Addvantage 2000 May

TO GET AN ADVANTAGE ON SERENA.

VENUS SWITCHED TO HYPER CARBON

~

TO GET AN ADVANTAGE ON VENUS.

SERENA SWITCHED TO HYPER CARBON

contents the total professional - enhancing your career

departments 3 CEO's message

14

5 Vice president's message 6 USPTA mailbox 1 7 USPTA drill

25 Teaching pros share tennis tips 32 Career development

33 Industry action 34 Classifieds

20 Ask the professor - Nature vs. nurture: the great debate continues on court by jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional - Genetic predispositions and environmental factors impact training.

21

USPTA Adult Tennis League 5 M could also be ~unior Singles Round Robin' The format, not the name, makes a program work.

22 Tennis character curriculum

by Bill McGowan, USPTA - Regular discussion of character leads to better listening skills, focus, effort and behavior.

7 Planning for Phoenix Nominate members for national awards, plan ahead for travel arrangements

8 Conference registration form 9 Hotel reservation form

28 Lob your way to successful doubles

by Fred Burdick, USPTA - Offensive and defensive strategy for dub-level players.

31

uspta world conference on tennis

Tennis, world leaders support program

10 World Conference schedule 12 International Championships registration form 13 USPTA World Conference Web sne

volume 24 • issue 5

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Ho uston , TX 77042 Pho ne - (713) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U Fox - (713) 978-7780 e-mail - mogozine@ usplo .org

Editor Managing editor

Showno Riley Julie Myers

Circulatio n

Kathy Buchanon

Advertising

Dione Richbou rg

Office hours: 8:30 a.m . - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professiona l Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage ore those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the US PTA. CopyrightŠ United Stoles Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2000. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from US PTA. ADDvantage/ May 2000

~E8's message~~-------

• • They're here- The 1nvas1on of the dot.coms '

Have Lap Top Will Give Lessom. com- Send Me JOur Sales I'll Kill JOur Pro Shop. com- Let Me Carry JOur Money to My Bank. com- Donate JOur Database To Me.com- Tennis Discount Warehouse. com- Tennis Lessom Only From Me. com

utilizing computer database expertise to track membership, education participation, and promote marketing and sports marketing programs, but also our Web sites were up and running long before the major companies in our industry went online. Our main Web site - uspta.org - receives 2 million hits a year, and LittleTennis. com is projected to reach 3 million hits this year. ADGiveMeABreak.com!

Dvantage magazine now has irs own sire, and our online Find-aPro, Find-a-Job and Find-a-Partner service is feaThis is one of those editorials that will make a tured both on our main and Little Tennis Web sires. few enemies, even among some of our members.

USPTA began coaxing irs members into the inforHowever, the consequences of not dealing with this mation age many years ago. We offered computer issue will so negatively impact the career paths of courses, and we built an Internet presence that promost of our professionals that I feel it is my duty to motes our members and enhances the careers of place the information before you. individual professionals.

USPTA professionals are the tennis industry's Many of these hours included my analysis of some most important link to millions of consumers. This of the great futurists, such as Alvin Toffier and Nichomakes you a valuable commodity to all those comlas Negroponte, who have provided advice to those panies hoping to convince you to sell their prodwho represent the highest levels of our government. ucts. And, nowhere is there a hotter marketplace Early on, I became certain that the Internet would than the Internet. There's no doubt that today's lightchange the business that tennis professionals had Tim Heckler ening-quick technology will continue to provide you known for a lifetime. In watching the rapid changes with many opportunities. What I hope to explain is rake place in the employment picture of other professions, I knew it how the same technology that entertains and informs us could was only a matter of time before we would feel the effects of techhave a negative effect on your business and livelihood. nology in the tennis business. Although the precise manner in which If you haven't already considered the challenges presented to it would affect tennis pros was not yet clear, I started incorporating you by the growth of e-commerce and other Internet possibilities, technology into most of my lectures over the past 15 years to explain you won't have to wait long. What I've seen in just the past few various potential scenarios, some of which were prefaced with the weeks convinces me we all must think about where our profession warning, "Beware: this might sound like weird science." is headed and how we will react to the entrepreneurs who seek to One of my predictions has been that when bandwidth (the speed make money from you. of Internet transmission) finally reaches an unlimited level on the In order to establish the credibility for my arguments in this Internetnow just a few years away- virtual reality teaching will editorial, I first must delve into a little history. become the primary mode of education for most disciplines. SigUSPTA and I have a long history with the Information (comnificant amounts of tennis and other education will take place when puter) Age. It goes back to 1982 when, as the new USPTA CEO, I was commissioned by our Board of Directors to bring US PTA a student puts on a light visual helmet and some strategically placed sensors. He or she can then be turned loose for a lesson with Pete into sync with the future. This was just prior to the introduction Sampras or Andre Agassi. Looking at the bright side, today's tenof the PC (microcomputer) or the DOS operating system. It would nis pro would need to become tomorrow's tennis technician in be a gross overstatement to say that learning and implementing order to survive in the job market of such a revolution. this new tool in those days was a friendly experience.

I've also had first-hand experience of another employment rivetNow, with literally thousands of hours of study, implementation ing mini-revolution known to us as the "tennis boom" of the 1970s and even, at times, experimentation, USPTA believes it has always and early '80s. Using examples of how Industrial Age commerce been the most computer literate company in the tennis industry. affected our profession during the "tennis boom revolution" permits We are uniquely qualified to provide the latest in high-tech me to speculate with considerable accuracy how e-commerce will benefits to our members. We've been ahead of the technology curve since we began USPTA's computerization. Not only have we been

Continued next page ADDvantage/ May 2000

3

from previous page treat teaching professionals in the Informacion Age revolution.

If you simply reviewed the primary job functions of the successful pro in the 1970s, you would see that they could 1Wt be sustained or improved under the onslaught of outside profiteers who decided to invade the tennis professional's profit centers. The pro shop was one of the areas that was harmed when a new marketplace was born with the introduction of local discount sports (tennis) stores and mail order tennis shops. As manufacturers flocked to fill orders at volume discount prices for these new retail outlets, service to pro shops suffered and sales declined.

Consumers soon developed the daring to get purchasing advice from their pros and then make their purchases at a discount store instead. The num-

ber of pro shops and their profitability to our members was drastically reduced, while wealth was redistributed to a comparatively few profiteers.

History also broadcasts warnings by recounting a compelling story in the lesson department. During the tennis boom there was a huge influx of new teachers. Although many were very reputable, every imaginable "desk jockey" who was tired of the daily grind in an office environment decided it would be fun to change careers so they could go to work in their shorts (and, of course, go to the bank) while developing a great tan at the same time.

Although this may sound humorous, the effect of this large invasion of unqualified teachers eventually took a toll on the bottom line. The image of all teaching pros was judged by the average pro and gradually owners and managers started

forcing the high-income levels for pros downward. The same managers and owners started placing other profit centers, such as pro shops and activity direction, under the control of hourly employees, while pros were relegated to more on-court assignments. Even the price of lessons did not keep pace with the rate of inflation.

The point I want to make is that our profession has not always fared well during economic revolutions and societal change. That's why I'm more concerned than ever about how the Information Age will influence our profession and perhaps engulf even the last of our members' income sources.

I only hope that most of you have continued to read this far because within a matter of weeks or months, you will begin to see an eruption of change and its side effects within our profession even more radical

MAKER

BY SPORTS TUTOR

Easy as

ABC

800-448-8867

~~;~ure

www.sportstutor.com

Sports Tutor, 5350 Biloxi Ave., N. Hollywood, CA 91601, ph: 818-762-8379, fax: 818-762-9438

4

ADDvantage/ May 2000

than those of the tennis boom.

Further into the future we will refer to this segment of the Information Age as "The invasion of the dot.coms." I believe if you see them coming, you still will 1Wt be able to stop them, however, you'll at least have some control over how they affect our current profit centers.

And, if you think that the changes I describe above happened quickly, in a matter of a few years, at Industrial Age speed, then you haven't seen anything yet. The next series of changes has already started at Internet speed, which is hundreds of times faster and thousands of times farther reaching.

Using the examples I discussed earlier about how pro shops and other pro job duties were affected by the last tennis boom, imagine for a moment how much worse it will be if instead of just one or two discount

See dot. corns, Page 24

A

usptao

v

USPTA offers continuing (playing) education

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

0

tunities. These tournaments may be held at the diur Association's continuing education is second to none. But what about playing vision convention or at various locations throughopportunities within the USPTA? Isn't it out the year. Division tournament results will be also important to continue playing and competing weighted below the national events. to keep ourselves at the highest level we can achieve?

USTA tournaments and other events - In adAt our April Executive Committee meeting we predition to the above events, results from other toursented a plan that would allow USPTA players to naments will be used for ranking purposes. These participate in a larger variety of tourwill be weighted below the Internaments by giving them more chancnational Championships, USTA/ es to play and making our rankings USPTA Category II and division more valid. tournaments.

USPTA International ChampiIn the past, our rankings have onships - Our premiere event, this come primarily from the results of tournament is currently held in conthe US PTA International Champijunction with our World Conference. onships. In some years these were It will continue to be our most imcombined with our Clay Court portant tournament and the results Championships and, in the 1980s, will be given the most weight in our with the results from our tournanew ranking system. ment with the Lipton ChampionUSTA/USPTA national Categoships. ry II championships - As Joe With fewer tournaments to draw Harry Gilbert Thompson outlined in his March upon, we usually see a number of message, these prize-money tournaco-rankings as all eight players who ments will allow USPTA players to participate in lose in the round of 16 are co-ranked 9-16. Our events that will help them earn national USTA and goal is to have more people play in the various US PTA rankings. A schedule is available in the March events, thereby producing more valid rankings. issue of ADDvantage magazine. Results from these The fine points of the new ranking requireevents will be weighted below our International ments are still being finalized but the intent is to Championships. allow more players an opporDivision tournaments - At tunity to receive a national the Executive Committee meetUSPTA ranking and to make Our goal is to have ing, we challenged each division the rankings more meaningmore people play in the ful. It will be imperative for to offer competitive play for its membership. For the past 15 the players to submit a playvarious events, thereby years the Florida Division has ing record of non-USPTA offered a circuit for its players events and for the divisions to producing more valid submit their tournament rethat offers four $6,000 tournaments and a season-ending massults for the Tournaments and rankings. ters event with $8,000 in prize Rankings Committee to conmoney. Although this may not sider. So to fulfill your conbe realistic in every division, we hope that each divitinuing (playing) education requirement, get on sion will be able to offer at least some playing opporthe court and enter these events! ~

President

Joseph Thompson

First Vice President

Mark McMahon

David T. Porter, Ed.D.

