provides you with a complete program guide for running USPTA's Tennis Across America program. I hope each of you wi take part in the sixth annual event on May 13. By participating in this great grassroots effort, you help USPTA demonstrate the combined strength of its membership and its commitment to the overal growth of tennis. This pu lout section can be saved in a programming notebook for this and similar events. By including this material in /ADDvantage, we are offering all members more nstructional and programming information.
YOUR TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA kit CONTAINS: I
.Promotional tips that will help you to publicize your event.
I
Press information. Fill in the appropriate blanks on the press release and public service announcement sheets (photocopy or create your own if necessary) and deliver them to newspapers, and television and radio stations.
I
An optional outline on how to run 45- and 90-minute clinics and suggestions for social functions at your tennis facility for Tennis Across America. (You may modify the format of the clinic and social play, provided the event is publicized as a Tennis Across America event.)
I Helpful guidelines on round-robin formats and competition. This issue also contains a general explanation of Tennis Across America, which outlines the program's three phases and explains USPTA's campaign to ncrease the multicultural aspect of the program Also, for your convenience, we have included a ist of divisional coordinators for Tennis Across America, a brief synopsis of the programs and a clipout registration card. We urge you to contact the coordinator in your division if you have any questions or would ike to assist other pros in your area with their events. Enthusiastic and dedicated tennis-teaching professionals have made Tennis Across America one of our industry's most successfu grassroots programs. I want to thank you for your past support, and encourage you to hold an event on May 13 With your help, USPTA is helping the sport of tennis to grow With kind regards, I am, Sincerely, UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC.
PROMOTION checklisT USPTA's Tennis Across America is an excellent opportunity to promote tennis as a fun means of physical fitness and to generate publicity for you and your facility Whether your event is for the public or for club members only, the following steps to promote your clinic can help ensure its success: D Organize committees or solicit pros to assist with various aspects, such as public relations, refreshments and invitations to local dignitaries. D Contact local VIPs or dignitaries, such as city counci members, the mayor or local celebrities, and invite them to attend your clinic. Make one of them an honorary chairman, which would provide good photo opportunities for advance press releases and would encourage greater publicity through local media. D If you are hosting or assisting with a public cl nic, contact local volunteer groups, such as the Boys Club, the Girl Scouts or the local chamber of commerce, to help organize the event and to ncrease the number of participants. D Ask your facility or local parks and recreation department to donate racquets and tennis balls for participants who may be unable to provide their own D Encourage local, soft-drink bottling companies, snack distributors and restaurants to gain public exposure by providing free or low-cost refreshments for participants during the event. D Compile a local media ist of daily and weekly newspapers, television and radio stations, regional tennis publications and community newspapers, as wel as contacts at the USPTA national office. You also may wish to include the chamber of commerce, the local tourism bureau and school newspapers. Be sure to gather information regarding deadlines, too.
YOUR MEdiA L'IST should 'INCltdE The NAMES of CONTACTS FOR: Newspaper-
Sports editor, tennis writer, ifestyle editor, photo editor
Television
Sports director, news director, assignments editor
Radio:
News director, sports director, community program hosts
D Send a press release to those on your media ist announcing the event. You may type the appropriate information in the blank spaces on the sample press release provided, or you may create your own If you write your own press release, remember these basic rules: The press release should be typed and double-spaced, provide your name and phone number where people may reach you for more nformation, number and label each page; and check for proper spel ing and that all facts are correct. D Send a public service announcement to the television and radio stations on your media ist. You may use the sample public service announcement provided, or you may create your own. If you write your own, follow the same basic rules for press releases and be sure to include the length (30 seconds or 60 seconds) of the announcement for programming purposes. Remember that public service announcements are much shorter than releases for print media. D Encourage your students to invite friends and family to participate in the event. Remember, Tennis Across America is a great opportunity for introducing future programs to retain player nterest in the sport and n lessons. D Display the poster and sign-up sheet included in this packet at your faci ity or other locations where people wi see them D Appoint three people to take photographs of your event and send copies to the local newspaper, the USPTA national office for possible use in ADDvantege magazine, and to other publications. Remember to identify those in the photo (from left to right), the location of the event and the host professional. Also, be sure to include your name and phone number D Create a follow-up press release with information on the attendance, location, pros who participated and any notable happenings. This release should be sent to those on your media ist within 24 hours of the event (preferably the day of the event) Try to write the release before the cl nic, so that you simply may fi in the details at the end when time is more pressing. Copyright ÂŽ United States Professional Tennis Association Inc. 1995. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this material is not permitted without written permission of the publisher
UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC.
NewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNews
CONTACT (name)
(phone)
(cjate)
Local Club to Participate in USPTA's TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA in
wi
(club/facility)
(city)
be part of the nation's biggest tennis event on Saturday, May 13, that wi
involve hundreds of thousands of
players hitting mi ions of tennis balls, accord ng to
, (pro)
tennis professional at (club/facility)
USPTA's TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA, sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association, wi be free to the public and wi
feature a tennis clinic and a social round-robin tournament. Beginners and
advanced players, as wel as those who have never played tennis before, are invited to beginn ng at (club/facility)
to participate n this (time)
nationwide tennis event. "Mi ions of Americans already have discovered that tennis is an enjoyable way of keeping fit," Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA, said "Through this event, we hope to show mi ions more that it can be fun for them, too, and that tennis is a sport for ife." USPTA, the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of tennis-teach ng professionals, hosts TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA in conjunction with the President's Counci on Physical Fitness and Sports' National Physical Fitness and Sports Month The sixth annual event is designed to promote a healthy, drug-free ifestyle and tennis as a means of physical fitness.
For more nformation on USPTA's TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA, cal (name)
at
, or contact the USPTA World Headquarters at (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) (number)
-30-
*1 UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. Si
NewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsReleaseNewsRelease
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT TIME:
:30
CONTACT: (name)
(phone)
Join the fun Saturday, May 13, in a USPTA TENNIS ACROSS AMERICA free tennis clinic at The event, spon (club/facility)
sored by the United States Professional Tennis Association, will be held from to (starting time)
Be among the thousands of players hitting millions of (ending time)
tennis balls in this nationwide celebration of physical fitness and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Contact
at (name)
(phone)
for more details.
USPTA is a nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals.
-30-
USPTA's TM
PHONE:
CONTACT:
FOR MORE INFORMATION
TIME:
LOCATION:
U .s.
u
As
p,ro'
"
gjg^*2^ ^
MAY 13, 1995
ARE PLANNED FOR
THE FOLLOWING EVENTS
Tennis Across America ,1995^=
USPTA's ~
TENNJS ACROSS AMERICA"
cliNic/sociAl ROUNd RobiN NAME
DATE PHONE
CLINIC Yes
No
ROUND ROBIN Yes
No
USPTA's TENNJS ACROSS AMERJCA 1995
AN ourliNE oF suqqESTEd quidEliNEs ON: RUNNINq A 45'MiNUTE cllNlc, A cllNIC REVIEW ANd A 90'MINUTE, SOCJAl ROUNd
OPTIONS, such AS ExpANdiNq rhs cliNic TO 90 MINUTES.
