Addvantage 2013 August

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contents the total professional – enhancing your career 9 10U Programming adds to Massachusetts pro’s bottom line 11 Great expectations – by Ryan Thompson, USPTA 13 Momentum control – by Michael Chamberlain, USPTA

departments 3 CEO’s message 5 Cardio Tennis 26 Staff spotlight 30 Classifieds 32 Career development

news

34 Industry action

15 Brush up on your Aussie – Because USPTA is headed down under 27 Inspire junior players with ITA tournament experience

29 USPTA and PTR commit to collaborating to elevate the standards of tennis teachers 30 USPTA, PTR and USPTA work together to build a coaching education curriculum to develop youth

convention 17 2013 USPTA World Conference schedule 19 Q&A with Richard LaRocca and Jane Savage 20 Money-saving tips for the USPTA World Conference 21 Teaching/sport science tips from the pros 23 Cardio Tennis Training Course 23 USPTA World Conference? There’s an app for that! 24 Hotel registration information 24 2013 USPTA International Championships

On the cover – Cardio Tennis presents many challenges and opportunities. Learn more on page 5.

25 Conference registration form

volume 36 • issue 8

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

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

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

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/August 2013

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CEO’s message Who wants to go “Down Under?”

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ack in another life when I was working for your airfare to Los Angeles to catch the Qantas Wilson Racquet Sports, I organized several flight to Melbourne. trips for our advisory staff members to go to But I have enlisted a travel expert in Tennis Venthe French Open at Roland Garros. We had a tertures out of Phoenix to help with all of the arrangerific time, not only going to the matches during the ments for our trip. They will book your additional first week but organizing play occasions with French flights to/from LAX, handle all of the ticketing teaching professionals on the red clay, visiting some requests and credit card payments, etc. Chadwick of the many tourist sites in and around Paris, and Byrd is the owner of Tennis Ventures and specializes marveling at what a fantastic city in organizing trips to all of the Grand Paris is, especially in the spring. Slam Championships. I am thrilled to There is no place quite like it. have a partner in Chadwick who is an To this date, I still run across expert in dealing with packaged tours people who were a part of those of this size. And if anyone wants to add trips. I am reminded of the lifetime on to their trip with a side visit to the friendships that were created and the Great Barrier Reef or Sydney, Chadmemories that are indelibly inscribed wick will make all of the arrangements in my mind. I happened to come for an additional amount. across one of those professionals last It should be noted that this fall who traveled with his wife on package is being put together with one of those trips to France in 1988, the fabulous assistance from Tennis John Embree and he suggested that we consider Australia and Tennis Ventures. Not doing something similar for USPTA Professionals only are we receiving VIP treatment but we are getin 2014. “Why not go to the Australian Open?” he ting significant discounts on our airfare down there, asked. Thank you, David Redding of Northwood discounts on the registration package for the teachers Country Club in Dallas, for the idea! conference, and so many other terrific amenities. Thus, I made a call to Craig Tiley, Tournament One could not get as much value for the price that Director of the Australian Open, whom I got to we are being quoted. And for spouses who want to know when he was the men’s varsity coach at the come along, we have a few surprises planned for you University of Illinois. Not only would he welcome during those days that the professionals are getting us to spend the first week at the tournament, he educated. I promise this will be a trip of a lifetime! informed me that Tennis Australia hosts a four-day Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis Tennis Teachers Conference prior to the com- for the first 30 people starting now and will close mencement of the Australian Open, which we are Nov. 1. If you ever had a desire to go to the Austraalso invited to attend. Couple that with tours of the lian Open, there is no better time. I hope you will city of Melbourne, the wine country in the Yarra seriously consider this unique opportunity. Valley, a trip to the coast along the Great Ocean At a time when members are demanding conRoad and a hit on the grass at Kooyong (original site crete, tangible membership benefits for the dues of the Australian Open), and you have the makings that they are paying, here is a specific value that you of a very special excursion. And, it is for USPTA- cannot get anywhere else. As part of the USPTA certified Professionals and their guests exclusively! Strategic Plan and core pillar No. 2 (which is to I am pleased to be able to offer this fantastic grow our membership), we have to be able to offer trip starting from Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 7 quantifiable benefits that will make our association through Saturday, Jan. 18. The itinerary for the trip more attractive to potential new members while is included on Page 17 in this issue. The cost is not also satisfying the existing membership with new cheap, but there is no way that you or anyone else programs and opportunities. We want nonmembers could do this trip and all that is included for the as well as current USPTA Professionals to say, “Now package price of approximately $4,500 per person, that is pretty cool!” based on double occupancy. This special package Let’s go Down Under and enjoy 10 days in beautidoes not include some meals nor does it include ful Melbourne, Australia. Good on ya, mate!  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors President First Vice President

Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost

Past President

Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

John Embree

Creative Services Director

Julie Myers

Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Kim Forrester

Communications Coordinator

Christiana Johns

USPTAplayer.com Manager Randy Jenks Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Fred Viancos Professional Development Corporate Janice Stollenwerck Services Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Information Technology/ Multimedia

Scott Bucic

Director of Computer Services

Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/ Melony DeLoach Insurance Coordinator Human Resources Director Matt Stotts Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

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 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/August 2013

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Tips from the pros

Challenges and opportunities by Ted Murray, TIA Cardio Tennis Coordinator

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s the Cardio Tennis program continues to expand in the United States and throughout the world, tennis professionals are encountering a variety of challenges in implementing and expanding their programs. Some of these challenges may be unique to your specific clientele or region of the country; however, there are a number of challenges that are common throughout the world. Although some people see challenges as a reason not to pursue something worthwhile, successful professionals like you will look for the opportunity that each challenge presents. The purpose of this article is to openly discuss the primary challenges that pros in the field face and share some of the most effective ways that people have found to not only overcome the challenges but to use them to create an even stronger Cardio Tennis program.

head speed and spin carries over nicely to players wanting to gain more power and spin on all their shots. 2. Ease into it gradually in existing programs. You may start by using the orange balls only for the warm-up. Then introduce them in certain fast-action, net-oriented games in order to make it safer. Give people a chance to experience for themselves how much fun it is to have long, exciting points without the fear of getting hit by a volley. 3. Get advocates on your side. Recruit several of the better and more influential players to try practicing with the balls. Once they are convinced that it can help their game then it will be easy for others to follow. 4. Schedule a Cardio Tennis exhibition with staff and/or local pros. This is a fantastic consumer event. When the consumers see the pros playing with the Cardio Balls and how great the points are, they will be much more likely to embrace them as well.

Challenge No. 1 – Use of the low-pressure balls instead of regular balls As the junior game has been transformed by the transition to the low-pressure balls (and has faced numerous challenges during the change), Cardio Tennis has wholeheartedly adopted what we now call Cardio Balls. Of course, many long-time Cardio Tennis players and existing tennis players considering joining a Cardio Tennis class resist the idea of using the soft balls during the class. It is understandable that people oppose changes and the natural tendency is to think that it will destroy your timing and reaction to the bounce if you switch balls. If you are www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

facing this dilemma, here are some ideas that may help: 1. Educate them about the benefits of the Cardio Balls. The benefits to the class are obvious: it enables players of different levels to play CT games safely, have more fun because the points last longer, and also get a better workout. Over time they also learn to react much more quickly and move faster to the ball by using a variety of balls. The Cardio Balls also help develop more complete strokes, as you can accelerate through the ball more effectively and still keep the ball in. This ease of generating both racquet

Challenge No. 2 – Acceptance of music during the class Most participants love the music in the class; however, some locations still run into problems with adjoining courts. It can also be a real hassle to try to please participants with a particular type of music. Understand that if players can sing along to the music in the cardio portion, you are not running the class correctly. During games and drills there is so much body and mind engagement going on (when done correctly) the consumer would have no idea what song is playing. 1. While emphasizing the value of the music to the class, try to downplay the need for volume or for it to be readily recognizable continued next page ADDvantage/August 2013

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from previous page songs. The music is more for the beat and as a background energy generator than a dance or a concert. You may be a music lover and enjoy creating different mixes to match your players’ tastes, but keep it simple by purchasing royaltyfree, properly mixed and censored music online at www.PowerMusic.com or music made by TIA Cardio Tennis Trainers at www.clickmix.com. 2. With complaints from other courts, the volume level is usually the issue. By keeping the volume down and directing the speakers away from other courts most locations will allow you to use music. It is up to you to be sensitive and try to achieve a balance that will not offend others while allowing you to still use music. Over time, people often realize that their concentration will improve with the musical background as they learn to block out potential distractions. 3. Also, be aware that it is not the music so much as the general “loudness” of a Cardio Tennis court, which includes voice projection and energy from the coach as well as laughing, exhaling, grunting, etc., from the players. 4. Make sure your other consumers are educated that Cardio Tennis uses music and are informed at the time of reservation that they will be next to the Cardio Tennis court. Challenge No. 3 – Finding the right number of classes for your program and filling those classes Creating a sustainable program requires many different attributes. Often programs are too ambitious and try to accommodate everyone’s schedules by offering a dozen different classes. This is fantastic if you are at a large facility and all of the classes are filling consistently. It is a disaster if you are only getting one or two players per class. 1. Start small and fill your existing classes on a regular basis. Nothing denotes success like having to put people on a wait list for your classes. 2. Recognize that sometimes adding specific classes such as beginner CT, Advanced CT or Senior CT might also be beneficial. Some players will only join if it is a more homogenous class geared toward their particular level.