Vice Presidents

Ron Woods Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Secretary-t reasurer

Randy Mattingley

Past President

Will Haag

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations

Rich Fanning

Executive Assistant

Marty Bostrom

Director of

Shawna Riley

Communications Publica tions Coordi nator Public Relations Coord inator

Julie Myers

Diane Richbourg

Communications/ Divisional Li aison

Jill Kite

Shannon Kopp

Communications

D irector of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Computer Services/ C lub Relations

Ka thy Buchanan

Computer Services/

Sylvia Flores

Data Entry Computer Systems

Quincy Kwok

Adm inis trator Divisional Executive Adm inistrator

Yvonne Hung

Membership and Vicky Tri sta n Certification Coordinator Membe rship Assistan t

Daniell e Mead

Payroll/Benefits

Renee Heckler

Controll er

Theresa Weatherford

Ellen Wea therford Insurance/ M ercha ndise Services Insurance Services

Charlene Davis

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney- at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the

USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briorpark Drive, Suite O ne

Houston, 1X 7704 2 Phone (713) 97 -US PTA (800) USPTA-4U Fox (7 13) 978-7780 e-mail - uspto@ uspto .org Internet- www.uspto .org

Office hours: 8:30 o.m. • 5 p.m.

Central time

ADDvantage/ May 2000

5

~

PRESENTS ..ORT SUR'AC'S

Division of SeaiMaster

1-800-395-7325

internette [wh~r~

t[] surf

~ V[]U~~]

www. tennisweek.com Court Surface www.sportlnaster.net Sources of Dail Tennis News on the WorldWide Web CNN/SI Tennis: www.cnnsi .com/ tennis ESPN Sportszone Tennis News: ESPN.SportsZone.com/ten FOX Sports Net: www.foxsports.com/tennis Nando's Sportserver: www.sportserver.com Reuters Tennis News: www.sportsweb.com/Tennis/index.shtml Sportsline USA: www.sportsline.com/u/tennis/index.html Tennis Information Services The Tennis Server: www.tennisserver.com Tennis Week: www.tennisweek.com Professional Tour News ATP Tour: www.atptour.com Worldwide Senior Tennis Tour: www.seniortenniscircuit.com World TeamTemlis: www.worldteamtennis.com WTA Tour: www.wtatour.com Tennis Or anizations ¡ Christian Tennis Ministry: www. tennisministry.com ITA: www.tennisonline.com/ita ITF: www.itftennis.com International Tennis Hall of Fame: www.tennisfame .org USPTA: www.uspta.org USPTR: www.usptr.org USTA: www.usta.com USTA/Eastern-Metro (NYC): www.metrotennis.com Van der Meer: www.vandermeertennis.com Tennis Product Manufacturers Gamma: www.gammasports.com/index.html Head USA: www.headusa.com Nike: www.nike.com Penn: www.pennracquet.com Prince: www.princetennis.com Wilson: www.wilsonsports.com/wilson/Tennis/tennismain.html Tennis Tour Grand Slam Tennis Tours: www.tennistrips.com Tennis School Ferris State University: www.hello.to/FSUPTM Tyler Junior College: www.tjctennistech.com Tennis Shopping Holabird Sports: www.holabirdsports.com PlayPro: www.playpro.com Hotel The Roger Smith Hotel: www.rogersmith.com Online Performance Center Athletes Village.com: www. athletesvillage.com Tournament Sites Australian Open: www.ausopen.org French Open: www.frenchopen.org U.S.Open: www.usopen.org Wimbledon: www.win1bledon.org USA Network: www.usanetwork.com (French & US. Opens )

For ad rates on website listing, please call (212) 808-4750.

6

ADDvantage/ May 2000

USPTA mailbox Dear USPTA, I just want to say how much I've enjoyed your (Web) site.

I'm taking a formal coaching qualification course in England this year, after doing some kids coaching at my local club. (We don't have a "proper" coach at our club.) Your site has given me so many ideas, which the kids and I have really enjoyed.

Cheers and sincere thanks, Richard Edgley via e-mail Dear USPTA, I just finished looking at the new Little Tennis Web site and it looks great. The paths are easy to follow from one frame to the next. The layout was dynamic and jumped off the screen.

Great job! The membership appreciates your efforts.

Chad Oxendine, USPTA Vicksburg, Miss.

Dear ADDvantage magazine, My name is Michelle DuPerow and I am the general manager of River Oaks Racquet Club in Rocky River, Ohio. I read your article on "Lessons for Life" in the January 2000 issue.

My head tennis pro and I were so inspired we contacted the

USPTA office and our local American Cancer Society branch to learn how we could be a host to a tennis fund-raiser. The USPTA office sent us a copy of the logo used for Tshirts and the ACS office sent us support material also. Well, Friday, March 3, we hosted a Lessons for Life tennis benefit and presented the Cleveland branch of the American Cancer Society with a check for close to $2,200.

Many of our members have either battled cancer and won, or have just recently been diagnosed with this terrible disease.

Your article inspired us to do something for all those members. Maybe it will inspire other clubs to hold a similar event and contribute to curing this deadly disease.

Sincerely, Michelle DuPerow Rocky River, Ohio

Find-a-Pro Find a job. Post a job. Free. www.uspta.org Employers post job openings with USPTA's online service.

USPTA-certified professionals have immediate access to job information.

:A \Norld Confer

on Tennis

t~nnitUJ NA-~in~ nA-~e5 -

nA-tiCJnA-l A-wA-rt{5

Nominations for the following national awards may be submitted by a USPTA division or a certified USPTA member in good standing, as long as an official application form is used. Self-nominations by members are also acceptable.

The awards will be presented at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis in September.

Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year Success as a teaching professional, coach and player, as well as contributions to USPTA and the tennis industry are considered.

Players of the Year Success in USPTA, USTA and international tournaments is considered . Age categories are as follows: · • Male (open) • Female (open) • Male 35 and over • Female 35 and over • Male 45 and over • Female 45 and over College Coach of the Year This award is primarily for college team coaches , but coaches of individuals will also be considered.

Touring Coach of the Year This award is primarily for coaches of players on the pro tour.

Facility Manager of the Year This new award is for the general manager of a country club, commercial tennis facility, public tennis facility, resort or similar facility.

Industry Excellence Award This award recognizes those who have excelled at promoting tennis at the grassroots level and thereby increased player participation in the sport.

George Bacso Tester of the Year This award is given to USPTA's top tester.

USTA/USPTA Community Service Award This award is given to a USPTA member active in community service on behalf of the USTA. The USTA and USPTA jointly choose the recipient.

USPTA divisions may nominate themselves for the following awards: • Division of the Year • Newsletter of the Year • Most Improved Newsletter The application deadline is July 15 and applications will be judged by USPTA's national Awards Committee. For an application form for any of the above individual awards, contact the USPTA World Headquarters.

See Travel, Page 13 High School Coach of the Year This award is for coaches of high school teams.

ADDvantage/ May 2000

7

~ WORLD ~ conlerence! =Âť~~I!~~~!~

For airline reservations,

Conventions in America

(800) 929-4242 Be sure to say you are with Group No. 590

Registration form

!J~ve up + o$SO b~ 1e51~+u1Ltt5 belo1e Au~+ 21 .

Main registrant Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ USPTA member No. Address

Division______

City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State

Phone (H) (_ _) _ _ _ _ _ _ (W) (_ _) _ _ _ __ T-shirt sizes

0

0

M

L

OXL

e-mail _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

OXXL

Please indicate parties you plan to attend :

Fees

0 0 0

Member Nonmember

0 0

Wednesday night Friday awards breakfast

Thursday night Friday night

Before Aug. 21 $275 $315

If you wish to receive the vegetarian meal option, please check here.

0 No. 1 0 No. 2 0 No. 3

0 No. 4

0 No. 5

0 No. 6

Spouse/spouse equivalent registration

Subtotal1

0 No. 7

Quantity _ _ x $25 Subtotal 2 _ __

Spouse/ spouse equivalent must be registered to attend parties. No individual tickets w ill be sold.

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ USPTA member No. ____ Division _ _ _ _ __

0

0

M

After Aug. 21 $325 $365

Specialty Course fees

Specialty Courses

T-shirt sizes

0

Nonmember

ZIP _ _ __

0

L

0

XL

Please indicate parties you plan to attend:

Fees

0 0 0 0

Spouse/ spouse equivalent

0 0

Wednesday night Thursday night

Nonmember

0

XXL

Thursday spouses' luncheon Friday awards breakfast

Before Aug. 21 $125

Friday night

After Aug. 21 $155

Subtotal 3

If you wish to receive the vegetarian meal option, please check here.

Child registration

Registration fee includes special menu at nightly parties and promotional giveaways for children ages 5-12.

Children ages 13-1 8 receive adu lt package. This registration fee does not include the children's camp (see below).

Child 1 Age _

0

T-shirt child

10/ 12

adult OM

0

Fees per child

14/ 16

OL

Quantity Child (5-12)registration x $49 _ __ Child (13-18) registration__ x $99 _ __

OXL

Child 2 Age _

0

T-shirt child

10/ 12

adult OM

0

(does not include chi ldren's camp)

14/ 16

OL

Subtotal 4

OXL

There is a daily camp for children 5-12 available through The Pointe Hilton Resort for an additional fee. Check here for more information. 0

Payment options

Arrival date: _ __ _ _ Departure date: _ _ _ __

Make check or money order payable to USPTA, or charge my

Are you staying at The Pointe Hilton Resort? yes__ no If not, why? _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

0

Visa

0

MasterCard

Name printed on card _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Card No. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Exp. date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Signature _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

Total fees Return this form with payment to : USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston , TX 77042

Subtotal 1 Subtotal 2 Subtotal 3 Subtotal 4 Grand total

8

ADDva ntage/ May 2000

~ WORLD

Hotel room reservation

~ conference!

