Addvantage 1999 January by RSPA

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ADD

CONTENTS departments

10 USPTA says goodbye to most loved teacher of teachers

3 CEO's message

George Bacso cared about tennis and the people who made their living working

5 Vice president's message

within the sport.

the

7 USPTA mailbox 1 8 Off-court focus — John Huber

Career development

by Roger Crawford, USPTA — Six ideas designed to help pros develop resilience to

Industry action

survive in the tennis, industry.

Classifieds

14 The BOUNCE factor: Six springboards for success

news

22 Leadership skills are a requirement for tennis professionals

8 USPTA seeks nominations for national board

by Dave Sivertson, USPTA Master Professional — Leadership skills are necessary for teaching, working with committees and running activities.

25 New videos offer pros rare meeting of minds Vic Braden designs videos to help pros better understand the physical, psychological and technical aspects of tennis.

30 Bill Tym to present Specialty Course at The Super Show/99

8 USPTA to host "Lessons for Life" fund-raisers to benefit American Cancer Society 16

USPTA heads to new location for 1999 World Conference on Tennis

USPTA pros direct tennis at nation's top 10 resorts

USPTA celebrates I Oth annual Tennis Across America event

Wilson and partner lace up for fight against breast cancer

Master Pro joins Kim Dillard, Townsend Gilbert in Atlanta to provide education to members.

On the cover ... Tennis industry mourns the passing and celebrates the life of USPTA member George Bacso.

volume 23 * issue 1 ADDvonfoge magazine editorial offices One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive

Editor Managing editor

Shawna Riley Julie Myers

Houston, TX 77042

Circulation

Kathy Buchanan

Phone-(71 3) 978-7782

Advertising

Diane Richbourg

(800) USPTA-4U Fax-(713) 978-7780 e-mail — magazine@uspta.org

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time ADDvanfage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvanfage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvanfage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1999. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA.

ADDvantoge/Jnnuaryl999

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CEO's Ask George .

n Nov. 22, 1998, USPTA and everyone who knew George Bacso, suffered a great loss when he passed away in his sleep at his home near Boca Raton, Fla. George fought hard for more than four years trying to win his match against cancer, all the while continuing to do the things he loved most — teaching tennis to children, adults and fellow professionals. There are very few USPTA members who didn't know George personally or know of him. Those who knew him have only fond memories of the giant personality who virtually mapped out the direction our Association has taken over the years. He won and humbly accepted every award available to tennis-teaching professionals. He was a leader, mentor and friend. For nearly 30 years, George was a daily part of my life. Whether it was by phone, while we both traveled or face-to-face in meetings, o ' on the court or in the office, we always managed to plan and work on common projects that we believed were good for USPTA. Whenever I needed reassurance or the right answer, the first thingo I did was — ask o George, George was so much a part of USPTA that he directed the most important membership services — certification, membership and our academies. No one had to think twice about George's decisions. Even when he wasn't in the Houston office, the staff knew that if they needed advice or answers, they simply needed to pick up the phone and — ask George. We all have special memories of George. Shortly after he passed away, someone asked me when I first met George and under what circumstances. I was ready with the answer because I have had a hard time thinking of anything else since he left us. Our 3 0-year friendship started when I attended my first USPTA convention in 1970.1 remember listening to a young, energetic, boisterous pro with a voice that didn't need a microphone. After hearing George speak, I had some questions for him, so I waited to talk with him. From that day

George and I attend an industry trade show in

forward, I realized that I could o get all the answers and feedback I ever needed if I would only — ask George. From that first meeting, we immediately felt we had something in common. He invited me to a testers' meeting — one of the first ever held. Within a day or so of the meeting, he and a few others, including USPTA's legendary Jack Barnaby, had created the first USPTA national written exam. Back in the early '70s, USPTA was a fertile field on which to play. Over the next few years, George and I passionately pursued leadership positions in our respective divisions, while we worked for higher standards, better communications and new programs for USPTA. I now know that I might never have reached so high had it not been for George's support as a friend and partner. Each time I needed advice, all I needed to do was — ask George. We simultaneously decided to run for USPTA's national board, so we started political campaigns to achieve our goals. On our first attempt in 1974, George won a seat on the board and I lost. We had both been so intense about winning so we could O

There are very few USPTA members who didn't know George personally or know of him ... he was a leader, mentor and friend.

Continued next pave i

ADDvontage/Jonuory W9

From page 3

work and travel together for the benefit of USPTA that my loss came as a great disappointment to George as well as me. I remember so vividly that after the election results were announced George accompanied me to a bar, and while I tried to drown my sorrows, George actually wept a little. George encouraged me from his position on the board and after two more attempts, I finally.made it. George became president in 1978 and nothing could have been more exciting for me than becoming his first vice president. We had some wonderful times while we worked hard on behalf of USPTA. During this time, we opened a new home office for USPTA at The Colony Beach and Tennis Club in Sarasota, Fla. George and I, along with a group of like-minded USPTA loyalists, including his longtime friend Bill Tym, developed a new multifaceted certification test with on-court segments. We also established the NTRP with Spike Gonzales, USTA and IHRSA, and started building better education programs and conventions. In those days, USPTA could not afford to offer its directors a single room on any of the numerous trips we made on behalf of the Association. Another wonderful memory for me is how George and I always fought O

My hope is that from where he is, he will know the immense impact he will continue to have on our lives.

4 ADDvontage/Januiiryl999

to share a room so we could stay up until the early-morning hours jabbering incessantly about his favorite subjects — USPTA and his fellow pros. When I became president of USPTA, George didn't slow up. He supported USPTA and everything I ever wanted to achieve. The only time we ever differed on an issue was when I hastily wanted to push through the Master Professional category d u r i n g my presidency. George, in his wisdom, didn't think we were quite ready for it, but I forced the issue. Although he agreed with the Master Professional concept in principle, he didn't agree with my rushed introduction of the project. However, he did the best job of supporting me under the circumstances. What's really remarkable is that this was the only1 thingO on which I can remember George and I disagreeing. After that, and for the next 18 years, whenever I complained about any shortcomings of the Master Professional category, O 1 George would say, "Heckler, I don't want to hear anything about this from you.'" When I became CEO in 1982, George became director of education, and he was our expert field representative for education and testing. And, when we purchased the World

Headquarters in Houston, I needed him to be closer to our staff and asked him to move to Texas. As usual, George didn't argue with what was best for USPTA. For three years, he trained the new membership and certification staff and was always on call for anyone to — ask George. When George was first diagnosed with cancer in 1994, we knew he would be happier in his adopted hometown of Boca Raton, Fla., and it was there that he spent his last days working for USPTA. Although he didn't spend his last few months on court, he kept in constant communication with USPTA testers and the national staff. Whenever a staff member asked me a problematic membership or testing question, I invariably shuffled them out the door and said — ask George. George was so positive and fought so hard to stay with us. My only regret is that it was too hard for me to tell him how much he meant to all of us without alarming him. My hope is that from where he is he can see the love we all have for him and know the immense impact he will continue to have on our lives. I will miss my friend more than anyone knows. And when I have a rproblem, big o or small, it should give you reassurance that I will still go to a quiet room and — ask George. &• O

Vice president's message Atlanta has caught a cold! NATIONAL BOARD

hough I would be considered by most who We have squeezed more out of our programs, we have developed ways to bring in enough new players to know me as a person who is prone to posimake up for those who have left. (Don't we all know tive thoughts, I must admit to being somea dozen or more people who have left the sport?) We what curious about the bad news I keep hearing from have been innovative, creative and entrepreneurial in our industry partners who sell racquets, balls, shoes staying ahead of the lava flow that has been slowly and apparel. Even an optimist like me can't continue to brush consuming our sport. We refuse to succumb to the off the disaster that has occurred in the industry as the reality that our sport is not as popular as it once was. Good for us. The tennis professional has beaten the sales of companies like Wilson, Penn and Prince (along with almost every other tennis company), have dropped odds ... up until now! Many of you know Atlanta for its to a point where in 1998, they will be at about 50 percent of where they were 2 5-year success story of its ALTA in 1990. Imagine for a moment that if League, which currently boasts over your household income was 50 percent 75,000 participants. For 25 years, in spite of a tennis economy that has of what you earned in 1990! I hope turned south in the past 10 years, paryour response to this-thought is, "It's ticipation m ALTA has grown at a rate not; my income is up substantially since 1990. In fact, my lesson book has that could recharge the calculators of the accountants at our racquet, shoe never been fuller. I'm doing fine." However, this type of statement is one and ball companies. This league, which is the envy of tennis commuof the major obstacles in beginning to > G O nities nationwide, is directed by volstop the decline of our sport. unteers and administered by a fullUnfortunately, this mindset is the time staff. In addition to running norm in many communities around the Mark McMahon country. In fact, it is a rare occasion league tennis 43 weeks of each year, when I speak with a USPTA professional who is not ALTA also runs tournaments and a citywide junior havingO a great year. This mindset certainly exists where challenge ladder, and has developed a charitable founO / / dation. It is the success story of tennis in the United I reside in Atlanta. How then, can tennis professionals be enjoying business success, when sales of the equipStates. All of this has happened as tennis play in ment used to play the sport are dropping? Many of other parts of the country has declined. Something has happened recently, however, that you will point to a lack of design innovation, an oversaturated pipeline of outdated racquets or the increased has the tennis folks in Atlanta checking the pulse of life span of equipment manufactured today, and you the sport. It seems that Atlanta has caught a mild may be right. The statistic that recently caught my atdose of the flu bug that has infected tennis in other tention, however, was that the one commodity needed parts of the country. Some would say that Atlanta to play our sport that is not impacted by any of these "has caught a cold!" For the first time in 25 years, factors (or any others except raw use), is that for 21 participation in ALTA has stalled. Play in the Junior consecutive months, the sales of tennis balls have conLeague program has actually decreased. The league tinued to drop. This is in spite of the Herculean efboard of directors even appointed a special panel in forts being made by associations, individuals and vol1998 to study the reasons and to suggest ways to unteer groups whose single purpose has been to develop bring the league back to full health. o O the inverse of such a statistic! My question to every tennis professional (whethThe answer to my own question (how can tennis er USPTA-certified or not) is: If Atlanta can "catch a professionals be doing so well in a down market?) is cold" and begin to show signs of becoming infected that we are smart and survivalists! I think that all of us with the "flu epidemic" that has gripped our sport, are fully aware of the facts surrounding our sport, but what could be in store for the rest of the country? I have found a way to succeed in spite of the conditions. continued next page