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3. If you are consistently only getting three or four registrations for your classes then research the possible causes for limited turnout. Ask your existing players what might be preventing their friends from joining. Be willing to adjust the variables that may affect participation, such as timing, pricing or levels of play. Perhaps a free trial class at a new time or geared toward a different level will give you a chance to gauge the interest without committing you to an ongoing new schedule.

Challenge No. 4 – Monitoring the heart rate There is no question that the heart rate monitor is the ideal way to ensure that every participant is getting a safe, effective workout. It is also a tremendous motivator, especially in recording the number of calories burned during the class. However, it is a challenge to get players to buy their own heart rate monitors and only a few sites are committed enough to purchase a loaner kit for the class.

4. Be open to hearing the subtle, often unspoken signs that they might actually be bored with your style of presentation. Always look at yourself first and see if you are doing everything you can to keep the class fresh, interesting and motivating for everyone. If you haven’t been to a Cardio Tennis Training Program within the past few years it would be a great idea to attend as there are many fresh ideas, games and concepts that can rejuvenate your program if you implement them with enthusiasm.

1. The professional must be committed to wearing a heart rate monitor. If you use one on a consistent basis, when you teach the class as well as when you are doing other types of exercise, you can confidently share with others how valuable it is in your own life. You can convince others that it is a worthwhile investment.

5. Promote the concept of “private” Cardio Tennis, where players form their own groups at a time that works for both you and the group. Message this to your league teams first and position it as the training/fitness component. For the coach, you have a locked in time with a group similar in ability level, and you can charge more because it is “private” Cardio Tennis.

2. When running a class where you do manual checks, focus on the one or two people who have a heart rate monitor. Make a big deal of asking where their heart rate is during the middle of the game, not just waiting until the end when you stop for the manual check. Be sure to have them pull their file at the end and announce how many calories they burned. Use them as an example to the others of how to use the monitor effectively. This combined with your example may provide the impetus needed to purchase one. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


3. Run a Cardio Tennis Get Fit Challenge at your location. This is a fantastic program that enables participants to record and measure all of their exercise activities while competing for prizes. The best way to register is with the package that includes a heart rate monitor. By getting a group to join the challenge it is easy to justify the monitor and it makes it a fun way for all your regulars to get involved with the monitors. For more information on the Get Fit Challenge go to cardiotennischallenge.com. Challenge No. 5 – Using Cardio Blasts Effectively What used to be called Sideline Exercises are now called Cardio Blasts. These are an important part of Cardio Tennis for several reasons. The obvious one is that they keep people engaged even when awaiting their next shot, so it helps keep the heart in the training zone. The ladders and plastic spots used help organize the class and make it look like more of a fun, festive atmosphere than a normal tennis court. It also emphasizes the fitness element of Cardio Tennis. Of course, there will always be people who won’t do these activities no matter how much you emphasize them. 1. Make sure you have the right balance of hitting and Cardio Blasts. Blasts should generally not last more than 15 seconds. If you are asking people to do blasts for longer than that it is time to reexamine your process as it is no wonder they will get bored. Hitting balls must be the primary focus of the class, not the blasts. 2. Make them fun and imaginative. The more variety and fun you can incorporate the better. Much of the class is dependent on your attitude. If you create an atmosphere where it is okay to be a little crazy and silly and really encourage people to put aside their judgments and insecurities then magic can happen and people will willingly do anything you ask them to. 3. Be sure you are not being overly pushy with the blasts. Remember that Cardio Tennis is meant to enable people to work at their own level based on their heart rate. If someone is consistently above their target rate they shouldn’t www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

be forced to work extra hard with the Cardio Blasts. Challenge No. 6 – Promoting Cardio Tennis to nontennis players One of the wonderful benefits of Cardio Tennis is its focus on enabling new players to get started in the game because of the fitness element. However, most programs tend to attract already existing players. How do you encourage nonplayers to join your classes? 1. Recognize that even though Cardio Tennis is a great equalizer, there is still a natural intimidation factor for new players to join an existing group of players. Perhaps the best way to attract them is to start a beginner CT class. Let people know that they won’t be overwhelmed nor made to feel inadequate. Make the class really fun and keep everything simple. 2. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to only do drills due to their lack of skills. Make sure they play plenty of simple games with the Cardio Balls. They will amaze you at how quickly they pick things up in the format of a game. 3. Market to local fitness clubs, yoga studios or other locations where people are looking for healthy fitness alternatives. Work out a mutually satisfying arrangement whereby you promote their facility to your clients in exchange for them promoting your programs. 4. Offer a fun, free, introductory class occasionally. Invite existing players to bring their nonplaying friends to try it out. 5. Make certain when you have beginner players who come for your regular classes that you give them a good introduction, use Cardio Balls almost exclusively, and feed in a way that enables them to experience success from the very start. Challenge No.7 – My people expect more pure fitness activities in the class Some people feel that they should be doing push-ups, sit-ups, throwing medicine balls and doing a more traditional fitness exercises during the class. (Coaches please note Cardio Tennis has never been about

having pure fitness activities on the court; it is about hitting as many balls as one possibly can in a 60-minute time period.) 1. Emphasize that Cardio Tennis is an aerobic/anaerobic activity, not a strength/ power workout. Most people don’t find those exercises fun, and the goal of Cardio Tennis is mind and body engagement while training in your zones. 2. For those who want to take it to another level and also have strength/power/balance/flexibility as part of their workout, we now have TRX CARDIO TENNIS. This 90-minute class gives equal balance to both CT and TRX with players moving between the court and TRX in timed rotations. Best of all, you can accommodate 16 players on one court! This is a complex session to deliver and as always our first priority is the safety and well-being of the consumer so please take the proper courses where you will receive the lesson plans as well. For more information about TRX CT please visit http://www.trxtraining. com/products. One of the unique aspects of Cardio Tennis is that in its eight-year history, professionals figured out the best ways to make it successful in their locations. There is a wealth of information about overcoming challenges and using them as a springboard to further success. The key is to be willing to ask for help from those with experience. If you have any specific questions please feel free to address them to ted@cardiotennis.com. If you are just getting ready to start a Cardio Tennis program or haven’t been to a training course recently, be sure to attend one of the Cardio Training Courses in your area. Visit cardiotennis.com to see those courses. There will also be a Cardio Tennis Training Course offered at the USPTA World Conference in Orlando in September as well as a TRX CT course in Orlando immediately after the convention. This is a great time to get the training needed to elevate your program to a completely new level of success. Good luck in turning your challenges into Cardio Tennis triumphs. When you do, please share them with us so we can use them to continue to educate and inspire others.  ADDvantage/August 2013

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10U Programming adds to Massachusetts

pro’s bottom line

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s 10 and Under Tennis a moneymaker for teaching pros? Just ask Mike Kolendo, who is the tennis director at the Northampton Recreation Department in western Massachusetts. “When I tell other teaching pros that I have 28 kids in one class and 35 in another, in classes handled by my staff, and we still net $170 an hour after expenses, all of a sudden they pay attention,” Kolendo said. Kolendo’s outdoor rec department program starts in May every year, and he runs two 10 and Under Tennis classes every Saturday, one for 5- to 7-year-olds and one for 8to 10-year-olds. “That seems to be the breakdown that makes the most sense for us,” he said. Kolendo, who has run the Northampton rec tennis program for 19 years, credits his staff with helping to make the programs successful. “In a typical rec department, the people teaching 10 and Under Tennis classes are often high school kids,” he said. “I’ve always had a highly skilled adult lead those classes. You need someone who knows how to manage groups of kids and help them be successful. “Plus, my staff, which includes Ryan Paquette (PTR certified) and Jon Aronstein (USPTA certified), Mike Kolendo with Talia Gordon is very resourceful and very good. We’re good at planning, but also The parents’ class runs at the same time at making adjustments and scaling with the same equipment and on a court activities on the spot to guarantee success. right next to their kids. “That’s important Flexibility and having options is the key to because the kids have to buy-in that this running 10 and Under classes; you need to is real tennis. If mom and dad are using be able to go to options that you know will the same equipment, there are fewer argube successful. That’s one of the reasons why ments,” he said. I think we do a very nice job.” For kids, the tennis continues through Kolendo also has a third class for 10- to out the summer with camps five days a week 14-year-olds, to incorporate the transition that include a tournament every Friday. “If from the green to the yellow ball and a class a child takes that class, it’s all geared toward for parents, both taught by certified pros. playing a tourney at the end of the week,” “The parents’ class is for moms and dads Kolendo said. “We also give awards every who would be there watching their kids week, including a sportsmanship award. We anyway,” he said. “We teach them not only don’t make a big deal about them, but kids how to play but how to play with their kids, try harder if it’s for something.” so tennis is a family activity.” www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Kolendo says for years his challenge has been to be able to continue to offer play opportunities after the fall during the indoor season. “We have facilities here, but not one where we could run a program with guaranteed court time,” he noted. But last September, a two-court indoor space opened in Sunderland, Mass., called Tennis at Maple Ridge, which Kolendo also programs. The two 78-foot courts have permanent 10 and Under Tennis lines. “The facility actually is a nonprofit church, and part of their mission is to serve the community,” he said. “It’s a great partnership.” “Partnership” is something that Kolendo takes to heart. “I’m lucky in my area,” he said. “We have great partnerships, especially with the schools. One of my staff, Dave Driscoll, has a master’s degree in movement sciences is a phys ed teacher at the local middle school, and for 23 years was also the high school tennis coach. He’s always been a great connection and an amazing resource for me with respect to effectively managing large groups of kids.” Kolendo, a USPTA-certified Pro, wears a number of hats, including president of USTA Western Massachusetts. He is also a trainer for 10 and Under Tennis, Schools Tennis and Rec Coach Workshops. “With the USTA, we’ve been to every school system in western Massachusetts that has more than a dozen PE teachers, training them in delivering 10 and Under Tennis,” he said. He’s also led training for the last three years for summer camp staff who offer tennis to their 1,100 kids. “If we want youngsters to have a healthy lifestyle, then putting tennis on the menu for these kids is important,” he said. “Kids who may have never tried it before are going to try tennis.”  ADDvantage/August 2013

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LEARN THE SECRETS OF MENTAL TOUGHNESS TRAINING NOW! Developed by Dr. Jim Loehr

EVERY GOOD COACH CAN REFINE A PLAYER’S TECHNIQUE. BUT THE MENTAL EDGE IS THE MOST DIFFICULT TO TEACH. World renowned performance psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr has proven time and time again that mental toughness skills can be taught and learned. Available for the first time, this highly acclaimed Mental Toughness Certification Program will allow you to learn the mental coaching skills vital to helping your players overcome adversity and succeed on and off the court. This practical, science-based program has contributed to the success of top ranked pros and countless junior and adult competitors. Using an easy-to-follow, step-by-step proven method, coaches will acquire specific training techniques that can be implemented into any existing program. Attendees will earn 5 USPTA Continuing Education credits.

