Addvantage 2001 March

ADDvantage

contents

the total professional - enhancing your career 13 Today's tennis job market demands business and management skills - by Alan Cutler, USPTA- USPTAs Career Development Program helps pros develop skills to succeed.

departments 3 CEO's message 5 First vice president's message 8 USPTA drill

17 Finding the key to unlock your student's game — by Eric Hinchman, USPTA — Identifying your tendencies as a teacher can help you relate better to your students.

9 Teaching pro shares tennis tips 11 USPTA mailbox 26

Little Tennis tips

28 Classifieds

features

30 Career development

21 Siblings share sisterhood and love of tennis -

32 Industry action

by Jill Kite, USPTA staff writer — Tennis bond evolves from playing tennis as kids to teaching tennis to kids.

news 2 Proposed slate of 2001 -2003 national Board of Directors 10 Book review: Funny, fast-paced book offers good advice special section This issue ofADDvantnge features the annual USPTA Tennis Across America"* pullout guide. It includes promotional tips, press information, a colorful poster and an outline on running a 90-minute clinic.

On the cover ... Townsend Gilbert, USPTA, teaches a Little Tennis® lesson to celebrate Tennis Across America™.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvonfage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone-(713) 978-7782 (800) USPTA-4U Fax-(713) 978-7780 e-mail - magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Editor Shawna Riley Managing editor Julie Myers Kimberly Forrester Assistant managing editor Kathy Buchanan Circulation John Dettor Advertising Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time ADDvontage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

volume 25 * issue 3 The opinions expressed in ADDvanfage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvanfage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2001. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. March 2001

1

Writing for ADDvantage magazine offers USPTA members numerous benefits. They can share knowledge from their field of expertise, such as coaching, pro shop management, sport science and club management. Having an article published can enhance a pro's career or add to a resume. Also, being published in ADDvantage is worth 25 points toward USPTA Master Professional certification (a maximum of 50 is allowed).

0 Articles should be approximately 2,000 words long.

0 Article should cover some aspect of a teaching professional's job.

0 Articles must be typed in a narrative form. The article should not be an outline or written as notes.

0 Contributions will be edited for magazine format and focus, and a copy will be sent to the author to review.

Proposed slate of 2001 -2003 national Board of Directors The national Nominating Committee has completed its task and proudly submits the following slate for the 2001-2003 USPTA national Board of Directors.

President First vice president

David T. Porter, Ed. D.

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Ron Woods

Vice presidents

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Joseph Thompson

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Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Secretary-treasurer Immediate past president

Paula Scheb Will Hoag

Additional nominations may be made by the general membership and submitted to the CEO by April 10. In order for a new candidate to be added to the ballot, he or she must be nominated by at least 20 members.

Only one nominee per office will be added to the slate.

0 Please send good quality, in focus photos related to the topic, if available.

0 Articles submitted to ADDvantage are forwarded with the name of the author removed to the USPTA Technical Review Committee for approval.

0 Authors must sign a release form for any work submitted to us. This form assures us that the article is your original work, that you have not released the article previously to any other publication and prevents you from releasing it for further publication for a period of six months from the date of the agreement.

0 Please include a brief biography and a black and white photo (bust shot).

0 Send articles to the attention of the Publications Coordinator at the USPTA World Headquarters or via e-mail to magazine@uspta.org.

0 ADDvantage magazine does not pay authors for their articles.

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March 2001

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

CEO's message **j USPTA's Virtual Tennis Show delivers online benefits you can take to the bank

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USPTA's online Find-a-Tennis Shop service.

SPTA's ultimate mission is to raise the standards of the tennis-teaching profesEach manufacturer will showcase its products sion, and technology has allowed us to in its own storefront, and buyers can shop all mando this in ways that we could not have imagined ufacturers to review products. When they're ready, just five short years ago. buyers will simply click on the items to make their In fact, it was just over five years ago that USPTA purchases. first introduced its main Web site, and although we The VTS system will then take care of the dewere preparing for the future, we knew tails by generating the order, printthen that the majority of our meming a record of the transaction and bers would not be logging on or surfsubmitting the orders to the aping the site since you weren't online. propriate manufacturers for fulfillment. VTS will also include USPThings have changed.

TA-negotiated manufacturer disToday, almost half of you have e-counts that, along with normal mail through which you communicate buyer discounts, will automaticalwith students and peers. Many of you ly be incorporated into the transtake advantage of the member benefit actions. of USPTA personal Web sites, and you VTS is free to buyers or dealreceive news about tennis and the rest ers who have storefront addresses of the world via the World Wide Web. Heckler and tax numbers. You'll just be USPTA has continued to expand asked to fill out an online applicaits use of technology through new Web tion and then you'll be approved to shop. Also, if sites and services. All along, our goal has been to you sign up as a buyer, your tennis shop will autocontinue building on our promise to create real and matically be listed in USPTA's Find-a-Tennis Shop every day member benefits through technology. database. This will be available to consumers who USPTA's Virtual Tennis Show™ delivers on this will be able to browse another version of the Web promise! site that will feature products without prices. When VTS™ is a new e-commerce service that will be they see a particular product they like, they will be introduced in the coming months. It offers manuable to search a database that will provide local facturers and buyers the advantages of an online dealers that carry the products. tennis trade show 365 days a year, seven days a week, Participating manufacturers will purchase online 24 hours a day. This is a valuable benefit to USPTA storefront space and provide USPTA with artwork for members, many of whom own, manage or buy for each of the products they wish to feature. USPTA will pro or specialty tennis shops. continuously update product lines and the Web site.

VTS will connect buyers and manufacturers in VTS provides the complete package for buyers. a virtual marketplace and save both groups time It delivers manufacturers' products to your computer and money. It will be continually updated, allowscreen, allows you to shop and purchase online, and ing buyers to view the latest tennis products faster it ultimately will direct more traffic to your store than ever before. This service will also direct milthrough Find-a-Tennis Shop! lions of consumers to our registered buyers through

VTS ... delivers manufacturers' products to your computer screen, allows you to shop and purchase online, and it ultimately will direct more traffic to your store through Find-a-Tennis Shop!

continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

March 2001

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from previous page VTS selling points Manufacturers can reach buyers through a USPTA pro shop database that is 6,000-strong and growing Dealers may use the consumer side of VTS for an online catalog and source of information within their actual storefront VTS is a low-cost, high-quality alternative for business-to-business models Only B-to-B to feature manufacturers within their own storefronts, not listed among others within a product category Manufacturers have final say on whom they open accounts with Express purchasing is truly one-stop shopping Allows direct access to each manufacturer's products within one area Allows consumers to find information on products within one area A search function in Find-a-Tennis Shop allows consumers to contact local retailers and buy products from them to help with sell-through

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Manufacturers can list all their dealers with VTS to help streamline the ordering process and customer service • Lowers the cost for dealers looking for new suppliers and products • Gives buyers one shopping record for purchases • Allows for a standardized shopping experience • Lets buyers shop at their leisure and on their own schedule • B-to-B solution achieves precise business requirements of industry and is adaptable to serve new business models • Creates immediate B-to-B transactions • Password-protected area for legitimate dealers and buyers only • Ability for manufacturers to showcase new products, feature existing products and clearance area for discontinued merchandise While there are some teaching professionals who might still ask how and why they would use a computer in their business, I'm convinced that this number is

rapidly shrinking, and programs like VTS will convince even the most cynical to rethink their opinions about technology and its role in our profession.

The important thing to remember is that you come first in this program. We designed this to benefit you and your business and, as with all of USPTA's technological achievements, it is provided to our members at no additional cost.

When we first introduced the personal Web site platform a few years ago, our intent was to continuously add new modules that would positively affect your bottom line. We continue to build on that promise with

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March 2001

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First vice president's message 'Be all that you can be1

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our association will commit large resources to or the last several years, this has been the prothe marketing and promotion of this advanced motional slogan used by the United States educational program, it will only have a posiArmy to attract our country's young people tive impact in the professional lives of those into the service of their country. Recently, the army members who take action and aspire to become contracted with a new advertising agency, and evenbetter professionals. Being a member is not tually agreed upon a new slogan, "An Army of One." enough. You must be an active member.

While not intended to completely replace the very successful "Be all you can be," the intent of the new sloTo take the analogy of our armed services gan is to communicate, that while the army still places further, I suggest that "landing that dream job" today necessitates planning not high importance on individual achieveunlike what is needed when enment, that when a group of individuals join together, they can probably tering the theater of war. While achieve more through acting as a sinthe strength of your USPTA certification might provide you gle force. with a foundation, your "offenWhile the army has certainly idensive weapons" must include tified an important component of sucproven competencies in the specess in battle - one force may be greatcific skills required for the job er than the sum of the individuals — you desire. This brings me to a the chances of achieving success in career building strategy I call your "career battle" may be more depositioning. pendant on the implications of the Positioning yourself for a speold slogan, "Be all you can be."