OF DIRECTORS President

Will Hoag

First Vice President

Joseph Thompson

Vice Presidents

Harry Gilbert Mark McMahon David T. Porter Ron Woods

Secretary-treasurer Townsend Gilbert Past President

Kurt Kamperman

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Executive Assistant

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Communications/ Divisional Liaison

Courtenay Dreves

Communications

Jill H. Phipps

Publications Coordinator

Julie Myers

Public Relations Coordinator

Dan Seine

Marketing Coordinator

Diane Richbourg

Director of Career Development

Jirn Peavy

Educational Administrator

Thelma Holmes

Career Mathew Thompson Development Assistant Webmaster/Corporate Services Manager Corporate Services Secretary Computer Services/ Club Relations Membership/ Education

Kendra Garcia Kathy Buchanan Vicky Tristan

Financial Manager Controller

Christl Call

Renee Heckler Theresa Weatherford

Insurance/ Merchandise Services Merchandise Services

Ellen Schmidt

Susan Wright-Broughton

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the World Headquarters USPTA One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone{713)97-USPTA (800) USPTA-4U Fax (713) 978-7780 e-mail - uspta@uspta.org nternet - www.uspta.org Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.r Central time

ADDvantage/Janunryl999

From page 5

new players who will make tennis healthy again. When I'm speaking to people about searching for a job, I always say that it is much easier to get a good position when you are employed. The same holds true when applying for a bank loan; everyone wants to lend you money when you don't need it ... but not when you do!

would be blind not to recognize our leadership if we do it right. This is our profesknow that you're doing well, and so am I. sion's opportunity to show its stuff by doMy shop sales for 1998 are up 25.8 percent. ing something that frankly requires our inRacquet sales are up 9 percent; ball sales, volvement if for no other reason than the + 8 percent; shoe sales, + 6 percent; and leslong-term viability of our careers. son sales, + 8 percent. My big increases have Finally, I have one last suggestion. If you come by being creative. I found a way to surwork at a facility or a club where the memV vive like the USPTA professional I spoke bershipr is full, where there is a waiting & of earlier. Men's apparel sales are up 65 list for courts and lessons — this message "Tennis professionals in Atlanta percent, women's apparel is up 30 peris stillfor you. In Atlanta, the tennis prohave developed the 1999 Initiative cent and accessory sales are up 76 perfessionals working in private country to Grow the Game. cent — due primarily to the sale of sunclubs (my staff and I included) have They are leading a coalition that glasses! My concern is that the categoagreed to invest in the program with a ries showing the big increases are not long-term approach. We realize that includes county and city park the ones that are driven by hard-core our current women's and men's league directors, entrepreneurial tennis players. Selling more sunglasses, while players will not last forever. We recogprofessionals who manage public nize that continued growth is essenprofitable and a good idea for most pro tennis facilities, USTA state and shops, is not the horse we can all ride to tial for any product or service to keep selling. Therefore, the tennis profeslong-lasting business success. sectional employees, local league In all of my ADDvantage messages as sionals working at private facilities representatives, media and have agreed to teach their free lessons a board member, I have tried to address manufacturer reps. at Atlanta's public courts and high issues that impact the daily lives of all Everything is in place to make an schools. They/ have agreed to commit tennis professionals. If the issue that I o am writing about has not affected you assault on the disease that threatens to teach at least six hours (and get paid full rate) of the follow-up USA Tenyet, I assure you it will. That time may our livelihoods, before it takes hold." not come during 1999 or even in the nis 1-2-3 Learn The Game program on those same public courts. After that, it next five years, but it will come. When it The key to Atlanta's initiative, and what will be up to the professionals who work in does, it may be by way of a modest drop in I believe will be the reason for its success, is participation in the social events you run or that tennis professionals have recognized the the public sector to develop and manage a USA Tennis Adult and Junior League prothe sanctioned tournaments from which you symptoms of the impending illness and are make a portion of your annual income. It uniting and taking a leadership role in findogram — on those same courts! The Atlanta Initiative will succeed. It will may come as a result of a "weekly lessoning a cure before it gets worse. This is the succeed (and I hope become a model for taker" being injured and not being replaced suggestion I have in this message. Those of communities nationwide) because of the by a new "weekly lesson-taker." I can assure you who are leaders, those of you who know foresight, leadership and unselfish commityou that if a drop in play can happen in Atwhat it takes to move people, to mobilize volunteers for a good cause, your hometown ment of the almost 200 tennis professionals lanta, it can happen anywhere! In response to this diagnosis, Atlanta tenneeds you now to make something happen. who live and work in the metro area. It can work in your community, with your leaderMany of you have been involved in this ininis professionals are leading an initiative to ship and your commitment. Why should you bring thousands of new players into tennis. tiative (under one name or another) for three or four years by now, but your efforts may get involved? Let me keep it simple. Tennis professionals in Atlanta have de1) The patient (tennis) is sick. It's time have been diminished if tennis professionals were veloped the 1999 Initiative to Grow the to get out of denial and start a treatGame. They are leading a coalition that innot leading the effort. I believe that with tennis professionals leading local initiatives ment program. cludes county and city park directors, entre2) You will be making an investment in preneurial tennis professionals that manage and working with local USTA staff and other volunteers, the success rate of the Tenthe long-term growth of tennis and the public tennis facilities, USTA state and secnis Industry's Plan for Growth will soar. continued viability of your job as you tional employees, local league representatives, know it. It would seem that tennis professionals media and manufacturer reps. Everything is 3) Your partners (the people who send you in place to make an assault on the disease are the only segment of our industry that free equipment) need your help. Their is not badly bloodied at this point. We know that threatens our livelihoods before it takes what works, we know how to attract and businesses are bleeding and they need hold. Tennis professionals are knocking on keep people in the game. We are natural your professional help, doors, picking up the telephone and invit4) It's the right thing to do. ing everyone who might remotely benefit leaders; we do not require specialized trainAs always, I welcome your comments. I ing. For us to succeed in this initiative refrom more people playing tennis to join their coalition. Good professionals are leading the quires nothing more than our conviction can be reached by phone at (770) 392and commitment. We will not need to ask 7788, by fax at (770) 392-0021 or by echarge o to turn back the lava flow and rplant for recognition for our efforts; people mail at mmcm@mindsprmg.com. S?° the seedlings o that will become the forest of ;

6 ADDvantage/Jnnuaryl999

USPTA mailbox The titanium train Dear USPTA, Titanium has hit the tennis world hard and fast, like a speedingO freight train. It has come so O fast and taken nearly everyone on board on the greatest ride of any recent racquet technology. What I want to know is, where is this taking us and why? You see many articles in magazines about how great titanium is. They say it is lightweight and makes the racO O quet more durable, stable and strong. How can this be? Graphite is actually 2.7 times lighter than titanium alloys, 2.8 times stiffer and even 5.2 times stronger. Add those numbers and this just does not make much sense. Does the consumer also know that the average titanium racquet's makeup is only about I percent titanium fragments? It is definitely good to see so many people excited about anything that is related to tennis. If this is what it takes to get people motivated, inspired, or even dare I say — excited about tennis — then so be it. But what really bothers me is the cross marketing into other tennis equipment. Titanium in tennis balls and shoes is, well, ridiculous. Making a durable string with titanium ends up making a stiff racquet feel stiffer with titanium string in it. A stiffer string in titanium frames will only reduce the power and increase the impact to the arm, the exact opposite of what is ideal for these racquets to perform their best. I understand that through the O manufacturer's eyes, titanium is a pseudonym for marketing. But what does the consumer think or believe? Do they realize that this wonderful material making their

... bringing 10 new players to tennis is not a monumental task. There are many ways to accomplish this.