RUN A 45'IVliNUTE CllNIC Introduce yourself and your staff to the participants. Briefly discuss USPTA and how it promotes tennis in the grassroots through programs such as USPTA's Tennis Across America, USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ and the USPTA Adult Tennis Leagued Point out the benefits of playing tennis and how your teaching programs can help improve their skills. The depth of your clinic wi depend upon the skil levels of participants. The following suggested guidelines are ideal for social-level players. For more advanced players, you may wish to incorporate a dri format. Start the clinic with five minutes of stretching exercises. Next, discuss the forehand and the backhand (10 minutes each). These strokes are basic enough to get participants involved in the game immediately Briefly explain A. Grips and the ready position B Backswing (emphasize simplicity and early preparation) C. Pivot and step (emphasize weight transfer) D Bounce-swing concept (emphasize contact point) E. Follow through and return to ready position Movement should be introduced for more advanced players. The nstructor should demonstrate each of the above points, then allow participants to hit balls fed by the instructor or bal machines. The procedure should last approximately 10 minutes each for the forehand and backhand.
REVIEW iks cliiMic Allow 10-15 minutes to review the points discussed in the clinic and have a question-and-answer session Explain the importance of regular practice and offer practice tips, such as how to use backboards and bal machines. This is a good time to distribute information on lessons and pro shop merchandise.
ThEN RUN A 90'MilNUTE, SOCIAL ROUNcI ROblN Rem nd the participants of the upcoming social round robin, then allow them to break for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, assign each player a number and begin with social round-robin doubles. (You may use the following round-robin schedule to simplify this procedure.) Play may be divided nto men's and women's doubles. This is a great public relations opportunity Have the teaching staff socialize with the participants and offer advice and tennis tips.
OprioNAl ACTJvmEs YOU CAN RUN AN OpTJONAl 90'MJNUTE cllNIC Follow the outline for a 45-minute clinic on the previous page. Then, over an additional 45 minutes, discuss the following shots at your discretion. First review the volley — which should be described as a simple, blocking motion that employs the elbow, not the shoulders — and then demonstrate it (5 minutes). A. Ready position —.distance from net, stance, D Punch motion — ittle or no backswing racquet position E. Contact point B Grip — firm wrist F Follow through C. Pivoting of shoulders — waist After the demonstration, al low the participants to vol ley with the nstructor(s), or with other partici pants (20 minutes). Next, discuss and demonstrate the serve (5 minutes). Since it is one of the more difficult strokes to learn, emphasize the need for coordination between the toss and the backswing. The serve must be practiced often and can be done without an opponent. Briefly explain D Height of toss as it relates to contact point, A. Grip and stance and position or location of toss Tossing motion (practice without backswing B E. motion) Completion of service with follow-through C. Backswing motion — combine toss and backswing Divide the group nto smaller groups on opposite sides of the court. One group serves, the other gathers the balls, then serves (15 minutes).
A FEW oxhER OPTIONS TO coNsidER Add A LUNCHEON Your social program can include a reasonably priced uncheon or cookout at the courts. The cookout should follow the clinic/round robin ExpANd yOUR ROUNd RobJN The round-robin format may be expanded to allow longer play If your club has a large junior program, you may wish to have the juniors participate n a clinic in the morning, followed by the adult session in the afternoon, with acookout n between This would allow your whole membership to participate in USPTA's Tennis Across America. CoNducr A FREE C!EMO If your faci ity has a pro shop, you may wish to conduct a free demo session to encourage your members to try new products. This also would be an excellent time to have a pro shop sale, since most shops are fu ly stocked with spring and summer goods. The options are endless — put your maginationtowork. USPTA's Tennis Across America is a great opportunity to increase lessons, pro shop sales and exposure for you, your staff and your club.
iN FORMAT
—
Play may consist of a four-game set. Each person serves one game with teams switching sides after two games. Play a 9-point tiebreaker if the score reaches 2-all The assistant or head pro can fill in if there is an odd number of participants. Determine the round-robin winner by the number of games won.
6 PLAYERS:
8 PLAYERS:
10 PLAYERS:
12 PLAYERS:
:
•
:C
;;
14 PLAYERS:
16 PLAYERS:
Round 1 Round 2: Round 3 Round 4: Round 5. Round 6: Round 1 Round 2: Round 3. Round 4: Round 5 Round 6: Round 7Round!: Round 2 Round 3: Round 4: Round 5: Round 6: Round 7: Round 1 Round 2: Round 3 Round 4: Round 5: Round 6: Round 7 Round 1: Round 2 Round 3: Round 4: Round 5: Round 6: Round 7: Round 1 Round 2: Round 3 Round 4: Round 5 Round 6:
COURT 1 1&2 vs. 3&4 2&6vs. 1&5 5&4 vs. 6&3 1&3vs. 2&5 4&6 vs. 2&3 1&4vs. 5&6 1&6vs. 2&5 2&3 vs. 5&8 1&8vs. 3&6 1&2vs. 3&4 1&7vs. 2&8 2&6vs. 3&7 2&4 vs. 6&8 1&2vs. 3&4 9&1 vs. 2&3 2&8vs. 4&10 5&1 vs. 7&9 3&10vs. 4&6 1&3 vs. 2&4 6&9vs. 1&8 1&2 vs. 3&4 3&6vs. 7&10 4&11 vs. 7&12 3&10vs. 5&12 1&10vs. 8&11 1&12 vs. 6&7 2&6vs. 3&11 1&2 vs. 3&4 13&1 vs. 2&3 3&9vs. 5&7 1&14 vs. 2&4 10&8vs. 1&9 14&5 vs. 13&6 12&8vs. 9&6 1&2 vs. 7&8 1&4vs. 3&2 13&12 vs.7&16 13&6vs. 3&14 9&16 vs. 3&8 7&10vs.11&16
COURT 2 5&6 out or warm-up 3&4 out 1 &2 out 4&6 out 1&5 out 2&3 out 3&8 vs. 4&7 1&4vs. 6&7 2&7vs. 4&5 5&6 vs. 7&8 3&5 vs. 4&6 1&5vs. 4&8 1&3 vs. 5&7 5&6 vs. 7&8 4&5 vs. 6&10 7&1 vs. 3&9 6&8vs. 10&2 5&7 vs. 8&9 5&8vs. 7&10 2&5 vs. 7&3 5&6 vs. 7&8 1&4vs. 9&12 2&9vs. 3&8 1&8vs. 2&7 3&12 vs. 6&9 4&5vs. 10&11 7&9vs. 8&10 5&6 vs. 7&8 8&9vs. 10&14 6&1 vs. 2&8 3&12 vs. 5&11 12&4vs. 11&7 12&2 vs. 11&8 14&3 vs. 10&5 5&6vs. 15&16 7&6vs. 9&12 5&4 vs. 3&10 1&12 vs. 11&4 13&10vs. 5&2 13&2vs. 9&14
COURT 3
COURT 4
9&10out or warm-up 7&8 out 5&6 out 3&4 out 1&2 out 6&9 out 4&10out 9&10vs. 11&12 2&11vs. 5&8 1&6vs. 5&10 4&9vs. 6&11 2&5vs. 4&7 2&3 vs. 8&9 1&5 vs. 4&12 9&10vs. 11&12 13&14out 4&5 vs. 6&2 11&12out 4&10out 11&13 vs.12&14 7&8 out 6&10vs. 9&13 14&2 vs. 13&3 5&6 out 10&1 vs.4&7 3&9 out 11&4vs. 13&7 1&2out 11&12 vs. 9&10 13&14vs. 3&4 15&14vs. 13&16 10&11 vs. 5&8 1&14 vs. 15&6 9&2 vs. 11&8 5&16vs. 9&8 7&2vs. 15&10 15&12 vs. 1&6 7&4vs. 11&14 5&12 vs. 3&6 1&8vs. 15&4