Mark McMahon cific position involves many difI am personally aware of situaferent strategies. When it comes tions in which USPTA professionals to specific skills, positioning yourself requires gainrelied too much on the anticipated momentum they ing the right type of experience in the right type of expected the strength their USPTA certification ("An Army of One") would provide. They did this at the job, all while further developing other specific skills for the next job you desire. If, for example, you expense of the "be all you can be" strategy. In other desire a job as a words, we would all make a huge Being a member is not enough. director of tennis for a multipurmistake in our career develop- You must be an active member. pose indoor health ment to rely en- ^^™^^""~" —^—^^——^—^^—^— and racquet club, you can position yourself by identifying the specific tirely on our USPTA membership and certification skills required to do this job. If you are uncertain to propel us forward into the job or career position of the specific skills that may be required in the to which we aspire. To win this battle, we must also position you want, you can gain a clearer underdo whatever possible to "Be the best we can be." standing by talking to other professionals in simiFulfilling this responsibility can take many forms lar positions, or possibly by talking to owners or and our USPTA membership provides us with more club managers of similar clubs. Regardless of how than enough opportunities to do so. you start to identify the skill set you need, posiMany of the efforts that USPTA makes on betioning yourself (for battle) requires that you take half of its members through educational programs the steps needed to demonstrate your competency in and member services are designed to offer opporthese specific skills. This is where the "Be all you tunities for members to be the best they can be. can be" part comes into play.

Our recent commitment to the new USPTA SpeAt the point of going into battle (applying for cialist Program is the latest example of this. While continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Joseph Thompson

First Vice President

Mark McMahon

Vice Presidents David T. Porter, Ed.D. Ron Woods Harry Gilbert Tom Daglis Secretary-treasurer Randy Mattingley Past President

Will Hoag

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

Tim Heckler

Director of Operations Executive Assistant

Rich Fanning

Marty Bostrom

Director of Communications

Shawna Riley

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Director of Public Relations

Diane Richbourg

Director of Sports Marketing

John Dettor Kimberly Forrester

Publications Coordinator Communications/ Divisional Liaison

Jill Kite

Communications

Shannon Kopp

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Educational Administrator

Lynn Lazarz

Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Computer Services/ Kathy Buchanan Club Relations Computer Services/ Data Entry

Sylvia Ortiz

Computer Systems Administrator

Quincy Kwok

Divisional Executive Administrator

Yvonne Hung

Vicky Tristan Membership and Certification Coordinator Membership Assistant Danielle Mead Payroll/Benefits

Renee Heckler

Controller

Wanda Lindamood

Insurance/ Ellen Weatherford Merchandise Services Insurance Services

Norma Martin

Merchandise Services Charlene Davis

LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

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

Central time

March 2001

5

from previous page your dream job), your USPTA certification will be considered only a starting point by the group or individual hiring. You are in a battle with every other person applying for the same position, and although no shots will be fired, the winner of the battle will be the person with the best weapons. For years these pages have been filled with advice from successful USPTA professionals, advising us to participate in education programs and attend conventions. It's my opinion that this type of participation is only the minimum required if you want to develop a wide variety and large number of offensive weapons to take into battle. Everyone you are competing with will be doing at least these things.

In addition to identifying and developing competency in the skills needed for your next position, let me offer some other suggestions I believe might help you win the job war. Consider attending a workshop or seminar of an allied trade group; invite a club owner, manager or colleague to lunch; research and write an article about one of the skills you have identified as important for your next position; take a course or seminar on a skill you anticipate you will need in your desired position, maybe even from a group unrelated to tennis; volunteer to help with your USPTA division activities or participate in your division leadership; investigate association policies and direction and offer your opinion; vote in USPTA divisional and national elections; go online and study the Web sites of tennis-teaching trade associations from other countries; study the best practices of those professionals you admire; talk with representatives from manufacturers to gain a perspective of their expectations of you; get beneath the surface on issues and try to identify how and why things happened in your club, your area or your trade association. The more varied your experiences and broad your perspective, the more valued you will be to a prospective employer.

There are so many ways you can improve upon your current battle readiness to be the best you can be. While the chance of success in your battle might be strengthened through the collective "An Army of One," unlike our armed forces, in the battle for career success, ultimately you are fighting on your 6

March 2001

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Approach shot/passing shot game Purpose: To demonstrate approach shot, passing shot and lob skills.

Description: 1. Instructor feeds short ball to player "A." 2. "A" plays approach shot and follows the ball to a volleying position at net.

3. "D" passes down the line, crosscourt or lobs.

4. Play out the point.

5. Next student replaces "A." 6. First student to win 4 points replaces "D."

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March 2001

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Teaching pro shares tennis tips

by T.J. Cardwell, USPTA

ne of the toughest things in learning an effective overhead is footwork. So many players hit overheads frontal and off balance, thus producing weak and ineffective shots that opponents hit back for winners before the player can recover from the overhead. To help visualize the movement back to an overhead, picture the player as a fine sports car shifting through the gears.

This gear is the explosive first movement used on a routine overhead no more than three or four steps from the net. It involves preparing both hands — racquet hand prepares the racquet above the shoulder, while offhand points at the ball - and keeping the feet churning until it is time to step and hit. Always stay focused on this easy ball and have the racquet ready before the ball reaches its apex.

This gear involves the quick two to three slide steps on overheads around the service line or just inside. These are shots that require more quickness, but are still offensive shots for a good player. The important thing here is for the player to get behind the ball quickly so he can step into the shot. Similar to first gear, the movements should be explosive.

This gear uses crossover steps (for a right-hander, cross left foot in front of right foot as you turn your back slightly to the net) for the difficult overhead in the area behind the service line. Crossover steps are more difficult for the average player to do, but with practice will become a component of a good overhead. On third gear overheads, it is impossible to get your feet planted and step into the shot so you must rely more on the wrist snap at the top of the swing and be more conservative in your target. While the pros may put these balls away, club players should put the ball safely back in play deep and try to recapture the net position.

Last but not least, this gear is used when the player realizes an overhead cannot be hit and he turns to run down the shot defensively. It involves bailing out of his slide and crossover steps and turning to run full speed. The player's back will face the net and he will follow the ball over his shoulder (similar to a wide receiver going out for a pass). If he is comfortable and in position, he should play the ball out of the air with a high volley to catch opponents off guard. If it is a good lob, he should play a defensive lob back off of the bounce.

Remember, good footwork results in good strokes!

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

March 2001

9

Funny, fast-paced book offers good advice

by Tom Kelly, USPTA

Fellow teaching pros will relate to this hook because it shows the give and take between the pro and student.

Club players will enjoy reading this book because it ... offers good advice.

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March 2001

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f you are like me, you do not have a surplus of time to do a lot of reading. My time, when I am not on the court, is spent trying to develop programs to put people on the courts. Sitting in my office are books by great coaches that I have never read. One day, probably during a working vacation — at a USPTA convention - I will try to read a few of these great works.

I would like to be up-to-date, but I do not enjoy wading through material to pick out new ideas.

Having complained about not having time to read, I must confess that I do make time, late at night to read an entertaining novel. I read to relax and get my mind off tennis. Some would say I am trying to give balance to my life.

Hugh Waters III, a USPTA Master Pro, has written an instructional manual, "A Better Mind Makes a Better Player," that replaced my "entertainment reading" for a few weeks. The book is not long - about 150 pages. Waters, a teaching pro for more than 35 years, conveys his player development strategies in a humorous and easyto-read fashion. The reader is allowed to eavesdrop on 15 lessons that Master Pro Oscar gives his student John.

The banter between Oscar and his 4.0 (but mentally a 3.5) protege, John, reads like a story. John has aspirations to move up the club hierarchy and become the club champion. The pro gives John 15 lessons and arms his student with tools to defeat a variety of tennis club characters - Steady Eddie, Volley Charlie, Easy Harry and, finally, Club Champ Sam. At the beginning of each lesson, John recounts last week's practice matches. With this information, the Master Pro and

his student get to work. Master Pro Oscar concludes the lesson by telling John the names of players he wants him to arrange matches with and what to practice during the match. I found myself eagerly reading ahead to find out how John did the new strategy.

Waters introduces the idea of "counting" in his book. With counting, the player keeps track of the number of shots hit back successfully in the court. Master Pro Oscar has John counting the balls he hits back because John's initial problem is that he is erratic. At first he has trouble with the concept of keeping the ball in play and counting, but he gradually buys into this way of keeping score. In a set, John finds he may have to hit more than 100 balls back to win and even if he loses he becomes a winner if his count is higher than the previous time he played. The pro helps John become an even better player after he becomes more consistent by introducing the principles of offense.

Fellow teaching pros will relate to this book because it shows the give and take between the pro and student. Club players will enjoy reading this book because it is not only funny and fast-paced, but also offers good advice.

To order copies contact: Magic Properties, One River Ridge Trail, Ormond Beach, Fla. 32174 or call (800) 591-7999. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA mailbox Dear USPTA, I read Jack Groppel's informative response to a reader's question concerning osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the December issue of ADDvantage. He gave a recommendation to try three supplements with a doctor's approval: Glucosamine, Chondroitin and SAM-e.

As a tennis professional in my mid-30s, I developed a case of osteoarthritis in my right hip and was informed about my condition in 1997. My doctor said I had two options, either live with the pain or get a total hip replacement. My first reaction was to ignore the problem and hope that it would go away, but it proceeded to become very painful. I was becoming more and more handicapped and my duties on the tennis court were becoming very difficult to perform. I took every joint supplement I could find, but was not sure if they were working.