Take advantage of the Mental Toughness Certification Program held at the USPTA World Conference September 27-29 in Orlando, FL.

For more information or to register, call 407.438.9911 x7233 or email lbeltrame@hpinstitute.com.

mentallytough.com

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Great expectations by Ryan Thompson, USPTA

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uring this time of year many high school tennis players are in the thick of their team’s tryouts. For some, this is their first real contact with the world of competitive tennis. For more seasoned players, these tryouts are just another form of practice. For one of my regular tennis students, he felt this week of tryouts was a time for him to make a statement and make a leap up his team’s ladder. He felt that the best way to accomplish this goal was to put great emphasis on his results. However, this results-oriented mindset also produces stress and self-doubt, and competing at your highest level is extremely difficult. More value can be added to your game during stressful time periods on court by focusing on the things within your control. More value can be added to your game during stressful time periods on court by focusing on the things within your control.

One year ago, this same tennis student was a freshman and brand new to competitive tennis. He went into tryouts with no expectations of where he should be playing in the lineup, and for him making the team was considered a success. Not only did my student make the team, he went on to complete a successful and formative freshman campaign. This year he felt he www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

had an opportunity to make an impression from the onset of the season, and move into one of the higher playing positions. He carried these aspirations into his challenge matches. After a week of match play, my student came to our weekly lesson dejected and impatient with his play. His performance suffered during tryouts because

he placed great importance on his match results. Having these expectations led to a belief that his results were substandard. As his coach, it was my responsibility to provide perspective and advice. I thought back to our mindsets one year ago. I told him that it was time for him to get back to simpler thinking. He needed to forget all of his results and get back to playing tennis, focusing on one point at a time and letting the results fall where they may. I asked him what he could and couldn’t control: “Are you able to determine your spot in the lineup or will your coach make the final decision?” “My coach sets the lineup,” was his reply. “Okay,” I commented, “Then let’s get back to what you can control: Your attitude and your play.” This is not the first time I have seen a player’s performance suffer because of too much emphasis being placed on his results. Goal setting can be a fantastic tool, but it’s important to temper expectations as well. Returning to ground zero with regard to thinking and understanding what’s within your control is the most effective way to have a positive impact on performance. Having this mentality will help your game and contribution to your team as well.  Ryan Thompson has been a teaching pro at the Claremont Country Club in Pleasant Hill, Calif., for five years and recently joined the staff at Blackhawk Country Club. He played collegiate tennis for U.C. Santa Cruz and U.C. San Diego from 1998-2002. Thompson is a USPTA-certified Professional and received a B.A. in communications from U.C. San Diego in 2003. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in sport management at the University of San Francisco. ADDvantage/August 2013

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Momentum control by Michael Chamberlain, USPTA

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ennis is unlike any other sport; it has no time component, so the players never worry about the clock running out. Tennis players cannot call timeouts, and coaches cannot stop play from the sidelines. Therefore, tennis players of all levels must approach the game differently than what most other sports allow, which means being in control of their own momentum. This is one of the key traits to a championship tennis player. In order to understand how to use this ability, players must become aware of the different types of momentum on a court.

Learning techniques to shift the momentum in your favor during critical points in a match would greatly improve your chances of winning.

There are five basic types of momentum on a court, and although they are very easy to understand, it is very difficult to “feel” when it is occurring. 1. “Absolute positive” is when everything is going your way. It is at this time when you are feeling great on the court, ­almost all of your shots are going in, and you feel like you cannot lose a point. 2. “Positive” refers to when the match is going your way, but you are working for it. You are winning most of the points, and while you are making a few errors, the match is definitively in your favor. 3. “Neutral” feels like a tug of war, and games are decided by when a point is won, not by how many points are won. Players have yet to seize control of the match, but neither can seem to pull ahead. 4. “Negative” is when you feel the match is going against you and the opponent has the upper hand. Although the match may be close, you do not feel like you are in a position to win. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

5. “Absolute negative” feels like the match is completely going against you, nothing feels right and you cannot get in the match. Knowing the types of momentum and recognizing them on a court during a match does not help you if you don’t know how to utilize that knowledge in order to force a change of momentum. The two biggest ways to affect the momentum in a match is through the use of your body language and the amount of errors you make during the match. At these critical score counts, it is imperative that you have a positive attitude and body language. You need to keep highenergy and confidence, tell yourself “Let’s go,” and make sure the opponent knows you’re ready to play. During these momentum shifting moments, you must eliminate unforced errors. The best way to prepare yourself for the next point and to reduce basic mistakes is to plan a sequence in your head and execute it. On your serve, hit a high-percentage first serve and pressure the opponent by position on

your returns. Do not enter the point with the intention of playing for the opponent to miss the point. In waiting for the opponent to give you momentum, you will more than likely miss the chance to gain the momentum of the match. Only you have the ability to swing the momentum in your favor. Most tennis players know that the match momentum can easily flow as the match develops. We call important points that have the ability to change the flow of momentum critical score counts. The love-all and 30-all are the basic critical score counts that can determine the flow for the rest of the game. Learning techniques to shift the momentum in your favor during these critical points in a match would greatly improve your chances of winning. Momentum can also shift when you lose two points in a row. You must stop this shift in momentum before you allow the momentum to spiral toward your opponent’s side. First, take the full time before the next point, and slow your opponent down. Second, present a positive image to your opponent, and third, plan out an aggressive attack and execute on the next point. But then the opposite is also true: when you hold the advantage in momentum in the match, you must keep it. Stay positive during the breaks, play at the current pace without changing it, and pressure your opponent with your play and positioning. Momentum on a tennis court is an easily understood concept. When the momentum is flowing your way, you should seize the opportunity to take control in the match and extend a lead. When the momentum is going against you, your best option would be to slow the pace of the game down and force your opponent to take his time. One of the hardest aspects of tennis is taking the time on the court to analyze your situation and determine how the match is currently flowing. Using this information to determine how to approach the next point is the separation between good tennis players and great tennis players.  Michael Chamberlain is the director of tennis at the Racquet Club of Memphis. ADDvantage/August 2013

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Brush up on your Aussie –

Because USPTA is headed down under

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t’s time to watch Crocodile Dundee and brush up on your Australian phrases (e.g., fair dinkum; good on ya, mate, no worries, throw another shrimp on the barbie). USPTA is g­ oing Down Under!

Join your fellow teaching pros and head to Melbourne to visit the Australian Open and take part in the premier professional development event of Asia/Pacific, the Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference. This special offer is for USPTAcertified Professionals only (and spouses/significant others) and is made possible through the contributions of Chadwick Byrd, owner of Tennis Ventures, Tennis Australia and USPTA. The Australian Open trip is scheduled for Jan. 7-18, 2014 and includes roundtrip transportation from Los Angeles to Melbourne on Qantas, admission to the Australian Grand Slam Coaches’ Conference, tickets to four sessions at the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena, credentials for the first three days of the Open, trips to Phillip Island Tour, Yarra Valley Wine Tour, Great Ocean Road and more. This will be a trip of a lifetime. The first 30 spots already sold out but we have created 10 more. Don’t wait! For more information or to sign up, go to uspta.com and click on Australian Open trip under Important Dates. 

Itinerary:

Day 1-2 –Tuesday, Jan. 7-Wednesday, Jan. 8 Travel

Day 3 – Thursday, Jan. 9 Arrive in Melbourne, then choose from the Coaches Conference, Jet Lag Tennis Session or a stroll around the city. All capped off with a networking barbecue with a bunch of Aussie coaches attending their teachers’ conference. Day 4 – Friday, Jan. 10 Coaches’ Conference Day 5 – Saturday, Jan. 11 Coaches’ Conference and Kids Day or guided tour to Philip Island. This tour includes lunch, a Koala Park visit and an evening at Philip Island as you watch the Fairy Penguins come in. Day 6 – Sunday, Jan. 12 Morning conference followed by an afternoon of tennis on the grass courts of Kooyong Lawn & Tennis Club, the former home of the Australian Open, and closing conference dinner with all attendees.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Day 7 – Monday, Jan. 13 A full day session at the Australian Open in reserved seats at Rod Laver Arena (Center Court) and access to all outer courts Day 8 – Tuesday, Jan. 14 Enjoy a full day experiencing the great wines of ­Australia in the Yarra Valley wine region including Yering Station, Domain Chandon, De Bortoli and Coldstream Hills. Optional Australian Open grounds pass Day 9 – Wednesday, Jan. 15 Center Court at the Australian Open Day 10 – Thursday, Jan. 16 Travel the Great Ocean Road and beyond for one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and see the 12 Apostles, iconic surf breaks and waterfalls. Finish the day off with a night session at the Australian Open. Day 11 – Friday, Jan. 17 Day session at the Australian Open, farewell dinner Day 12 – Saturday, Jan. 18 Travel ADDvantage/August 2013

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USPTA World Conference Buying Show and Silent Auction

THE largest national tennis-only trade show. Once again the USPTA buying show is SOLD OUT! Test and experience the latest in tennis products and technology from industry leaders and manufacturers to put you at the top of your game.