Off-court focus
Tennis shapes life of USPTA member M
.ary Jane Donnalley has had a fascinating life. A USPTA member for 40 years, she has both played and taught tennis, as one might expect. But, she also has made a living from politics, education, journalism, real estate, counseling and public relations. Donnalley started playing tennis when she was a teen-ager living in Denver, and won her first tournament with a $1 drug store tennis racquet. Between 1938 and 1940, she was very active in high school and junior tennis. She was the junior champion in the Denver, Intermountain States Section, Utah and Colorado areas. She also played in the National Women's Championships at Forest Hills in 1939, and the Eastern Grass Court Championships in Rye, NY She spent her last two years of high school at the Cumnock School in Beverly Hills, Calif, and was the No. 1 girls player and the No. 2 player for the boy's team. Donnalley served as president of the student body and editor of the annual, and graduated with honors. Donnalley also was ranked nationally in junior women's tennis No. 10 in singles and No. 5 in doubles with partner Gussie Moran. As a student at the University of California at Los Angeles, Donnalley was ranked No. 2 in singles and doubles on the tennis team and worked as a sports writer for the Daily Bruin, the university's newspaper. However, the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II put a halt to most tennis activities in California. n September 1941 Donnalley transferred to Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., where she earned a degree in human relations and graduated with honors in 1943. While a student at Rollins, she played the No. 3 position, behind Pauline Betz and Dorothy Bundy. The team played matches with other colleges, as well as exhibitions for the armed services. By 1951 Donnalley planned to stop playing tennis professionally and become a full-time housewife and mother. However, her plans changed when her husband suffered a stroke. I was catapulted into the world of work, Donnalley said. That's why I have done all these interesting things. You don't complain about it, you take life as it comes, and you
do what has to be done. After a brief stint as a teacher of English and American literature, Donnalley joined the USPTA. I decided that if wasn't destined to be the greatest tennis player, would endeavor to be the finest tennis teacher and coach, Donnalley said. This is when I joined the USPTA, 40 years ago, when only one other lady was a member.' What followed was a long career of teaching tennis and designing tennis courts at colleges and universities around the country. From 1959 to 1969, Donnalley worked at Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Va. She was recruited to build a tennis program at a college with no courts or tennis players. The Southern Intercollegiate tournament was the first competition to be held there, and the tennis court company finished the last fence the day the players arrived. Her team went undefeated for nine years, and the tennis program was named the Pepsi-Cola Outstanding Collegiate Tennis Program in the U.S. in 1967 The college had earned a reputation for its tennis program.
n addition to her responsibilities as the director of athletics, tennis professional and associate professor of health physical education and recreation at Mary Baldwin College, Donnalley designed courts at other colleges around the state, which helped pay for her sons' college education. As a thank you for her hard work at Mary Baldwin, the college made one of her dreams come true by sending her to play in the first open Wimbledon championships in 1968. She also continued her education, earning a master's and doctorate degrees with a major in counseling and a minor in administration from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Donnalley also has a certificate in journalism from the Newspaper Institute of America, the CRB Real Estate Brokerage designation from the Real Estate National Marketing Institute in Chicago, a certificate in management from the Harvard Business School and is a licensed counselor, psychotherapist and sports psychologist. Donnalley left Mary Baldwin to accept a (continued on page 31)
ADDvantage March 1995
17
Developing sensory and arousal by Gary Alan Sailes, Ph.D.
E
I very tennis player has lost a close match at one time or another because of a lack of mental toughness. Loss of concentration or confidence during the heat of battle is not something only inexperienced competitors encounter. Even the world's top athletes 'choke' at crucial times. The ultimate battle during competition, especially in individual sports like tennis, often is with oneself However, these and other mental obstacles can be overcome with proper mental training.
Sensory awareness The first step in developing mental toughness is to make sure the athlete is aware of and in control of his three sensory systems cognitive (mental), affective (emotional), and kinesthetic (physical). Simply put, the athlete must become more aware of and learn to control, what he thinks and how he feels, and balance that with a feel for his strokes. A player's feelings, thoughts and performance are interrelated and must be balanced if he is to play his best tennis. How he feels influences what he thinks and vice versa. Thoughts and feelings determine performance. For example, a missed easy putaway during a crucial point can emotionally upset some players for the next few points, creating more unforced errors. Random thoughts are distracting and can cause players to lose their concentration. The pressure of an attacking opponent can cause rushed shots. These are just some examples of how thoughts and emotions affect performance.
Arousal awareness Athletes also must be aware of the different levels of arousal, or intensity as it is commonly called, that occur within the three sensory systems. Developing intensity awareness enhances sensory awareness and provides more control over sensory systems. It is difficult to become mentally tough if the athlete is not aware of and in control of the different intensity levels that exist within the three sensory systems. For example, the player must be able to raise her emotional intensity to increase her confidence during critical points. If an athlete is making too many unforced errors because of overhitting, she will need to lower her physical intensity level and hit with variations of spin 18
ADDvantage March 1995
to keep more balls in play. Neither of these situations is possible unless the athlete is aware of the different intensity levels that occur within the sensory systems.
