Addvantage 2016 June

Inside this issue Mental Toughness – 50 The Tiebreaker Plan – 52 Departments: 42 CEO’s Message 44 Vice President’s Message 46 Endorsee News 48 USPTA World Conference

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Master Pro Corner Inside Coaching USPTA News Career Development Member News

Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: Start making plans for the USPTA World Conference Sept. 25-29 in Indian Wells, Calif. See Page 48 for more information.

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CEO’s Message

One Last Rodeo

by John Embree

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very April, the senior leadership of the USPTA comes together for one of two meetings per year (the other is held during our World Conference in the fall).

Each division sends its president and first vice president to join the Board of Directors and three past national presidents to discuss the affairs of the association, get updated on key issues, provide committee reports, and develop game plans for the remainder of the year.

This group of 45 volunteer Elite/Master Professionals constitutes the USPTA Executive Committee, which is truly the governing body of our association.

In addition, the division Executive Directors/Administrators also participated in a series of meetings so that they can perform more effectively in their roles to serve their respective division membership. Over the course of three days, these 62 plus people engaged with our national staff and contributed to a healthy dialogue about the challenges that we face and what will be done to meet those challenges over the coming months. It is always so energizing to have everyone together as we plan for the future.

The reason for the title of this message is because we gathered in Houston for the very last time. Next April, we will convene at our new home in Lake Nona, Fla. What was also different about this year’s meeting was that we were not able to stage it in our office as per usual, but rather at the nearby Westchase Marriott where everyone stays when they come. Why? Because the conference room (where we previously hosted everyone) is now part of the reconstructed office that the new building owner and his partner renovated for one of the companies that they operate.

Thus, it was somewhat bittersweet for many who have come to enjoy their an-

nual sojourn to our World Headquarters each spring knowing that this was the final event in Houston. Even Ken McAllister, new board member who lives in Austin, commemorated the occasion by wearing his Texas state shirt as a show of appreciation for our home over the past 25 years.

every effort to comply by December.

For anyone reading this article who falls within this group, I hope you heed the message and take the appropriate steps to get the 6 credits that you need.

You will be glad that you did.

Other notable items coming out of our Executive Committee meeting

We will be leaving our old and comfortable house before too long, which has served us well for a quarter of a century, and establishing our new digs that will be the center of our universe for the next quarter century and beyond As for the business at hand, much of the attention was given to the professional development requirement for all certified members in good standing under the age of 65 years to attain 6 credits of continuing education before the end of December of this year. Make no mistake; the Board and Executive Committee have fully embraced the mission of our organization “to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches.” Toward that end, our leadership recognizes the serious financial consequences at both the national and division levels if a large percentage of those eligible do not qualify and are suspended from our membership roster come Jan. 1, 2017. It is a bold initiative that requires a steadfast and unwavering commitment to stay the course against what could be a significant impact on how we operate in the future.

Thus, a good deal of time was dedicated to action plans that are going to be implemented throughout the organization between now and year-end to reach out to those who are in jeopardy of losing their membership benefits.

All hands are on deck to encourage those who have not participated in any educational events, both inside the USPTA and out, to demonstrate that they have a genuine desire to be better as a tennis professional and will make

worth mentioning: a) our financial position remains very strong after another year with a bottom line surplus; b) the planned relocation to Lake Nona is on schedule and so far, on budget; c) the 2017 World Conference will be held in Orlando/Lake Nona; d) the plans for the 2016 World Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., are coming together – it should be another outstanding conference; e) we are working diligently to ensure that the governance at all divisions is in line with national; and so forth.

It is incumbent on all of us that we celebrate the tireless efforts of our volunteers who dedicate massive amounts of time on behalf of the association.

Let’s not forget that almost all have full-time jobs and families that are obviously their priorities, yet they somehow find the time to give of themselves to improve the USPTA. I, for one, am indebted to all and am honored to serve them.

So, raise a glass and cheer for our last rodeo in Houston. We will be leaving our old and comfortable house before too long, which has served us well for a quarter of a century, and establishing our new digs that will be the center of our universe for the next quarter century and beyond. I am eager for the journey that lies ahead of us. Onward and upward… h

Still need to earn your 6 continuing education credits this year? There are tons of ways to earn credits: Visit uspta.com/education for all of the ways to earn education credits and to check the event calendar for upcoming events near you!

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Vice President’s Message

USPTA School Coach Category Reaches New Market

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couple of years ago the Membership Committee was faced with the challenge of designing and implementing a membership specifically for the middle school and high school tennis coach. But before we could dig in and start the process we needed to figure out who our audience should be.