On Oct. 11, 2000,1 had my right hip replaced with a new one made of cobalt chrome with a polyethylene socket liner. I have been exercising and stretching and am amazed at the lack of pain in my hip. I am still trying to strengthen my muscles around the hip and I hope to be teaching and playing tennis very shortly.

The purpose of this letter is to bring attention to this common problem. Hip and knee replacement operations are becoming very high tech with regard to the procedures www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

and the materials used. (A joint replacement should be the absoulute final alternative to a painful joint, and only after every other option has failed.) I once asked a doctor, "When should I get my hip replaced?" His answer was, "You'll know, you'll know!"

When your quality of life deteriorates and your ability to do your job properly is hindered, then you'll know.

My thanks to Craig Hardenberg, a USPTA professional at the Army Navy Country Club in Virgina. I had several conversations with Craig about the operation as he is very knowledgeable about the procedure. He recommended that I choose Dr. Charles Engh of the Anderson Clinic in Alexandria, Va. Dr. Engh performed my surgery and I would recommend him to anyone.

If anyone would like to correspond with me regarding hip replacements, my e-mail address is JRgoskins5@aol.com.

Thank you USPTA and Dr. Jack Groppel for printing information about joint maintenance. I'm happy to be back in action!

Sincerely, John Robinson, USPTA Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Dear USPTA, I had always been a recreational tennis player and a public school teacher. When my daughter started taking lessons from a USPTA pro, I watched him teach and thought that not

only could I teach tennis too, I would really enjoy it. I took a few lessons myself and sent off for the certification materials. I

The thought that has made me so grateful to the USPTA is this,... through the instructor rating, I get to pay my teaching dues while I have court insurance, the name recognition of the USPTA the opportunity to attend workshops and clinics, and I receive all the USPTA publications. studied hard and worked on my strokes every day.

Since I didn't have three years of tennis-teaching experience, I would enter as an instructor.

Well, I have worked my way through half of my required three years at the instructor level and I can honestly say it was the best thing for me.

The thought that has made me so grateful to the USPTA is this, I could have taught for three years first and then certified at a P-l (assuming that I was proficient). What a bummer that would have been! For three years I would have had no name recognition, no support and no insurance. Instead, the USPTA figured out a way to include a guy like me in the finest organization in the world.

Sure, I'm "paying my dues," but I would have paid them anyway. Through the instructor rating, I get to pay my teaching dues while I have court insurance, the name recognition of

the USPTA, the opportunity to attend workshops and clinics, and I receive all the USPTA publications.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm still really looking forward to the day when I can recertify and become a pro.

And you folks will be the first to know when I do! If anyone gives you a hard time about the instructor rating just tell them about me, and what it meant to me to get to belong to the USPTA while I learned how to teach this incredible game.

Oh, by the way, when I became a member I told my athletic director about it. He went to the mayor of our small town and together they got busy on the idea of school and community courts. We now have four brand new courts on our school grounds and I will get to coach the team. It just keeps getting better and better.

Sincerely, Mike Rush, USPTA Conway, Ark. March 2001

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by Alan Cutler, USPTA

USPTR'S EHREER DEVELDPflEIIT PROGRRfl HELPS PROS DEVELOP SKILLS TO SUEEEEO.

here is an alarming trend in the tennis industry: the director of tennis position is now, in many cases, being given to nonI tennis professionals who are solely managers. One reason for this trend is that tennis professionals looking to move up within the industry do not always possess the skills club managers now require. Having the retail and merchandising skills to run a pro shop, dealing with employees and/or managers and owners, preparing budgets or even knowing how or why it's important to create long-range plans are all skills being sought in the new marketplace. As you continue to seek jobs with more responsibility and higher incomes within the tennis industry, these management skills will become more essential. These are the skills that will enable you to compete with other applicants for those jobs.

USPTA's Career Development Program is creating specialist degrees that will allow members to gain these necessary skills and prove they have the requisite knowledge and ability to apply them. The first one of these management skills categories is the Specialist in Computer Technology degree. This degree allows members to demonstrate their skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, e-mail, Internet, multimedia and operating systems software and hardware while receiving a brief tutorial. Tennis professionals can use these computer skills to automate redundant processes and enhance their businesses.

DRTBBRSE First, let us think about how you can accumulate and store information. There are many practical applications for this type of computer technology.

Databases are an efficient way to store large amounts of information. An easy way to think of databases is as information that can be separated and grouped through many different methods or keys. A good example of this is a continued next page www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

March 2001

13

from previous page library card catalog; you can look up a book by author, subject or title. This information can be shared with other programs so that you do not have to re-input the same information. One of the practical uses of a database is to track your membership. This would include basic information like name, address, phone numbers, gender and date of birth, as well as skill level and the kind of services the members use. For example, whether they take group or private lessons, which leagues or round robins they have played, the days of the week and the time of day they play, how many times per week or month they play and whether they rent equipment such as a ball machine.

Another example would be to track the types of purchases they make - what type of products, price points and when they purchased the items.

Now how do you use this information?

Based on the information above, there are three database tables: the basic information, the services used and the products purchased. You could 'produce reports to target specific groups of your members. It would be easy to produce a report showing just the women players who like to play league during the daytime mid-week, or men who only play at night and who play 3.5 round robins. Another report could be produced to show members who have not restrung their tennis racquets in more than three months. This information can be linked to your other computer software, and the only limitation of these reports is the information you have gathered and stored.

UORD PROCESSOR The most common use of microcomputers is word processing. Word processors can be used to create memos, letters, outlines, tables or notes. Most people think of a word processor as a glorified typewriter, but it differs in the most basic

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March 2001

ways. Word processing allows you to generate text documents that can be edited and corrected before printing and storing electronically. These documents can also be modified and reused to save time in the future. As you create more written and printed material, such as letters and memos, there are many tools you will use repeatedly, including templates, formats, headers and signature areas. Why should you recreate letters when you can use what you have already created or have available to you through templates? As you create your documents, you can use both the spelling and grammar checks to produce more professional letters and memos.

There are many different formatting options available such as font size, print letter type, tabs and margins. One of the best, yet least utilized, functions of word processors is creating mail merges. Mail merges allow you to use the information in your database to create letters, labels and envelopes for a select group of your members or customers. By using the information in the database, you can target a mail merge based on a criteria such as the level of player, gender and type of service or any other field that you have tracked. Using the same examples from the database, you can create a mail merge to send letters only to female players that like to play during the day. You could also use this as a way to send a reminder to customers that it is time to restring their racquets.

This is one of the best and most practical examples of sharing data between two different programs.

Members often judge your operation by how professional the written material is that they see or receive from you. Another feature of word processing programs is assistance in creating fliers or brochures, for which there are several pre-

formatted templates available. We all create documents to use as publicity tools, and word processing allows you to generate them in-house rather than have a graphics expert charge you to design and print them. You can also insert text, graphics and photographs in your fliers and brochures when you use a word processor.

SPRERDSHEETS Probably the least used, yet essential, software is the spreadsheet. Spreadsheets offer a computerized system to keep track of all kinds of numbers; they are used for preparing budgets, expense reports, graphic charts, schedules, enrollments and even time sheets. They allow you to organize, analyze, interpret and present data. Spreadsheets allow you to easily track numbers and expenses of a tennis business and to adjust numbers or formats and have them automatically recalculated as soon as you enter new information.

A useful function of this program is preparing a budget. Whether it is for the tennis shop or home, creating a yearly budget is easy and informative. This allows you to see what types or categories of expenses you have and helps you track those expenses on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis by simply totaling the information.

This also keeps vital information at your fingertips and is an extremely useful tool to forecast future budgets, because you cannot only see past history but also predict when monies are needed for specific purchases in the future. You can gather information in an easy-to-read format and import or transfer the information to and from your word processing program. One of the most impressive things you can do with a spreadsheet program is generate charts or graphs based on data you have entered. Presenting your management team with a printed budget, an analysis based on your budget and charts or graphs to help explain your budget would knock their socks off.

PRESEHTRTIQV SQFTURRE Software such as Microsoft's PowerPoint is useful for making professional pre-

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

sentations in meetings or seminars. PowerPoint allows you to use your computer to deliver a clear and concise message while giving your presentation a very professional look. You can also use text, graphics, audio, photographs and even video within the presentation. You can even use this program to design and create Internet Web sites and pages. You would also need a projection system in order to display it on a large screen during a meeting. And, again, this software can share information with word processing, spreadsheet and/or database programs.

THE INTERNET It's no longer possible to ignore the Internet as a research and marketing tool. According to tennis industry statistics, between 12 percent and 18 percent of all tennis-related sales are now taking place over the Internet. Many manufacturers now have the ability for Web-based directed pro shop restocking and ordering. This is one of the most useful tools available through your computer and will only improve and become more powerful. If you are not already using the Internet, start using it. And if you are using it, use it more. This is the future, and it's happening right in front of our eyes.

We now live in a global economy and need to look at business not just as a local endeavor, but one that can be accessed from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In our parents' day, they used the local yellow pages to advertise their businesses, but the Internet has opened up a world of new possibilities.