Sensory control A player can learn to control her thoughts and emotions by imagining a triangle that represents herself and all influencing variables (see Figure 1). The bottom of the triangle represents her kinesthetic senses, the physical side (performance, stroke execution). The right side of the triangle represents her affective senses, the emotional side (how she feels). The left side of the triangle represents her cognitive senses, the mental side (what she thinks). The person is placed in the middle of the triangle with all sides closed. The outside of the triangle represents all variables that prevent the player from maintaining control over her thoughts and feelings, and which adversely affect her performance. Several things should be kept outside of the triangle, as these things should not be thought about or felt during competition. Overemphasis on winning Fear or fatigue Coach's or parents' reactions Opponent's reputation Random thoughts Poor playing conditions Pressure Big leads Loss of momentum Loss of ranking Unforced errors, previous mistakes and missed opportunities How the player looks to her opponent or the crowd
Figure 1
On the inside of this triangle are all the elements that help the player to maintain control over her thoughts and emotions and permit her to play her best tennis. Controlling thoughts and emotions is the key to becoming mentally tough and is an important step toward playing one's best tennis. Almost always, a lack of mental, emotional and physical control is due to an overobsession with the end result: winning the point, game, set or match. The athlete must be aware of this and be encouraged to refocus on the current situation, that is, to focus on the ball and let the instinctive execution of her strokes, tactics and strategy emerge. The challenge is to maintain this focus throughout an entire match, as well as during practice. The athlete should be coached to become aware of her own ideal performance state, making it instinctive routine behavior that can be maintained. Only during this mental state is the athlete able to maintain control over her mental, emotional and physical self Athletes must be aware of and gain control of their muscles, emotions and thoughts, and integrate them into a smoothly "balanced performance. Emotionally, the athlete should keep her feelings neutral and keep her mind mentally clear of outside thoughts. There are several characteristics of an athlete who is playing not to lose. Emotionally, the player is defensive, unrelaxed, fearful of losing, lacking confidence, and probably not feeling strong or in control Mentally, there is a lack of focus due to random thoughts, and the player probably is thinking in terms of just keeping the ball in play rather than trying to regain
awareness for mental toughness control of the match. Physically, the signs are weak shots, choking, negative self-talk, weak body language, fast pace between points, head down, drooping shoulders, nervous stomach and muscular tightness. Using this as a reference point, one can examine the mental state associated with playing to win' and playing in the 'zone. n this example, the athlete is playing instinctively and the three sensory systems are balanced. Mentally, the athlete is thinking only about playing her best tennis, there is no fear of losing, and all thoughts are focused on the current situation. She is focused and imagining how to win each point. Emotionally, there is a strong powerful sense of confidence, a sense of complete control, total relaxation, a high level of intensity, and a feeling of total optimism. Physically, there is a sense of automatic and effortless execution of strokes, a feeling that any shot is an easy shot, a loss of all sense of time, and the athlete feels physically energized. Other indications are good pace on the ball, controlled aggressive play, positive self-talk, head up, strong body language, competitive points and solid shot making. The athlete should play to win, instead of not to lose. She should attempt to place herself in the 'zone" during matches and practice. The athlete's awareness of the different playing styles and their impact on each sensory system is necessary to enhance her understanding of the mental process. Obviously, the coach should encourage the athlete to be conscious of her state of mind while competing and to make the necessary adjustments to get into the 'zone.
Intensity control There is a delicate balance between intensity level and performance. Too little or too much intensity will hinder performance. The athlete must discover and maintain the appropriate level of intensity that maximizes his performance, and this level varies by athlete. Only through experimentation can the appropriate intensity level be established. Many players, especially male tennis players, tend to use too much power, creating unforced errors. Generally, this is an indication that the athlete is playing with too much emotional or physical intensity. This can be the consequence of thinking about the
wrong things, such as choking, trying to impress spectators, inexperience and overobsession with winning. Regardless of the reasons that contribute to over hitting, many players are not aware of their optimal intensity level necessary for them to achieve mental, emotional and physical balance and control.
A player's feelings, thoughts and performance are interrelated and must be balanced if he is to play his best tennis.
Becoming aware of and controlling the different intensity levels that exist in the three sensory systems is not always an easy task, but can be achieved with knowledge and practice. Periodically between points, the athlete should complete an Internal Performance Audit (IPA), in which he assesses his three sensory systems. If a system feels out of sync, the athlete should recall his best performance as a reference point to reestablish the correct intensity level for that particular sensory system. For example, if during a match the athlete realizes that his confidence is dropping, he must be able to recall a previous performance when he felt very confident, and recapture that feeling as he continues to play. This same principle is used to maintain all emotional, mental and physical strength necessary to reach and maintain peak performance. As this technique is practiced, the process becomes easier until it is automatic. To make players aware of their different arousal levels, a teaching professional can experiment with consistency and intensity levels during practice. The professional can feed a player eight balls: two forehand groundstrokes, two backhand groundstrokes, an approach shot, two volleys and an overhead smash. The players are expected to perform with 100 percent consistency and they must hit to designated targets.
Next, the professional can attach numerical values to the different levels of power used to hit a shot and the players must hit all eight shots at that power level. A '10' is a powerfully hit shot and a high-physical intensity level. A 'one' is a weak shot and a low-physical intensity level. A numerical value (usually six or seven) is assigned to their successful efforts and they should play all their shots within that expected physical intensity level. When an athlete is playing with too little or too much intensity, the professional should call out a number, for example 'six, and it will remind him to get back to his optimal intensity level. The key to the success of this drill is that the player must hit all eight shots into the opposite court. The next step is to determine how the players felt and what they thought while hitting. If they felt rushed, they should be slowed down. If they feel weak, the professional should elevate their confidence. If they felt emotionally uncomfortable, the professional should try to determine why and use humor, past experiences or other examples to make them feel emotionally strong and confident. Their conscious thoughts should be only on the ball. Generally, the professional should look for balance in the players' thoughts, feelings and execution. If one of their sensory systems is out of sync, they should start over until it is balanced. Once balance is achieved, they play points and periodically complete an IPA. (continued on page 31) Gary A. Sailes, Ph.D., is a professor of sport science, a sport sociologist and director of racquet sports at Indiana University. A peak performance consultant and international clinician, Sailes has worked with ranked junior and professional players. He is the founder and president of Winning Edge Gary A. Sailes, Ph.D. Tennis, and a program consultant to the RCA Hardcourt Championships. Sailes serves as chairman of the national USPTA Multicultural Committee. Sailes has received several research grants, a USPTA divisional award for service and teaching excellence, and has written several research articles and three books on tennis. He conducts the Mental Training for Peak Performance workshop for various tennis organizations, clubs and teams.
ADDvantage March 1995
19
Bryan Shelton shares goals as player, teaching professional USPTA member Bill Rapp developed the following questions and interviewed ATP Tour player Bryan Shelton for ADDvantage magazine during the San Jose Open in February 1994. Shelton ended 1994 ranked at No. 109. He defeated No. 2 Michael Stich in straight sets in the first round at Wimbledon, which was his first career top-10 win. He went on to defeat Karim Alami and Jason Stoltenberg before falling 10-8 in the fifth set to Christian Bergstrom. ADDvantage: When did you start playing tennis and when did you know you would be a player"? Shelton: started playing when was about 9 years old. My parents really got me involved in playing tennis. They and my brothers played recreationally, and have a sister who plays as well, played a lot of sports when I was young. I played baseball and basketball so was really involved with athletics in general. When was about 14 or 15 years old, I started taking tennis lessons from the new coach who had just moved into town. His name was Bill Tym. At that point, he brought to my attention that really could be a good tennis player if I concentrated on
it. So, just gave up everything else to play tennis.
accomplish that, wanted to graduate. That was my goal at the time.