(This form must be used for reservations) Please complete this form and return it to The Pointe Hilton Resort no later than August 20, 2000.

You may also make reservations by calling (800) 876-4683, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.- 7:30p.m. MST. and Saturday and Sunday. 9 a.m.-5:30p.m. MST

Send to:

Conference: USPTA World Conference on Tennis

The Pointe Hilton Resort Central Reservations Office 7600 N. 16'h St., Suite 130 Phoenix, AZ 85020 (800) 876-4683 (602) 870-2783 (fax) ATIN : Group reservations

Phoenix, Ariz, Sept. 23-30

=» ~~I!~~~!~

Arrival date: _ _ _ _ _ __ Departure date:

Location: The Pointe Hilton Resort Phoenix, Ariz.

Last name (print legibly)

First name

Middle initial

Street City

ZIP

State

Telephone (

Please indicate choice of accommodations. All rates are European plan (no meals included).

Rates: 0

$99- Single hotel room

0

$99 - Double hotel room

The published room rates do not include a 10.67 percent tax. Any additional gratuity to the hotel staff is at your discretion . Third party in any room is $15 per day. Rollaway beds are available upon request. Number of rolla ways: __

Please reserve _ _ room(s) for _ _ person(s).

Deposit:

D

Check

D

Credit card:

AmEx

MC

VISA

_DC/ CB

Card N o . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Expiration date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Name printed on c a r d - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Billing a d d r e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Authorization signature - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Check-in time is after 4 p.m. - Check-out time is at noon.

General information • All reservation requests must be received by August 20, 2000. Requests received after this date, or for dates other than the main conference period, will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

• Please include one night's room revenue as a deposit in the form of credit card number (with an expiration date valid through date of departure) or check, which will hold your room until midnight of the day following your scheduled arrival date. Upon arrival, the deposit will be applied to the last confirmed night of the reservation. In the event of your early departure, the deposit is nonrefundable unless the hotel is notified prior to, or at the time of check-in.

• Cancellation notice of three (3) days is required for a refund. Early departure will result in forfeiture of deposit.

When canceling or changing your reservation by telephone, be sure to obtain a cancellation or confirmation number.

• The hotel will make every effort to honor requests for specific types and locations of rooms . However, on occasions when such requests cannot be met, the hotel reserves the right to provide alternate accommodations.

ADDvantage/ May 2000

9

2000 USPTA world conference on Tennis, Phoenix

Conference and education program schedule

II

sept. 23

Sept. 24

Sept. 25

Sept. 26

saturday

sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Testing

7 a.m. sa.m.

I

9a.m.

Tournament begins Men's open (9 a.m.·G p.m.l

Seminar (9·10 a.m.J

Seminar (9·10 a.m.J

Seminar (9·10 a.m .J

TOurnament begins other events (9 a.m.·G p.m.J

Tournament (9 a.m.·G p.m.J

Tournament (9 a.m.·G p.m.J

seminar (10:30·11 :30 a.m.J

seminar (10:30·11:30 a.m.J

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

Noon 1 p.m.

CTC (on courtl upgrades only (1·4 p.m.J

'

2 p.m.

Seminar (2·3 p.m.J

seminar (2·3 p.m.J

3 p.m.

seminar (3:30-4:30 p.m.J

seminar (3:30-4:30 p.m.J

-

4p.m.

seminar (4·5 p.m.J

I I

s p.m.

I

I

&p.m.

I

7 p.m.

TOurnament player party (7-8 :30 p.m.J

!

-'

0

ADDvantage/ May 2000

II

Tennis

II

Education

II

Children's programs

II

Spouses' programs

II

Buying show

II

Parties

Sept. 27

Sept. 28

sept. 29

Sept. 30

Oct. 1

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

sunday

.,

seminars 7-8 a.m.

seminars

Seminars

Awards breakfast

seminars

Certification exam

(8-9 a.m.l

!8-9 a.m.l

<8-10 a.m .l

<8:15-9 :15 a.m.l

<8 a.m .-5 p.m.l

Children's tennis

Children's tennis

<8-9 a.m.l

<8-9 a.m.l

seminars

Seminars

Spouses路 tennis aerobics

<9 :1 5-10:15 a.m.l

<9 :15-10:15 a.m .l

<9 -10:30 a.m.l

Upgrades - on court

CTC <on courtl

Written exam

<9 a.m .-1 p.m.l

<9 a.m.-1 p.m .l

<9 a.m. -1 p.m.l

Spouses' tennis aerobics

International Tennis Buying Show

<9 -10:30 a.m.l

<9 a.m .-3 p.m.l

Seminars

seminars

Keynote speaker

<10:30-11 :30 a.m.l

<10 :30-11 :30 a.m.l

<10 :30-11 :30 a.m .l

seminar contest

Seminar contest

Spouses路 tennis aerobics

10:30-11:30 a.m.

10:30-11 :30 a.m.

<10:15-11 :45 a.m.l

seminars

seminars

Children's tennis

seminars

!11 :45 a.m.-12 :45 p.m.l

'!11 :45 a.m .- 12:45 p.m .l

<11 a.m .-noonl

<11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.l

seminars <11 :45 a.m.-12 :45 p.m.l

Spouses路 luncheon

seminar contest

Seminar contest

11 a.m .-12:30 p.m .

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

11 :45 a.m.-12:45 p.m .

Tournament finals

Team tournament begins

Team tournament finals

<1-6 p.m.l

<1-6 p.m .l

<1 -6 p.m.l

Specialty course

Specialty course

specialty course

Specialty course

<1:30-5:30 p.m.l

<1:30-5:30 p.m .l

<1-5 p.m.l

<1-5 p.m.l

Wilson golf tournament

Manufacturers路 demos

Manufacturers' demos

<1-6 p.m .l

!1-5 p.m.l

<1 -6 p.m.l

Head/ Penn golf tournament <1-6 p.m.l

seminars

Seminars

Seminars

Seminars

<2 :45-3:45 p.m.l

<2 :45-3:45 p.m .l

<2:45-3:45 p.m.l

!2:45-3:45 p.m.l

Upgrades <on courtl

CTC <classroom)

<2-5 p.m.l

<2-5 p.m.l

Seminars

seminars

seminars

seminars

<4-5 p.m.l

<4-5 p.m.l

<4-5 p.m.l

<4-5 p.m.l

Battle of the Divisions <4-6 :30 p.m.l

International Tennis Buying Show party

Family night and division parties

<6-8 p.m.l

<6 p.m.l

Buying ShOW <6-10 p.m.l

Wilson welcoming party <7-9 p.m.l

Head/Penn party <7-9 p.m.l

ADDvantage/ May 2000

11

2000 USPTA International Championships Presented

by~ Racquet Sports

Sanctioned by USPTAIUSJA Category II USTA National Tournament What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories When: Sept. 23-28. Starting times for first-round singles matches will be mailed September I .

Where: The Pointe Hilton Resort!Kiwanis Park Recreation Center Surface: Hard courts Individual entry fees: $50/singles, $20/doubles. Tournament players must register for the World Conference on Tennis 5M; tournament and convention fees must be paid separately (see conference registration form, Page 8). Singles entry and fees deadline, August 21. Doubles may register at tournament site, pre-registration encouraged.

Match scoring: Regular match scoring, two of three tiebreaker sets.

Rules: USTA. 15-minute default rule in effect. Players allowed minimum hour rest between singles matches, 30 minutes between singles and doubles matches or two doubles matches.

Dress code: Proper tennis attire. No T-shirts, tank tops or Capri tights.

Player eligibility: Current USPTA members in good standing who pre-register for World Conference on Tennis. All membership requirements must be completed by June 13 to allow for grading exam and processing application. USPTA will not be held responsible by any individual or division if entry is not accepted due to not fulfilling requirements before the 60-day deadline.

Prize money: Determined by the number of entries received up to a maximum of $30,000.

Player/event regulations: Each eligible player is limited to two events. An event is two players or teams competing. Men 's open limited to a 128-draw. Events may use block seeding, depending on size and strength of draw.

Mixed doubles rule: Players may play regular doubles and mixed doubles.

Tentative starting schedule: Sept. 23: Saturday 9 a.m. - Start MOS, M35S, M40s, M45s, WOS 5 p.m. - Sign up ends for all doubles.

Sept. 24: Sunday 9 a.m. - Start remainder of singles 3 p.m. - Start all doubles 5 p.m. - Start MXD This schedule may change as a draw increases. Players are advised to arrive one day before first scheduled match.

Tournament staff: Frank Kelly, tournament director; Kathy O'Neal, Todd Ruedisili and Gary Scanlon, Tournament Committee.

.pettiJ,.rhe exclusively endorsed ball o.fthe USPTA

dt'---------------------------------------Name Street City Phone (

State

ZIP _ _ _ _

)

E-mai l Birth date _ _ _ _ _ _ _ SS No. _ __ _ _ _ __ USPTA No. _ _ _ _ _ USTA No. _ _ _ _ _ _ Doubles partner _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Birthdate -

- --

-

-

SS No . - -- - -- - - -

Mixed doubles partner _ __ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ Birthdate _ _ _ __ _

ss No.

I, hereby release the United States Professional Tennis Association, its officers, directors and employees, including those of the USPTA divisions and tournament sponsors, from any and all liability for injury to me, including illness, resulting from my participation in the USPTA International Championships. I assume all risks inherent in my participation.

Ranking DATP/WTA _ _ _ __ _ DUSPTA - -------DUSTA sectional - - -- - DUSTA national - - - - -DState - - - - -- -- - DW/L record - - - - - - Attach past and current ranking information if needed.