racquets lighter and more maneuverable does not absorb as much of th'e shock from ball impact? Adding titanium string to an already stiff racquet will decrease shock absorption and ultimately end up hurting (physically) the consumer. As a somewhat knowledgeable tennis player (I am USPTA and CRT certified), I urge manufacturers to introduce products that are helpful to the players and are good for their physical well-being. Butch Edlinger, USPTA Pittsburgh, Pa. O

The 10-player rule Many of you by now have heard of the 10-player rule, a collaborative effort among all industry organizations to both grow the game and more importantly, track growth. A simple definition of the rule is that we USPTA members must bring 10 new O players to the game in 1999 in order to continue to receive free products from any manufacturer. We must submit a list of these 10 (or more) new players to the Tennis Industry Association office for their database. When I first heard this rule, I was skeptical, particularly because until recently, our organization has had difficulty with the USTA. I thought, "Why must we submit lists that prove we're doing something we have always done? I know we're helping grow the game, so submitting these lists will surely do nothing but slow down an already sluggish bureaucratic engine - the USTA." Fortunately, I was able to speak to industry representatives at our USPTA convention in La Quinta, and I learned much more about the

renovated relationship among the USTA, TIA and USPTA and the impetus of this rule. The following is my understanding of the motivations of the 10-player rule. No. I — Many of us are helping grow the game, w h e t h e r through Play Tennis America, USA Tennis, or yes, even a paying customer. Industry leaders definitely recognize and thank you. No one is asking us to do more than what we are doing, except submit a list of our new p l a y e r s . With all USPTA members submittingO a list to the TIA, our industry will be able to more accurately track growth of new students. No. 2 — Some of us are not helpingD to Ogrow the Ogame and are content with our status quo. The new rule will more than help encourage us members to do what in the very least we should do, bring new life into the game. We as members owe it to each other to grow the game even if our own situation is healthy. No. 3 — Manufacturers do not give us products simply because we are "pretty neat" people. With the Asian economy in . trouble and generally flat domestic tennis sales, manufacturers are under pressure to make budgets and justify expenses. Any of you who run or own your own business can appreciate that. With this rule, manuSee letters, page 8 ADDvontoge/JanuorylW 7

USPTA seeks nominations for national board The National Nominating Committee is accepting applications from members who are interested and available to serve on the national USPTA Board of Directors for 1999-2000. Applicants must submit a resume and a 250- to 500-word essay outlining their opinions on the goals and directions of USPTA. These materials should be postmarked no later than Feb. I5i and sent to: Mark Fairchilds 200 Norwegian Ave. Modesto, CA 95350

USPTA to host "Lessons for Life" fundraisers to benefit American Cancer Society Tennis-teaching pros pitch in to find a cure USPTA has >joined the fight against cancer through a new "Lessons for o o o Life" fund-raiser series benefiting the American Cancer Society. Teaching pros will host instructional lessons at tennis clubs, country clubs, public parks and other facilities, with the lesson proceeds donated to local American Cancer Society chapters. To focus support for "Lessons for Life" from pros, the public and media, USPTA has designated the month of Ocr o tober as "Tennis Against Cancer Month" and Oct. 23 as "Tennis Against Cancer Day." Teaching professionals are encouraged to host a fund-raiser during October or at other times throughout the year. The association's goal is to raise $150,000 next year to support cancer research. Next year's effort is the first of a five-year commitment to the American Cancer Society, recently announced by USPTA's Executive Committee. "The American Cancer Society is pleased to join forces with the USPTA in this excitingo event, 'Lessons for Life,'" said >John R. Seffrin, Ph.D., CEO of the American Cancer Society. "We are grateful to USPTA professionals for helping us increase survival rates and improve the quality of life of cancer patients across this country." "Many of us have been, or will be, affected by cancer in family members, friends or even in our own health," said USPTA President Will Hoag. "The 'Lessons for Life' program is )ust one way we can work toward a cure and do something positive for our communities." The nationwide program was modeled after the USPTA Missouri Valley Division's successful "Lessons for Life" clinics held since 1996. Teaching professionals interested in running a "Lessons for Life" event should contact their USPTA division directly, or the USPTA World Headquarters. The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society, visit www.cancer.org or call (800) ACS-2345. 8 ADDvantage/Januaryl999

Letters from page j

facturers are just adding accountability to our endorsement contracts — something that incredibly has never before been asked of us. Ultimately, bringing 10 new players to tennis is not a monumental task. There are many ways to accomplish this regardless of your position. And knowing our leadership, I'm sure that several avenues will be made available to us. We have long enjoyed the fruits of the tennis boom from the late '70s and early '80s and benefited from the efforts of our predecessors. If you have already been growing the game, please know that all parties of the industry, from colleagues to manufacturers truly appreciate your efforts. If you have not, it's time to get going and look out for your colleagues' and your own future. Eric Wammock, USPTA Hilton Head Island, S.C.

All certified USPTA professionals should receive a 1999 equipment program contract from Wilson by January life.- Itaittiii not ':=:«;:y«nvff-

to Hf

1 PLAYING SYNTHETIC 16g United States Professional Tennis Association Foundation, Inc.

Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 (713) 978-7782 fax (713) 978-7780

3535

In loving memory of

George Bacso Date

Enclosed is a donation of $ to the USPTA Foundation for George Bacso, to be used toward tennis programs designed for underprivileged children, young players and teaching professionals. Name: Address:

Donations are tax deductible. Please return contributions to USPTA at the address above. Thank you.

1997 USRSA STRING SURVEY RESUITS-TOP 8) WILSON-SENSATION NXT 16 3j wiLSON-SENSATION 17 10) pnnce-CHA Hefe 1 7 H) Sosen-OG Sheep Micro 1 7

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* Ratings base.' on Jntte : .Mates Racquet S

7 Gamma-TNT Pro Plus T7L

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U)i£»on

USPTA says goodbye to most

eorge Bacso was a bigger-thanlife personality to the thousands of USPTA members who knew him. He truly cared about tennis and the people who made their living working within the sport, and he communicated this message through his smile, his voice and his infectious enthusiasm for life. As USPTA's Director of Certification and Academies, George traveled the world conducting Certification Exams, Tennis Teachers' Courses and Certification Training Courses. But most people don't know that George was an athlete and a coach long before he was a USPTA memher. He liked many sports, but he excelled in basketball and earned the nickname "The Gunner" as Trenton State's (now The College of New Jersey) first 1,000point scorer. After college he was a teacher and o coach at Livingston (New Jersey) High School. He helped open the doors to the school and taught health and physical education there for 29 years. He also coached the basketball, soccer and tennis teams. It was surely during this time that he started to fall in love with the sport that would take him through his second career with USPTA. George's love of teaching continued as he helped potential USPTA members prepare for and complete their certification process. He also demonstrated his love of teaching children through the many clinics he held for young players and their parents. Each person who knew George will retain a special memory of him, but it's clear that he was a great role model and inspiration to everyone. <^e

George instills love of tennis in new players.

10 ADDvantage/Januaryl999

George joins Arthur Ashe in USPTA Hall of Fame.

Past president George Bacso and president Tim Heckler present Fernando Velasco with an award at the i>)8i national convention in Hawaii. George confers with Rod Dulany during an e

Awards and accomplishments • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Owner and director of George Bacso's North Jersey Tennis Academy Director of Project New Jersey Founder of Eastern Tennis School Twice named USPTA Eastern Division Professional of the Year Served three years as president of the USPTA Eastern Division Member of USPTA national board of directors Served as USPTA's national president from 1978-1980 Received the USTA National Education Merit Award in 1981 USPTA national testing chairman Director of USPTA Certification and Academies Named national USPTA Professional of the Year in 1984 USPTA Master Professional Inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame in 1994 Recognized with the first George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998

loved teacher of teachers Dear Mr. Heckler, We were deeply distressed to hear of the death of Mr. George Bacso. His passing must mean a great loss to your organization and ours. Our staff joins me in conveying our sincere sympathy to members of his family. Sincerely, Akira Sasa President, Japan Professional Tennis Association Dear Tim and staff, George Bacso's personality, work ethic, loyalty and dedication will remain with us for a very long time. I think we all considered him a very close friend as well. It was wonderful to have George be the second person entered into the USPTA Hall of Fame right behind Arthur Ashe. That picture of Arthur and George (when Arthur was testing) will always represent what the USPTA represents: the honesty and integrity of the tennis-teaching profession. Sincerely, Bill Bond, USPTA Master Professional La Jolla, Calif. Dear Tim, I was saddened to learn that George Bacso died. I chatted with him by phone just a few weeks ago and he was so happy to hear from me. He repetitively kept thanking me for bringing him into tennis. I think this was my major contribution to tennis, for George did a bang-up job, especially for the USPTA. Did you know he was a school teacher, and during summers he drove a milk truck? He came to me for a tennis lesson and, before long, I convinced him to let me train him to become a teaching pro. The rest is history. Best regards, Charles Lundgren, USPTA Master Professional Sarasota, Fla. Dear George, It is rather fitting that you left on Nov. 22, a date that will be forever etched in the memories of those old enough to re-