Many people design their own Web sites, but there are businesses available to assist you in the process of designing yours. I classify Web sites into two categories: informational and point of sale. Informational Web sites display information such as business address, phone number, e-mail address, services provided, inventory and prices. Point-of-sale Web sites allow the customer to place an order or purchase directly over the Internet. This is often done with a feature called a shopping cart, in which a customer places orders for several items at once. When the order is complete, it is sent for processing and ship-

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ping. There are security issues involved in this, so I recommend that you get assistance and take the necessary precautions so your sensitive information is not accessed by outsiders like Amazon.corn's was some months back. Contact USPTA to activate your personal Web site on usptapro.com. Do yourself a favor and get your business on the Internet.

E-mail is another method through which to communicate with members or customers, and it eliminates the expenses of postage fees and office supplies. By using the Internet, you can send e-mail messages to anyone, anywhere in the world, who is also connected to the Web. It's amazing that I can send email to anywhere in Europe for free, and it gets there within a minute. If I send the same information by regular mail, "snail mail," it takes weeks and requires postage. As more computers connect to the Internet, this will become an even more powerful tool to get information to and from your customers. You can also set up distribution lists, where you can send frequent e-mail messages to a group of people who share a common interest, without having to type in each individual's e-mail address. This may reduce or eventually eliminate the need for fax machines.

Another innovation in Internet technology is the ability to make phone calls over the Internet. This exciting technology is in its infancy, so there are only a few companies that provide the service. But at the rate the Internet moves, it's only a matter of time before there will be many companies to choose from.

We need to give the USPTA staff, and specifically the Career Development Department, credit for not only giving its

members a way to increase their "on-court" skills, but also recognizing that for pros to compete in today's job market, they must develop the business and management skills needed to succeed.

If you are new to computers and feel uncomfortable using them, there are several ways •^ to learn to use them.

J| ^k Somepeo' j^_ pie have the F J|| B / ability to simply read a book ^^^T and figure it out, Or ^j but if this is your first experience, I recommend you take a computer class. At the USPTA World Conference this past year, there was a four-hour computer specialty course that will be offered again, hopefully, at the divisional level. Some divisions offer computer training classes at their annual conventions. If you are looking for more formal courses, you can go to your local computer store where sales staff will point you in the right direction. Another good option is to take classes at your local community college.

These classes tend to be longer and more in depth, so you can get more information and practice. They also tend to be less costly and a better value for your money. Often employers will reimburse you for these courses and, if not, just realize that the best way to move up in the tennis industry is to continue to get education and gain management skills. In the new millennium, this means knowing your way around a computer and becoming a Specialist in Computer Technology.^

Alan Cutler, USPTA Pro 1, is head tennis professional for the city ofWhittier, Calif. He is a USPTA Specialist in Computer Technology, and presented a specialty course on computer software at the 2000 World Conference.

March 2001

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Identifying your tendencies as a teacher allows you to build upon your strengths and to also develop additional ways off

ow would you describe your teaching style? Are you an analytical thinker? An instinctual doer? Do you teach primarily by explanation, visual imagery, through feeling and slow motion, or a combination thereof? Identifying your tendencies as a teacher allows you to build upon your strengths and to also develop additional ways of approaching the craft. The more methods that pros have at their disposal, the better equipped they are to help the diverse clientele they encounter.

"The better pros have more ways to say one thing," says USPTA professional John Robinson, director of tennis at The Colony Beach and Tennis Resort in Longboat Key, Fla. "People learn differently. Some learn from data. They want it broken down. They want to know how many strings brush up the back of the ball when you hit topspin. Others are visualizers."

Discovering how to best connect with

your students is an invaluable job skill.

There are always clues on how to do this, such as watching how their games respond to your instruction, and listening closely, and sometimes reading between the lines of the questions and feedback you receive.

What is needed in the given situation? Is it a thorough explanation, a quick tip, or just some encouragement and reinforcement? continued next page

approaching the craft.

The more methods that pros have at their disposal, the better equipped they are to help the diverse clientele they encounter. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

March 2001

17

from previous page Being able to change gears, or approaches, makes teaching more interesting and enjoyable, not to mention effective.

Three such gears, or strategies, are: mechanical, visual and non-mechanical.

Mechanical The often-asked question, "What am I doing wrong?" seems to beg for an answer that offers recommendations for specific, mechanical technique. Most teaching pros start by addressing shot mechanics and most students expect this approach. However, the question can be a dangerous one, particularly if the student is doing multiple things wrong.

USPTA pro Matt Clifton, who teaches at Miraval Resort and Spa as well as the Saddlebrooke community, both in Catalina, Ariz., prefers to keep his approach to mechanics as simple as possible "I'll pick out one fundamental thing they're failing to do," he says. "Don't give them two or three things, because they'll forget the first thing. If they're grasping the first point, and it starts to become muscle memory and a part of them, then we can work on the next part of the stroke. I like to go step by step. That provides structure."

The one-thing-at-a-time theme is a good way to guard against the pitfall of getting too involved in the intricacies of the shot, which can lead to "paralysis by analysis." How often does a pro, in his or her quest to help a student, expound on a technique until they receive a blank stare in return, or an even further breakdown of the stroke because the student is thinking about doing five different things at once as the ball approaches? It would make anyone anxious. Overthinking makes fluidity and spontaneity nearly impossible.

A player's desire to know his every misstep can also hurt his ability to focus on one thing at a time. Take the following scenario: You are working on volleys with a student and ascertain that the biggest flaw is that he is remaining flat-footed and not stepping out to meet the ball. Once he is clear on how to move out to the volley, you go back to practicing. Now his feet are working, but his wrist is turning over and pushing balls into the net. He asks why this is happening and you answer it is the wrist and proceed to show him how to firm up his wrist. Now you're on to a new sub18

March 2001

ject without having had the opportunity to work on feeling comfortable with the footwork. Now that the focus is the wrist, he forgets to move his feet.

Working on one technique at a time sometimes requires both pro and student to ignore other flaws for the time being, which can be difficult to do. As a pro, it means seeing a flaw but not mentioning it and for the player it means making a mistake and being OK with it.

Nothing needs to be neglected, but just set aside for the moment. If you were to spend five minutes on the volley footwork, focusing on only the feet, then those five minutes would be more productive than spending an hour jumping from one issue to another without concentrated practice on any one issue.

Visual Sometimes even the most succinct mechanical advice is not enough. One of the most frustrating things for players is when they know and understand what they need to do, but are still unable to carry it out. In such cases, a differ- Working on one technique at a time sometimes requires both pro a: student to ignore other flaws for the time being. ent approach may be required. short term.

Knowing and understanding in the mind is "Here at The Colony, we do more vione thing, but transferring that knowledge sual, creating an image in the mind," says to the body and the stroke is another. VisuJohn Robinson. "We try to keep our tips al associations can bypass too much thinkquick and simple since the guests are here ing and get right to the actual execution. for only a short while."

W. Timothy Gallwey relates a story in An example Robinson gives is of some"The Inner Game of Tennis" about a man one learning to hit a Western topspin forewho asks him for help on his backhand. hand. He tells a student that if she had a The man tells Gallwey that at leastfivedifwatch on her playing wrist, she should be ferent pros have told him that he takes his able to tell the time at the completion of racquet back too high on his backswing. the stroke.

Still, he continues to do this. When GallAnother example of visual teaching can wey has him stand in front of a windowbe demonstrated when a student learns a pane and watch his reflection while pracflat serve. For some players, it may be easticing the swing, the man suddenly underier to think of reaching up and giving the stands the flaw in a new way. ball a "high five" than to understand where Not only are visuals easy to understand to toss the ball, how to accelerate the racand to carry out, but they are also fun. The quet, how to meet the ball, etc. The image fun is in the ability to do something, and of giving the ball a high five illustrates the for the pro it is in the challenge of finding theory behind the shot and makes it easier what type of association will work in a sitto understand. uation. A little creativity can go a long way.

A benefit of visual associations is that This works especially well in a resort setthey seem to have staying power in peoting where people come and go and the ple's memories. This may be due to their relationship between pro and student is www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA's

Your Tennis Across America™ kit contains: • Ideas for optional activities • A sample lesson plan • Promotional tips that will help you publicize your event • A colorful poster for promoting your event • Press information. Fill in the appropriate blanks on the public service announcement and press release (photocopy or create your own) and deliver them to newspapers and television and radio stations • A free lesson sign-up sheet • A form to register your event with USPTA

USPTA's

Suggested guidelines Run a 90-minute clinic

Optional activities

Introduce yourself and your staff to the participants.

Briefly discuss USPTA and how it promotes tennis in the grassroots through programs such as Tennis Across America, Tennis Around the World and USPTA Little TennisÂŽ. Point out tennis' lifetime benefits and how your teaching programs can help improve their skills.

Conduct a free demo If your facility has a pro shop, you may wish to conduct a free demo session to encourage your members and other clinic participants to try new products. This would also be an excellent time to have a pro shop sale, since most shops are fully stocked with spring and summer goods.

The options are endless - put your imagination to work.

Tennis Across America is a great opportunity to increase lessons, pro shop sales and exposure for you, your staff and your facility.

The depth of your clinic will depend upon the skill levels of your participants. Your clinic may include students of any skill level, juniors and adults. The sample lesson plan is ideal for social-level players. For more advanced players, you may wish to incorporate a drill format.