Fees Singles $50 $ Doubles $20/person $ Mixed doubles $20/person $ Total enclosed $

Entry deadline

August 21 Date

Signature

Mail this entry, along with your payment, to: USPTA International Championships 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042

12

ADDva ntage/May 2000

Men's 0 MOS 0 M35S 0 M40S 0 M45S 0 MSOS 0 MSSS 0 M60S 0 M65S 0 M70S 0 M75S 0 M80S 0 M85S

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MOD M35D M40D M450 MSOO MSSO M600 M650 M700 M750 M800 M850

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

W350 W400 W450 WSOO WSSO W60D W650 W700 W750

Women's

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

wos W35S W40S W45S

wsos wsss W60S W65S W70S W75S

Wheelchair 0 MOS 0

0 0 0

wos

0

woo

MOD

woo

Mixed doubles Mixed 75 doubles

Travel

USPTA World Conference Web site

from Page 7

~~vi~

1N!ne:'1 -

tr~ve.t re.se.'IV~tiuns USPTA has selected Conventions in America as the official travel agency for the World Conference. Attendees can save 5 percent to 10 percent on lowest applicable fares with American Airlines, American West Airlines and Continental Airlines, and take an additional 5 percent off with a minimum 60-day advance purchase. To receive the lowest available fares on any carrier, call (800) 929-4242 and ask for Group No. 590. Outside of the United States and Canada, call (619) 232-4298 or fax (619) 232-6497. Reservation hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. CIA can also be reached via e-mail at flycia@stellaraccess.com. The Web site is www.stellaraccess.com. (Firsttime users must register and refer to Group No. 590.)

All CIA customers receive free flight insurance of $100,000.

If calling an airline directly or using your own travel agency, refer to the following codes: American (800) 433-1790 StarfJe No. 1190UC

All the information and registration forms you will need to attend the 2000 USPTA World Conference on Tennis can now be found in a special location on the Internet. There are four main sections in the new Web site that include general information about the conference, resort and Phoenix; a tentative schedule; a list of speakers and biographies; and registration forms. Exhibitor and tournament information will also be included.

The site will be updated frequently as more information becomes available.

The conference Web site can be accessed through USPTA's main site at www.USPTA.org, or ADDvantage online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.cotn.

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~~vi"-' ~~' J'~rt" USPTA members who would like to find a roommate for their stay at the conference should call the USPTA World Headquarters at (800) USPTA--4U for a list of others who wish to share a room.'&'-

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ADDvantage/ May 2000

13

Achievement orientation and self-efficacy (the confidence and ability to master a task) are important to sport and exercise activities. Sport achievement orientation includes three components: competitiveness, win orientation and goal orientation. Self-efficacy refers to situational selfconfidence and is an important part of an individual's motivation and rhe effort he expends during competition. Some research suggests achievement orientation decreases in older athletes. Specifically, the willingness to take risks and the desire to compete are lower in older males than younger males. However, recent research cautions against acceptance of

14

ADDvantage/ May 2000

an automatic age-related decline in achievement. Rarher, the meaning of achievement may be continually redefined as individuals age.

Research wirh older arhletes usually involves competitions in which they either competed against or competed with younger athletes (e.g., marathon running). Assessment of older arhletes in cross-age athletic competitions may not reflect older athletes' true measure of achievement orientation and physical self-efficacy. Tennis provides older athletes direct competition with players of similar age and ability levels.

The following study examined sport achievement orientation and physical self-efficacy in four

groups of male tennis players: young elite, senior elite, young recreational and senior recreational. In this study, elite tennis players were defined as players who compete for USTA or USPTA rankings.

Participants Two hundred ninety-three male tennis players participated in the study, including USPTA open and senior division players competing in the USPTA International Championships. Specifically, participants included 71 young elite (younger rhan 35 years old), 79 senior elite (older rhan 60), 70 young recreational (younger than 35) and 73 senior recre-

ational (older rhan 60) tennis players from various geographic locations (for example, California, Florida, New England, Texas, etc.). Due to an insufficient number of female tennis players achieving USTA sectional or national senior division rankings, only men participated in the study. Table 1 shows data for all four groups (see Table 1).

Young elite and senior elite players were randomly selected from USTA sectional rankings and players participating in rhe US PTA International Championships. They were mailed a survey packet containing an information sheet, Sport Orientation Questionnaire (SOQ) and Perceived Physical Ability

Table 1 -participant data (n=293) Young elite (n=71)

Young recreational (n-70)

Senior elite (n-79)

Senior recreational (n 73)

Average

27.9

25.6

70.9

68.4

Range

18-42

18-41

60-91

60-81

Number of years playing tennis

14.1

7.0

46.2

29.3

Number of hours/week practice

7.4

3.4

5.4

2.7

Number of matches/week

2.0

1.8

3.7

3.7

Number of tournaments/year

9.5

N/A

10.0

N/A

Percent USTA ranking

100

N/A

100

N/A

Sectional rank

93

N/A

78

N/A

National rank

7

N/A

22

N/A

Age

Tennis experience

Scale (PPA) . To recruit senior recreatio n al players, survey packets were mailed to tennis clubs across the United States and distributed to the recreational players by each club's USPTA ten nis profess io nal.

Young recreational players were selected from tennis clubs and public courts in New England and Florida.

Questionnaires The Sport Orientation Questionnaire contains three subscales: SOQ-Co mpetitiveness (the desire to succeed in competitive sport situations), SOQ-W in O rientatio n (th e desire to win in interpersonal competi tion) and SOQGoal Orientation (the desire to attain personal goals). The Perceived Physical Ability Scale is a 10item scale that measures an individual's perception of general physical confidence, and is a strong predictor of a person's expectations of success and actual sport performance.

Findings Table 2 shows the average subscale scores for each of the four groups. Most importantly, senior elite and young elite players' responses did not differ on the four subscales. This suggests that senior elite tennis players and young elite players have a similar perception of achievement. This is also true for young and senior recreatio nal players .

No support was found for the belief that age-group membership alone results in a decline in achievement cogni tions in older athletes (see Table 2).

Young and senior elite tennis players scored significantly higher than young and senior recreational tennis players on all four subscales. Differences in achievement orientation, particularly competitiveness and wi n orient atio n , are quite p ro nounced between players of different skill levels, including players over age 60. Senior elite tennis players also had higher PPA See Seniors, Page 16

Seniors prove competitive desire at World Conference USPTA offers living proof t hat the desire to achieve success doesn't diminish with age. The USPTA International Championships offers tournament competition for senior athletes up to Men's 90 singles and doubles and women's 75 singles and doubles.

Some of the Association's t op-ranked senior men include Roald Flater, No. 1 in men's 70 singles and doubles; Jack Cook, No. 1 in men's 75 singles and No. 2 in men's 70 singles; AI Rogers, No. 1 in men's 70 doubles; and John Huber, No. 1 in men's 80 singles.

As Huber said in an article in the January 1999 issue of ADDvantage, a problem with senior tennis is finding partners. USPTA hopes to see an increase in the number of senior tennis players at this year's conference .

More players will mean better competition ... and more partners.

Other venues for senior players include USTA tournaments, including the recently added 90s division, and the Phoenix Challenge, a senior tennis organization for players 50 or older with NTRP skill level ratings of 4.5 or less.

A tournament registration form for the USPTA International Championships is on Page 12. The deadline to register is Aug . 21.

ADDva ntage/ May 2000

15

Seniors from Page 15

scores than senior recreational tennis players. This may be due to their level of commitment within tennis (see Table 2). It appears that senior elite tennis players exhibit a high desire to achieve and a high level of confidence in their tennis-specific skills and physical abilities. These two views differentiate elite from recreational senior players.

The primary result of this study was that ability level (elite vs. recreational) accounted for greater group differences than age category. Achievement orientation and physical self-efficacy remained high for elite players, regardless of age group.

Senior elite tennis players appear to think like elite tennis players of any age, and likewise,

senior recreational players appear to think like recreational players of any age.

For senior elite players, the competitive nature of tennis is still very important as is the desire to win tournaments and increase one's USTA/USPTA ranking. On the other hand, senior recreational players do not regard competitiveness At 93, USPTA member John Huber is a regular on the courts at the USPTA Woirld and the desire to win as Conftrence;. important as senior Stephen Thuot, how tennis players of different elite players. These results clearPh.D., is a age and ability levels view ly suggest that senior tennis member ofthe achievement and competition. players are quite a heterogeUSTA-New neous group. Senior players perEngland ceive their tennis abilities differReference Section and ently based on their motivation Tennis Industry Association.

USPTA-New to either compete for rankings (I 993, May). Tennis participaEngland Division sport science or focus on recreational play. committees. He is on the tennis tion by Americans 50 and over staffat The Thoreau Club in These findings should provide doubled since 1988, new study Concord, Mass. tennis professionals insight into finds. North Palm Beach, Fla.

Table 2- SOQ and PPA means (n=293) Young elite (n=71)

Young recreational (n=70)

Senior elite (n=79)

Senior recreational (n=73)

Average

Average

Average

Average

SOO-comp

59.3

51 .8

58.0

51.3

SOO-win

24.7

21.3

22.9

20.3

SOO-goal

26.2

24.8

25.5

22.5

PPA

50.4

44.6

50.5

45.5

Measure

16

ADDvantage/ May 2000

I I I I I I I I I

Intermediate

I

I

I I I I I I I I I I I

King/queen of the court

I

I I I I I I

I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I I I I I I I I

Purpose: To practice groundstrokes and volleys. ·

s s s \bD

Description:

\':. ''

1. Play begins as illustrated.

2. There are two "kings" - ·~· and "B"- who can only be dethroned if a "servant" wins three points from them. Kings hit volleys and overheads and servants hit groundstrokes and lobs.

'',

II

3. The instructor puts the ball in play to the first servant in line, who plays out the point against the kings.

4. After each point, the servant goes to the end of the line.

5. As soon as one servant wins three points, he or she becomes a king, taking King "A's " position. "/\' moves to "B's" spot and "B" becomes a servant.

I

I I

ADDvantage/ May 2000

17

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THE PROFESSOR

JACK GROPPEL, PH.D.

Nature vs. nurture: the great debate continues on court Throughout my career heard phrases like, " h t's a skill you are born with," "You can't teach something like that" and "It's easier to tame a lion than to motivate a mouse." These phrases usually relate to concepts such as killer instinct, anticipation and the fighter within. Can you please shed some light on this from a scientific perspective?

There is no question that me intangibles exist regarding who is able to perform at the highest levels in any performance arena. For example, there are many different ways to win a tennis match: one athlete has an unbelievable competitive fire within, another has a great weapon in one of the groundstrokes, while yet another could be a tremendous retriever.