member that this was the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Just as John F. Kennedy brought so much hope to so many people in a challenging new era, so did you bring joy, hope and happiness to so many people in your world, the tennis court. There are so many people playing tennis today who became enthralled with the game because of your genuine enthusiasm and passion for the sport. You contributed so much to the game, and all of us in tennis were honored to be able to know you and very much appreciate what you did to make the world a better place. Many thanks again for your friendship and your professional approach to the wonderful game of tennis. Thank you for all you did for those of us who are part of this great sport. Many thanks again. Kind regards, Peter Burwash, USPTA Master Professional President, Peter Burwash International Honolulu, Hawaii Dear Mr. Heckler, It is with much regret that we learned of George Bacso's death and wish to send you our sincerest condolences. George will be long remembered in the Czech Republic, in our hearts, as one who devoted his life to teaching tennis and to the service of all friends of sport. We shall always regard it as an honor and privilege to have known him personally. George was a distinguished man and tennis teacher, and as like we, many generations of his students will always acknowledge the debt they owe him. George will be remembered with gratitude by all who knew him. Yours sincerely, Karel Jandus Jr., USPTA President Czech Professional Tennis Association Dear Tim, I have been thinking a lot about you this week. George Jr. called and told me about George, and after an initial cry, I started thinking about you. Your feeling of loss must be devastat-

ing. I know mine is, and I had only a cursory relationship with George. But you know I felt very strongly about him. Because of my ongoing recovery from my recent heart attack, I will not be able to go to the memorial service. I wanted to share with you some thoughts about the day that I stopped in the office and you and George showed me the new, "hot-off-the-press" Little Tennis book. The program was, and is, exciting; however, the thing imprinted on my memory from that day was the energy and feelings that you and George showed in working together to grow the game. Your relationship was synergistic - the product was bigger than either of you individually. Most important-you two had a genuine sense of joy. You with your smile and George with that special "sparkle" in his eyes. I will miss that sparkle, but we are all better for having witnessed it. George was a wonder - a true giant whose footsteps will guide us for many years. Thank God for George Bacso. Thanks, George, for your sparkle. Thank you, Tim, for your love of George and all of us, out here, trying to do what George pursued - make the world a better place through tennis. Take care, Bob Love, USPTA Master Professional Louisville, Ky.

In honor of George, donations may be made to the USPTA Foundation (for George Bacso), c/o USPTA, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042. Donations will be used to establish a tennis fund for children and provide education for needy tennis professionals. ADDvnrtoge/Jnnuoryl999

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USPTA Tea€hing Aids and Accessories "«*• I/I ICQ€nin(j Ml OS can be used by any instructor and within the framework of any teaching technique, including System 5™. They come in an attractive carrying case with telescopic net posts that support high-visibility horizontal and vertical demarcation lines. These "windows" act as primary target areas. A convenient storage winder, elastic lines, and adjustable clips allow set-up in seconds on any court. The height and width of target windows easily adjust to accommodate all levels of play.

Package includes: USPTA vinyl bag with two telescopic net posts, two black three-foot cords, four yellow three-foot elastic cords, storage winder, and 28 colored USPTA cones.

The 5 Keys to Tennis™ series offers two books, a videotape (VHS format) and an on-court accessory package for tennis players and tennis teachers of all ages and ability levels. It is a common language approach that simplifies and greatly enhances the learning process in sports, while allowing instructors to utilize their individual teaching styles. The 5 Keys to Tennis book introduces the reader to the 5 Keys and the System 5 learning concept. The 5 Keys to Tennis video presents the 5 Keys in a full-color format utilizing live action coupled with 2-D and 3-D animation. The 5 Keys to Tennis implementation manual is a "user's guide" companion to the book providing over 100 diagrams, illustrations, and implementations for the coach, teacher, parent, or self-learner to effectively work with the 5 Keys to Tennis. It is a "how to" approach compatible with any instructional program presented in an easy-to-use series of progressions. This is the ideal manual produced with the tennis teacher in mind!

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The BOUNCE factor: Six springboards for success ^

by Roger Crawford, USPTA

' USPTA professions, we all need resillence to survive and thrive in the tennis industry. Being a physically-challenged athlete, I've experienced firsthand the incredible power of resilience. Where does this essential "bounce" come from? How do you get it and keep it? Here are six powerful ideas to keep the spring in your step and the bounce in your business.

Beliefs Our attitudes are a set of beliefs we've collected that influence us to react to people or situations in a particular way. When you believe that your efforts and actions will affect the outcome, you'll keep trying until you get the result you're af- < ter. But if you believe that sue- | cess is just a matter of luck, I something beyond your control, " you'll feel helpless and hopeless, no matter what you may achieve. * Your beliefs are the windowÂť through which you see your life,; experiences. i 14 ADDvantage/JanuarylW

None of us have total control over our experiences, but we all have the power to decide on our emotional responses to them. Our attitudes create our perceptions, and our perceptions shape our reality about who we are and what we can become. Rethink any negative attitudes that may be holding you back. Believe that success is possible, and you're on your way to bouncing higher. D

Optimism The resilient consciously use a different vocabulary than others, a "language of resilience" to explain events to themselves. When they catch themselves using negative phrases like "if only," they consciously switch to positive, optimistic ones like "Next time I'll be better informed" or "Next time I'll be more prepared." "If only" phrases focus on past failures and erode resilience. "Next time" phrases focus on future successes and build optimism. Start here, start now. If the prospect of being optimistic seems overwhelming, identify/ o one area that would benefit from improved attitude habits.

Here is a bounce-higher thought: loin a mental health club. Identify the optimistic people in your life. We can't control other people's attitudes, but we can control which people we choose to spend time with. Resilient people build a supportive two-way network of friends who share each other's triumphs, possibilities and optimism. O

Uniqueness Your self-image represents who and what you believe yourself to be. It is composed of your core beliefs about your strengths and weaknesses, possibilities and limitations. Facing life's bumps and bruises without the armor of a positive self-image is a tremendous handicap. Here's the good news. If you ever feel you've gotten trapped in a cycle of poor self-image and low resilience, you can break out! Rediscover your uniqueness. Too many people overrate others' abilities and underrate their own. Remember that billions of people have walked on this earth, but there's never been, nor will there ever be, anyone exactly like you. Don't undervalue yourself.

One of my earliest role models was our dog, Souffle. Day or night, rain or shine, whenever the doorbell rang, Souffle was always the first one at the door. And do you know what? In 14 years, it was never for her. That's resilience!

We humans have an overwhelming tendency to become precisely what-we imagine ourselves to be. What in your past predicts your future? The unresilient look back and collect evidence of rejection and failure, discarding examples of acceptance and proficiency. The resilient have a memory bank in which they deposit all the times when they were challenged and successfully managed the difficulty. They invest their unique life experiences in this account. Then, whenever adversity strikes, they can live on their investments. Open your own resilience account today.

Navigation

If the big picture seems overwhelming, start by choosing and achieving a single objective — just one small attainment, then another and another, each making your resilient spirit stronger. Great accomplishments are made up of small ones, and motivational muscles are built like physical ones, slowly but surely. Each new achievement and victory bounces you higher and higher. Remember that only imaginary obstacles are insurmountable.

Your navigation is your consistent progress toward a clear destination. Evaluate your goals regularly, asking yourself, "Is this goal within reach? Is it possible? Is this goal within reason? Is it practical?" Ambitious, realistic t>goals keep eager r you / o to stretch yourself beyond your current level of achievement. Have both outcome and performance goals. Use inspiring outcome er goals to achieve greato

ness. Use daily performance goals to recharge your batteries for the long haul. Concentrate on surpassing your own best performance, not anyone else's. Dream big. Then define your vision, describing the ideas that o stir and galvanize you. Set specific objectives that excite and energize you. Organize your supports, your strategies and your timetables. Fix your mind on your destination, having a clear, powerful picture of what will happen when you reach it — your payoff.

Roger Crawford, USPTA, is the author of How High Can You Bounce? Turn Your Setbacks into Comebacks. His life story has been featured on television shows such as Good Morning America, CNBC and Hour of Power. He has made speaking appearances throughout the United States and the world.

Choices You are the results of your choices, not your circumstances. Other people can try to control your situation, but they can't control you unless you let them. You invent and create your life every day with the choices you make. This is ogood news because it puts you in the driver's seat. There are some things you can try to influence but that ultimately you can't control: other people's attitudes and actions, weather, the passing of time, etc.

There are some things you absolutely can control: your values, feelings, thoughts and actions, and your attitudes toward other people's attitudes and actions. Choosing how you view and respond to events is called selective perception. When there is something you can't change, you can choose to feel frustrated, miserable and hopeless. Or you can select an alternate perception. Choice, not chance, determines your bounce.