ADDvantage: Later you went on to play college tennis at Georgia Tech. Tell me about that. Shelton: I wanted to go to an engineering school and also play tennis. At the time, there was a coach there named Gery Groslimond who seemed very committed to his players, to having a successful team, and to really developing some talent, so I went to Georgia Tech. It had the things I was looking for. I played there for four years and ended up graduating after about four- and one-half years. earned a degree in industrial engineering and, in my last year, was an All American and reached the quarter finals in the NCAA Tournament, lost to the eventual champion, Robbie Weiss, really developed as a player in college and also developed in a lot of other ways as well.
ADDvantage: You have been on the ATP Tour for five years now. What are some of the tough parts of traveling? Shelton: Probably the toughest part for me is the number of weeks that we are on the road. I travel 30 to 35 weeks a year. That is a long time to be away from family and friends. That's the toughest part for me just being on the road and living out of a suitcase. With anything, there is good and bad.
ADDvantage: Did you ever think about turning professional before graduation, or was that a consideration? Shelton: It wasn't a consideration for me. was really using my tennis as a vehicle to get an education and, fortunately, was able to
ADDvantage: What are the positive aspects of traveling on the ATP Tour? Shelton: Well, I enjoy competing and, if am not traveling, I have a hard time finding a lot of competition (especially coming from the South). I also enjoy the opportunities that are available on the tour to play in and to see different countries. I have been around the world many times now, and a lot of people would love to see the things have been able to see. I have been able to do this because of tennis, and it is amazing how we as players are looked after on a day-to-day basis. All the amenities that we are given are something that easily can be taken for granted. From the time we arrive in a city to the time we leave, we are pampered. ADDvantage. Do you enjoy being pampered? Shelton: I do enjoy it. It makes life a lot easier and it enables me to concentrate on tennis because it is so competitive out there right now. There are so many good players, and it seems like every year there are just more good players coming up. It takes your full concentration to do well.
Shelton (left) and Rapp at the San Jose Open. 20
ADDvantage March 1995
ADDvantage: You just came to the San Jose Open from Down Under.' At the Australian Open (1994), you got an interesting firstround draw. Please elaborate on your big match. Shelton: I showed up in Melbourne before the Australian Open and soon found out drew Jim Courier in the first round. I guess what the people didn't know was that Jim also drew me! It was a real interesting match for me. I struggled quite a bit at the end of the year, and coming into 1994, I was really (continued on page 25)
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Bryan Shelton (continued from page 20)
hungry and excited about playing. I was putting a lot of pressure on myself to do well. Playing a guy of Jim's caliber, I realized that I had nothing to lose. If went out there on the Stadium Court and gave my best effort, then I would be successful, at least to myself. ADDvantage: Bryan, going into the match, you were ranked No. 96 and Jim was No. 3 in the world. How did this affect the way you approached the match? Shelton: I think I approached the match in a good way. I had seen Jim play many matches in the past. One nice thing when you are playing against the top guys, you have been able to see them play many times, whether live or on television. I know Jim's game very well and was prepared mentally for the match, had a good, solid game plan to go out against him. ADDvantage: Was this your own game plan, or did you talk with Bill Tym? Shelton: Well, Bill has given me notes that I travel with, which outline the strengths and weaknesses of other players. So each time before I go on the court, I study those notes. We make a few exceptions, depending on which player or which style player I am playing against, but had a general game plan that I was going to use against Jim. I knew I really had to get in a lot of first serves. In order to attack Jim, had to serve into his body jam him. also mixed in kick serves (on the first serve) on some of the big points. I wanted to keep pressure on Jim and not give him too many balls in the middle of the court where he is the most dangerous. At times, I attacked his second serve and came in behind it to take away his time. I was rushing him and was very aggressive out there. It proved to be a successful game plan, although fell a little short. ADDvantage: Tell me about the ending. It was two sets all, and you were up 3-1? Shelton: Yeah, was up, Jim was serving at 1-3, and in that game got him to love-40, so had three points in a row to go up two breaks in the fifth. By that time we had been out there for about four hours and ten minutes, so we both were very tired. But, Jim, being the champion that he is, came through with three good first serves. He came back and won that game and the match. What an opportunity it was to play on the Stadium Court in Australia and give the fans their money's worth! At the end of the match, they were chanting my name for the last three or four games between points, on the changeovers. It definitely is the best feeling
I have ever had on a tennis court. It is hard to describe. When left the court I really couldn't be upset. I was just really proud that I had gone out there and played hard for four hours and forty-three minutes and really put everything on the line. I think played the best match of my life against Courier, and I learned a lot of lessons from it. I learned something about myself and I think it is helping me now. feel like a different person having experienced that match. ADDvantage: What are your goals for the rest of the year? Shelton: want to finish in the top 50 something I haven't done before. I have been ranked as high as No. 55, and have been close to really breaking through and being one of the top 50 players in the world. Success is hard to hold on to. I have learned that when you are playing well, you have to stay with it and really go after it at those times. Right now feel like I am playing well, so I am ready to go after it. ADDvantage: Bryan, you are the only African-American since Arthur Ashe to win a North American tour title. How has being black affected you in your tennis career? Shelton: Since I have been on the tour, have not had many major difficulties to face. Traveling worldwide as a professional tennis player, am taken care of pretty well. However, when was younger had to deal with a few things a few instances where I think there were some prejudices shown toward me because of my color. I remember a particular incident when I was about 13 years old. won an invitational tournament in Birmingham, Ala. The next year wasn't invited back, even though was the defending champion. There have been instances like that where there is definitely prejudice. For example, when my mom and were traveling together, we sometimes felt like people weren't treating us the same way that they were treating others. We were aware of that. ADDvantage: How do you deal with that? Shelton: At the time, was a meek and mild little kid, and definitely wasn't going to stand up to anyone. Now, think if was faced with the same situation, I definitely would handle it a little differently. I think would confront it and make an issue of it, and would try to take care of myself in those situations. ADDvantage: Over the last year you have had a lot of first-round losses and a lot of frustrations while playing tennis. You also have
had some highs. How do you get through the tough times? Shelton: Well, that is a good point because there are a lot of low times when things aren't going your way when you are traveling on the road. Your family is not with you and your friends aren't there to help bail you out of those tough times. There is one person who always is there, and that is the Lord. I really have had to lean on Him many times throughout my career, just ask Him for the strength to continue. He is my strength, and I feel like I can do all things through Him. I am just so encouraged by that fact alone, and it gets me through the tough times. ADDvantage: In the next few years, you probably will make a decision about retiring from the tour. Have you ever given any thought to becoming a teaching-tennis professional after your playing career? Shelton: Yes, I have given it some thought. My degree was in industrial engineering, but that field doesn't excite me. I am interested in coaching at a collegiate or high school level, would like to teach math and coach a team, give lessons to players, and become a USPTA member. It would be great to be able to share with young kids some of the experiences that I have had. ADDvantage: Rather than just being a teaching professional, why would you want to be a USPTA teaching professional? Shelton: Coach Tym is a tremendous influence in my life. What he has been able to accomplish worldwide has been phenomenal. He has traveled all over the world teaching other professionals how to teach tennis. Not only is he a player himself but he is a great teacher, and he is one of the best coaches in the world. He has done it all through the USPTA system. If there is one person that I would like to emulate as a coach, it is Bill Tym. have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a person and a coach, o Bill Rapp, USFTA, is the tennis director at Peninsula Covenant Community Center in Redwood City, Calif. He is the immediate past president for the USPTA Northern California Division, and is a USTA national clinician and an NTRP verifier. Rapp also serves as a marketing consultant to the $328,000 San Jose Open and is a member of the Prince national advisory staff. Rapp worked with the International Management Group from 1988 to 1991 to promote special events featuring Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. He was the marketing and media coordinator for the Safeway Challenger for five years, beginning in 1988.