To attempt to answer such a thought-provoking question, we should just deal with two basic phenomena. We all have genetic predispositions for certain attributes (for example, to run fast, to be artistic and creative, or to be analytical) and we are all surrounded by environmental factors that will enhance or diminish the development of our ge-

netic attributes. Michael Jordon, for example, has said that he probably wasn't the most genetically talented athlete in the NBA, but he will immediately add, "But nobody worked harder than me." Within each

vs. person's ability to play tennis well, the question must be asked, "What form of training will best bring this specific player's talent and skill to the surface?"

I have heard two sides of the debate on this issue.

1. A chain will break at its weakest link, so you must do all that you can as a coach to improve a player's weaknesses.

2. The coach must focus on developing a player's strength to make it an awesome weapon.

Obviously, the best plan is to do both if possible but that

jack GroppeL Ph.D., USPTA Master Professional is the executive vice president ofLGE Performance Systems. He is an imtruction editor for Tennis magazine, and is the author ofHigh- Tech Tennis and the newly released 'The Corporate Athlete. " Information can be found at www.mentaf!ytough.com.

20

AD Dvantage/ May 2000

seems to be sitting on the fence, so let's try to answer this dilemma in a sound, practical way.

Examine the five limiting factors of each of your players and "face the truth" (both you and the player) with each aspect.

1. As far as strokes, is there one that could truly become a weapon and what are the weaknesses that an opponent could attack?

2. What about this player's movement with regard to speed, dynamic balance, agility, coordination and power?

3. What is this player's fitness level with regard to aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance along with flexibility?

4. How mentally tough is this player, especially in circumstances under pressure, wanting to win too badly and preparing properly in between points and changeovers?

5. How does this player use various tactics? Does this player understand the geometry of the tennis court and know how to close out points?

Once you have answered these questions in detail, you are ready to discover the types of training that will bring this player's genetic talent and developed skills to life on demand.

You will also be able to surround this player with a learning/training environment that will enhance the possibility of optimal skill development. For example, I believe that anticipation is a totally learned response to what is happening on the court. I refuse to believe that someone who doesn't play tennis can go onto a court and know where someone will hit a ball before he/she makes contact. It is only after years of experience and training that one learm to recognize what can possibly happen in a specific situation on the court during the heat of battle.

In summary, entire books have been written about the topic you question. I have given an overly simplistic answer in an attempt to help you gain positive, yet useable feedback on how to maximize your own skills in developing players. We must continue to pay attention to genetic talent, both the good and the limitations, but we must also realize that the type of environment surrounding the player (coaches, parents, friends, practice sessions, match play, etc.) will definitely affect the individual's skill development in all areas, both positively and negatively. ~

The format, not the name, makes a program work

USPTA Adult Tennis League 5 M could also be ~unior Single~ Round Robin'

T

here is good news for tennis in the industry data from 1999. Compared to the year before, ball sales were up 5.5 percent in units and racquet sales were up 7.4 percent in dollars. And, not only did the number of total tennis players increase 6.7 percent to 20.8 million, the number of frequent players rose, as well.

Three different surveys showed that the number of people who play tennis 21 times or more during the year grew between 8 percent and 12 percent. A 10 percent jump, from 4.9 million players to 5.4 million, was indicated by a survey from the U.S. Tennis Association, Teqnis Industry Association and International Tennis Federation.

It stands to reason that many of these frequent players are being influenced by tennis professionals who are creating programs that keep them happy on the court and eager to play again. When you're one of those pros looking for new programming ideas that incorporates various levels of players, you don't have to take the name of the USPTAAdultTennis LeaguesM too literally. The basic format lends itself to a number of other creative uses.

Yes, the league is extremely successful in some areas. The Texas Division hosted its ninth annual league state championships this January, and conducted a team exchange with the Intermountain Division, where the league also is popular. But you don't have to organize a new league to take advantage of the fun team format that could also work with juniors or other groups.

What distinguishes the Adult Tennis League format is having doubles teams of various playing levels make up a squad.

That means that players with an NTRP rating of 4.5 are playing at their own level, but are part of a squad that includes teams at the 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 levels, too.

The recommended adult league has squads of eight teams each (two doubles teams at each of four levels). The number

of games won by each team count equally toward the squad's final scores, so 3.0 players are cheering on their 4.5 teammates, and vice versa. T he teams can be: • men's doubles • women's doubles • mixed doubles • mixed level (one women's doubles team and one men's doubles team at each level) Besides an adult doubles league, the same format could be used for: • interfacility leagues using one doubles team at each level, plus substitutes • one-day, pro-set tournaments • singles competitions for juniors with

players coming from different age groups or class levels to form a squad or team USPTA's league format makes tennis seem more like a team sport, which makes it more popular with children and juniors.

In this case, you can easily turn an adult game into child's play.

If any of these ideas are popular with your students, why not spread the word to neighboring facilities and, well, start a league.

For more information about the Adult Tennis League format, contact your divisional office or call the World Headquarters at (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248). 'f>G

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21

â&#x20AC;˘ One's character may be quite different from one's reputation.

Your character is what you really are. Your reputation is only what others think you are. -john Wooden

any tennis-teaching professionals include sportsmanship, rules and etiquette as a routine part of their group and private lessons. However, in response to a growing concern about a general lack of character exhibited

by U.S. junior and professional tennis players, pros may want to begin to include a specific "character curriculum" as an integral part of their teaching.

I keep the subject very simple and use only five minutes during a water break or while picking up balls to discuss one character trait at a time. I begin by asking, "What is character?"

During the discussion, we try to relate a trait to tennis situations and everyday life. Character applies to the moral qualities by which a person is judged, apart from his intelligence, competence or special talents.

Benefits that have emerged from the character curriculum include an improvement in the students' listening skills, focus, effort and on- and off-court behavior. For teachers, discussion of character traits provides another opportunity to give posi rive reinforcement and build self-esteem among students. Overall, during lessons the emphasis shifts from a

22

ADDvantage/ May 2000

short-term, result-oriented atmosphere to one of developing long-term mental and physical skills. When good character habits are practiced, students and teachers leave the lesson with an inner satisfaction about the time being well spent.