Endurance Let's face it. Life can be challenging. To endure, sometimes o o we have to be tougher than a o woodpecker's lips. Toughness is a synonym for both endurance and resilience: "being strong and firm but flexible; yielding 7 o to force without breaking; cac> pable of resisting great strain without coming apart." What motivations for endurance can you create for yourself? Sometimes it takes real imagination. When Jim Carrey was a struggling young actor, he wrote himself a check for 10 million dollars and postdated it seven years in the future. That check kept him focused and when it came due, he was able to cover it. Design a similarly creative strategy that will keep you on target. Use your imagination constructively] to energize and O focus yourself so you can endure. Remember: being challenged is inevitable, but being defeated is optional. ^°

ADDvantage/JonuarylW 15

Arthur Ashe Tennis Center, Doral Golf Resort and Spa

USPTA heads to new location for 1999 World Conference on Tennis

SPTA is bringing its troops to Miami this year. Mark your calendars - the 72nd World Conference on Tennis will be held at the Doral Golf Resort and Spa Sept. 18-25, 1999. Moving south this year will give convention-goers the chance to explore Miami's hot spots. A multimillion dollar waterpark is scheduled to open on the grounds early this year, and the resort meets the high standards that USPTA members have come to expect from the convention site. Besides being close to beautiful Miami beaches and the popular South Beach, the whole family will

16 ADDvantoge/Jonuoryl999

enjoy Doral's 650 acres of landscaped grounds. Nationally-acclaimed chefs prepare hearty and high-energy fare at six restaurants and lounges, and the Windows restaurant features a panoramic view of the golf course. Doral's Arthur Ashe Tennis Center features hard, clay and lighted courts, as well as a tennis school. USPTA is continuing its family involvement theme this year with tennis activities for children and other special events. The Spa at Doral is another highlight with its tranquil Mediterranean gardens. o Guests can choose from an array of services and are treatO

ed to a 3 to I staff to guest ratio. Miles of tropical jogging trails abound and there are also state-of-the-art exercise facilities. Golfers will enjoy the four championship courses, includingO the newly restored Blue ~ ] Monster, home of the DoralRyder Open. USPTA members will have a full schedule of educational Specialty Courses and seminars to choose from, and can compete for prize money in the USPTA International Championships. More details will be forthcomingo in future O

issues of ADDvantage. *&â&#x20AC;˘

n 1

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formulation with whole aloe vera leaves, SmartShield is 100% oil free. We won't sweat off. And we won't affect your grip because we're not oily or greasy. Hey, we're so good that we're even approved by the United States Professional Tennis Association. So toss a bottle of SmartShield in your tennis bag. Believe us, the only thing that's going to fry is your opponent.

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Off-court focus

inety-two-year-old pro

f you ever need a hitting partner at the USPTA World Conference, just ask around for John Huber. Chances are he's near the tennis courts looking for you. Huber is living proof that getting older doesn't have to mean growing old. At 92, he has become a fixture at the conference, and can usually be found — tennis racquet in hand — near the tournament desk. Just this year, he was working on a new stroke. "There's a new player named Bill Tilden," teased his good friend Paul Crone, a USPTA member from Connecticut. "He's copying him." Huber has indeed been studying the tennis legend's strokes and is concentrating on hitting more deeply. Staying active, he says, is what keeps him young. He still

plays three tournaments a year, including an annual event for players 90-and-over held each April in Orlando, Fla. The Hyatt Regency provides free room and board. There were 17 people in this category in 1998. "Sometimes an agile player gets paired with a partner who is not so quick on his feet," /" he says. This has happened 18 ADDvontage/Januaryl999

to him. "I will yell 'switch!' and find out later that the other guy is deaf and couldn't hear me." Finding partners can be a problem, too. But there are always more 89-year-olds having birthdays. "Any day I might run into a tough, young guy who is just turning 90," he smiles. Another aspect of playing sports into your 90s, he points out, is that medical science has no statistics for athletes in this category. A knee injury has bothered him lately but he's hopeful that prayer and glucosamine will do the trick. Many others with knee problems have praised the drug's restorative effects. "I have to be my own doctor because all the statistics are for younger people. But I'm going to lick this," he says, patting his knee. Back home in New Hampshire, Huber still teaches tennis on some private courts in Bradford. After a lesson, he will play a set with his students. "I look for fun, always friendly matches. And I also spend time practicing my shots." Huber has lived alone since his wife passed away many years ago. His sister Katherine, who is 87, visits him occasionally from her home in New Jersey. When !

•*»««—""TS

asked if good health runs in his family, he replies, "Yes, but let's put it this way. I've taken very good care of myself. I eat well. I follow the custom of the Chinese and eat just a little bit of meat for flavor. I didn't smoke and I was never much into drinking. That's a big part of my conditioning. I also get between nine and a half to 10 hours of sleep each night." His buddy Al Rogers, USPTA Master Professional, can attest to that. The two were supposed to meet one morning at 8 a.m. for a match and Rogers was worried about o Huber showing up. "He sleeps 'til one o'clock in the afternoon," he said. "I'm a night owl," Huber o responds. "I stay up until two or three in the morning and sleep until noon. But I don't watch any soap operas. I like educational TV. I watch programs on the arts or Discovery channel or the History channel. Huber is no slacker when it comes to filling his free time. "You have to exercise your body and your mind. Your brain cells will die if you don't activate them." He stays current with The Wall Street Journal and watches the stock market closely. In fact, he says the two things he lives for are "tennis and stocks." O

still aces Father Time Tennis became a bigger part of Huber's life when he retired in 1966 after 40 years with Prudential Insurance, although he has been involved in sports all his life. He was a champion in the boxing world, having won the New Jersey Middle Weight Championship in 1928. He also competed in "heel-and-toe" walking o races every Thanksgiving for four years in New York. "It's called speed-walking today," he says, "but we'd go from city hall in New York City, over the Brooklyn Bridge and 10 miles into Coney Island. Either the heel of one foot or the toe of the other had to always be touchingo the oground." Huber could walk a nine-minute mile. He has been winning at something ever since. Huber and former tennis partner Wadley Woods were No. I in New England for three years o / in the 80-and-over division. He was No. 5 and No. 6 in the USTA national 85 singles in 1991 and 1992, and No. 2 and No. 3 in the 85 doubles. How does Huber stay in shape? He loves to ski. He also enjoys dancing but "not the kind of dancing they do now. I'm talking about waltzing and the fox trot. "I've also been liftingo weights. You have to work at it. I do 30 seconds here and there as often as I can. But I do something every day." ^°

John Huber (center) with tennis-playing buddies Albert Rogers (left) and Howard Luttrell.

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Leadership skills are a requirement for tennis professionals

by Dave Sivertson, USPTA Master Professional

n any successful team, there is always strong leadership. As a club tennis professional, it is your responsibility to perform this leadership role. What are the characteristics of top leaders? A leader leads by example, by forethought, by his presence and demeanor. His dedication to the mission of the club and his vision for the tennis department instills loyalty, trust and respect among other team members. He gives the team confidence and a vision that motivates them to perform to their maximum levels. Leadership skills are necessary in many different situations includingo teaching, activities o' and working with committees o and boards. To succeed as a club tennis professional, you must be a strong leader in addition to being a good manager,

The role of a leader as opposed to a manager Essentially head tennis professionals fall into two categories, managers or leaders. Although a successful head tennis professional needs to be both a good manager and a good leader, the ability to create a strong, mission-oriented team appears to be the job of the leader. A leader has the vision of what he wants to accomplish within the tennis department and is very much aware of the value of clearly stated objectives and the strategy and tactics necO

essary to accomplish them. He knows the importance of having a motivated team to help him attain the mission. While a manager deals primarily from the analytical, right side of the brain that sees things as good or bad, a leader has a vision of what he wants his tennis operation to be and an awareness of the teamwork involved to achieve this picture. Additionally, he sets his objectives based on the strengths and weaknesses of his team members. A leader is flexible, while a manager can often be rigid and demanding. Always open to new directions, a true leader is willing to revise and rework his original plans as needed to accomplish his vision. A manager, on the other hand, all too often is concerned with nothingo more than producr ing positive results through the systems he has put in place. A leader is not content, as a manager is, just to establish and enforce the policies and procedures of his club. Rather, he is willing to discuss, explain and work with his tennis staff to help them understand their importance and why these policies and procedures should be implemented. A manager is often cautious about making changes, whereas a leader is much more open to improving and growing within the guidelines of the club's policies and procedures while maintaining high levels of performance from his team. *&â&#x20AC;˘ O

This article is an excerpt from Net Profit: The Business Program for Club Tennis Professionals, hy Dave Sivertson. Sivertson, a USPTA Master Professional, is president of Net Profit, a -publishing and consulting company designed to make clubs and tennis professionals more productive and profitable.

22 ADDvantage/Jonuaryl999

Seven traits of effective leaders As a club tennis professional it is impossible to advance your career unless you have mastered the art of leadership. The following are the seven steps effective leaders follow. 1. Create the mission. You must decide what the mission is that you and your team are trying to accomplish. Then you must create a clear picture of the objectives, visualizing the strategy to fulfill those objectives. Make certain that all team members understand their specific role in completing the mission. 2. Make others feel important. As a successful leader, let your followers know their importance by working to create a constructive, open dialogue. Listen to their ideas and suggestions, understand their beliefs and compliment them on their accomplishments. 3. Motivate others. When employees were asked what motivates them, most surveys show that working with people who show them respect, enjoying their work, learning new things, being recognized for their accomplishments and working with people who listen to their ideas all ranked higher than money. 4. Be decisive. A leader has total control. He has created the picture, set the objectives and assigned the responsibility. He also must be the one who evaluates, reprimands, fires and revises objectives. He must be bold, but earn respect from his followers; make decisions without hesitation and always take the initiative as situations come up. 5. Be prepared. As a leader, providing your team with the MOST (Mission, Objectives, Strategies and Tactics) is a must. To do that, you have to make sure you understand every aspect of the tennis department's MOST and the role each employee plays in its achievement. You can't lead unless you know the facts. 6. Take responsibility. A leader must make decisions without hesitation and take the initiative as situations arise. Although a leader may be able to exert total control over his staff, he still must closely supervise his staff to fulfill his vision for the tennis department. He must temper his boldness with a realistic knowledge of his own and his team's abilities. 7. Professional presence. Act the part of a leader by setting an example for team members to respect and club members to admire. Show your leadership by being present at all club events. Use slower times to work with team members to implement MOST more effectively. Dress the part of a leader. Be decisive with your voice. Stand up tall and look confident.