ADDvantage March 1995
25
Ask the professor
by Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D.
Cure faulty follow-through without over-teaching QUESTION: I have a student who has good groundstrokes, except for one thing. During the follow-through on the forehand and one-handed backhand groundstrokes, he loses control of his hand and looks as though he is flailing. What puzzles me is that the strokes look OK until he gets into the follow-through. Do you have any ideas on this? ANSWER: recently was working on groundstrokes with a young athlete and had the same experience. When viewed his forehand, tried two things with him and had some success with both As always, we shot videos of the player in a practice setting and also during match play. When we saw the video, we recognized one of the most common problems in all of tennis he was too far from the ball at impact. A well-known principle in biomechanics is the moment of inertia. It is defined as a A proper swing radius and stroke smoothness forehand and follow-through. Jack L. Groppel, Ph.D., is the executive vice president of LGE Sport Science Inc. He is an instruction editor for Tennis magazine, and is the author of HighTech Tennis and co-author of The Science of Coaching Tennis, Groppel is a certified USPTA Master Professional and was named 1987 USPTA ProGroppel fessional of the 'fear. Groppel is an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Florida. He is chairman of the USPTA National Committee on Fitness and Health, and a member of the National Youth Tennis Development Steering Committee. He also is a member of the Prince and Penn advisory staffs.
26
ADDvantage March 1995
body's resistance to rotation, n other words, it is a measure of how much something (in this case, a human body) will resist rotating and a function of that body's mass times radius squared. A player's mass won't change much when playing, but his radius (the arm reach during the swing) can change drastically. If the reach is too long, the body will not rotate easily. That's why some players, like Jimmy Connors (who has a long swing radius), must leave the ground when they swing hard. If a player has a long reach too early in the swing, he may have a flailing look in the follow-through because he cannot control his arm Therefore, the player I was working with needed to 'crowd' the ball a little to shorten his swing radius.
The second thing I did with him was more kinesthetic in nature. Since his two-handed backhand was hit with a firm but relaxed grip .and was good mechanically (which does not seem to be the case for your player), had him hit backhands and feel what he was doing as far as footwork and body rotation. Once he said he 'felt' what he was doing asked him to hit forehands, attempting to create the same 'feeling' with his grip and technique. His goal was not to hit hard, but to swing smoothly, letting his body do the work for him. are two keys to a good Interestingly enough, both methods of analysis and correction worked satisfactorily, but combined, they worked extremely well The lesson learned in this situation is to avoid over-teaching. By determining exactly what was wrong and then working with the student to "feel' what I wanted him to achieve, the goal was reached, o
Questions for the professor Please address any questions or comments for the Ask the Professor column to Jack Groppel, LGE Sport Science Inc., 9803 Lake Nona Road, Orlando, Fla, 32827. The column appears every two months.
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Dates that rate JLjxams, upgrades and Certification Training Courses Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CTC unless otherwise noted. March 1-2 Rushing, NY. March 1-2 New Orleans, La. March 3-4 Gastonia, N.C. March 4-5 Streetsboro, Ohio March 4-5 Malibu, Calif. March 5 Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (no CTC) March 10-12 Lincoln, Neb. March 11-12 Manchester, N.H. March 12-13 McLean, Va. March 18-19 Hershey, Pa. March 18-19 Hot Springs, Ark. (no CTC) March 25-26 Murrieta, Calif. March 26-27 Boca Raton, Fla. March 29-30 Mount Freedom, NY. April 1-2 Wichita, Kan. April 9-10 Birmingham, Ala. April 10-11 Santa Rosa, Calif. April 12-13 Freeport, NY. April 15-16 Hinsdale, III. April 16-17 Palm Springs, Calif. April 21-22 Bloomington, Minn. April 22-23 Bakersfield, Calif. April 22-23 Boca Raton, Fla. April 23-24 Tyler, Texas April 23-24 Parker, Colo. April 29-30 Murrieta, Calif. May 1-2 Jackson, Miss. May 5-7 St. Louis, Mo. May 6-7 Los Angeles, Calif. May 7-8 Richmond, Va. May 10-11 Freeport, NY. May 12-13 Bradenton, Fla. May 13-14 Fountain Valley, Calif. May 18-19 Stratton, Vt. May 20-21 Key West, Fla. May 20-21 Wilmington, Del. May 21-22 Danville, III. May 21-22 Pleasanton, Calif. May 24-25 West Orange, N.J. May 27-28 Murrieta, Calif. 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. Affiliate members: late cancellation fee — $75; failure to cancel — application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee — $25; failure to cancel — $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until these cancellation fees are paid.
28
ADDvantage March 1995
Specialty Courses Four-hour courses are denoted by an asterisk (*). All others are eight hours. Kansas City, Kan. March 3 Competitive Doubles Patterns March 3 Competitive Singles Patterns Washington, D.C. March 3* USPTA Little Tennis™ Kahuku, Hawaii March 4* USPTA Little Tennis Washington, D.C. March 5* How to be a Better Head Professional or Tennis Director Kansas City, Kan. March 5 The ABCs of Stroke Production Washington, D.C. March 17* Tennis Business Management I Florham Park, N.J. March 18 Quality Management Hershey, Pa. March 19* USPTA Little Tennis Florham Park, N.J. March 19 Team Coaching Brookfield, Wis. April 1 Maximize Your Earning Potential as a Tennis Entrepreneur West Palm Beach, Fla. April 2 Teaching Effective Strokes: The No. 1 Job of a Tennis Professional West Palm Beach, Fla. April 7* Tennis Business Management I Santa Rosa, Calif. April 7* Tennis Business Management II Santa Rosa, Calif. May 19* USPTA Little Tennis Sedona, Ariz. Stratton, Vt. May 19* USPTA Little Tennis May 20 Mental Toughness Wilmington, Del. May 21* Maximize Your Earning Potential as a Tennis Entrepreneur Stratton, Vt. May 21 First Aid and CPR Pittsburgh, Pa. May 21* Fitness Training & Periodization Sedona, Ariz.
ivision conventions March 3-4 March 3-5 March 3-5 March 17-19 April 7-9 May 17-21 May 19-21 May 30-June 4
Hawaii Division Middle Atlantic Division Missouri Valley Division Eastern Division Northern California Division New England Division Southwest Division Florida Division
Kona, Hawaii Washington, D.C. Kansas City, Kan. Florham Park, N.J. Santa Rosa, Calif. Stratton, Vt. Sedona, Ariz. Sanibel Island, Fla.