Five character traits, along with words used to aid in comprehension, are listed below.

~~~~w7rou­

wou-U ~-;to

~-;(~u/,

Show up on time; try your best; and avoid stalling, gamesmanship, negative comments and yelling during play.

Absolute honesty with line calls, score keeping, foot faults, lets and skill-level evaluations; time management between points and games.

Listen to and give special attention to parents, teachers, coaches, opponents and yourself You represent family, church, school, team, city, state and country. Giving your best effort in practice and match play shows good self-esteem and respect toward opponents and the game.

Keep trying even when things aren't going well. No moaning, groaning or giving up. Resolve to keep trying, regardless of the score or previous mistakes. In addition, avoiding excuses (even if valid) helps develop a healthy competitive mindset.

by Bill McGowan, USPTA

Treat surprises or unexpected circumstances such as weather, court surfaces, tactics, spectators and your own emotions as challenges to overcome.

My experience with this curriculum over the past year has been very enlightening. By asking what each trait might mean, many students open up and enjoy sharing ideas. Also, when the

ffiiLLEDOIUffi II

professional practices using the traits, the students more readily model the same behavior.

The combination of family, school and participation in tennis with an emphasis on character increases the chances that our young people will adopt solid habits. In addition to these five, there are many other traits and topics that can expand this curriculum. Quite often, when something occurs on court or in the news, a readymade op-

portunity exists for a character discussion. Be creative and share good ideas. ~

Bill McGowan, USPTA, is the tennis coordinator for TBarM Racquet Club in Dallas.

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23

dot.coms from Page 4 outlets, plus a few big box stores in each city, the Internet will offer customers hundreds of discount sites from which to order any sports-related products.

And, each of these can be established much easier than a physical store where price slashing is still limited to some extent by overhead, such as rent, wages, inventory, utilities, etc. The cyber stores have fewer of these burdens, which will allow them to undercut you even more. You might argue that this is no different than right now because your current pro shop sales are somewhat protected by the fact that those customers who buy from you (and not the discount stores) do so to get professional advice from you or your assistant pros.

Why would the same customers give up this professional advice to shop online where there is no touch or feel?

What ifl answered this question by saying that cyber profiteers have already outthought you on this one? They figured out a way to get tennis customers to shop online with them instead of at your pro shop. They target non-pro shop pros by getting their names, and physical and e-mail addresses and offering them small incentives to send customers to their online shops.

You can guess what will happen if one of your assistant pros whispers to a customer, "Don't buy it in the pro shop. Go to the Web warehouse site I am associated with and use my account number to buy it cheaper."

Bye, bye assistant pro, more chaos and unemployment, more unrest in our ranks with pros pitted against each other or the clubs who employ them. While all of this is happening, two or three cyber jockeys enjoy the trip

24

ADDvantage/ May 2000

to the bank, while thousands of pros pay for their tickets.

Consider the lesson business scenario. I predicted we'd encounter difficulties a few years from now, if all of us didn't stay abreast of new technological modes of teaching one possibility being my previous virtual reality example.

While I still believe this may happen, I miscalculated by not realizing there will be a transitional danger. What happens when just a few pros with high profile advertising influence decide to convince the unsuspecting public that taking alesson online from them is better

time when virtual reality teaching is available. If your answer is "no," tennis will begin to suffer even more fallout from "a bad first lesson" than it currently does. The resulting attrition rate will rise and the blame will fall at our members' feet. Not good for tennis, definitely not good for tennis pros. Teaching professionals already deal with more than enough outside influence on the cost, type and style of their lessons. If we allow these "dot.coms" to take over our lesson business, we will be allowing them to destroy the last bastion of our profession that we control.

The tennis industry's most important and underutilized content and delivery vehicle is already fully programmed and available ... USPTA's Personal Website 5 M Program. than taking one from you?

This is beginning to happen.

Of course, you will argue that nothing online will ever take the place of a real warm body and a charismatic teacher in the flesh. And, no knowledgeable person will disagree with you. However, the more important question is, do you think a certain number of new players or even older ones will fall for it? Believe me, they will.

A significant portion of the public will try anything if it's cheaper - they even buy prescription drugs online without proper consultation with a doctor.

Then, ask yourself whether tennis, a difficult game to learn, can be conveyed properly over the Internet through conventional methods and prior to a

By now, you realize why I've strongly promoted the importance of technology at the start of this editorial. While we recognize its inevitability and importance, I wanted you to realize that USPTA is also aware of the inherent dangers it presents. This is what we have been preparing for for the past 18 years. As I said earlier, we will never be able to stop the technological trends and their eventual takeover of all business methodologies in society, including ours. However, we must become the critical force in using the changes to our benefit or at least use technology in a way that will do the least harm to our profession, as we currently know it.

We can do this.

USPTA already has in place the perfect mechanisms and technologies that every cyber profiteer needs to succeed in taking over our teaching pros' profit centers. The catch phrase and critical need is content.

In lay terms, "content" can be described as the proprietary and selective information, data or statistics about a particular group of members, customers or programs that is owned by a company (USPTA in our case), in addition to fast, simplified online systems to selectively reach various targets within the content.

USPTA's most valuable commodities are its members' names, physical addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and places and types of employment. Also included in this important data is information on participation in Find-a-Pro, Find-a-Job and Find-a-Partner, Little TennisÂŽ, Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘ and more. Outside companies need this information to create and promote their respective enterprises (or establish takeovers), many of which appear innocent but come with far-reaching, long-term negative consequences when you dig beneath the surface.

The tennis industry's most important and underutilized content and delivery vehicle is already fully programmed and available with just the push of a key. USPTNs Personal WebsitesM Program is available free of charge to every certified member. Its strength and marketing capabilities are virtually unlimited, but to fully realize the rewards of this technological benefit, each member must participate. Those already participating have sent information allowing us to personalize their sites with photos, biographies, facility information and more. This is added to the sought-after marketing data

contained in USPTA files such as contact information and location- that is automatically included in each site. In fact, by using just its database information, USPTA had already created a positive Web site for each of its pros without receiving additional information from them. All that's needed is each pro's permission to turn on his or her site.

In simple terms, USPTAhas something that most dot.com profiteers would die for, just waiting to be switched on.

We've also just completed a redesign of this benefit that will allow members to have their own personalized site address without the need for a password.

So, for what unthinkable reason do we need to donate our content to someone else when we are technologically capable of doing everything the profiteers want to do with our data?

The only difference is that in our case, the programs can be

designed to empower rather than disrupt the job descriptions of our members and all of the profits will be passed back to you and not into the bank accounts of a select few.

With the Personal Websites, we have the ability to set up each member with his or her own pro shop and we already feature an online lesson tip that can easily be expanded to a full-blown lesson of choice, including modern software add-ons for video, sound and other multimedia elements. This will increase traffic directly to each member rather than through a middleman.

However, considerably more thinking is needed to be sure that USPTA avoids any of the similar conflicts we fear from outside dot.coms. This will undoubtedly create some obstacles and objections from the manufacturer side of the industry, and we must resolve these. However, everything we do must drive business directly to you.

We also must complete a plan that will require assistant pros' recommendations and shop sales to be completed through the facility at which they teach. Otherwise, our plan would offer no more security for member pro shops than the outside profitee ing dot.coms do.

I'm in the process of conferring with executive directors and CEOs of other trade associations to see how they are handling this problem. Undoubtedly, they are also being bombarded for content by the same dot.coms. Last week alone, I received five different propositions each starting with, "Boy, have I got a deal for you" or some similar introduction.

These for-profit companies promise that they can provide benefits to our members, but the stipulation is that they want to use USPTA's Web site and database content. What they don't know- and what's important for you to know - is that USPTA can provide you with

even more beneficial technology than the dot. com businesses. The conversations usually end the same when I tell them that we'd prefer to let our members reap the profits and subsequent control of their own businesses.

I have only scratched the surface on the challenges we are about to face because of the fastmoving technology craze. I will have reported on this issue to your Executive Committee during its April meeting. My immediate advice is that you should be protective of your personal data, such as e-mail addresses, and that USPTA should continue to vigorously protect the content of its databases and any other proprietary information. This content will become the key element in the hands of outsiders in determining marketing plans that look one-dimensional and innocent, but ultimately will shape the total dimensions of your career path.

Stay online . . .

Teaching pros share tennis tips Be contact oriented Throughout my many years of teaching and playing tennis, I have found the one thing club players have trouble with is watching the ball through contact and finish. Most play¡ ers are target oriented. They look at where they are trying to hit. This results in wild balls that fly out and racquets that twist and vi brate out of control. Try the following to develop the skill of being contact oriented .

1. Watch the seams or writing on the ball as you make contact.

2. Exaggerate seeing the point of contact by holding your head still until the shot is finished. Great players such as Steffi Graf can be seen doing this on her backhand slice.

3. One neat idea is to string a racquet with the center strings left out and replace them with a mesh cloth (net). This allows you to easily catch the ball in the netting on contact - if you can keep your head

still. Imagine you are taking a photograph.

4. Say an exaggerated, "Yeeessss!" as you hit the ball. Let "yes" mean, "Yes, you see the seams on the ball," and "Yes, you are exhaling."

T.J. Cardwell, USPTA Islamorada, Fla.

Respect the ugly ball How often have you heard or said the following, "I can make the hard shots, but the easy ones are killing me!" Or have more sincerely exclaimed, "How can I miss that darn floater!" Be honest. The "meatball," "sitting duck" or "puff ball" are the hardest balls to hit for many club players.

These annoying balls move so slowly that we take for granted that we are watching them. In many cases, we are angry at having to hit these weak balls, and have a tendency to glare at the person who hits them, muttering, "Come on, don't hit like a wimp ."

But our anger reflects the deep insecurity and anxiety we have for these balls.

What do you do? The solution is four-fold .

Now that we have faced reality, we must first give those puff balls the respect they deserve. Respecting these balls will allow us to let go of the dismay and anger we feel upon seeing these lame balls coming our way. Second, we must watch these balls with a joyful intensity all the way to the strings of the racquet. Third, don't wait for the ball - move aggressively, attacking the ball with our feet, not letting it drop. The farther a ball drops below the level of the net, the more difficult it is to hit. And fourth, because we respect the ball, we don't kill it. Hit for a target, placing the ball away deep or at an angle, thinking placement rather than pace.

In order to master hitting the puff ball, we must respect it and prepare for it. But most of all, we must enjoy hitting it.