USPTA pros direct tennis at nation's top 10 resorts USPTA-certified professionals give hundreds of tennis facilities an edge when it comes to top-notch lessons, leagues and other club programs. And USPTA professionals made a difference for top resorts in Tennis magazine's ranking of the "50 Greatest U.S. Tennis Resorts." Each of the top 10-ranked resorts employ USPTA-certified tennis directors, according to the rankings in the November isO

Tennis magazine's top 10 IF

1. The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort, Longboat Key, Fla., John Robinson, USPTA, director of tennis

sue of Tennis. In addition, numerous other USPTA professionals work at other resorts rounding out the "50 Greatest" list. "These resorts all share an unwavering o commitment to caring for tennis players, whether that's expressed through lessons, clinics, drill sessions, game-matching, social round robins, exhibitions or a combination of the above," wrote Contributing Editor Roger Cox.

with USPTA tennis 5.

Topnotch at Stowe Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vt., Layne McCleary, USPTA, director of tennis

6. Kiawah Island Golf & Tennis Resort, Kiawah Island, S.C., Roy Earth, USPTA, director of tennis Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort, Litchfield Beach, S.C., Marc S. White, USPTA, director of tennis instruction and Kristen Prunier, USPTA, director of tennis Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, S.C., Rob Eppelsheimer, USPTA, director of tennis Rancho Valencia Resort, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Nancy Hunter, USPTA, director of tennis

Sea Pines Plantation, Hilton Head Island, S.C., Job de Boer, USPTA, director of tennis at Sea Pines Racquet Club and Stan Smith, USPTA, touring professional

10. La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, Calif., Sven Salumaa, USPTA, director of tennis

3. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Mike Leach, USPTA, director of tennis

4, The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colo., Dennis Ralston, USPTA, director

ADDvantage/Jonuatyl999 23

New videos offer pros rare meeting of minds The video subjects and presenters

to help tennis pros better

Physics - Dr. Howard Brody, a noted tennis physicist and staff member at the University of Pennsylvania Coaches at risk - Dr. Veronica Thomas and Dr. Leslie Drozd, forensic psychologists, on substance and sexual abuse (helping coaches stay out of court) Biomechanics - Dr. Gideon Ariel and Dr. Andrei Vorobiev, biomechanicists Motor learning - Dr. Richard Schmidt, motor learning expert from the University of California at Los Angeles Medicine (tennis injuries) — Dr. Herbert Sandick, orthopedic surgeon

Nutrition - Dr. Steven Pratt, ophthalmological surgeon specializing in nutrition Brain typing - Jonathan Niednagel, brain typist Psychology -Vic Braden The remaining videos focus on stroke production and strategy. The strokes covered are: • Forehand • Backhand • Serve • Volley Other subjects are: • Mental tennis • Women's doubles • 70 minutes with Jack Kramer and Pancho Segura (historical styles of play)

chnical intricacies of the game.

fessionals by a fellow pro and leading sports researcher? How about an affordable set of videos that features a complete team of experts examining the sport from every possible angle? Vic Braden has spent 10 years putting together 15 videotapes designed to help tennis pros better understand the physical, psychological and technical intricacies of the game. These ground-breaking videos "try, for the first time, to take the sport apart using all the disciplines involved," their creator explained. Braden, an expert in his own rite, recruited about a dozen specialists from the fields of science, medicine and tennis to help present some of the videos. "I'm involved in biomechanics and science — all these things — but I take my lead from these experts," said Braden, an internationally known sports researcher, licensed psychologist,

ographer, TV commentator charismatic speaker. Each discipline is a lifetime _y," he pointed out. By his estimate, these videos represent the equivalent of a 50-year academic course for tennis-teaching professionals. In other words, if someone tried to earn a master's degree in all of the areas covered — from physics to nutrition — it would take more than 50 years. Braden currently is offering these videos at a special discount to USPTA pros. The I5-package set sells for $100, plus tax and shipping (for a total of about $117). Each video normally sells for $39-95. This exclusive offer is good through April I. With the discount, the 15 videos cost about $7 each. Considering all the costs of video production, including labor, Braden said this is basically a break-even project. "But now it introduces me to pros, who hopefully will introduce it to students."

Braden made these videos available at the World Conference on Tennis last September in La Quinta, Calif. A lot of members were too busy to take advantage of the offer at the conference, but are now showing interest. "Coaches are giving us some very strong endorsements," he said. "They're saying for the first time they can take a look at tennis inside out from the world of all the experts. "What we can do as coaches is to help people access their (own) genius faster," Braden said, addingo that coaches have not had enough data to help students do that — until now. With all kinds of Information Age data easily accessible on the Internet, students are becoming smarter, he said. Coaches, in turn, are required to increase their knowledge. Braden has produced more than 30 videos, including this new set. His research headquarters and video studios are located in Goto de Caza, Calif. He is founder and director of the Vic

Braden Tennis College, with locations in St. George, Utah, and Kissimmee, Fla. He also serves as a commentator for Fox TV Over the past 10 years, he has written five tennis books, which draw from a lot of the same research as the videos. Braden has been involved in seven sports and does research in 40. But his primary interest is tennis, and he has 53 years' experience in the industry. He began coaching at the age of 16, then played tennis through college and "a little bit" as a pro. This honorary member of USPTA was named Pro of the Year in 1989 and was honored by the USTA in 1983 as the person who had contributed the most to the growth of tennis in the United States. To order Braden's videos or books, or for other information, call (800) 42-COURT (4226878) outside California. In California, dial (800) CALLVIC (225-5842).^ <D

ADDvontage/JanirarylW 25

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klm JB nation's most successh; 1 grassroots program, Tennis Across America. Since the first event held in 1990, USPTA has strived for public awareness and extensive player participation and has achieved this objective through tremendous support from USPTA professionals and the tennis industry. Tennis Across America has grown into a multifaceted program that has reached hundreds of thousands of people through three distinctive program segments. The three-phase program provides opportunities to grow the game of tennis through speo O F cial multicultural clinics, nationwide free clinics hosted by volunteer professionals, and a follow-up program of lessons and league play designed to retain player interest. Tennis Across America, originally called Across America Tennis Day, was created in response to a call from the Tennis O

26 ADDvantoge/Janumy 1999

Shriver has been a loyal supporter of Tennis Across America.

stiT Council for each of the si;;;;.: industry groups to identiiÂť: !i ffnd proceed during 1990 with the development of a project, that promotes tennis to current, former and prospective recreational players. The purpose of the event is to stimulate interest in tennis as a participation sport and a means of maintaining physical fitness. A major accomplishment that USPTA has achieved is the multicultural program, which started in 1991. The program began o in Guam, and the special r clinics ran throughout the country, finishing up on the White House tennis court. The program has successfully reached potential players who have special needs such as inner-city and minority children, senior citizens, handicapped children and adults, and many more. Although the program has gained momentum each year, we've seen the most dramatic growth in the multicultural segment. The number of clinics has

from only 13 in 1991 to over TOO clinics currently for inner-city youth, senior citizens, wheelchair athletes and many others. The multicultural clinics introduce tennis to groups that otherwise would not have the opportunity to play. A network has also been es-

Nationwide free clinics can be held for players of all ages, regardless of skill level.

.,.,

Arthur Ashe hosted a clinic in New York City i

tablished to support minority members, create new programs and increase minority membership. A member can get involved in USPTA's multicultural programs and network by contacting his or her divisional liaison, a member of the Multicultural Committee or the World Headquarters, and volunteeringt> to t>get involved. The clinics usually begin in March and some continue throughout the summer. All segments of Tennis Across America have received tremendous industry support through donations of equipment, such as tennis balls, racquets and string. Because of this support, USPTA is able to supply equipment for multicultural sites throughout the country to encourage new players to continue to play tennis, take lessons and join tennis leagues. This support from the tennis industry has helped Tennis Across America reach an ever-growing number of people.

Former president George Bush, an avid tennis player and honorary member oj the USPTA, participated in Tennis Across America in 1992.