Run a social round robin Assign each player a number and begin with social roundrobin doubles. Play may be divided into men's and women's doubles. This is a great public relations opportunity. Have the teaching staff socialize with the participants and offer advice and tennis tips.

A large group lesson plan is included in this pullout. This lesson plan was designed to get the students playing quickly and having fun.

Add a luncheon Your social program can include a reasonably priced luncheon or cookout at the courts. The cookout should follow the clinic or the optional round robin.

Review the clinic Allow 10 to 15 minutes to review the points discussed in the clinic and have a question-and-answer session.

Explain the importance of regular practice and offer practice tips, such as how to use backboards and ball machines. This is a good time to distribute information on lessons and pro shop merchandise.

Š

USPTA's

Sample lesson plan The following lesson plan is based on a series of progressions to help tennis professionals handle clinic participants with varying degrees of tennis experience and ability. However, all players should not be expected to make it through every step of each progression. While this lesson plan concentrates on the forehand groundstroke, many of the same progressions may be used to teach the backhand. The lesson should last approximately 90 minutes.

I.

Introduction (2 min.)

II.

Warm-up (5 min.)

III.

Ball-handling drills (10 min.)

E. Use the step of the service motion progression with which the students are most comfortable (e.g., the trap, tray, V position or full serve).

1. Throw at the target 2. Shadow a serve 3. Serve at the target If players do not hit the target with the serve, have them continue to throw, shadow and then serve. When they hit their target, players should take one step back and repeat the sequence.

Note: If the toss is keeping players from having success, have those players return to the toss and trap the ball as in the first serving practice drill.

F. Target game (5 min.)

Let the players at the net and the fence serve every ball.

They must make one of every two serves (in the service box or in the target area) in order to take a step backward.

G. Scoring game (5 min.)

Again, half the players are on the service line facing the net and half are facing their targets on the fence from 6 feet away. Explain the tennis scoring system, and then have the players play a game. Players should get two serves for each point. If they make their first or second serve, they win the point. If they double-fault, they lose the point. Without alternating from deuce to ad court, have the players keep score for an entire game.

VIII. Serve and return (10 min.)

Place two players on each end of the court. The four players each serve once and return once before the whole group is replaced by four more players. The goal of the returners is to get the ball back, aiming for the middle of the court. Points should not be played out. Those waiting may want to shadow the serve or return.

A. Bump-ups B. Bump-downs IV.

C. Bump-ups with a bounce Forehand basics (8 min.)

A. Demonstrate the grip.

B. Practice self-feeds with the nondominant hand.

C. Explain contact point and the length of the backswing and follow-through.

D. Have players drop-hit balls from 5 feet from the net, from the service line and halfway between the service line and the baseline.

V.

Toss and hit (10 min.)

Have pairs face each other across the net, each standing inside the service line. Place targets midway between the net and the service line.

A. Teach players to feed one another by controlled toss.

B. Have one partner toss and the other hit the ball back, using controlled toss and hit and then switch.

C. Let the players take two steps back and then try to rally with one another using the same gentle taps again.

IX.

D. When the players reach the service line, have them start points with a self-drop and rally until they miss. If the players can get five in a row, move them further back.

E. Have the players count consecutive hits as partners or hold a contest for most consecutive hits.

VI.

Play mini-tennis (8 min.)

VII.

Serve (25 min.)

Doubles play (10 min.)

Place a doubles team on each baseline. Again, each player should have a chance to serve (each should get two chances at a successful serve) and return. This time, the points should be played out. After four points have been played, bring new doubles teams onto the court.

Be sure at this point to promote your follow-up program, such as USA Tennis 1 -2-3. This is a critical time for these players. If they do not continue through some type of follow-up program, many will not continue at all.

A. Trap - Students extend their arms reaching their racquets upward, use an underhand toss and trap the ball against the fence as it reaches its peak. Discuss proper grip.

B. Tray - The forearm and palm of the hand are laid back so that the racquet face is in the position of a tray carried above the head of a waiter.

Additional notes: Breaks 1. Offer breaks between the forehand and service portions of the lesson. Have half the class break while the other half plays more mini-tennis, and then switch.

2. Offer another break after the service lesson and before practicing the serve and return. Have half the class serve, return and play out the points while the other half breaks, and then switch.

C. V position - The elbow is high with the racquet hung back from the wrist (almost in back-scratch position).

D. Full serve - Racquet drops behind the back, making a loop before coming forward to trap the ball as it reaches its peak.

Note: Students may not progress to a full serve in this lesson. Throughout the service lesson, ask them to use the service motion closest to the full serve with which they have success.

*lf you would like a more detailed sample lesson plan, please contact the World Headquarters at (800) USPTA-4U

ÂŽ

USPTA's

Promotional checklist

0

Send a news release to those on your media list announcing the event. You may type the appropriate information in the blank spaces on the sample news release provided, or you may create your own. If you write your own news release, remember these basic rules: The release should be typed and doublespaced; provide your name and phone number where people may reach you for more information; number and label each page; and check for proper spelling and that all facts are correct.

0

Send a public service announcement to the television and radio stations on your media list. You may use the sample public service announcement provided or create your own. If you write your own, follow the same basic rules for news releases and be sure to include the length (30 seconds or 60 seconds) of the announcement for programming purposes. Remember that public service announcements are much shorter than releases for print media.

0

Encourage local soft-drink bottling companies, snack distributors and restaurants to gain public exposure by providing free or low-cost refreshments for participants during the event. Hold drawings for donated prizes.

Tennis Across America is an excellent opportunity to promote tennis as a fun means of physical fitness and to generate publicity for you and your facility. Whether your event is for the public or for club members only, the following steps to promote your clinic can help ensure its success: 0

Organize committees or solicit pros to assist with various aspects, such as public relations, refreshments and invitations to local dignitaries.

0

Contact local VIPs or dignitaries, such as city council members, the mayor or local celebrities, and invite them to attend your clinic. Make one of them an honorary chairman, which would provide good photo opportunities for advance news releases and would encourage greater publicity through local media.

0

If you are hosting or assisting with a public clinic, contact local volunteer groups, such as the Boys Club, the Girl Scouts, community tennis association (CTA), high school coaches or the local chamber of commerce, to help organize the event and to increase the number of participants.

0

0

Ask your facility, CTA, coaches or local parks and recreation department to donate racquets and tennis balls for participants who may be unable to provide their own. If local contributions aren't enough, contact USPTA for possible assistance.

Compile a local media list of daily and weekly newspapers, television and radio stations, regional tennis publications, community newspapers, and Web sites, as well as contacts at the USPTA national office. You may also wish to include the chamber of commerce, the local tourism bureau and school newspapers. Be sure to gather information regarding deadlines, too.

Your media list should include the names of contacts for: Newspaper: Sports editor, tennis writer, lifestyle editor, photo editor Television: Sports director, news director, assignments editor Radio: News director, sports director, community program hosts Internet: Editors and directors for newspaper, TV, radio and independent Web sites with local and/or event calendars.

0

Encourage your students to invite friends and family to participate in the event.

0

Display the poster and sign-up sheet included in this packet at your facility or other locations where people will see them.

0

Appoint three people to take photographs of your event and send copies to the local newspaper, the USPTA national office and to other tennis-related publications. Remember to identify those in the photo (from left to right), the location of the event and the host professional. Also, be sure to include your name and phone number and mention that you are a USPTA professional.

0

Create a follow-up news release with information on the attendance, location, pros who participated and any notable happenings. This release should be sent to those on your media list within 24 hours of the event (preferably the day of the event). Try to write the release before the clinic, so that you may simply fill in the details at the end when time is more pressing.

CopyrightŠ United States Professional Tennis Association Inc. 2001. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of this material is not permitted without written permission of the publisher.

*

Phone:

For more Information, contact:

Time:

Location

USPTA's

Join the fun in a free clinic!

uspta m^ . ^"

The following events are planned:

uspta

NEWS RELEASE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • fax (713) 978-7780 toll free: (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) e-mail: uspta@uspta.org • web: www.uspta.com

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT TIME:

:30

CONTACT:

(name)

(phone)

Join the fun

for a free Tennis Across America clinic at (date)

. The event, sponsored by the United (club/facility)

States Professional Tennis Association, will be held from

.Be

to (starting time)

(ending time)

among the thousands of players hitting millions of tennis balls in this 12th annual nationwide celebration of the sport for a lifetime. Contact

at (name)

more details.

USPTA is a nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals.

####

for (phone)

NEWS RELEASE UNITED STATES PROFESSIONAL TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC. World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) • fax (713) 978-7780 toll free: (800) USPTA-4U (877-8248) e-mail: uspta@uspta.org • web: www.uspta.com

CONTACT:

(phone)

(date)

Free tennis lessons offered through USPTA s Tennis Across America will

in (club/facility)

(city)

be part of the nation's biggest tennis event in May that will involve hundreds of thousands of players hitting millions of tennis balls, according to

, tennis professional at (pro)

(club/facility)

The 12th annual USPTA Tennis Across America program is sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association. The events will be free to the public and will feature an instructional tennis clinic. Beginners and advanced players, both juniors and adults, as well as those who have never played tennis before, are invited to (club/facility)

on

beginning at (date)

_ to participate in this (time)

nationwide tennis event.