During the buying show, make a bid at the silent auction to snag great tennis products and memorabilia while supporting Lessons for Life and the USPTA Foundation.

10-S Tennis Supply • 3M Company • ACTIVE Network • Aer-Flo Inc. • All Court Fabrics • Babolat • Ball Retriever.net • Bownet • California Products Century Sports • CET Enterprises (Hoparazzi) • DartFish • Dunlop Sports Group • Eye Coach, LLC • EyePromise • Ferris State University-PTM Fromuth Tennis • Gamma Sports • Genesis Tennis • Har-Tru • Havana Bob's • HEAD Penn Racquet Sports •Human Performance Institute Inphorm • L'Etoile Sport • Lorow • Marc Pro • Match Mark • Metaltek/Playmate • Methodist Univ PTM • Peak Performance Products • Perfect Pickup Inc PlayYourCourt.com • Prestwick Ltd • Prince Global Sports • Pro Coach • Putterman Athletics • Rezilient Direct • Rocky Mountain Sports • Solfire SpeedTracs America LLC • Sport Aids • Sport Court • SportMaster Sport Surfaces • Sports Tutor • StringAdvantage • Technifibre • Tennis Channel Tennis Concepts • Tennis Industry Association Tennis Solutions • TennisDirector.com • Tonic Lifestyle Apparel • Trapezoid Enterprises • USPTAPlayer.com USTA Tennis on Campus • Victory Racquet Sports • Welch Tennis Courts, Inc • Wilson Racquet Sports • Yonex • and more!

usptaworldconference.com


2013 USPTA

World Conference Schedule

Key: [I] - Indoor [O] - On court

Speakers and times are subject to change.

Monday, Sept. 23

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Wednesday, Sept. 25

Thursday, Sept. 26

Friday, Sept. 27

10 & Under Tennis

Club Operations

Teaching/Sport Science

High Performance

6:30 – 7:30 a.m. Cardio Tennis

7 – 8 a.m. Cardio Tennis

7 – 8 a.m. Cardio Tennis

7 – 8 a.m. Cardio Tennis

8 – 8:30 a.m. USPTA updates

8 – 8:30 a.m. USPTA updates

8 – 8:30 a.m. USPTA updates

8 – 8:30 a.m. USPTA updates

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. General Session (I) Positioning youth tennis for success – Dr. Brian Hainline with Kurt Kamperman and Patrick McEnroe

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. General Session (I) CMAA Panel Discussion – Jim Singerling, Mike Leemhuis, Richard LaRocca with Tom Daglis moderating

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. General Session (I) The professional forehand return – John Yandell

8:30 – 9:45 a.m. General Session (I) A total lesson: on and off court– Nick Bollettieri

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Specialty Course 1 **Cardio Tennis – Michele Krause

10 – 11 a.m. Seminar (I) Linking TAUT competencies with long-term player development – Paul Lubbers, Ph.D.

10 – 11 a.m. Seminar (I) Event programming on steroids – Paula Scheb

10 – 11 a.m. Seminar (I) The healthy tennis teacher – Jane Savage

10 – 11 a.m. Seminar (I) Guide to injury prevention – Kinesiotaping – Chris Baker

**Cardio Tennis Training follows from 1-4 p.m. There is a separate registration fee of $85

Seminar (I) Mechanical and tactical: How to maximize development in 10U – Julio Godreau

Seminar (I) Management: A learned skill – Ajay Pant

Seminar (I) Stroke mechanics in 3D technology – Brian Gordon, Ph.D.

Seminar (I) Skill acquisition in tennis – Warren Pretorius

11:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. Seminar (I) Pro shop profitability – Pat Shields

11:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. Seminar (I) Revolutionary match analysis – Brett Hobden

Seminar (I) The next generation of teaching professionals – Glenn Arrington

Seminar (I) Learn how to eat like the pros – Page Love, Erin Cubick

Lunch

Lunch

Lunch

1:30 – 3 p.m. General Session (O) To the red court & beyond: Navigating your players along the 10U pathway – Rita Gladstone

1:30 – 3 p.m. General Session (I) Leadership and service – Peter Burwash

1:30 – 3 p.m. General Session (O) Corrective techniques for the forehand, backhand and serve – Rick Macci

2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Specialty Course 3 10 and Under Tennis: Teaching progressions using kid-friendly buzzwords – Feisal Hassan

2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Specialty Course 4 Leadership: Strategies for the workplace – Barbara Fackel

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Seminar (I) Police Athletic League Kids & Police Tennis Association – Ira Peskowitz

3:15 – 4:15 p.m. Seminar (I) Budget & financials: Know what to expect & if you are getting it – Doug Cash

Seminar (O) When can I play again? – Mike Barrell

Seminar (O) Creative doubles drills for all levels – Joe Dinoffer

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. USPTA Membership Meeting

4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Seminar [I] USPTAPlayer.com – Randy Jenks and Nancy Biggs

11:15 a.m.– 12:15 p.m. Seminar (I) Linking training and competition for 10 and Under success – Craig Jones Seminar (I) Becoming a double-goal coach – Eric Eisendrath

2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Specialty Course 2 Tennis footwork and movement – Mark Kovacs, Ph.D.

6 – 7:30 p.m. Battle of the Divisions

Seminar [O] 50 shades of gray – Kathy and Ron Woods 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tournament Players’ Party

7:30 – 10 p.m. Welcome Party

6:30 – 9 p.m. Division Parties

Noon – 2 p.m. Awards Luncheon Keynote speaker: Pat Williams 2:30 – 6:30 p.m. Specialty Course 5 Mental Training – Lorenzo Beltrame *** HPI Mentally Tough Certification Course

3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Manufacturers Ad Staff Meetings

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Seminar (I) The key techniques of motivation – Antoni Girod Seminar (O) Drills for mental skills – Spike Gonzales

5 – 10 p.m. USPTA Reception and Buying Show

3:45 – 4:45 p.m. General Session (O) Technique and other skills – Jeff Salzenstein

*** HPI Mentally Tough Certification Course will be held after the Mental Training specialty course on Friday, which is part of the HPI program. The course continues Saturday, Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Attendees can either sign up for just the Friday specialty course or the entire program. There is an additional charge to do the entire program. The specialty course is $40.



World Conference speakers Q&A Richard LaRocca Richard LaRocca is the General Manager of The Country Club of Orlando in Orlando, Fla., and has more than 22 years of experience as a general manager. He will be on the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) panel at the USPTA World Conference. What will your role be at the USPTA World Conference? I am on a panel with the CEO of the CMAA [Jim Singerling] and a past president of CMAA. How did you get into the club management business? I started at a young age caddying and doing entry-level work at a local private club. Upon graduating college, I was offered a job as an assistant manager and I have never looked back. What are the most challenging aspects of running a country club? There are many, which include meeting or exceeding member expectations within the economics of the club, retaining and recruiting families into the club, and demonstrating the value of club membership. But most important is retaining and recruiting young professionals into the industry who will be our future leaders. When hiring a tennis professional, what qualities are you looking for in a candidate? A candidate who understands the culture of the club and is eager to build a program but will do so methodically with good deliberation. Someone who is also not afraid to make a mistake and move on and learn from it. For tennis-teaching professionals who want to move off the court and become more involved in the management and business side of the club industry, what advice would you give them? For those that want to do that, I find it to be a great benefit for the industry. Club owners and managers should strive to keep the best and brightest and teach them all aspects of the operation. I plan to go into more detail on this topic at the World Conference and look forward to the open conversation. You recently relocated to Florida from Ohio this year. How do you like the change in locale? I really am enjoying it. I always wanted to manage a club that was active 12 months a year. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

If you had only one day to live, how would you live it? Beach side with my wife, Christine, and our daughter, Alexandria. With cold beer and a patron cigar, very nice ending. What music do you listen to while driving with the windows down? Mostly 70s and 80s tunes but something by Journey would be a favorite.