Each year, Penn Racquet Sports has provided special USPTA Pro Penn Tennis Across America tennis balls for conducting clinics and as souvenirs for clinic participants. Many special people have not only mad.e this program memorable but have also made a profound impact in the participation of tennis players. Numerous celebrities and generous people from around the world have hosted clinics and dedicated their time unselfishly to help make this event such a great success. Here are some highlights from Tennis Across America throughout the last nine years: • The legendary Arthur Ashe hosted a clinic in New York City in 1991-

Former president of the United States, George Bush, participated in Tennis Across America in 1992. Guest speaker, Vic Braden, gave instruction in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he received a Texas flag that was flown over the state capitol in Austin in honor of Tennis Across America Day. Willard Scott of NBC's "Today Show" announced the Tennis Across America event during a weather segment on

several occasions. The announcements prompted hundreds of calls to the USPTA World Headquarters in Houston. Callers were referred to Tennis Across America clinics in their area. • Tennis experts Nick Bollettieri, Peter Burwash, Zina Garrison, Tom Gullikson and Stan Smith volunteered their time and efforts in various parts of the country. • Pro tour favorites Luke and Murphy Jensen brought their rock-and-roll tennis show to two clinics held in the Cleveland area as part of Tennis Across America. • Pete Sampras and Pam Shriver hosted the most recent clinic in 1998 at the White House, which has been a site for Tennis Across America events for several years. "Through Tennis Across America and its supplemental programs, USPTA has succeeded in identifying new segments of current and future tennis-playing consumers. The participation of these groups opens the doors of opportunity for everyone involved in the sport and creates a common bond for all," said USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. To all USPTA professionals and volunteers who have donated their time and efforts for Tennis Across America, we offer you our sincere appreciation and thanks. You have contributed to the overall success of this program and have affected thousands of people's lives in a positive way. We hope you continue to show your support for this program for years to come! S?"

ADDvontage/JanuaryW? 27

Wilson and partner lace up for fight against breast cancer

ilson, the market leader in tennis e quipment, is stepping up its efforts both to reach female consumers and help researchers beat breast cancer, For the past six months, Wilson has been donating a portion of the proceeds from each pair of its new women's tennis shoe sold in the United States to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Wilson raised $12,000 for BCRF from sales of the new Pro Staff Intrigue during the first three months alone, according to Rick Kerpsack, business director for footwear at Wilson Sporting Goods, Wilson made a donation with each pair of Intrigues it shipped to the trade beginning last July. "We recognized an opportunity in the market to do a better job appealing to the female athlete," Kerpsack said in explaining the genesis of the Pro Staff Intrigue. "In footwear 70 percent of our business is men's shoes. That prompted us to develop a new shoe built on a woman's last (a footshaped model), which defines the shape of the shoe. It's one of our best-fitting shoes ever — lighter, softer and more comfortable." The new shoe has so intrigued consumers that Wilson is expanding its partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as of Jan. I. The Chicago-based sporting goods company will begin donating a percentage of the proceeds from all women's-specific products, such as bags and apparel, to the foundation. Kerpsack said total donations over the scheduled three-year life of the program are expected to 28 ADDvontnge/Jonuaryl999

reach well into the six-figure range. Kerpsack recalled. "It's going to be a great partWe knew we had a product nership," said Pamela Har- that makes a difference," he said rington, director of events for the of the Pro Staff Intrigue. "We Breast Cancer Research Founda- asked ourselves, 'How can we tion. "Wilson is one of our first make a difference as a company?' corporate sponsors and we're We saw an opportunity to benehoping to branch out. ... We're fit a really good cause and gain absolutely thrilled with Wilson's awareness in the women's market support and hope everyone goes with this new product." out to buy Wilson goods." Each box of the new women's Jim Baugh, president of Wil- shoe was marked with a pink ribson Sporting Goods, presented bon, the centerpiece of the Breast the foundation with a $12,000 Cancer Research Foundation's check on Oct. I to kick off Breast logo. Also, the company attached Cancer Awareness Month. a tag with the BCRF logo to all "It's hugely important for us of its women's shoes. to receive such generous donations "The reaction has been unbefrom Wilson," Harrington said. lievable," Kerpsack said. Inside This money "does go straight to each box of Intrigues he put a card researchers for clinical and genet- with a thank-you note and his eic research. We fund 18 different mail address. The e-mail messagmedical institutions across the es he has received, some from country — from Seattle to Jackson- breast cancer survivors, convey ville, Fla., Houston, Texas (M.D. much more than pleasure over Anderson) to Boston." finding a form-fitting tennis shoe. Since its inception, the Breast One such message reads: "/ am almost a one-year survivor Cancer Research Foundation has awarded $7-5 million in grants to of breast cancer, and I thank you and institutions that explore new your company from the bottom of my therapies and genetic links that heartfor the donations you are making to fight this terrible disease. I bought will help lead to a cure. two pairs of your shoes this week after The seed for the partnership between Wilson and the founda- finding how comfortable they were. With the help of companies like yours, we will tion was planted when Kerpsack saw an in-flight informational fight and win the battle over cancer. video about BCRF aboard an air- Thank you, Joyce A. Garden (an avid tennis player)." plane in October 1997Garden added in a later e-mail The video chronicled the history and work of the New-York to Kerpsack that all members of based nonprofit organization. her tennis team have been wearEvelyn H. Lauder, senior corpo- ing a pink ribbon and they plan rate vice president of the Estee to keep showing their true colors Lauder Companies Inc., formed the whole season. For more information, call the the foundation in 1993. "I wrote down the phone Breast Cancer Research Foundanumber from the video and made tion at (212) 572-4249. <&• a call to them following the trip," O

With the help of companies like yours, we will fight and win the battle over cancer. - Joyce A. Garden, tennis player and breast cancer survivor, on Wilson's partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

meetings/activities (1/2 credit and up) Feb. 6 March 12

i (4 points for CTC segment)

Midwest Division Aurora, 111.

Glen BeleH IBeacIl, Ore.

Midwest Division Grand Rapids, Mich.

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Coaches workshop Florida Division Key Biscayne, Fla.

Jan. 22-23

Midwest Division Lincolnshire, 111.

Jan. 24

Southwest Division Mesa, Ariz.

Feb. 5-6

Midwest Division Troy, Mich.

Feb. 5-6

Midwe,st Division Indianapolis, Ind.

Feb. 7 Feb. 20-21

Feb. 26-28

Eastern Division Bethpage, N.Y.

DeWitt, N.Y. Eastern Division DeWitt, N.Y.

Division conventions

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March 26-27 Midwest Division Big Rapids, Mich.

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(5 credits) Jan. 22-23

Eastern Division Tarrytown, N.Y.

Jan. 22-24

Midwest Division Lincolnshire, 111.

Feb. 1 8-2 1

Texas Division Grapevine, Texas

Feb. 20-22

California Division City of Industry, Calif.

Feb. 20-22

Missouri Valley Division St. Louis, Mo.

Feb. 24-28

Intermountain Division Littleton, Colo.

Feb. 26-28

Middle States Division Lake Harmony, Penn.

March 5-7

Mid-Atlantic Division Williamsburg, Va.

lly \,OUrS8S (2 credits per four-hour course; 4 credits per eight-hour course) Building and Repairing Fundamentals, Jan. 21, Chicago, 111. (4 hours) , D. Ko^lowski

Little Tennis, Feb. I I , Atlanta, Ga. (4 hours), T. Gilbert

Building and Repairing Fundamentals, Feb. 4, Indianapolis, Ind, (4 hours), D. Ko^owski

Advancing Large Groups from Intermediate to Advanced'level Players, Feb. I I , Atlanta, Ga. (4 hours), B.Tym

The Doubles Connection: How to be a Better Doubles Partner, Feb. 10, Atlanta, Ga. Advancing Large Groups from a Beginner to Intermediate Level Player, Feb. 10, Atlanta, Ga. (4 hours), B. Tym

Assertive Communication and Negotiation, Feb. 21, Grapevine, Texas (4 hours), 5. Fackel

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 M e m b e r s h i p D e p a r t m e n t for a d d i t i o n a l i n f o r m a t i o n

or w r i t e via e-mail

membership@uspta.org.

ADDvantoge/JanuarylW

Bill Tym to present Specialty Course at The Super Show/99

SPTA Master Professional Bill Tym will present one of several popular USPTA Specialty Courses prior to The Super Show/99, the world's largest sports products trade show, in Atlanta. Learn how to effectively take a group of beginner players an help them advance to an intermediate level of play in Tym's course, "Advancing large groups from a beginner to intermediate playing level." Emphasis is on progressions used to advance the forehand and backhand ogroundstroke, forehand and backhand volley, and the serve from the beginner to the intermediate level. This course will be held Feb. 10 in the afternoon. The first course of the day, however, is "The doubles connection: how to be a better doubles partner," presented by Kim Dillard, USPTA Master Professional. This course stresses the importance of maintaining a positive attitude while playing with a partner. Attendees will learn techniques that will help doubles teams communicate effectively through body language and other visual cues, and how to win at doubles by taking calculated risks at the appropriate time in any game situation. In the morning on Feb. II, Townsend Gilbert, USPTA, will present, "Little Tennis." This course provides the foundation for a lifetime of tennis play by focusing on the motor skills and learning abilities of children from ages 3 to 11. By introducO