"Millions of Americans have already discovered that tennis is an enjoyable way of keeping fit," said Tim Heckler, CEO of USPTA. "Through this event, we hope to show millions more that it can be fun for them, too, and that tennis is a sport for life."

^ USPTA is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals. Tennis Across America

is designed to promote tennis as a means of exercise and fun, bringing new players to the game and former players back to the courts.

For more information on USPTA's Tennis Across America, call (name)

at

_, or contact the USPTA World Headquarters at (800) USPTA-4U. Information about the nationwide (number) program and player tips are also part of USPTA's Web site at www.uspta.com. ####

USPTA's

Free lesson sign-up sheet Date Name

Phone

REGISTER! REGISTER! REGISTER!

C

USPTA's Tennis Across America brings the sport to nearly 150,000 players each year.

reated expressly to help grow the game, USPTA's Tennis Across America™

is for new players looking for a fun, social way

to exercise, current players who want to play more and former players who would like to get back into the sport.

What is Tennis Across America™?

Why register?

Sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association - the world's oldest and largest organization of tennis-teaching professionals - Tennis Across America is an exciting instructional grassroots program consisting of

USPTA promotes Tennis Across America through national advertising and publicity campaigns. Calls to USPTA from the public are referred to local pros and clinics nationwide. The public also can find a list of local events at www.uspta.com.

three segments: 0 Free clinics held during the month of May at public and private facilities across the nation • Multicultural clinics to introduce the sport to groups that do not normally have the opportunity to play O Follow-up programs to provide players with an opportunity to pursue their new enthusiasm for tennis

Who can run clinics?

Any USPTA professional or tennis enthusiast who wants to help grow the game can participate.

Division awards 1.

Member participation in TAA counts toward the annual

2.

Division of the Year award.

Plaques will be awarded to the three divisions that recruit the highest number of participants in Tennis

3.

Across America.

Plaques will also be awarded at the World Conference to the three divisions with the highest percentage of members participating in this program.

To register your event, return the form below to USPTA or sign up on the Internet at www.uspta.com. Your registered clinic earns your division points toward national USPTA awards.

Register for USPTA's Tennis Across America!

Copy this form, complete every line and mail to the address below. To sign up online, go to www.uspta.com.

Yes, I will participate in USPTA's Tennis Across America as a/an Name

D host professional USPTA member

Contact number

D yes

D no

Member number

e-mail

Date of clinic and time City

D assistant

My clinic/social will be open to

D the public D members only

State

Facility name Street address Facility phone The following people will assist at my event: USPTA member D yes

D no

Member number

USPTA member D yes

D no

Member number

USPTA member D yes

D no

Member number

USPTA member D yes

D no

Member number

USPTA World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston TX 77042 Questions? Call (713) 978-7782 or (800) USPTA-4U, fax (713) 978-7780 or send e-mail to marketing@uspta.org

novelty and ingenuity, their effectiveness or both. The majority of tips related to me by clients who have picked them up from other pros tend to be visual, as in, "A pro in Hawaii told me I should imagine I'm hitting three balls in a row instead of one to get more forward drive."

The "tips" feature in Tennis magazine is a warehouse for visual teaching. Almost all of them involve props and are highly inventive tennis metaphors. Check them out and you're bound to find something worth cutting out or committing to memory.

Non-mechanical When I met former tour player Peter Rennert in 1996, he was director of tennis at the four-month-old Miraval Resort and Spa in Catalina, Ariz. He was teaching in a way that aimed to reduce the amount of stress while playing and learning. On court he fed balls to me, telling me to focus exclusively on my breathing as I hit. It was a meditation of sorts. Becoming more aware of the timing and feeling myself breathing in and breathing out while playing was new and different. It was an approach that guests at the resort were enjoying immensely.

Anything that can take away some of the pressures that people bring to the court provides for a better experience. Pressure to perform well, to win and to get better now are a few of the more prevalent ones.

Regardless of what the source is, it looks similar on players at all levels: overswinging, trying too hard, tensing up, pained facial expressions and choking are things that most of us have experienced. In such circumstances, encouragement to relax, either through breathing easy or shaking out the shoulders or just saying "relax, swing a bit easier," or any of the myriad of ways pros approach this problem, often result in better mechanics instantaneously.

This spontaneous improvement is a kind of self-correcting mechanism. If you've ever noticed a flaw in a student's game, and the flaw works itself out before you get a chance to address it, then you have witnessed this self-correcting mechanism. It is part of everyone's game, but it can be elusive.

Slowing down the thought process and re-focusing is no small task, particularly when one's game is slumping. There is a big difference between focusing and thinking too hard. As one client asked, "How can I tell that I'm trying too hard when I'm trying to not try so hard?"

Psychological conundrums aside, a pro can make an educated guess at what flaws in a student's strokes would benefit most from a stress-reducing and ease-inducing tip. Anything that makes for a more relaxed state of mind and creates calm and focus is a keeper. Some non-mechanical techniques to this end are:

A benefit of visual associations is that they seem to have staying power in people's memories. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

•

Taking some extra time between points or rallies: Changing tempo when playing can trigger a re-focusing. The tendency is to speed up when things are breaking down, which usually leads to more of the same. Taking a bit of time allows for some objectivity. • Focusing on breathing while hitting, as well as taking some deep breaths during breaks in the action: This has an instant effect because it is not just something to think about, but something to do. It is both physically and mentally beneficial at the same time. • Using rituals: All of the quirks, tics, expressions, habitual routines and idiosyncrasies pro players use over and over throughout a match are all opportunities to return to a state of readiness.

Think of Andre Agassi balling up his shirt as he gets prepared to return serve.

There are rituals in everyone's game, some more pronounced than others, and they can be used advantageously to get and stay ready.

Finding the right balance between mechanics, visual and non-mechanics while teaching is a lot like playing. Things can hum along on cruise control for a while, then something throws off the balance. The right change of tactics puts things back on track, and what change to make is entirely up to you as player or pro. The question is not which way is best, but which way is best in a given situation.

Trial and error is often the only way to improvement. It can be frustrating, but given enough options and being resourceful with these options will usually lead to some sort of solution to the problem. Through practice and experimentation, your judgment of what to do from person to person gets sharper. It is like trying different keys on a lock until you finally find the one that works.

"I'll keep saying the same thing in different ways until something clicks. You hope you can find something that clicks," says Robinson.1*?* Eric Hinchman is a USPTA Prol and has been the director of tennis at Miraval Life in Balance Resort and Spa in Catalina, Ariz., since 1997.

Hinchman has been a teaching pro for 15 years and resides in Tucson, Ariz.

March 2001

19

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by Jill Kite, USPTA staff writer

inding a tennis partner has never been a problem for the I Wertenberger sisters. Jodi, Jill, and twins Kimberly and I Kristen, have always had somebody else around who would play tennis. Besides sisterhood, these four women also share a love for tennis.

Like many USPTA. pros, the rewards of a career in teaching tennis come in the form of introducing the sport to a whole new generation of

"We have always been extremely close, but I think because we are all in the same profession it draws us closer. Every night we come home and have stories to tell and each one of us can relate to them," Jill said.

These four sisters, all Ohio natives, live together in Florida during the winter months, where they all teach at separate clubs. During the summer, Kristen remains in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where she works as an assistant tennis pro at Ballen Isles Country Club, while Kimberly and Jodi both travel up north to serve as directors at the Mayfield Country Club in Cleveland, Ohio, and Jill works as the director of tennis at Shaker Heights Country Club in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

Each one has been at their respective club for several years and enjoys migrating

south for the winter to be closer to one another.

The Wertenbergers joined USPTA in 1993 for the extensive education program it offers its members. They all believe education is important and beneficial to tennis-teaching professionals, and said they are particularly impressed with the many seminars and specialty courses offered at the yearly USPTA World Conference. Aside from the education benefits, Jodi and Jill both believe their USPTA memberships have been very instrumental in helping them land their jobs.

"Shaker (Shaker Heights Country Club) was only hiring USPTA pros and thankfully I was a member. Having USPTA on my resume was a big plus and that is how I got continued next page

players, and having fun at the same time.

Wertenberger sisters from left, Kimberly, Jill, Jodi and Kristen, at the 2000 USPTA World Conference in Phoenix. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

March 2001

21

from previous page my job," said Jill, a Pro 1. Jodi is also a Pro 1, while Kimberly and Kristen are both Pro 2 teaching professionals.

Learning to love the game of tennis was easy for these sisters since there was always somebody to practice and play with. As children, the sisters played junior tennis at a local club. Jodi started playing at 14, much older man many of the kids who are starting to play today. The twins started playing at 10 years old, and they won four consecutive state doubles titles, the only doubles team to achieve that accomplishment in Ohio.

The tennis bond between these sisters has evolved from playing tennis as kids to teaching tennis to kids. The Wertenbergers hope to provide their students with the same great tennis experience they had. Like many USPTA pros, the rewards of a career in teaching tennis come in the form of introducing the sport to a whole new generation of players, and having fun at the same time. And having fun comes easily to Jodi, Jill, Kristen and Kimberly when they work with children.

"We all love teaching kids. We are very enthusiastic and I think that is what makes us so successful with this group of students.

Being positive and making that child who may feel intimidated feel good is very rewarding," said Jill, who says she likes to help children excel in tennis and life.