As we did our due diligence by contacting current USPTA members who are high school coaches from around the country, we found out almost immediately that our audience should be the novice coach. We heard time and time again how the schools assign teachers with little or no coaching experience nor knowledge about the sport of tennis as their coaches. Looking back that was exactly the case with my high school tennis coach. He was an English teacher who was a little bit better than a beginner on the court with no coaching experience.

With this information in mind, the committee was looking at an uphill battle with regard to a school coach category. We couldn’t test a coach who couldn’t play and had no coaching experience, so we had to put on our thinking caps and come up with a way to make this membership work. As we discussed this project at our membership meeting in New York during the 2014 Tennis Teachers Conference, it was suggested that we offer a limited membership to the school, rather than try to certify an inexperienced coach.

And so we began to put the school coach category together with that thought in mind. We would offer the middle schools and high schools a USPTA School Coach membership for their tennis coaches and offer TennisResources.com as the main benefit. TennisResources.com was in the middle of being revamped at the time, so this turned out to be the perfect opportunity to include all the areas novice tennis coaches

would need to help them coach their teams: drills, tips, instruction, videos, online tools and resources, and more. The emphasis needed to be on educating the coaches since this membership category

•

by Jack Michalko

Access for all tennis coaches at your school

The USPTA School Coach category made its debut in August of last year.

This will help these novice coaches learn from the leading industry experts on coaching kids and implementing effective tennis instruction to help students learn and grow both on and off the tennis courts. is aimed at the novice coach, and TennisResources.com is the perfect pathway.

The cost to the school for this membership is $99 a year per institution, not per coach. So if a school has more than one tennis coach, they are all included for the same price. In addition, 25 percent of dues goes back to the state high school coaches association.The membership includes the following:

• • • • •

Full access to TennisResources.com Interactive online practice planner Attend USPTA events at member pricing Subscription for schools to Tennis magazine Subscription for schools to Tennis Industry magazine

The new version of TennisRources. com debuted in March of this year. The Membership Committee will continue to add new information and make changes to the category through TennisResources.com on a regular basis.

This will help these novice coaches learn from the leading industry experts on coaching kids and implementing effective tennis instruction to help students learn and grow both on and off the tennis courts.

We ask that all the divisions get behind this initiative and help promote the USPTA School Coach category. For more information, please contact the membership department at 713-978-7782 or membership@ uspta.org. h

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USPTA World Conference

Start Making Plans for the USPTA World Conference

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he USPTA World Conference is shaping up to be a great event.

Speakers and courses are being finalized, parties planned, award winners notified, and buying show organized. Details will be announced next month. To help you get your travel plans started, here is the pricing information.

2016 USPTA World Conference registration rates

(Registration will be available soon.) l Full registration $390 by Sept. 11/ $440 after Sept. 11 l Spouse/guest registration $200 by Sept. 11/ $215 after Sept. 11 (no continuing education credits) l Daily registration $165/day l Specialty courses $50/course

Discounts (Only one per person) l l

First-time attendee Save $75 on full registration New USPTA member Save $75 on full registration

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Three or more USPTA members attending from same club/facility $25 discount on each for full registration

Hotel Reservations l

l l l

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa 4600 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, CA, 92210 Room rates $115 per night + taxes & fees Parking $5/day Reservations Call 888-421-1442 or register online at bit.ly/WC16-hotel.

Certification, Upgrading Available at Conference

Need to take the Certification Exam or upgrade your rating? The PTCA I and Certification Exam will be offered at the World Conference. Contact the Membership Department at membership@ uspta.org or 800-877-8248 for more information or to sign up. h

Schedule

Sunday, Sept. 25 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Specialty Course 1 2 -6 p.m.

Specialty Course 2 Monday, Sept. 26 9 a.m.-noon Education 1-3:30 p.m.

Education 3:45-4:45 p.m. Manufacturers ad staff meetings 5-10 p.m.

Buying Show, Reception and Silent Auction Tuesday, Sept. 27 9 a.m.-noon Education Noon-2 p.m.

Awards Luncheon 2:30-3:30 p.m. Education 4-5:30 p.m.

USPTA Membership Meeting/Awards 6:30-9:30 p.m. Division parties Wednesday, Sept. 28 9 a.m.-noon Education 1-5 p.m.

Education 2-6 p.m.

Specialty Course 3 6:30-9 p.m.

Poolside Reception Thursday, Sept. 29 9 a.m.-noon Education 1-5 p.m.

Specialty Course 4

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Master Pro Corner

Mental Toughness

By Mike O’Connell, USPTA Master Professional

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n order to perform at the highest level, mental toughness is one of the key ingredients to being successful.

Recently I had the pleasure and honor to teach and work with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor. The 37-year-old Harvardtrained brain scientist experienced a massive stroke in the left hemisphere of her brain. In her book, “My Stroke of Insight,” she describes watching her mind deteriorate over the course of four hours, to the point that she could not walk, talk, read, write or recall any of her life.