Jane Savage Jane Savage is a certified health coach and founder of Savage Health, teaching clients about nutrition and fitness. A former college tennis standout, Savage has been a member of the USPTA since 2004. What led you to becoming a tennis teacher and then obtaining your USPTA certification? It was really an easy transition from the corporate world to teaching tennis. When I decided to stay home to care for my young children, teaching tennis was a great way for me to work in a field that I loved. Even though I had an easy in because my husband was the tennis director, I still thought it was essential to get certified. As a USPTA member, I stayed up to date with my education and enjoyed being part of something bigger. For the next eight years, I taught students ages 4 through 74 and especially enjoyed teaching groups. I was the go-to person for the tot program and also facilitated the Cardio Tennis classes. Why did you start your business, Savage Health? After graduating from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition as a certified health coach in 2008, I began working with people, and I knew that this is exactly where I needed to be. I am a natural teacher, and so combining my passion for food and fitness along with coaching truly is authentic with who I am. My business allows me to provide one-on-one coaching (in person or by phone), group support programs, food market tours, local farm tours and cooking classes. I truly enjoy having the privilege to connect with people and join them on their journey of transformation. You will be conducting a session called “The Healthy Tennis Teacher� at the USPTA World Conference. Give ADDvantage readers a glimpse of what to expect. My approach to health may be something completely new to what people have experienced in the past. Eating well is a big piece of the continued next page ADDvantage/August 2013 19


from previous page puzzle, but more importantly your “primary food” plays an integral part. We are individuals, so we need to focus on what foods and habits fit our unique body and mind, not just what the latest diet trend offers. I educate and empower each client to find their own answers to improve their food and lifestyle habits one step at a time. During the seminar, we will discuss the current health crisis and how you can navigate your way to a healthier you. It really comes down to a lifestyle shift. Each person will leave with informative handouts and healthy action steps to immediately implement into their world. Knowing what a tennis teacher’s day looks like, I will provide tools to make simple and doable improvements to feel good and have lasting energy.

What do you think USPTA Professionals can do to encourage their players and students to lead a healthy lifestyle? Be a leader and walk the talk. Your students are going to do as you do. Being a healthy weight, consistently eating the right food and drink, and being active will inspire your students to do the same. You can be part of the solution to help create a healthier next generation. USPTA Professionals can reach out to a health coach to help guide them down a path of lasting health and well-being. As a collegiate tennis player at the University of Delaware, you were part of a team that posted the longest winning streak in the school’s history and rank No. 6 on the all-time doubles win leaders list. What memory from your playing days sticks with you the most? The best memory was by far being part of such a close-knit team. My coach, Laura Travis, was excellent at creating such a supportive and positive team environment. I truly believe that the atmosphere was a big part of our two-year streak of being undefeated as a team. If you could play in any of the Grand Slam tournaments, which one would it be and why? That’s easy, Wimbledon. I hate to admit it, but I love to hit my slice approach (especially my forehand) in order to get to the net and volley. Tell us about your family and what activities you enjoy with them. As a family, we keep things simple. We enjoy hiking any local trails, taking our puppy for a long walk or riding our bikes. Since we are “foodies,” we usually visit the local eatery or farmer’s market for lunch. My husband, Mark, is the tennis director at Sportsplex and we have two daughters, ages 8 and 11, who love to dance and also play some tennis in the summer.

Money-saving tips for the USPTA World Conference

T

he USPTA World Conference is a fabulous opportunity to learn, network and have some fun. But if the expense is making you hesitate, consider some of these money-saving tips.

• Register by Aug. 19 to save $45 on conference registration. • First-time attendees (USPTA members only) save $75 on the full registration rate plus get a free specialty course. • Three or more pros from the same facility (USPTA members only) save $25 per person on the full registration rate plus get a free specialty course each. • Stay for just a day or two – $125 per day, Tuesday-Friday only. Check the schedule and see which days are best for you. • Save on hotel expenses by finding a roommate. Contact Janice Stollenwerck at 800-877-8248, ext. 113 or janice.stollenwerck@uspta.org and put your name on the room share list. • Need a rental car? Use your USPTA code for discounted rates with Enterprise and Avis (up to 30% at participating locations). Log into http://benefits.uspta.com and click on Benefits. • Staff secret – save on meal expenses by bringing your own food for breakfast and lunch. Meals that are included in your registration are the Welcoming Party dinner, Buying Show dinner and Awards Luncheon. • Plan to visit Disney while in Orlando? Conference attendees have access to discounted Disney tickets. • Ask your boss to pay. This is continuing education and you are sure to come back with new ideas to grow the tennis program at your facility. Visit the conference website to download a letter from President Tom Daglis that presents the benefits of attending.

What is your guilty pleasure? I am assuming you mean guilty food pleasure? The good thing is that when I eat something “not so healthy,” I make sure it’s highquality so I don’t have feelings of guilt because I eat well most of the time. I do have a guilty pleasure but it is not food. I love to take private boxing lessons with my trainer. I treat myself once in a while to sharpen my skills and get a great workout.

• Don’t forget that you might be able to deduct some of your expenses when you file your tax return. Education expenses incurred to maintain or improve skills required by a person in his or her employment are generally tax-deductible. Educational expenses include tuition (conference registration and specialty courses), books, local transportation and travel, meals and lodging while away from home when the trip is primarily to obtain education (Treasury Regulation 1.162-5). Consult your tax preparer for details regarding deductions.

Find out more about the World Conference speakers by visiting us online at usptaworldconference.com. 

For more information about the conference go to usptaworldconference.com. 

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ADDvantage/August 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


Teaching/sport science tips from the pros From strokes to diet to 3D analysis, Thursday at the World Conference is full of teaching and sport science education for the teaching pro. Here are a few tips from some of the speakers. The 4 P’s - Plan, Purchase, Prepare, Pack by Jane Savage, USPTA Let’s run through the 4 P’s to see just how simple, doable and delicious eating well can be. Plan – make a list before you go to the store. By creating this list, you can make effortless meal plans that work for you. Adding foods such as plain yogurt, fruit, salad greens, eggs, trail mix, rice, roasted chicken and whole wheat bread to the list ensures easy meal preparation later.

Prepare – Now the groceries are home, take the next half hour and cut up the vegetables, wash the fruit, hard boil the eggs, and cook some rice. I am a big believer in cooking once, eating twice. Pack – Time to hit the court! Pack your cooler (this is a must to have on hand) with plain yogurt, trail mix and fruit, and slice the already-cooked chicken for your sandwich. And don’t forget your water bottle.

Purchase – Be sure to stick to the list and don’t stray off to the cookie, chip or ice cream aisle. (I am all for treats but don’t keep them in your house.) You will feel more prepared and confident when shopping with the list and sticking to the perimeter of the store. There are many convenient whole foods at your local store like single serving hummus and carrots.

I hope this breakdown made it easy for you to see that eating healthy is possible for everyone. Be a leader on the court by being prepared and having the right foods in your lunch box. Eat well, coach well, live well. Get more great tips for the healthy tennis teacher from Jane Savage on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. (ET)

The pro forehand return by John Yandell, USPTA When we look at the forehand return in high-speed video, there are several striking elements. On the compact returns in particular, this is the extreme outside hand and racquet position in the backswing. A second point is the regular use of a diagonal closed-stance step. Closed stance on the forehand? Isn’t that unthinkable heresy in the modern world? There is more as well, so come help me unravel the mysteries in Orlando! Learn more about the professional forehand return in John Yandell’s general session on Thursday, Sept. 26 from 8-9:45 a.m. (ET) www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Tap the dog! by Rick Macci, USPTA Master Professional The ATP modern forehand, if done correctly, when you come out of the elbow extension you will tap the dog! Remember … Tap the dog and your forehand will become rough! Rough! Hear about this and more from Rick Macci in his general session, “Corrective ­techniques for the forehand, backhand and serve,” Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. (ET)

ADDvantage/August 2013

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Planning to attend the 2013 USPTA World Conference?

Visit the

FROMUTH SHOP at the

National Convention

FREE SHIPPING for Nike footwear and apparel

on orders placed at the USPTA National Convention’s

Fromuth / Nike Shop September 24-26 (Domestic Ground Shipping only)

Fromuth is the official distributor of Nike footwear and apparel to the USPTA. 22

ADDvantage/August 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


Cardio Tennis Training Course

USPTA World Conference? There’s an app for that!

Monday, Sept. 23 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Lunch will be provided for workshop attendees)

T

Cardio Tennis education will include classroom, on-court training and peer teaching. (The USPTA Cardio Tennis specialty course is included as part of the training course.) The Cardio Tennis Training Course is seven hours. The registration fee is $150 and upon completion the attendee will be a Licensed Cardio Tennis Professional. Attendees will also receive the following:

his year we are using an exciting new tool for the World Conference. Bloodhound is a free app that features a customizable schedule, a list of exhibitors and a list of attendees who are also using the app. It is compatible with iPad 3 or newer, iPad Mini, iPhone 3GS or newer, iPod Touch 5th generation or newer, and Android 2.3.3 and above. Click here to download the app from a desktop. Mobile users may scan this QR code.

• A certificate of completion • A goody bag with a CD manual and two drill DVDs • A complimentary music download from Powermusic • One complimentary year of Authorized Provider registration ($100 value) • Eligibility to take the TRX Cardio Tennis course (current Cardio Tennis education is a prerequisite to take the TRX Cardio Tennis course) • This course is accredited by the NASM • USPTA pros receive $25 off the $150 registration fee • USPTA Pros earn CEU’s and specialty course credits USPTA pros attending the World Conference are eligible for the following discounts: Cardio Tennis $125 (regularly $150, includes cost of specialty course) TRX Cardio Tennis $250 (regularly $295) Combo $330 (regularly $350)

Once you have the app installed on your phone, open it, and from the welcome screen, search for USPTA. Click on the listing, then click Load this event. The schedule is live and will update automatically if there are any changes. Explore the app and if you have trouble using it, check http://usptaworldconference.com next month. More information will be available online and in your conference registration packet. 

For more information or to register for the seven-hour Cardio Tennis Training Course, visit http://tinyurl.com/ USPTACardio. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2013

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Hotel room reservations Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Please go to tinyurl.com/USPTAhotel to make your reservations. $132 – Single or double occupancy The published room rates do not include a daily hotel fee of $22 plus tax, which will be added to your rate and includes Internet, transportation to Disney, Universal and Sea World, watersports rental and more. Additional charges for self-parking ($13/night) or valet parking ($23/night) will apply. Any additional gratuity to the hotel staff is at your discretion. An extra charge of $15 per person per day will be assessed for each additional guest.