"That kid who walks off the court feeling good about himself truly draws in more and more players to the game of tennis.

We have 30 kids out on the court for our peewee leagues and rninnie mites programs. We are constantly on court with the kids and we truly love it," said Jodi, who teaches with Kimberly. The two plan interleague tournaments with Jill's country club during the summer months in Ohio.

Growing the game of tennis definitely has become a family sport according to Jodi and Jill, who say that their home state of Ohio is a very family-oriented place. The children's tennis programs are bringing in parents, brothers and sisters to the game, according to the pair.

In addition to the enjoyment of teaching kids, each Wertenberger sister teaches tennis to children and adults with special needs, an activity with which they are increasingly becoming more involved. Kristen teaches wheelchair tennis and Kimberly teaches Special Olympics participants.

"It is so rewarding and I enjoy working with the kids and adults with special needs.

22

March 2001

In addition to the enjoyment of teaching kids, each Wertenberger sister teaches tennis to children and adults with special needs.

It is amazing that they can come out and be on the court," says Kristen. "They are very special people who just love the game.

"These children are such an inspiration to other children. The tennis teacher helps these children learn tennis, which, in turn, helps them progress emotionally and build self-confidence. It is just good therapy for them," added Kristen.

Tennis has also helped this family through life in more ways than one.

"Tennis has been very good to our family. We got our educations paid for (all four

attended college on a tennis scholarship); we traveled and met some wonderful people. It is a great sport and has done a lot for each one of us. Teaching tennis is our way to pay that back," declares Kristen, who hopes to one day own a family-operated tennis club with her sisters. "The children are where it all begins and contributing to one child's life is a great accomplishment," Kristin said.

Jill adds, "We appreciate being sisters.

We are very fortunate to be friends, sisters and have the common bond of tennis to help us through life. We really are lucky."*!?0 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

God Created Tennis Players.

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TENCAP, the USPTA-endorsed handicap system, accurately ranks players of differing abilities. That means more competitive events and active, motivated players.

It's the most significant advance in tennis in 15 years.

The TENCAP Advantage... + Tennis becomes exciting again. Matches between equals are more fun.

TENCAP makes every match a challenge. + Events are more competitive. With TENCAP everyone has a chance to win. + TENCAP generates revenue. Leagues and tournaments will be better, attended. Plus, earn income from TENCAP fees. + TENCAP helps manage your players. A built-in database keeps track of players and their scores.

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For more information, call 913-789-8580 or e-mail at tencap@aol.com.

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The Wilson technology gurus have yet again increased sweetness and power. Rollers allow trie strings to mov maximum energy transfer. Translated, that means a much livelier stringbed with more power and sweetness Power f even more of the awesome Hyper Hammer™ racket. And greater string movement means the ball rests on the sti in longer...giving you improved control and enhanced comfort. Thanks to the ferocious power you'll gene1 Motion. with New Rollers, your opponent won't know whether to swing or duck! Call 1-800-WIN-6060 or www.wi

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Motor skiff games for 4- and 5-year-olds Red fighl/green fight

Balance relay

All childen begin at the baseline and the head clinician or assistant stands at the net. When the instructor calls "green light," children move as quickly as possible toward the net. When the instructor calls "red light," the children must freeze. The game continues until a child reaches the net. Have students perform a racquet skill while moving forward, such as balancing a ball on their racquets or doing ups or downs (they must catch the ball to freeze). The instructor can stand with his or her back to the children during the "green light" and turn to face diem when saying, "red light." Anyone caught still moving must return to the baseline.

Divide the class into teams. Each team should have only one racquet, but each team member should hold a beanbag. Place one basket at the net for each team. The first person in each line starts the relay with the racquet, balancing the beanbag on the strings while running to the net. The player dumps the beanbag in the basket and returns to the baseline to pass the racquet to the next player, and the relay continues until everyone has had a turn.

Body tennis Arrange students in a semicircle with the coach in the center. The coach calls out a body part and bounces a rubber ball to a child who hits it with the specified body part. For example, the coach shouts "elbows" and bounces a ball to a child who hits it with his elbow back to the coach.

Caterpillar Arrange a line in parent-child order, all facing the same direction, shoulder to shoulder. All racquets are held in front. The person on one end passes a beanbag or Koosh ball to the next person's racquet and quickly goes to the front of the line. Try to go from point to point, such as doubles sideline to doubles sideline. Teams must start over if the ball is dropped. This is a good relay race.

dear the court If you're using soft balls, before ball pickup, divide the children into two groups on either side of the net. When the coach says go, the children pick up the balls on their side of the court and try to throw them over the net. When time runs out (1-2 minutes), the team with fewer balls on its side of the court is the winner.

Simon says

V were taken from t/SPT/ljr Complete Guide to Little Tennis®.

26

March 2001

Play this game using objects such as tennis racquets, balls, beanbags, etc. Children should only obey the commands preceded by the phrase, "Simon says." Commands may be as simple as, "Jump on both feet," "Hold the racquet over your head with two hands," "Hold the beach ball and turn in a circle," or "Pretend to hit a forehand."

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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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 New \brk Junior Tennis League is seeking people to develop tennis programs in NYC schools. Good communication skills important. Responsible for communicating mission of the organization, implementing tennis programs, and acting as a liason between the schools and NYJTL. Background in tennis helpful. Training provided. Daytime hours, all boroughs. Fax resume to (718) 786-7635, Attention: Dawn McEntyre, or call (718)786-7110, ext. 42.'

New York Junior Tennis League is seeking tennis staff for spring afterschool tennis programs. Positions include: site directors, head pros, assistant coaches and interns. Qualifications include knowledge of tennis, flexible schedule and interest in working with young people. Salary based on experience and position.

Positions available in all boroughs.

Fax resume to (718) 786-7635, Attention: Dawn McEntyre, or call (718) 786-7110, ext. 42.

Professional Tennis Coach needed for tennis academy to train national and international junior players and live in dorm with students fulltime.

Must have USPTA or USPTR teaching certificate, national federation experience, and experience coaching ATP- and WTA-level players. Must have clay court coaching experience, speak six languages (including Bulgarian and Russian), and have minimum top 400 ATP ranking. Must have experience supervising students in school boarding situation and traveling/coaching with top ITF players. Send resumes to: Weil Tennis Academy, 428 Bryant Circle, Ojai, CA 93023. No phone calls please.

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

28

March 2001

CLASSIFIEDS WTS International requires qualified professionals for "seasoned" positions from May — September 2001. Please mail or fax resume to (301) 622-3373, and visit our Web site at www.wtsintl.com. www. tennisjobs.com 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.

LIGHTING Court lighting at wholesale prices.

Save big money with easy to install bulbs shipped directly to your courts. (800) 953-7737.

REAL ESTATE Piedmont, N.C., private tennis/ swim club. 8.5 acres prime residential area. Six clay courts; clubhouse; pavilion. 200+ families. $595,000.

(336) 674-1194 or e-mail laurelwd@asheboro.com.

STRINGING MACHINES Machine Shop Stringers. All single action clamps, floor stand $699, table top $599, drop weight $299. Fast, accurate, professional racquet stringing machines. Call for information on starting your own racquet stringing business or becoming a dealer!

(877) 211-2255 or (661) 871-4575 Tennisstringingmachines.com VACATION OPPORTUNITIES Vacation Opportunities for Tennis Professionals! At the No. 1 all-inclusive Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica for you and your partner. Certification required.

For information contact Mike Romisher (847) 207-9475, e-mail VislOsPro@aol.com.

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 (508) 945-8863.

Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card numDer and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.)

Issue closes 15th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, attn: ADDvantage ilassifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by teleohone. No exceptions are made.

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

to surf a vallELj] in is week, co Court Surface www. sportmaster. net Sources of Daily 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 Week: www.tennisweek.com Professional Tour News ATP: www.atptour.com Success Magazine Tour: www.championstour.com World TeamTennis: www.worldteamtennis.com WTA Tour: www.wtatour.com Tennis Organizations ITA: www.itatennis.com ITF: www.itftennis.com International Tennis Hall of Fame: www.tennisfame.org Tennis Industry Association: www.tennisindustry.org USPTA: www.uspta.com PTR: 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 Scor-Post: www.hierathproducts.com Wilson: www.wilsonsports.com/wUson/Tennis/tennismam.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 Tennis Direct: www.tennisdirect.com Awards NetKnacks Tennis Awards: www.tennisawards.com Hotel The Roger Smith Hotel: www.rogersmith.com Tournament Sites Australian Open: www.ausopen.org French Open: www.frenchopen.org U.S.Open: www.usopen.org Wimbledon: www.wimbledon.org USA Network: www.usanetwork.com (French & U.S. Opens) www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The ball

matters.

Official Ball of the USPTA

SAVE 200 PER DOZEN ON PRO PENN BALLS AND PRO PENN TOURNAMENT TITANIUM TENNIS BALLS. (For USPTA Members Only.)

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Pro Penn Tournament Titanium (Extra Duty or Regular) Regular Price

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Freight prepaid on 96 dozen first line tennis balls shipped at one time to one location.Terms; 3% 30 days, 2% 60 days, net 90 days. Pricing subject to change without notice.Ail qualifying orders shipped and invoiced during the months of March,June, September and December are eligible for the USPTA Quarterly Discount

FOR EVERY DOZEN PRO PENN TENNIS RAILS PURCHASED: per dozen discount directly to the USPTA Pro per dozen cash rebate to Pro's Division per dozen cash rebate to USPTA Headquarters These funds are used to help support programs for your association.