JLfivision meetings/activities March 4-5 March 5 March 10 March 10 March 19 March 19 April 7-8 April 9 April 30 May 14-15 May 18
Midwest Division Hawaii Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Midwest Division Eastern Division Middle States Division New England Division
Detroit, Mich. Kona, Hawaii Grand Rapids, Mich. Decatur, III. Hinsdale, ill. Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich Big Rapids, Mich. Hinsdale, III. Flushing Meadow, NY. Western Pennsylvania Stratton, Vt.
(Coaches Workshops March March March March
3 5-6 17-18 17-18
Hawaii Division Midwest Division Eastern Division Midwest Division
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Columbus, Ohio Westchester County, NY Brookfield, Wis.
lennis Teachers' Courses March 2-4 April 12-14
Boca Raton, Fla. Chicago, III.
The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. This schedule is subject to change. Call the USPTA Membership Department at (713) 97-USPTA.
Industry action
The following is a correction of the information printed on the back of your USPTA membership card regarding on-court liability insurance coverage: The USPTA liability policy includes $2 million in liability insurance, while on court, for bodily injury to others; and for damage to property not in the tennis professional's care, custody or control. It does not cover injury to the tennis pro, or damage to his/her property. The USPTA policy provides legal liability insurance for an accident which takes place on court and arises from the tennis professional's playing, practicing, teaching or officiating in tennis. The territory of coverage is anywhere within the United States, its territories, or Canada. At this time, there is no coverage for members who play or teach in other countries or territories.
USPTA • USPTA professionals Kurt Kopp, Barbara Johnston, Mark Sieving, Hank Pfister, Steve Williford, Laura Rice, Teri Lynott and Jeff Hedberg held a hit-a-thon to raise money for a new AIDS clinic in Bakersfield, Calif. The event raised more than $2,100 for the 34th Street Community Health Center, and was held in conjunction with the California Cup Tournament, which raised $3,100 for the clinic. • In an effort to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, USPTA member Walter Sabrin will hold a tennis-teaching 'marathon, April 15-16. He will give lessons for 24 consecutive hours at the Roslyn Racquet Club in Glenwood Landing, N Y He also will hand out sponsor sheets to hundreds of people to sponsor the teaching marathon. For more information, contact Sabrin at (516) 499-1123. • USPTA Eastern Division Vice President Bob Litwin recently was hired as director of tennis and sports fitness at The Village Club of Sands Point in Port Washington, NY He teaches programs and classes from his Focused Game Method, which is based on the belief that high levels of performance can be achieved by using sports as a vehicle to develop mindful attention. • USPTA teaching professional Craig
Kardon, former coach of Martina Navratilova, is the new full-time coach of Lindsay Davenport. They will work together at the Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving, Texas. The director of tennis at the resort is USPTA member Robin Scott. • Don Maxa, a USPTA member, is the new facility manager and teaching professional for the Houston Parks and Recreation Department's Southwest TenFrom left, Scott, Davenport and Kardon. nis Center. 'We want to do our part to increase tennis participation at the grassroots level, he said. 'We offer several clinics and programs to help both children and adults learn and enjoy • Tournament Management System is a the game of tennis. computer program for tournaments and • The new clinical simple round-robins for use on BMdirector of sports medicompatible computers. It is electronically cine for Physiotherapy mated to the USTA's STAR Ranking Program. Associates in ScottsSeveral new capabilities added to TMS dale, Ariz, is USPTA include the abilities to produce the new USTA member Todd Ellendraw that was implemented in 1994, perform becker. In addition to the compass draw, allow alphabetical Ellenbecker his new duties, Ellenseeding and perform block seeding. For becker will continue with research and more information, call Sirius Software at (800) educational lecturing in sports medicine and 448-8134. sport science. • Wilson Racquet Sports introduced the • USPTA Master Pronew Pro Staff 4.2si 110" at The Super fessional Paula Scheb Show/95. The new racquet, with a 110has joined Bonita Bay square-inch head, is the stiffest racquet in the Club in Bonita Bay, Fla. Traditional Feel category. The Pro Staff 4.2si as director of tennis. (continued on page 30) She oversees the club's tennis operations and conducts tournaments, lessons, tennis camps The education 'report card' will not and other events. be printed and distributed annually, but Scheb is regional vice Scheb rather at the end of each grading term. president of the Florida Division. The second grading period is from • USPTA members John Mac Donald, January 1 1994 through December 31 Phil Blackwelder and Leo Katz recently 1996. Early in 1997 a credit certificate formed the Southern Tennis & Golf or "report card" will be sent to every Academies Inc. They will operate the member who acquired educational Maggie Valley (N.C.) Resort Tennis Camp credits during the second term. If you and the Lake Junaluska (N.C.) Christian Golf have any questions regarding your & Tennis Camp, as well as continue to run current credit status, olease contact the the Bide-A-Wee Plantation Tennis Camp in Education Coordinator at the World Waynesboro, Ga. For more information about Headquarters. the camps, call (800) ESTUSA1
Manufacturer
Report cards
ADDvantage March 1995
29
110" is made of 80 percent High Modulus graphite and 20 percent Ultra High Modulus graphite to create a very stiff low cross section racquet. It is ideal for players with full strokes and medium swing speeds. The racquet will be available April 15 with a suggested retail price of $199.99. • The new product manager of court sports for Spalding Sports Worldwide is Jeff Miller. He oversees all aspects of Spalding's court sport product area, including design, development and marketing for all racquets and balls. • PowerBar has introduced two new flavors for the high-energy, low-fat nutritious snack bars banana and mocha. The banana flavor is made of a combination of real banana flakes and a hint of cashew butter. The mocha is made of a premium coffee extract from 100 percent Arabica beans combined with a high-quality chocolate liquor. To order PowerBar energy bars, call (800) 444-5154. • Gamma Sports is the new official and exclusive provider of court equipment, racquets, strings and accessories for WTS International, a leisure management company which provides tennis, fitness and golf management and consulting services nationwide.
Industry action (continued from page 29)
Wilson Pro Staff 4.2si 110"
Associations • The 1995 International Conference of the Professional Tennis Coaches' Association of Great Britain is scheduled June 24-25 in Kensington, London. The conference will focus on coaching and developing worldclass, elite players. USPTA Master Professionals Jack Groppel and Nick Saviano and USPTA professional Charles Applewhaite will be speakers at the conference. Application and accreditation deadline is in March. For more information, contact Christine Tinker, PICA executive officer, c/o The LTA Trust, The Queen's Club, West Kensington, London W14 9EG, or call (071) 381 7097 • NationsBank recently pledged $50,000 to the Club Foundation's Campaign of Excellence. The organization's goal is to secure pledges totaling $3 million to create a permanent endowment to fund educational and research opportunities for the club management industry. • The Georgia Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) recently raised $5,000 for the American Red Cross to aid the children of Albany, Ga. who were devastated by the floods of 1994. The proceeds from the Bogus' Golf Tournament raised money to buy supplies such as clothing, school supplies and personal hygiene articles.