All reservation requests must be received by Aug. 19, 2013. Requests received after this date, or for dates other than the main conference period, will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

 Cancellation notice of seven days prior to arrival is required for a refund. Changes and cancellations should be done in writing. When canceling or changing your reservation by telephone, be sure to obtain a cancellation number in writing.

Please include a deposit for the first night’s room revenue and 10 percent tax as a deposit in the form of credit card (with an expiration date valid through date of departure) or check, which will hold your room until midnight of the arrival day.

 The hotel will make every effort to honor requests for specific types and locations of rooms. However, on occasion when such requests cannot be met, the hotel reserves the right to provide alternate accommodations.  Early departures will be charged one night’s room/plus tax.

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

You may also make reservations by calling 888-421-1442 and identifying yourself as a USPTA conference attendee.

2013 USPTA International Championships Sanctioned by USPTA

What: Singles and doubles competition, open and age categories When: Sept. 20-23. Starting times for first-round singles matches will be posted at www.courtsideusa.com/tournaments/240/ Where: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Surface: Clay and hard courts Entry fees: $50/singles, $20 each/doubles. Tournament players must register for the World Conference; tournament and conference fees must be paid separately (see conference registration form). Singles entry and fees deadline, September 9. Doubles may register at tournament site, preregistration encouraged. Match scoring: Regular match scoring, two of three tiebreaker sets. Rules: USTA. 15-minute default rule in effect. Players allowed minimum one-hour rest between singles matches, 30 minutes between singles and doubles matches or two doubles matches. Dress code: Proper tennis attire. No T-shirts, tank tops or Capri tights. Player eligibility: Current USPTA-certified professional members in good standing who register for the World Conference. All certification requirements must have been completed by June 27 to allow for processing application and grading exam. USPTA will not be held responsible by any individual or division if entry is not accepted due to not fulfilling requirements before the 60-day deadline.

Prize money: Each event will have a minimum fixed amount of prize money. Additional prize money for each event will be based on the number of entries. For more information, go to www.usptaworldconference.com. Player/event regulations: Each eligible player is limited to two events. An event is two players or teams competing. Mixed doubles rule: Players may play regular doubles and mixed doubles. Categories: Men’s and women’s open singles and doubles. Men’s and women’s 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, and 75 single and doubles. Mixed open and 45 doubles. Starting schedule: Sept. 20-23 Players are advised to arrive one day before first scheduled match. Tournament staff: Frank Kelly, tournament director; Todd Ruedisili and Gary Scanlon, Tournament Committee. Register online: www.courtsideusa.com/tournaments/240

Entry deadline: Sept. 9 Hotel reservations due by Aug. 19

Register online at www.courtsideusa.com/tournaments/240 24

ADDvantage/August 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


USPTA conference registration form Main registration Name _________________________ USPTA member No. __________ Nonmember 

Email __________________

Address ____________________________ City _______________ State ___ ZIP _______ Phone _________________ Please indicate parties you plan to attend:  Tuesday – Opening social event

Fees

 Thursday – Buying show dinner

Member

$350

$395

 Friday – Awards luncheon

Nonmember

$395

$395

Subtotal 1 __________

_____ =

Subtotal 2 __________

Specialty courses

 No. 1

 No. 2

 No. 3  No. 4

By Aug. 19 After Aug. 19

$40 ea. X

 No. 5

Guest registration (Includes tickets to all parties selected by main registrant) Name _______________________ USPTA member No. ___________Nonmember  Guest fee

$150

Subtotal 3 __________

Party tickets Extra tickets for:

No. of tickets:

Cost per ticket: $50/Adult, $35/Teenager, $25/Child (under 5 free)

 Tuesday – Opening social event

______

X ________

= _________

 Thursday – Buying show dinner

______

X ________

= _________

 Friday – Awards luncheon

______

X ________

= _________ Total _________

Subtotal 4 __________

Daily rates ($125 per day) No. of days attending _______

X $125 = ______

Please indicate the days you will attend:  Tuesday

__________

 Wednesday

 Thursday

 Friday

Subtotal 5 __________

Extra savings for USPTA members (full registration only) First-time attendees – save $75 plus a free specialty course. Three or more employees from the same club – save $25 each plus a free specialty course for each. (Must present a pay stub from that facility from within the last three months as proof of employment.)

Qualified attendees call 800-877-8248 to secure your discount

Payment options  Visa

 MasterCard

Check or money order payable to USPTA, or charge my:

 American Express

Name printed on card _____________________________________ Card No. _______________________________________________ Exp. date ______________ Signature _______________________________________________ Are you staying at Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress? Yes

 No

Cancellations are refundable minus a 5% service charge.

If not, why? _____________________________________________________________________________

Subtotal 1

_____________

Subtotal 2

_____________

Subtotal 3

_____________

Subtotal 4

_____________

Subtotal 5

_____________

Total fees _____________

Return this form with payment to: USPTA World Headquarters, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One, Houston, TX 77042 or fax to 713-358-7785 or register online at www.usptaworldconference.com


• How long have you worked at USPTA and what do you do here? I have worked for USPTA for 14 years. I do a wide range of tasks to provide support to the Houston staff and service for the membership. • What’s your education background? I graduated from high school in upstate New York with a regents diploma and a scholarship to a New York state school. I went to Duchess Community College for commercial art and then transferred to the University of Houston. At U of H I was employed at the media center for the engineering college and took classes for the next six years majoring first in Philosophy and then Graphic Design. • Where have you lived besides Houston? I grew up in Bellaire, a city surrounded by Houston. We moved to Fishkill, N.Y., when I was 12 and I stayed there until I was 21 when I moved back to Houston. Except for one year spent in San Antonio, I have lived in Houston ever since.

Participating in a group lesson with David T. Porter, Ed.D.

• Where’s your favorite place to visit? The Oregon coast and Willamette Valley. I have been to Oregon four times in the last seven years. I also like to go to Florida and Maine where I have sisters.

• What do you like best about your job? I enjoy many of the tasks associated with my job, but I would have to say the best part is the people, both the staff here and the membership.

• How many children and grandchildren do you have? Two daughters, Stacy and Sara, and three grandchildren: Riley, Cain and Trey.

• If you could go anywhere in the world or do anything, where/ what would it be? There are so many places I would like to see, but the one thing I would like to do and have not had an opportunity yet is to ride in a hot air balloon. • What are your favorite hobbies? What do you like to do outside of work? I love to walk and read. I walk every day and every other chance I get. I read and always have read everything I can get my hands on. I also garden. I have vegetables, right now squash, peppers and cucumbers, flowers and all of the herbs we can grow here in Houston. I love cooking and entertaining. All of the family holidays are at my house and Christmas cookies go out every year to the whole family. • What is your favorite quote or verse? Renascence by Edna St. Vincent Millay. 

Janice with new grandson, Trey and Cain.

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Inspire junior players with ITA tournament experience

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othing motivates young tennis players like watching great tennis in action. Bring your junior development, high performance or high school players to one of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s championship events. These tournaments are a great way to introduce your players to the excitement of college tennis. Fall highlights: ITA Men’s All-American Championships University of Tulsa, Tulsa, Okla. Sept. 28-Oct. 6, 2013 Riviera/ITA Women’s All-American Championships Riviera Tennis Club, Pacific Palisades, Calif. Sept. 28-Oct. 6, 2013

2013 ITA National Men’s Team Indoor Championships

USTA/ITA National Small College Championships Three Oaks Tennis Center, Fort Myers, Fla. Oct. 10-13, 2013 USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, NY Nov. 7-10, 2013 Spring events ITA Division I National Women’s Team Indoor Championships Hosted by the University of Virginia at the Boar’s Head Sports Club, Charlottesville, Va. North Carolina wins 2013 ITA D1 National Championships Feb. 7-10, 2014 ITA Division I National Men’s Team Indoor Championships Hosted by Texas A&M, Houston Feb. 14-17, 2014 ITA Division III National Men’s Team Indoor Championships Case Western, Cleveland Feb. 21-23, 2014 ITA Division III National Women’s Team Indoor Championships DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Feb. 28-March 2, 2014

UVA wins 2013 ITA D1 Men’s Indoor National Championships

As the governing body of collegiate tennis, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) promotes both the athletic and academic achievements of the collegiate tennis community. The ITA administers numerous regional and national championships, the ITA Collegiate Summer Circuit presented by the USTA, and the Collegiate Tennis Rankings for men’s and women’s tennis at the NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA and Junior College levels. The ITA also has a comprehensive awards program for players and coaches to honor excellence in academics, leadership and sportsmanship. For more information, Lauren Embree of Florida defeated Julia Elbaba of Virginia to win the 2012 ITA/ Riviera Women’s All-American Championships visit the ITA website at www.itatennis.com.  ADDvantage/August 2013 27 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


$13,000 USPTA Hard Court Championships

Oct. 18-20, 2013 – Tyler, Texas

Location:

Tyler, Texas, is located 90 miles southeast of Dallas and 80 miles west of Shreveport, La. American and United offer regional jet service into Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

Events:

MOS, MOD, M35S, M45S, M55S, M65S, M75S, M40D, M50D, WOS, WOD, W40S, W50S, W40D, OPEN MXD, 40MXD

Eligibility:

Must be Professional-level USPTA-certified member in good standing at time of entry. Recreational Coaches and applicants are not eligible. USTA membership is not required.