For more information or to place and order; call your HEAD/Penn sales representative or:

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Career Development Conventions (5 credits)

(ft

March 2-4

Middle States Division Hershey, Pa.

(4 credits for CTC segment)

March 2-4

Mid-Atlantic Division Williamsburg, Va.

March 2-3

Industry Hills, Calif.

April 22-23

Atlanta

March 3-4

Bonita Springs, Fla. Williamsburg, Va.

April 28-29 April 28-29

Flushing, N.Y.

April 28-29

Fayetteville, N.C. Nashville, Tenn.

Big Rapids, Mich.

Las Cruces, N.M. Minneapolis Lexington, Ky.

April 28-29 May 2-3

March 2-4

TB

•j exams, upgrades & certification training courses

May 17-20 May 29June 3

California Division City of Industry, Calif.

New England Division Stowe, Vt. Florida Division Naples, Fla.

March 4-5 March 7-8 March 9-10 March 9-10 March 10-11

Los Gatos, Calif.

March 16-18 Des Moines, Iowa March 17-18 Providence, R.I. March 17-18 Chagrin Falls, Ohio

May 5-6

March 18-19 Atlanta March 19-20 Houston*

May 17-18

March 10-11

Activities/meetings 0/2 credit and up) March 10-12 Midwest Division Aurora, III. March 23-25 Midwest Division Aurora, III. March 25 San Diego Division San Diego May 6 Intel-mountain Division Highlands Ranch, Colo.

May 24 Intermountain Division Denver

May 4-5

March 23-24 Hempfield, Pa. March 24-25 Charleston, S.C. March 24-25 Orlando, Fla. March 25-26 Augusta, Ga. Merrick, N.Y. April 4-5

May 5-6 May 12-13 May 12-13 May 18-19 May 19-20 May 21-22 May 27-28 May 30-31 June 2-3

Bonita Springs, Fla. Freeport, N.Y. Bradenton, Fla. Mandeville, La. St. Louis Conway, Ark. Fremont, Calif.

Stowe, Vt. Wilmington, Del. Burbank, Calif.

Houston* Hilton Head, S.C. West Orange, N.J. Rochester, Mich.

April 7-8

Birmingham, Ala.

June 3-4

Naples, Fla.

April 7-8

June 7-8

April 7-8 April 14-15

Aurora, III. Burbank, Calif.

Pleasanton, Calif.

Banksville, N.Y. Minneapolis, Minn.

April 21-22

Boca Raton, Fla.

June 8-9 June 9-10 June 9-10

Austin, Texas Ojai, Calif.

Certification testing (3 credits)

iri

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

March 10

Toronto

March 12

Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

March 25

Boulder, Colo.

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 cancellation fee - $75; failure to cancel - application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee - $25; failure to cancel - $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

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

specialist program Date/location

Deadline

LT CPD

June 22-24/Houston August 16-22/Southern California

March 20 May 15

CPD

November 12-18/New York

Aug. 15

Degree

specialty courses (2 credits per four-hour course; 4 credits per eight-hour course)

Software specific computer training, March 2, City of Industry, Calif.

(4 hours), A. Cutler Tennis business management, March 2, City of Industry, Calif. (4 hours), M. McMahon Creative drill design, March 2, Williamsburg, Va. (4 hours), J. Dinoffer

Applications are available by contacting the USPTA Education Department or education@uspta.org.

CPD - Gained through the USA Tennis High Performance Coaching Program administered by USA Tennis Coaching Education Department.

30

March 2001

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. This schedule is subject to change. Call the USPTA Membership Department for additional information or write via e-mail to membership@uspta.org.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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Members Guillermo "Willie" Aubone, USPTA, is the new director of tennis at Shula's Athletic Club in Miami, which is partly owned by former Dolphins' coach, Don Shula.

USPTA member and director of the Gunterman Tennis School in Stratton Mountain, Vt., Kelly Gunterman helped raise $1,800 for cancer research last September during the Sloan-Kettering Weekend. Gunterman and his wife Joan Teaford, USPTA, were also involved in "The Race for the Cure" in Manchester, Vt. These two programs are among several fund-raising events in which the Gunterman Tennis Schools participate during the year. The second annual Sloan-Kettering Weekend is scheduled for Sept. 15-16.

Jim Jensen, USPTA, renewed his contract as the 2001-2002 tennis director of Camp Lohikan in Pennsylvania. Jensen also works for the Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln, Neb., during the winter.

USTA Texas Section in January.

USPTA member Tom Rohrbacher is the new director of tennis at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa located in Ojai, Calif.

Rohrbacher Rohrbacher was the former USPTA California Division president and director of the Pierpont Inn and Racquet Club in Ventura, Calif.

Associations Peter Burwash International celebrated its 25th anniversary Nov. 28 - Dec. 3, 2000, at Carmel Valley Ranch Resort in Carmel, Calif. Tennis professionals from 32 countries attended, including USPTA members Kurt Kamperman, president of the Tennis Industry Ass o c i a t i o n ; Hunter Delatour, former president of the USTA; and Fred Viancos, USPTA's director of professiomal development.

ring binder compendium of stringing patterns for every racquet on the market.

Manufacturers Gamma introduces its new LiveWire XP 16/17 racquet string. With Zyex monofilaments weaved into its outer wrap, it provides up to 3.5 times more abrasion resistance for added durability and provides a firmer feel for those who prefer a stiffer string bed. For additional information, call (800) 333-0337 or visit www.gammasports.com.

Eloton of LakeTahoe, Nev., has unveiled its line of digital sports technology. The Eloton SX2™ is a micro motion-sensing device that attaches to any pair of shoes and links users to virtual environments. The

Eloton SX2

The USRSA announces its publication of the 2001 Stringer's Digest, a three-

USPTA member Ash Mitha was appointed the general manager and director of tennis at The Mercer Island Country Club in Seattle, Wash.

Patton 32

March 2001

R.K. Patton, USPTA, of Garland, Texas, was named America's Biggest Tennis Nut of the

2001 USRSA Stringers Digest

Peter Burwash of Peter Burwash International was presented with a plaque from the USPTA for 25 years of first-class service to the tennis industry last December.

www. ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA member Dan Bonfigli along with participants of the "All Wood Charity Tennis Event," helped raise $350 for Lessons for Life and the American Cancer Society.

Eloton SIM-CYCLE™ is a mini-size stationary cycle that utilizes the same technology, but is designed to be wired to a home computer, allowing users to travel through photo-realistic outdoor simulations.

When a user pedals, the SIM-CYCLE detects the movement and speed of the user, then adjusts the user's point of view within the simulation. For more information visit www.eloton.com.

The Tennis Network (TTN) announced a two-year agree-

ment in partnership with SciDel Technologies Ltd., to utilize its new A.G.E. (Advanced Graphic Enhancement) System in creating virtual advertising signage with TTN's programming. TTN features include video on demand archival capabilities, interactive lessons, educational opportunities, virtual tours and more. TTN is available either via computer access with broadband connection at http: // tennisnetwork.tv, or at one of the TTN-affiliated tennis clubs with kiosks displaying round-the-clock programming.

{USPTA profesionals Dan Aubuchon (above left) and Jim Leupold {participated in a Wilson Rally Ball hit-a-thon in an attempt to break the ; world record reported by Tennis magazine last May. The ball (below left) I was rallied 15,848 times for eight hours and 52 minutes at the Marriott's I Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.

WHAT'S NCMf WITH YOU? The industry Action section is about you, the USPTA tennis professional. Send us your news about a new job or promotion, a big win or a great invention. Send a picture, too!

SIM-CYCLE™

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Keep in mind our deadline is two months ahead of the issue date, so don't worry if you don't see it in print right away.

March 2001

33

Show off your USPTA certification on a beautiful 9x12 cherrywooa finish plaque with brass engraved plates Item PLQ919 Cost: $34.95 SHIPPING AND HANDLING Contiguous 48 U.S. states — free Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Canada — $10 Other countries — $32, each additional plaque add $18

PAYMENT must accompany all orders. Make your check payable to USPTA. PAYMENT METHOD: D Visa International orders must pay by Visa or MasterCard.

D MasterCard

D Check

Name as it appears on credit card Exp. date

Credit card No. Signature SHIPPING ADDRESS (No P.O. boxes, please): Name (to appear on plaque) Address City

ZIP

State

Phone (area code) Daytime phone Quantity (plaques)

TEL (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782)

Member No. Total enclosed including shipping charges $

USPTA Gift Shoppe 3535 Briarpark Dr., Suite One, Houston, TX 77042

FAX (713) 978-5096

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. Cotton terrycloth seat cover PAYMENT METHOD:

D Visa

D MasterCard

x $25 =

D Check

SUBTOTAL

Name as it appears on credit card

Houston (MTA) 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 for amount)

SHIPPING ADDRESS (No RO. boxes, please):

TOTAL

Name Street

by Tallulah and Call.

City

ZIP

State 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.com

CPeis not included J

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United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042-5235

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