Tim Mullane, Ph.D., USPTA Santa Fe, N .M .

ADDvantage/ May 2000

25

ADVERTORIAL

Boll' Compativision

TM

Better, safer on-e For years, we've known that un protected exposure to the sun damages the eyes and compromises vision.

UV radiation causes a host of vision problems, from cataracts to macular degeneration. But tennis players have not been willing to sacrifice performance for the UV protection of a traditional sunglass.

Enter Competivision from BolleÂŽ, a selective sunglass filter that mutes all colors but the optic yellow of the tennis ball, which it highlights, while providing 100 percent UV-A and UV-B protection. According to players and teaching pros, it is the f irst genuine marriage of eye protection and visual performance for tennis. The United States Professional Tennis Association , the 12,000-member organization of teaching professionals, has embraced Competivision and made Bolle its official sunglass.

The technology of the Competivision filter is simple. The lens only transmits full color between 450 and 550 nanometers of the visible spectrum. All the other visible colors are seen by the wearer as a muted bluegray. The visual effect for the wearer is that he sees a brilliant ball coming out of a very quiet, non-distracting landscape. With Competivision, you can pick up the ball sooner, see it more clearly and hit it more accurate ly, all with 100 percent UV protection .

How important is marrying performance and protection? Ask tennis great Chris Evert. She was one of many visually unprotected touring pros. For 18 years on the tour, the tennis legend played without eye protection. The result? Chris has pterygiums (te-rij e um), cataract-like growths in both eyes, from looking into the sun.

"And I'm not alone," says the tour veteran . "This problem is the nasty little secret tour players don't talk about

much . But lots of them suffer from moderate to serious eye damage. I'm fortunate that mine haven't moved over my pupils. That would obscure my vision and require surgical removal. Thirty years ago, when I started playing, we didn't have the technolo gy to make this problem avoidable.

Then, if you wanted to be visually sharp, you couldn't wear sunglasses.

They were just too dark to see the ball well. Now we can have it both ways .

There are sunglasses on the market that allow you to have total UV pro tection, but without sacrificing performance. There is no more important improvement you can make in your game than to protect your eyes.

They're your windows on court and you can't replace them."

USPTA CEO Tim Heckler agrees.

"Sun damage is a factor for almost all teaching professionals, as well as for

SIOD their students," he said. "We encourage our members to take advantage of Bolle Competivision sunglasses to protect themselves, without sacrificing on-court performance while they're teaching or playing."

Never at a loss for words, perhaps the greatest teaching pro of all time and a true tennis legend, Fred Stolle, likes what Competivision does for players' on-court vision. "I think that the Competivision lens gives the average player a brighter and clearer image of the tennis ball. It takes away the glare and subsequently improves performance for any tennis player."

Much has been said about protection from the sun. Denver teaching pro and USPTA President Joe Thompson recommends the lens for outdoor and indoor play. "The sun has always been an enemy of the teaching professional. Competivision not only is the perfect protection for a player's eyes, it also elevates the optic yellow tennis ball," he said. " We even have players wearing Competivision glasses during indoor play. This new lens is one of the few win-win opportunities for players today."

Bolle's Competivision sunglasses are available in sporting goods stores, pro shops and on the Internet. They are sold in both interchangeable lens frames and fixed frames. The interchangeable frames can be fitted with a prescription adapter, and, Bolle now can make the fixed frame model in any prescription . Competivision technology is also being introduced by Wesley Jessen as a prescription or nonprescription contact lens.

For more information about Competivision, the tennis-specific lens from Bolle, call Bob Hampton at (303) 327-2200 or write to him at Bolle America, 9500 West 49th Ave., Wheat Ridge, Colo. 80033.

H

ere is a play that works day in and day out for my doubles teams. It wins points, teaches each player an offensive and defensive strategy, encourages fast thinking, forces each player to play as a team member, and works on needed doubles shots like lobs and overheads.

over the net person. I tell my students to yell, "short," even before they hit the lob. fu you know, the rule is you cannot talk while the ball is going toward your opponents. That is the letter of the law. The spirit of the law would allow for a quick yell as the ball is struck.

Receiver's responsibility In men's or ladies' doubles at the 2.5 to 4.5 NTRP levels, one usually gets a soft enough serve to try to lob the return

Responsibility of the receiver's partner

by Fred Burdick, USPTA

28

ADDvantage/ May 2000

Upon hearing "short," which in reality means, "I have lobbed and it may or may not be short," the receiver's partner back peddles toward the baseline.

It took me years to figure out that both the lobber and partner were watching the lob. They were trying to determine if it was going to be in or out. It is critical to have both team members watch the opposing net person, and it is unimportant if the lob is in or out at that point.

The net person will either prepare to hit the overhead, in which case the net person of the receiving team continues back, or will tell his partner "yours" and switch courts. If the net person of the serving team yells "yours," or switches without saying anything, the lob was very successful. Now both players of the lobbing team run to their service line and stop.

Responsibility of the server's partner

What are the chances of the receiver's lob getting past the net person? Well, you have me here. Our research indicates less than 40 percent of the time it is successful. However, the overhead from the server's partner is not a winner a majority of the time, even at the 4.5level. Half the time it is an unforced error or hit in such a manner that the receiving team can play the ball again.

What shot is the server likely to hit off a successful lob return? We estimate that over 70 percent of the time it is another lob, in which case the receiving team is now in a position to hit a put-away overhead. What are the chances of the server's lob being deep in no man's land? We estimate that it is less than 25 percent. That means three out of four successful lobs off a weak second serve produce a winning opportunity.

This is the hardest position to learn for many of our players because they have to think and communicate quickly. The primary responsibility is to tell her partner if she is going to take the ball or not. She has to do that before the lob is traveling over the net area. Obviously, the higher the lob the more time she will have to communicate with the server.

Many of the 2.5 to 4.5 players don't have the ability to recognize if the ball is coming where they can hit an overhead and be balanced while doing it.

In order to solve that problem we tell our players to let their partner take it if the lob will bounce past their service line.

If they are going to hit an overhead, they must direct it so it will bounce past their opponent's service line in the direction of the net player who is backing up. An overhead hit in this manner usually wins the point outright. If it is hit back toward the receiver, in all likelihood the receiver will lob again and that second lob is missed by the serving team more often than not.

If the net person wants her partner to play the ball, I want her to not only switch courts, but also go back to the baseline with her partner and balance the team formation shoulder to shoulder. Finally, she should help her partner by calling it in or out. I don't want the server

to have to make the play and the call. Many beginners can only do one at a time, and I want them making the play every time unless the ball is at least 3 feet past the baseline.

Responsibility of the server First, trust your partner. I don't want my players to back up their partner just in case the lob is a good one. Winning teams trust each other. We trust our partners at the net to ask for help or to communicate their intentions before the lob gets to the net. Second, develop a lob, on the run, that will at least clear the net. At a 4.0 level it must be hit at least around the service line, and at the 4.5 and 5.0 level it must go several feet past the service line.

Fred Burdick, USPTA, is the director oftennis at Sunset Hills Country Club in Carrollton, Ga. He is also the executive director of the USPTA Southern Division.

There are a lot of details to keep track of for a point that lasts about 5 to 7 seconds, but this strategy has been a proven winner for our teams. Many times we find opposing servers cannot even hit a lob on the run, so the lob off a weak serve is all that is needed. We work many hours on this drill and it has paid dividends. In each of the last six years that we have used this drill, one of my six teams has won its ALTA Division and/ or the ALTA City Championship. '{)<>

ADDvantage/ May 2000

29

--~

Tennis, world leaders support program

W

hile celebrating the 1O'h anniversary of Tennis Across America ™, we also can celebrate the support that USPTA professionals receive for the event from celebrities of all sorts. From big names in the game to players in global politics, recognizable people have served as honorary co-chairs of Tennis Across America so that US PTA can generate more publicity for you.

In 2000, the honorary cochairs are: President George Bush Pam Shriver Jack Groppel, Ph.D. Zina Garrison U.S. Rep. Steve Largent Cliff Drysdale

Tennis Across America divisional coordinators

In accepting as honorary cochair for the second year, a letter from Bush's office said the former president " ... is happy to have the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful event. He wishes you another successful year of the program."

Jack Groppel, a regular writer for ADDvantage magazine and speaker at the USPTA World Conference and other educational events, wrote: "As you well know, I have an absolute passion for getting 'the game' out to the masses and I am pleased to be able to help US PTA's cause in this tremendous effort."

Following is a chart of the US PTA divisional coordinators who are there to help you at the local level, should you need it.

Please feel free to contact them.

Division

TAA Liaison

Contact information

California

Alan Cutler

(562) 696-3298 acutler@rh.cc.ca.us

Eastern

Kay Konove

(888) 742-6878 kaykon @juno.com

Florida

John Joyce

(561) 488-6996 (561) 488-7899 (voice mail)

Hawaii

Randy Kop

(808) 734-2151

Intermountain

Amy Shepherd

ashepherd 1@aol.com

Mid-Atlantic

Kate Mills

(703) 524-3227 nipahome@aol.com

Middle States

Tom Sweitzer

(717) 533-5995

Midwest

Chris Wilton

(231) 865-6911 wiltons@novagate.com

Missouri Valley

Bunny Bruning

(515) 996-2859 BunnyBFS@aol.com

New England

AI Rogers

(617) 734-4450 ar70@worldnet.att .net

Northern Cal

Rosie Bareis

(510) 521 -5414, ext. 126 margiepet@aol.com (707) 526-0529

Corky Cramer Northwest

Michael Stenquist

(503) 641 -8782 usptapnw@aol.com

Pacific Northwest Don Patch

USPTA's

TENNIS ACROSS

~0\!10~~ 0 ©~ 0

(612) 887-5001 stenquist@northern .usta .com

San Diego

Diane Elliot

(858) 755 -6468

Southern

Jack Justice

(803) 478-5252 jjustest@aol.com

Southwest

Jack Michalko

(602) 236-5208 usptasw@email .msn.com

Texas

Andy Swortfiguer

(512) 261-7222

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

Register for USPTA's Tennis Across America!™

1

I

Copy thi s form, co mplete and mail to th e address below. Use additional sheets if needed.

I

: Yes, I wi ll participate in USPTA's Tennis Across America as a/ an

D

host professional

USPTA member

Name

I Club/ facility I Street address _ _ __

D

D

yes

assistant

D

no

: Member number

Division _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _

I I

I I Date of clinic _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ My clinic/ socia l will be open to D the public D members o nly I Locatio n of event---- - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - I Street address I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ ZIP _ _ __ ______ I Facility phone ( _ __ City The following people will assist at my event: I Member number _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ I USPTA member D yes D no - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- D no Member number _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ I - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - USPTA member D yes I USPTA World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Dri ve, Suite One, Ho uston TX 77042 Questions? Call (713) 978-7782 o r (800) USPTA-4 U, fax (713) 978-7780 o r send e-mail to sports@ uspta .o rg I City

State

ZIP

Daytime phone (

E-mail _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

· ---------------------------------------~ ADDvantage/ May 2000

31

Career Developn1ent en

c

·-·-en > ·--= Q

exan1s, upgrades & certification training courses

Conventions (5 credits) May 11-14

New England Division Stowe, Vt. '

(4 credits for CTC segment)

May 30June 3

Florida Division Naples, Fla.

May 5-6

Nashville, Tenn.

June 10-11

Columbia, Mo.

May 6-7

Laie, Hawaii

June 11-12

La Jolla, Calif.

June 2-4

Pacific Northwest Division Lake Chelan, Wash.

Dixville Notch, N.H.

Activities/meetings

May 6-7

Mandeville, La.

June 15-16

May 6-7

Bradenton, Fla .

June 15-16

Mesa. Ariz.

May 6-7

Las Vegas

June 17-18

Greensboro, N.C.

May 6-8

St. Louis, Mo.