Entry fees:

$80 for each singles event and $40 per player for each doubles event entered. Call 903-581-7788 to enter with credit card. It’s easy to set up a free CourtsideUSA account to enter online at no additional cost to you!

Entry includes: Tournament T-shirt, Friday evening courtside pasta party and Saturday courtside breakfast and lunch. Consolation offered in all events with a minimum of $100 to winning teams. Deadline:

Entries must be received through http://www.courtsideusa.com/club/uspta-championships/ by Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013.

Extras:

Limited free housing available. Please email housing requests to jsciarro@gmail.com. Players must be registered for tournament to request housing. Hotels: Holiday Inn South Broadway 903-561-5800, USPTA rate $89; Country Inn & Suites 903-561-7459, USPTA rate $80; Hilton Garden Inn 903-509-1166; Comfort Suites 903-534-0999; Marriott Courtyard 903-509-4411; Quality Inn 903-597-1301; Priceline options also available.

Prize money:

Prize money based on number of entries in each event. Men’s and women’s open singles winners are guaranteed a minimum of $1,900 with full 16 draws. We will offer first match loser consolation in all events and prize money to consolation winner.

Sponsors:

The Original Evans AC, Quality Investments, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Lago del Pino, Tyler Beverages, TCMC Inc., McMillin Holdings, Yvette Brunette State Farm Insurance

For more information, please contact Jim Sciarro at 903-581-7788 or at jsciarro@gmail.com.


USPTA and PTR commit to collaborating to elevate the standards of tennis teachers

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he USPTA and PTR announced a landmark and unprecedented programmatic alliance in an effort to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals across the country. The collaborative efforts include both associations embracing the pathway presented by the USTA for 10 and Under Tennis education by adhering to the minimum standards set in the curriculum and testing to be developed in Stage I and Stage II for all new professionals becoming certified in 2014 and beyond. USPTA and PTR agree to continuing education for all professionals post-certification in terms of number of hours during a three-year cycle until the minimum education is achieved. Both associations will support child welfare and safety education, certification and ultimately licensing of teaching professionals, in conjunction with the USTA, United States Olympic Committee and any other organization that oversees childhood education. Finally, there will be an open-door policy for members of either association to participate in each other’s symposiums or conferences at the local, divisional and national level at the going member registration rate. The attendance will count toward continuing education credits for each member for either organization. “The USPTA believes the industry should have a strong voice

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representing the population of teaching professionals,” said USPTA President Tom Daglis. “An alliance to elevate the standards of teaching professionals is a step toward accomplishing that goal.” “PTR believes that this is a step in the right direction to strengthen the tennis-teaching industry in the United States,” said PTR President Jorge Andrew. “This commitment is important for the growth of tennis.” 

“The USPTA believes the industry should have a strong voice representing the population of teaching professionals ... An alliance to elevate the standards of teaching professionals is a step toward accomplishing that goal.”

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USTA, PTR and USPTA work together to build a coaching education curriculum to develop youth

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he USTA is developing an educational curriculum, consisting of a series of courses and workshops, that focuses on the development of young players. The USTA will work in collaboration with the United States Professional Tennis Association and the Professional Tennis Registry, in developing the curriculum, which will serve as part of the pathway to PTR and USPTA certification. The three associations will use their partnership to effectively raise the level of coaching in the U.S. and enhance the teaching process and long-term development of children in the sport. The program is set to launch in January 2014. “Continuing to elevate the level of tennis instruction in the United States, especially at the youth tennis level, will be invaluable in fostering our young players,” said USTA Player Development General Manager Patrick McEnroe. “In addition, these efforts will assist with improving the quality and standards of teaching tennis to our youth.” The program will consist of two stages of course work, which will include interactive and engaging online courses and tests. In addition, the program includes a 10 and Under Tennis workshop that will provide proper fundamentals and skill development progression for teaching professionals. The USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis initiative is geared toward getting more kids to participate in tennis by using modified equipment and courts tailored to a child’s size. By featuring shorter and lighter racquets, slower-bouncing balls, smaller courts and simplified scoring, children learn to play more quickly and easily while having more fun in the process. “This important partnership and commitment among our organizations will positively impact how we develop and grow the sport among our nation’s youth,” said Kurt Kamperman, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “We believe this unified front will be vital in helping coaches across the country improve their understanding and approach to teaching tennis to kids.” The program will establish a set of standards for tennis teachers and coaches so that children will be taught the proper fundamentals of the game. The combined resources and industry support serves as a tremendous opportunity for tennis in this U.S. “10 and Under Tennis has been a priority for PTR even before the rule change,” said Dan Santorum, CEO, PTR. “This cooperation should result in more tennis-teaching professionals becoming educated and certified to coach 10 and Under Tennis so we can continue to grow the game.” “Continuing education will only strengthen the tennis industry, especially at the grass roots level,” said Tom Daglis, USPTA National President. “Tennis-teaching professionals play a major role in delivering tennis programs to the consumer and the development of a sound educational curriculum will enhance that role and become a vital component in growing the sport.” 

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CLASSIFIEDS Camps TENNIS CAMP INSTRUCTOR’S MANUAL – Training tool and

resource for your summer staff. See sample at the Coach’s Store at www.jobeasier.com.

Subscriptions FREE SAMPLE Bob Larson’s Tennis Jobs newsletter. Daily newsletter lists new tennis jobs in USA. For sample, email jobs@tennisnews.com.

Clay court maintenance

Tennis products

The Smith 3C Clay Court Conditioners are the next generation of highly engineered/ powered equipment to keep your fast-dry courts in desirable likenew condition. Manufactured in the U.S. and available for immediate shipment starting under $3,000. You can scarify a light top-dressing, mill 5/8" back to like-new powder, loosen hard packed sub-surface watered courts, or remove algae. Rejuvenate and renew your fast-dry courts. Call M. Kohlman at 805-550-0149 or email mkohlman@tcsn.net. For more information, visit ­www. claycourtconditioner.com.

PRO/COACH PRICING on racquets, apparel, shoes, bags, balls, strings and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. www.TennisExpress.com/800833-6615.

Drills NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new website has more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Log on to www. tennisdrills.tv to see (and print) more than 18 free samples.

Employment TennisJobs.com – The tennis industry’s ONLY international tennis professional employment service. Subscribe today!

QM-1 Portable Camera Support. Extendable pole, precalibrated system places on fence, from either side, quick and easy. MyTennisTools.com. GRIP COACH is a practical product that has simple and easyto-follow guidelines, making it ideal for adults and kids to learn tennis grips. Players and coaches love the Grip Coach because it maximizes coaching time for everyone. Visit: www.gripcoach. com.au.

VACATION OpportuniTIes Five-Star Caribbean Resorts are Waiting for You! Working ­vacations available for certified tennis professionals. Family and couple resorts available. ­Contact: www.fitbodiesinc.com or call ­Denise Cox, 678-778-4673.

Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. Email magazine@uspta.org or fax to 713-358-7794, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement. The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


ADVANTAGE.

NIKE ZOOM VAPOR 9 TOUR

PRE-ORDER USPTA logo apparel and your order will be waiting for you at the World Conference in Orlando! See details online at

ht tp: // uspt a .f ro m ut hte nni s.co m


Career Development

conventions ( Division conventions, 5 credits; World Conference 8 credits; dates subject to change) Sept. 23-27 USPTA World Conference Orlando, Fla. Nov. 1-2 New England Division Woodstock, Vt. Nov. 15-16 Middle States Division Princeton, N.J.

taut workshops Aug. 12

Florida Division Boca Raton, Fla.

Oct. 4

Texas Division Austin, Texas

Oct. 12

Pacific Northwest Division Portland, Ore.

Nov. 1

New England Division Woodstock, Vt.

Nov. 9 Nov. 15

Northern California Division Larkspur, Calif.

Nov. 15

Mid-Atlantic Division College Park, Md.

Dec. 6

Southern Division Atlanta

Middle States Division Princeton, N.J.

cardio tennis Aug. 4 Aug. 10 Aug. 18 Aug. 24 Sept. 5 Sept. 23 Oct. 11 Oct. 20

exams, upgrades & certification review courses

(4 credits for PTCA I segment) Aug. 8-9 Aug. 9 Aug. 11 Aug. 11-12 Aug. 16 Aug. 17 Aug, 17-18 Aug. 17-18 Aug. 19-20 Aug. 24-25 Aug. 25 Aug. 25 Aug. 25

Port Washington, N.Y. Wilmington, Del. Tallahassee, Fla. Frederick, Md. Rochester, N.Y. Gastonia, N.C. Atlanta Big Rapids, Mich. San Francisco Boca Raton, Fla. Baton Rouge, La. Columbus, Ohio Nashville, Tenn.

Aug. 31 Sept. 1 Sept. 7-8 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 14 Sept. 14-15 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 24 Sept. 26-27

Montgomery, Ala. Wayland, Mass. Birmingham, Ala. Minneapolis Des Moines, Iowa Aurora, Ill. Midlothian, Va. Redwood City, Calif. Orlando, Fla. (upgrades only) Orlando, Fla.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters. Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; 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.

specialty courses Cardio Tennis, Sept. 23, Orlando, Fla., M. Krause Tennis footwork and movement, Sept. 23, Orlando, Fla., M. Kovacs 10 and Under Tennis: Teaching progressions using kid-friendly buzzwords, Sept. 24, Orlando, Fla., F. Hassan Leadership: Strategies for the workplace, Sept. 25, Orlando, Fla., B. Fackel Mental training, Sept. 27, Orlando, Fla., L. Beltrame

Wexford, Pa. Berkeley, Calif. Toledo, Ohio Grand Rapids, Mich, Oak Brook, Ill. Orlando, Fla. Atlanta Fayetteville, N.C.

accredited professional coach Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA SmartCode Education System. This uses your smartphone to instantly register your attendance to all seminars and specialty courses earning APC. To use the system at a seminar, general session or specialty course, you must scan two QR codes. One QR code is on your conference badge. The second QR code will be in your conference notebook and cannot be scanned until the end of the session or the beginning of the next session. If you do not have a smartphone, you may use someone else’s. Forms are available upon request.