Miscellany
As you Work or Play in the Sun Stay €&&l with COOf. B A N D A N A COOL 1ANDANA can be worn as a Neckerchief or a Headband. To a c t i v a t e , soak in Cold W a f e r for 15 minutes. M a d e in the U . S . A . A Product Of ROLL-IT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION Tulsa. Oklahoma • r s o o j 488-8670
30
ADDvantage March 1995
m District 13 of the USPTA Florida Division is planning a three-day family tennis outing at the 60-acre Hawks Cay Marina & Resort. The event, scheduled Sept. 14-17 costs $290 per room, and covers room, taxes and housekeeper gratuity for the three nights. Children younger than 18 may attend at no charge. Available activities include tennis, fishing, sailing and scuba diving. The deadline to sign up is April 30. For more information, call Gordon Hampden at (305) 270-0334 or (305) 366-6064 (beeper). • The Palmas del Mar Resort in Humacao, Puerto Rico, under the director of USPTA professional Ted Murray, completed a third successful corporate tennis league season last fall. The Palmas del Mar Corporate Tennis League Championship was won by the host team, which defeated Smithkline-Beecham 3-1 in the final round. Submissions for Industry Action are due the first Tuesday of the month, too months prior to the issue date. Please include the name of a contact person and a daytime phone number. Members are encouraged to send quality photos.
Off-court focus (continued from page 17) position as dean of students at New Mexico State University. While there, she directed the National Collegiate Championships, which the university hosted in 1970-71 Throughout the next several years, she served as the director of tennis for clubs and resorts in Colorado, Vermont, Long Island and Washington during the summer months. She also coached the University of the South's men's and women's tennis teams (the first woman to coach an NCAA men's team); coached the U.S. Junior Wightman cup team for two years; and developed a tennis program for the municipal government in Roanoke, Va., for which she received the USTA's award for the Outstanding Municipal Tennis Program in the United States. I think teaching tennis is one of the most rewarding things, because you are helping someone else achieve their potential, and become the best that they can be with the situations they are dealing with, Donnalley said. The more you teach and coach, the more you realize the impact the tennis professional has in helping the student achieve not only in tennis, but academically, socially and emotionally.' From 1985 to 1989, Donnalley worked as vice president of public relations for Wooden Consolidated Industries in Dallas. She also was president of her own company, the Behavioral Science Center, and served as an adjunct faculty member at Dallas Baptist University. During the Bush administration, Donnalley was a political appointee employed by the Social Security Administration as a special assistant for management training and employee development in the Office of Public Affairs, Office of Policy and External Affairs in Baltimore, Md. She developed total quality management training, computer education, communications and tennis program enhancement. However, this was not her first experience serving the federal government, n 1971 President Richard Nixon and Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird nominated her for membership on the Defense Advisory Committee in the Services (DACOWITS). Twice a year, the committee visited the military bases of the different services and evaluated their programs for women. After Bush left office, Donnalley left the political arena and moved to Kerrville, Texas. She is a tennis and sports consultant for the Family Sports Center in Kerrville, and a tennis writer for the Kerrville Times. She also is working with the ICUSU Software Corporation to produce the first interactive CD ROM and Macintosh tennis-teaching program. Throughout her career, Donnalley has written articles for tennis magazines and tennis columns for a variety of newspapers.
'My greatest opportunity to contribute to tennis now is by writing, producing audio cassettes and developing an interactive CD ROM Macintosh teaching program. If I can do those things and develop a senior citizen class at the Family Sports Center, that would be fine, <o>
Developing awareness (continued from page 19) All shots should be instinctive and natural with little conscious thought. This improves the players' awareness of their on-court performance. It gives them a reference point relative to how much effort is necessary to maximize on-court results. It also gives them a sense of control and it helps to keep them focused and in the 'zone. Their consistency is improved immediately and their confidence grows as a result. They are better able to control their play by raising or lowering their intensity levels in the three sensory systems to meet match situations and/or conditions. There is one final important consideration. The top athletes in the world all have reported
that they were able to perform their best when their efforts were instinctive. Their movements were effortless and natural. They lost all conscious control and just let things happen. Teaching athletes to let go of their conscious efforts and let their instincts take over will be a great challenge. The world's top athletes have used this technique to achieve unprecedented records in sports competition. Conscious control over strokes, tactics and strategy blocks athletes from playing their best because they are thinking too much while competing. The subconscious mind is able to make correct decisions and execute proper responses to different tactical situations in a nanosecond. The conscious mind is not nearly as efficient. Conscious efforts are only valuable between points when the player should be building strategy and visualizing it in her mind. As the athlete improves in physical skill, it is imperative that she learns to let go of her conscious efforts and lets her subconscious take control of her performance. With proper training, this can happen automatically and the athlete will begin to play her best tennis on a consistent basis. ©
USPTA marketing tips
Smart marketing makes country club pro shop succeed any member-owned country • Change displays regularly, and rearrange the entire shop several times a clubs do not allow any form of advertising year. One of the best compliments a outside the club, which limits a pro shop's professional can receive is a member market to club members and their guests. having to ask where something is. This often means tennis professionals see the same clientele day in and day out, and • Offer members who participate in adult face competition from discount stores in or junior leagues a discount on teamtheir area. related goods. The USPTA Guide to Country Club Tennis • Give credit instead of trophies or awards Operations has several suggestions for how to winners of tournaments and social a professional can make a country club pro activities run at the club. The winners shop succeed with the given market. receive something useful, and it gets your members in the habit of shopping at the • Run specials in the club's newsletter on pro shop. a regular basis. The advertising will cost • One of the most successful ways to help the professional little or nothing. build pro shop sales is to take a genuine • Stay with major suppliers with proven interest in the members, both professionproducts — especially ones with high ally and personally. They will support the advertising budgets and campaigns that pro shop if they feel the professional are seen in magazines and on television. supports them. Send your successful marketing tips to • Note what products those members who do not buy from you use and wear. If you USPTA, ADDvantage magazine, 3535 Briarsee a lot of the same products, you may park Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, or fax tips to (713) 978-7780. ® want to stock those items.
ADDvantage March 1995
31
Save 200 per Dozen on Pro Penn Tennis Balls! All orders shipped and invoiced during the months of March, June, September and December
HERE'S HOW WE "SLICE" THE PRO PENN DISCOUNT
USPTA Pro-200
USPTA jr^mw*.
USPTA Division -IOC —-^
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6-114 II $9.84/Dz
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For more information or to place an order, call your Penn sales representative or
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