June 19-20

Houston*

May 7-8

Atlanta

June 24-25

Ventura , Calif.

May 19-20

Wilmington, Del.

June 24-25

Albany, N.Y

California Division Thousand Oaks, Calif.

May 20-21

Conway, Ark.

June 24-25

Florence, S.C.

May 20-21

Burbank, Calif.

June 25-26

Atlanta

Midwest Division Homewood-Flossmoor, Ill.

May 20-21

Fremont, Calif.

July 6-8

Albuquerque, N.M.

May 22-23

Houston*

July 7-9

Eugene, Ore.

Midwest Division Homewood-Flossmoor, Ill.

May 24-25

West Orange, N.J .

July 8-9

Fountain Valley, Calif.

May 27-28

Hilton Head Island , S.C.

July 8-9

Queens, N.Y

June 3

Midwest Division Indianapolis

June 2-4

Lake Chelan, Wash. (upgrades only)

July 8-9

Fort Wayne, Ind.

July 9

June 10

San Diego Division San Diego

June 3-4

Rochester, Mich.

Flushing , N.Y (wheelchair)

June 8-9

East Setauket, N.Y

July 15-16

Birmingham , Ala .

June 9-11

Jefferson City, Mo.

July 17-18

Houston *

June 10-11

Austin , Texas

July 22-23

Memphis , Tenn.

( 1/2 credit and up) May 13 May 17 May 17-21 May 27-29

June 20 -July 1

Midwest Division Big Rapids, Mich.

Texas Division Austin, Texas

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

1:11 1: 1:

·-·-

....•.

•

·--• ·-• u

a.

Ill

Applications are available to USPTA members pursuing certification as a Specialist in the Development of Competitive Players. To gain the certification, coaches must complete the High Performance Coaching Program administered by the USTA's USA Tennis Coaching Education Department. The dates for the upcoming training weeks are:

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CTC unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Affiliate members: late ca ncellation fee - $75; failure to ca ncel - 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 cancellation fees are paid.

USRSA

Date/location

Deadline

Certification testing

Aug. 17-23 Palo Alto, Calif.

May 15

(3 credits)

Nov. 13-19 Aug . 15 Hilton Head Island, S .C. Applications are available by contacting Paul Lubbers at (305) 365-8702 or Lubbers@playdev.usta .com, or the USPTA Education Department at (800) 877-8248 or education@uspta.org.

May6 May7 May 11 May 19 May 21 May 22 June 3 June 4 June 4 June 5 June 10 June 11

Palm Coast, Fla. Hilton Head Island, S.C .

Atlanta Lansing, Mich.

Orlando, Fla .

Fort Walton Beach, Fla .

Boca Raton, Fla .

Brooklyn, N.Y Raleigh, N.C. San Diego Cincinnati Dallas

June June June June June June

Arlington, Va. Boulder, Colo.

Oahu , Hawaii Seattle Kansas City, Kan. North Wales, Penn.

11 11 11 17 25 25

Racquet service workshop (4 credits) Lansing, Mich.

Fitchburg, Mass.

Clearwater, Fla.

May 16 June 4 July 16

For more information, call the USRSA at (858) 481-3545.

32

----~----------_J

ADDvantage/ May 2000

~1 I US PTA USPTA New England Division Professionals have ra ised over $12 ,500 through the USPTA Lessons for Life program, with more to come. USPTA pros across the nation are truly making a difference.

USPTA member Steve Smith has been named the tennis director of the Carrollwood Smith Village Golf and Tennis Club in Tampa, Fla. Smith also directs the Tennissmith School at Carroll- ¡ wood Village. In addition to the club programs , he offers specialized tra ining for career-oriented tennis teachers and goal-oriented juniors.

Two USPTA members were inducted into the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame this past February. Fred Kniffen , who was the Tyler Junior College ten nis coach (1973- 1985) , the University of TexasTyler tennis coach (19851997) and the w inner of two nat ional junior college championships and four NAIA college championships, was inducted along w ith Betty Sue Hagerman Welch, who is the Highland Park High School tennis coach. She holds fou r state team ti tles and 11 individual state titles, is the state sports director for Special O lympics -Texas and has been ranked No. 1 in Texas in seven different divisions.

Drew Sunderlin, USPTA Master Professional , is the new technical adviser for Tennis Industry magazine.

Sunderlin has written for Ten Sunderlin nis Industry for many years and is a frequent speaker at various USPTA regional and national conventions .

Member product showcase Joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Professional and president of Oncourt Offcourt , has designed three new tennis -training aids made of colorful high-impact extruded plastic. The first is the alley-width Target Trainer, which creates a high-visibility target window above the net. The second is the Fence Trainer, which allows players to practice extension on their serve as well as positioning for groundstrokes. The third t raining aid is called the Swing Trainer, a device that can be placed anywhere on a court for groundstroke practice. It also features a Velcro ball release system.

Two USPTA pros, Marcus Freeman and Robert Barnick, directed The Freeman Junior Development Program in Dallas. The program is a nonprofit organization at Kiest Tennis Center designed to teach tennis and life skills to all children. A grant from the state of Texas provided the funds to pay for instruction, supplies, equipment and bus transportation.

In April 1999, the pilot program was implemented to introduce tennis, tutoring , mentoring and counseling to kids in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas. More than 200 kids were bused to the center for five months. The objective was to select those kids that showed the most promise and provide lessons and other tennis-related activities to get them into the mainstream of the game.

The group of kids was offered eight to 10 hours of instruction, tutoring , counseling and mentoring each week. Each session included one hour on the court and one hour in the classroom . In the classroom the kids did their homework. participated in group sessions on life skills or listened to lectu res from significant adult rol e models. On the court, kids were taught the basics of tennis . They learned how to execute the forehand, backhand . volley and serve by the end of the program . Also, the kids leaned how to keep score and play the game according to the rules. Good sportsmanship, positive attitudes, physical condi tioning and hard work were emphasized to the kids during each session .

Each participant received a tennis racquet , T-shirt , tennis shorts and tennis shoes. Sixteen out of 200 kids were awarded achievement certificates and scholarships at the closing cere monies in February.

Manufacturers The limited edition pink Penn tennis balls are a key part of the "Serve up a cure, take up tennis, take on breast cancer," promotion designed to help raise money for breast cancer research. The pink Penn ten nis balls are $10 a can ($5 donation goes to breast cancer charities). For more information, log onto www.Tennis Express.com .

Netknacks Tennis Awards, celebrating its 1Oth anniversary supplying tournaments, leagues and associations with unique, personalized awards, has launched its www.tennis awards.com Web site. Along with Netknacks ' 2000 catalog, the site will feature monthly product specials, tennis

programming tips and new products .

USTA The USTA announced that long-time USTA partner Prudential Securities has renewed its commitment as a prominent sponsor

Continued next p age ADDvantage/ May 2000

33

and the exclusive mutual funds and brokerage company sponsor for the U.S. Open. Prudential Securities has extended its commitment to include title sponsorship for the men's and women's satellite and challenger tours that will now be titled the USTA Prudential Securities Circuit.

Associations Peter Burwash International has again joined forces with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and is pleased to announce an agreement to manage its tennis program at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale in Arizona. The exclusive Scottsdale ad-

dress is the sixth Four Seasons resort in PBI's worldwide network.

Miscellany Tennisministry.com, the Web site for Tennis Ambassadors Christian Ministry, is being contacted daily by coaches and players around the world looking for additional information on how to use their spiritual life with tennis. Tennis Ambassadors is dedicated to seeing Christian players and fans communicate with each other worldwide.

YouthSports .com, The Sports Click, unveiled its enhanced www.youth sports.com, the premiere online gathering place for

youth sports participants, coaches, families, administrators and fans . The Web site provides an advanced, easy-to-use tool for maintaining Web sites from across the United States that serve as centralized forums for sharing information such as schedules , scores, stand ings, statistics, news, photos and more.

ContractorGuide.com is a new search engine that provides high-speed access to a national directory of 960,000 construction contractors, suppliers and manufacturers. Those who list with the Web site are provided with their own customizable Web page describing their company, products/ services, loca-

tions that they serve and the associations with which they are affiliated.

The DuPont World TeamTennis Recreational League is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Beginning with the Southeast Regional in Bradenton, Fla., adult tennis players will compete for a chance to advance to the national championships at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in November.

Greta Knoll is the new executive director of the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame.

CLASSIFIEDS BACKBOARDS Rally Master Backboards. Lowest prices, 20-year warranty.

Puncture, fade and crack proof Quiet performance. Free brochure. Dealers wanted. (800) 609-9966

BOOKS AND VIDEOS www.TennisExpress.com: biomechanics, mental tennis, movement/footwork videos. Drill books, training products, ball machines, coaching manuals. FREE catalog. (800) 833-6615.

EMPLOYMENT BERKHEIMERS'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 Monday-Friday.

34

ADDvantage/ May 2000

TENNIS EMPLOYMENT and tennis news is now available from Bob Larson. For FREE two-month trial, send your name and "Free USPTA trial" to tennisnews @aol.com.

square-foot clubhouse, including I bed/ I bath apartment, cafe/bar and pro shop. Excellent Anaheim Hills, Calif, location. Ten percent cap rate. $1,050,000. Call Greg Langdon (714) 963-5555, ext. 380.

-www. tennisjobs.com

CLUB FOR SALE/LEASE Tennis club in Southeast Texas. Fantastic opportunity to own your own club.

Located on five acres - eight clay, one hard surface, 1,500-square-foot clubhouse, cardio and fitness equipment, dance school, squash, racquetball, weight loss. Very low overhead. Business- $150,000 or business and real estate- $750,000 to f1rst serious offer. Financing available. Call Tony (4 15) 596-4134.

The Tennis Job Line is a tennis professional's employment service.

It advertises tennis openings at country clubs, tennis clubs, resorts, public facilities, colleges and summer camps.

MENTAL STRENGTH TRAINING "How to be a fierce competitor, win more trophies and be a berner athlete." Order the MENTAL STRENGTH AND PEAK PERFORMANCE training manual. $64.97, 84-pages, 8 112 x 11, soft cover. www.MentalStrength.com.

REAL ESTATE TENNIS CLUB FOR SALE Beautiful private tennis club with seven courts on six acres, 4,600-

TRAINING/ CONSULTING TennisConcepts.com, Jay Hardman, USPTA Master Professional, training, consulting, seminars, publications. Call (330) 4979408 or e-mail jay@tennisconcepts.com.

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 lor 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 13) 9787780, attn : ADDvantage classilieds. No classilieds wi ll be a ccepted by telephone.

No exceptions are made.

USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. It reserves the right to rejed any advertisement at its discretion.

USPTA accessories

ITEM

® ® © ©

3-inch wristbands (pair) 5-inch wristbands (pair) Sport watch (men 's) Sport watch (women's)

@ @

Dress watch (men 's) Dress watch (women 's)

$4.50 $39 $39 $39 $39

Luggage tag

® ®

Wreath lapel pin

@

$2

Star lapel pin

® CD 0 ® CD

$2

@ @ 10-13) @

$2

Sport towel (11 x 18)

Mou sepad Headband Star patch Crew socks (1 0- 13) Thin crew socks (1 0 -13) Anklet socks (9-11)

Call USPTA to place yourorderorusethe payment form on the next page.

$3.50

Mini crew socks (triple thick,

Star window decal (not pictured)

$4 $1

$6 $2.75 $1 .50 $5

$4 $7 $.50

SUBTOTAL

1------i

Houston CMTA) residents add 8.25% tax Other Texas resi dents add 7.25% tax 1------i

U.S. orders: Add $7 .95 shipping and handling fee

1------i

International orders: via express mail only (contact our office for amount) 1------i

TOTAL

L _ __

__j

USPTA seat cover Multipurpose protection for your car, boat, RV or any other seat you want to protect from dirt, food, pets, spills, perspiration, and much more.

Easily slips over most seats Machine wash/dry

Quantity

PAYMENT must accompany all orders. Make checks payable to USPTA. PAYMENT METHOD:

0

Visa

0

MasterCard

0

Cotton terrycloth sea t cover _ __

X

$25 =

Check

SUBTOTAL _

Name as it appears on credi t card

Houston CM TA) residents add 8.25% tax Other Texas residents add 7.25% tax

Credit card No. Exp. date

U.S. orders: Add $7.95 shipping and handling fee

Signature

International orders: via express mail only (contact our office fo r amount)

SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please) :

TOTAL

Name Street

Endorsed ~ Talh.llah and Cali.

City State

ZIP

Daytime phone No. Member No. USPTA Gift Shoppe, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 tel (713) 97- USPTA • fax (713) 978-5096 • e-mail proshop@uspta.org www.uspta. org

(Pets not included)

_

_

n_USPTA

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United Scares Professional Tennis Association, Inc. World Headquarters 3 53 5 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042-5235

PRESORTED STANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID TAMPA, FL PERMIT NO. 602