30 ADDvontoge/JanuarylW

ing tennis with fun games and activities and incorporating size and age-specific equipment, the game can be fun for children and their families. Later that afternoon, Bill Tym will present, "Advancing large groups from intermediate to advanced^ lev el players." Discussion involves changes in footwork, stroke work and mental aspects that allow players to advance. This course also explores changes in both tennis teaching and playing over the last 50 years. Each course is four hours in length and is worth 2 USPTA Career Development credits. The early registration deadline is Jan. 27 and fees are $25 per course for USPTA members and $30 per course for non-members. After Jan. 27, each course will cost $ 3 0 for members and $35 for non-members. Early registration is highly recommended, as space is limited. The registration fee includes a pass to The Super Show. To register or for more information, contact the USPTA Career Development department. Registration will be accepted at the door. ^»

Specialty Course speakers Kim Dillard is a USPTA Master Professional, who has more than 28 years of teaching experience. He is the director of tennis at Sedgefield • . and is ranked No. 2 nationally by len's doubles in the 40:• . . : U >cently published his fir^ bles Connection: How to be a Bettes is based on his method of teaching and fi bles. He served the Southern Division a president in 1997, and was named drvis; al

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USPTA Michael Lewellen, USPTA, was recently hired by Fox Sports Net as its vice president for media relations. He was formerly director of public relations for Turner Sports and the 1998 Goodwill Games. Serious Fun Tennis Camp, New England's only/ holiso tic tournament trainingo

camp for ranked USTA juniors, was held in Wellesley, Mass., for its second season. Camp founder and director, David Zeutas-Broer, USPTA, is the c u r r e n t USPTA New England Zeutas-Broer Coach of the Year. USPTA professionals Jeff Bearup and Tim Smith were guest coaches. Phil Tovar, USPTA, and John Creamer are now the owners of Tahitian Village Racquet Club in Bastrop, Texas. Tovar will direct the teachingo rprograms. & Mid-Town Athletic Club in Rochester, N.Y., introduced more than 300 people to tennis this past summer. TNTÂŽ Tennis in No Time introduces people to tennis in just three weeks. Willie Schuette, USPTA, is the director of racquet sports. DeArmond Briggs, USPTA, is now in charge of the tennis management program at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Previ-

ously he was the director of tennis at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa for 12 years. Tom Gullikson, USPTA, has been reappointed U.S. Davis Cup captain for 1999. Gullikson, who has been captain since 1994, led the United States to its record 3 Ist Davis Cup title in 1995, winning the trophy against Russia. Palm Coast Resort recently enlisted the services of Peter Burwash International to direct its tennis operation. The recreational community boasts an l8-court tennis facility with three different playing surfaces â&#x20AC;&#x201D; clay, grass and hard. PBI was founded 24 years ago by Peter Burwash, USPTA Master Professional. The Texas Division of USPTA hosted a successful I4 tb annual summer retreat at The Woodlands Resort, north of Houston. The Buying Show was well attended with 41 booths representing 50 tennis companies. /

Jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional and executive vice president o/LGE Performance Systems Inc., is a regular speaker for America's largest motivational business seminars, the Peter Lowe Success Series. He presents his Anti-Diet program, a nutrition and fitness program to help people eat right and become more active. He also emphasises the benefits of tennis. He will speak in Houston on Feb. 13, Washington, D.C., on March (), and Columbus, Ohio, on March //. For ticket information, please call (800) 989-

USTA The tennis courts and playingo fields of Taft Recreation Center in Washington, D.C., were recently named the Dwight A. o Mosley Athletic Complex, dedicated to the memory of the former executive director of the Washington Tennis Foundation. The state-of-the-art com-

Sally Schwartz^ USPTA, organised a "Texas-Hawaii Shootout" between nine of her top junior students from the Dallas area and the best juniors on the Big Island of Hawaii. The kids did lots of sight-seeing with a trip to Volcanoes National Park, deep-sea fishing, a snorkel trip and a dolphin encounter. The trip was sponsored by USPTA endorsees Wilson Racquet Sports and American Airlines, along with Reebok. The team (l-r): David Cooper, Kyle Mims, Emily Mickelson, John Nallon (seated), Hayley McLaughlin (in chair), Sally Schwartz^ (coach), Michael Mabe, Matt Stevens, Sam Merrill and Nicole Trautmann. ADDvantage/Januaryl999

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plex will be completed in the fall of 1999. In addition to serving as secreo tary-treasurer of the USTA, which made him the first African American to hold such a position, Mosley was also chairman of the USTA Minority Participation Committee, Manufacturers On behalf of Penn Racquet Sports, President Gregg Weida donated $5,000 toward the initial start-up fund of the USTA Tennis Foundation College Textbook Scholarship Program. The program will provide one-time scholarships of $350 per recipient through the participant's university bookstore to help pay for the purchase of college textbooks. Potential candidates would be collegeo bound youths who were participants in a USTA youth program. Penn Racquet Sports supplied the official ball of the Chase Championships of the Corel WTA in November. Oncourt Offcourt Inc. has patented a new product that prevents tennis ball pressure loss, called the Tennis Ball Charger. It is o a money-saving device for both frequent tennis players and coaches, and is available in three sizes: 38-ball, 75-ball or 150ball capacities. For more information, call (214) 823-3078. O

32 ADDvantnge/Jonumy WV

Scholarships Hofstra University has two scholarships available for the 1999 season beginning in January. Hofstra is a Division I school participating in the American East Conference. The year-round program is for both men and women. For information, call (516) 4 6 3 - 4 9 6 8 or e-mail athweg@hofstra.edu. Eight scholarship slots are open for the Wallace State men's and women's tennis teams for the 1999-2000 tennis season. Both teams are currently in the top five in the United States in Junior College Division II play. Wallace State is located 40 miles north of Birmingham, Ala., and has an enrollment of around 7,000 students. If interested, please contact Glen Fanelli, Wallace State College Tennis, Box 2000, Hanceville, Ala. 35077, or send an e-mail to faneltenis@aol.com. Miscellaneous The Super Show/99, which will be held Feb. 12-15 in Atlanta, has developed several new programs: the First Timers Program, the New Hospitality Program and the Super Show's VIP Buyer Club. For more information, call (800) 237-3736. In 1999, the International Tennis Federation and its member nations will celebrate the end of the first century of Davis Cup

with a year-long series of events that will showcase the Davis Cup as one of the most storied and prestigious competitions in all of sport. A new logo has

/vantage New, exciting clinic formats and group drills, plus drills for private lessons. Free samples! Our products make your job easier! Call Club & Resort Marketing, (800) 569-4661. EMPLOYMENT BERKHEIMER'S TENNIS SERVICES, a pro-placement service in Vero Beach, Fla., is actively matching USPTA managers, tennis directors, head pros and assistants to clubs, resorts and academies nationwide. Call Gerry Berkheimer for details at (561) 388-5491. Want to be a college coach? Bob Larson's College Tennis Employ' ment newsletter lists what jobs are open. Sample $5, P.O. Box 24379, Edina, MN 55424,

www.tennisjobs.com The Tennis Job Line is a tennis professional employment service. It advertises tennis openings at country clubs, tennis clubs, resorts, public facilities, colleges and summer camps.

OPPORTUNITIES Christian Tennis — Tennis Ambassadors — Networking around the world. For information: mfo@tennismmistry. com or our website at www. tennisministry.com. Address: P.O. Box 885, Fanling, NT, Hong Kong. TENNIS TOURS You can earn a FREE Trip to the Australian Open, French

been designed for the centennial, and the United States will play Great Britain in the first round of the 1999 Davis Cup April 2-4 in England.

CLASSIFIEDS Open, Wimbledon and many other tournaments. Book a group of your tennis friends on any of our tours and you can travel with them for free. We will take care of all the details. Your clients can choose from a quality selection of 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels. We offer excellent stadium seats, a wide variety of ticket options, personal service and lots more. Call Grand Slam Tennis Tours for details and free brochures. (800) 289-3333.

VACATION OPPORTUNITIES WANTED! Tennis professionals and tennis coaches. The Professional Coaches Association offers numerous opportunities for tennis pros and coaches to participate in PCA Working Vacation Programs at exclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean. Join this long-running and successful program that so many professionals have enjoyed. For information, contact Mark Burns at (617) 552-3171. Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.) Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to ( 7 1 3 ) 9 7 8 - 7 7 8 0 , attn: ADDvanfage c l a s s i f i e d s . No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPM cannof verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. It reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion.

The Toughest Wool Makes The Toughest Balls, Vy e searched for the world's most powerful wool. We found it in New Zealand. It's what makes our long-wearing, fuzz-kicking felt respond at maximum velocity. Then we marched into Malaysia J and whipped some rubber trees into high-performance ball cores. All in all, today s Pro Penn is 1 even more durable than ever. So you never fear a bad ball. The sheep, well, that's another story.

USPTA

www.pennracquet.com

NEED WE SAY MOREP We DO

• Serious » Hard-hitting Journalism • AH ATP & WTA Draws • Rankings and Prize money • instant Coverage of Events • 20 Times a Year * Ho tired instruction, fancy pants resort stories or self-serving equipment reviews. Our readers know how to play, where to play and with what to play, for the intense in-your-face player/reader only.

Visit the Tends Week booth for your special subscription discount and tree gift, 341 Madison flve. Suite 600 New York, NY 1001J 800«800«TENN 1:212-983-6302 nnm.temilsweek.Gem

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United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. World Headquarters One USPTA Centre „•• 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042-5235