Please visit www.cardiotennis.com to register online.

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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/August 2013

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Industry action Member news The United States Olympic Committee unveiled finalists for its 2012 Coach of the Year awards and several USPTA Pros were honored. Recipients were announced during an awards dinner June 21 at the conclusion of the 2013 National Coaching Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo. The finalists in each category were chosen by a panel of coaching and sport education professionals and must be actively coaching or within one year of retirement to be eligible for the award. USPTA members honored were: Paralympic National Coach of the Year: Jason Harnett – Wheelchair Tennis Volunteer Coach of the Year: Geoff Griffin – Tennis Doc Counsilman Science Award: Doug Eng – Tennis

After many years of teaching tennis and observing players and other teaching professionals, USPTA Professional Dan Schrank concluded that trying to be more analytical on the game was a lost art. Every day we take for granted something as basic as walking. But when we get injured and try to focus on how difficult the recovery is, we then appreciate how complex the task of walking really is. The same is true for tennis. You just can’t expect to take a racquet and ball, go out on the court and hit without fully understanding all the components that make the game – the positioning of the body, the proper holding of the racquet and the beauty of the perfect stroke – to accomplish the skill of hitting the perfect shot. In this book, “Concept of Tennis,” Schrank tries to educate on what it takes to analyze tennis to the level and skill that he has taught to make a better and stronger player with the understanding of why and how the game works. The book is available in e-Book and soft cover through xlibris.com, amazon.com and barnesandnobles.com.

Manufacturers

Miscellany

Har-Tru Sports teamed up with former tennis professional and acclaimed coach Brad Gilbert to announce the company’s ongoing commitment to developing junior tennis champions in Northern California. Har-Tru plans to make clay court training more accessible to junior players through its investment of $500,000 toward a clay court training facility in the Bay area. Har-Tru will continue to work closely with USTA NorCal Player Development to identify opportunities for California youth to train on clay courts. “Working closely with USTA NorCal Player Development, we saw an opportunity to make clay court training a reality for more junior players. This shootout is one of many clay court events we plan to host that will ultimately help juniors to become more wellrounded players,” said Pat Hanssen, USPTA and general manager at Har-Tru. “From providing access to clay court play through ongoing tournaments to opening a training facility for them in the Bay area, our hope is that we will help produce Grand Slam champions.” In association with their California Commitment, Har-Tru will host additional clay court tournaments, shootouts and other training events for junior athletes. In addition, Har-Tru helps connect parents and juniors with private residential clay courts to train on by matching them with owners of courts.

Tennis Channel, the only 24-hour, televisionbased multimedia destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle, has been covering all nine tournaments in this summer’s Emirates Airline US Open Series and running through Saturday, Aug. 24. The network will show close to 120 live or firstrun match hours from the men’s and women’s competitions that make up the five-week hardcourt season leading up to the US Open in late August. Including encore matches, Tennis Channel will devote more than 300 hours to the Emirates Airline US Open Series this year, which features four men’s ATP and four women’s WTA tournaments, and one combined event. The 2013 Emirates Airline US Open Series Tennis Channel telecast schedule (all times ET) is available online at www. tennischannel.com/schedule.

TennisHub, Inc. announced that it will offer its innovative electronic court sheet manager to tennis providers for free until Aug. 18. TennisHub enables users to manage all oncourt activities in one interface, providing a more effective platform for managing the nerve center of their business. With TennisHub, club managers and teaching professionals can publish availability so players can more easily discover, book and pay for tennis. This translates to higher court utilization and greater revenues. Tennis providers no longer have to rely on printed court sheets, pen and telephone to manage their business. Interested providers can visit http://info.tennishub.com/launch-special for more information and to register to become a TennisHub user.

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Upcoming events: August 12-14 Western & Southern Open (ATP/WTA) Monday, Aug. 12 – 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (singles early rounds) Tuesday, Aug. 13 – 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (singles early rounds) Wednesday, Aug. 14 – 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. (singles early rounds) Talent: Play-by-Play – Eagle and Haber, Analysts – Davenport, Gimelstob, Stubbs, Knowles Aug. 21-22 New Haven Open at Yale (WTA) Wednesday, Aug. 21 – 1-5 p.m.; 7-9 p.m. (singles round of 16) Thursday, Aug. 22 – 7-9 p.m. (singles quarterfinals) Talent: Play-by-Play - Haber, Analyst - Stubbs August 22-23 Winston-Salem Open (ATP) Thursday, Aug. 22 – 5-7 p.m. (singles quarterfinal) *Friday, Aug. 23 – 9-11 p.m. (singles semifinal) Talent: Play-by-Play – Shiras, Analyst – Knowles

* indicates same day delayed broadcast

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com


Industry action Dade City instructors speak language of tennis

Camp serves Sequim’s tennis future

Jeanette Marcus can teach tennis in two languages. Whether it be in English or Spanish, the USPTA-certified tennis instructor runs a small but effective tennis facility she and her husband built themselves on their own property in Dade City, fla., while looking to grow and develop the sport, especially among the Hispanic community. “We don’t have any (Spanish players) yet, but I want them,” said Marcus, who is Cuban. “We’ve always wanted the Hispanic players from Dade City because there are a lot of Hispanic athletes and we want them to play tennis, if they want.” That’s the reason Marcus calls her training Tennis For You, Tennis Para Ti. While she works mostly with intermediate players, Marcus also does work with beginners including QuickStart tennis. Her facility, which uses a synthetic tile that feels like playing on asphalt but is easier on the knees, hosts private and group lessons as well as cardio tennis. “I just started in March and I’ve only been training since 2009, but I work on having fun and enthusiasm for the sport,” Marcus said. “When it just becomes about winning and not having fun, then that’s when you lose the playing and it’s not fun. I want to keep the fun and work hard to keep it that way.” Marcus picked up some impressive clients, including many of the players for Pasco High’s girls tennis team, which won back-to-back district titles the past two seasons. “Our B Team works a lot with her and we saw it as an opportunity to get in some good work,” said Pirates coach Don Charlick, whose daughter, Paige, also works with Marcus. “There are some great coaches out there, but not all of them can be patient. Jeanette is. That’s what some of our players really need, plus she’s centrally located in Dade City, so it works out real well. “And I’ve already seen improvements in many players.” Sarah Slayton, who plays for Pasco and works with Marcus, agrees that getting more lessons, especially in the offseason, has improved her game. “She really tries with you and with all of us,” Slayton said. “She just doesn’t sit back and tell us what to do. It’s really helped to be able to have that kind of attention she gives.” And Marcus, whether in English or Spanish, just wants more tennis in Dade City. “My biggest thing is I just want to help,” Marcus added. “I know there aren’t many Spanish tennis players here, but they are out there. And we’re here for any tennis player, really. That’s why I do this.” For more information, contact Marcus at 813-417-0061 or email at jmarcusddm@gmail.com.

For six years, the future of tennis in Sequim has shone brighter each summer. Don Thomas, instructor and coordinator of the Boys & Girls Clubs Tennis Summer Camp, has led hundreds of children ages 5-16 to the sport with help from 20-plus amateur and professional volunteers, including his brother, Bill, and several Sequim tennis squad standouts. “Youth tennis is alive and well in Sequim,” Thomas said. For two weeks he’ll coach about 60 students who are learning the basics and honing their skills for high school tennis. Students are separated into age groups of 5 and 6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and advanced players up to 16. Thomas said if a player performs exceptionally well among his/her peers, then he’ll move him or her to an older age group. One student had moved up three age groups already by midweek, Thomas said. All players work on basics such as the forehand, backhand, serving, volleying, hitting the ball over the net and more. Advanced players perfect these skills and add lobs, different kinds of volleys and more. “The whole idea here is to keep them having fun and enjoying what they are doing,” Thomas said. Younger players use foam balls made for 36-foot courts to prevent injuries while older/advanced players use regular tennis balls. Students are briefed each morning recapping the skills they learned the day before with warm-ups, agility drills, various demonstrations on hitting and stances and games toward the end. Everything at the camp is donated, including professionals’ time. Several members of the Boys & Girls Club participate and receive discounts in the camp for playing. Parents can volunteer for three hours for five days to have one child enter for free. Some participants are familiar with Thomas’ coaching as he gives free private lessons to 25-30 children along with group lessons on Saturdays. “I don’t charge because I want the kids who can’t afford it to have access to the sport,” he said. Even though the Thomas brothers are professionals in their 70s, they continue to learn about the game. Don recently received a certificate from Emilio Sanchez, a former world-class tennis player and former Davis Cup captain for Spain, for completing his Academia Sanchez-Casal Player Development Course to develop tennis players the Spanish way.

by Mike Camunas (article reprinted from Pasco Tribune)

by Matthew Nash (article reprinted from Sequim Gazette)

USPTA coach Jeanette Marcus’ facility in Dade City. Photo by Mike Camunas www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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