Our left brain is the home of our ego center, the site of the language center that speaks to us constantly, and it manifests our critical judgment and negative self-talk. How many of our students are preoccupied with statistics and winning, rather than playing for the love of the game? How many of them are obsessed with thoughts such as: “What happens if I lose? What will my parents/coach think if I fail? What will happen to my ranking?

What happens if I don’t I make the team?”

The list of left-brain analysis and fearful

The list of left-brain analysis and fearful thinking is endless and often paralyzing.

During our first tennis lesson, it became obvious that I was not the only teacher on the court. Taylor explained the difference between our two brain hemispheres, and how they each contribute to and participate in playing a game. Neuroscientists are now able to visualize which nerves or transmitters are engaged in performing certain functions. Being a tennis coach, I was interested in understanding which side of the brain performs which functions to use this information to better comprehend how athletes think and act.

In Taylor’s book, she explains that our left hemisphere is different in the way it processes information. It takes moments created by the right hemisphere and strings them together in a timely succession of rational thoughts. The left brain manifests the concept of time; our moments are divided into the past, present and future. By doing so, the brain is focused on the details of our lives.

thinking is endless and often paralyzing.

Conversely, the right hemisphere functions like a parallel processor. Our right mind focuses on the present moment and also gives us the ability to think outside the box. Experiencing new moments is important when we play tennis; it allows our mind to focus on the right-here, right-now experience and capitalize on our practiced skill sets.

Our right mind is spontaneous, carefree and imaginative. After reading Taylor’s book and speaking with her, I wanted to help my students achieve the ability to shift back and forth between their right and left brain. I want them to not only practice but to ultimately play for the love of the game, be able to move quickly past an error, and retain the ability to be creative and spontaneous with each new point.

Can you train your students to operate out of both hemispheres by choice? Of course you can. Start by having them pay

attention to their thoughts and help them identify what it feels like to be in their left brain versus what it feels like to be in their right brain. When players become totally aware of what they are thinking, feeling and saying to themselves, they realize their cognitive and emotional patterns. They gain insight into new ways of thinking, being and playing.

One style of teaching does not fit all; we are unique in how we process information. But by giving students basic information about how their brain hemispheres are involved in the game, we arm them with yet one more tool to achieve their highest potential.

Since working with Taylor, I have implemented the following mental checkpoints for my students: 1. Mental awareness: I make sure that my students are operating from the right hemisphere and they are given the skills to understand the importance of this technique 2. Verbal response: Listen to your students’ comments, replace any negative language with positive words, have them use one or two words only (let’s go, yes, feet, etc).

3. Body language: Watch for positive body language – head up, shoulders up, eye control, breathing, and their actions between and during points.

4. Routines/rituals: Teach your students the importance of having positive routines and rituals that will train their brains for when they are in the heat of the battle.

5. Focus: There are so many techniques on and off the court that you can utilize to incorporate focus – eye contact, breathing, consistency drills, and power words. The key element is that your students understand the importance of staying in the NOW! h Mike O’Connell was the head professional at Indiana University Recreational Sports Tennis Center from 1992-2015. He was Indiana USPTA Professional of the Year several times, 2009 USPTA Midwest Professional of the Year, and was inducted into the USPTA Midwest Hall of Fame in 1998.

50 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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Inside Coaching

The Tiebreaker Plan

By Rod Heckelman, USPTA “

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e just needed to win one of the tiebreakers and we were in the nationals,” so comments a competitive 3.5 player. With league tennis, this is the new reality – you really need to know how to play and win tiebreakers.

The fact is, to have a game plan is nice but nearly impossible considering the many variables. The first being that there are four individuals who can play differently from day to day. The second is the emotional state when someone finally gets to a tiebreaker. Some are happy to reach that point, while others enter into that moment feeling that they missed their opportunity to win that set. But despite the fact you can’t lock into a surefire way to play, there are a few fundamentals a player at any level can follow to be a better tiebreaker player.

1. Learn how to play a tiebreaker automatically and without thought about the scoring, rotation of serve, or when to switch sides. If you’re thinking about these scoring issues, you are distracted from focusing on the quality of your play and the tactics you need to employ. For many, the relatively new Coman tiebreaker that is played instead of a third set can be challenging. Master it.

2. Prepare with the idea that you will always have to play a tiebreaker.

This begins with the flip of the coin to start the match. Do the math, think about who will be serving first in a tiebreaker. If you have a lefty on your team, this can prove beneficial in dealing with the sun.

You may also want to adjust for windy conditions. Also, preparing for a tiebreaker when you first walk on the court will make that moment less anxious and more expected.

With league tennis, this is the new reality – you really need to know how to play and win tiebreakers. The fact is, to have a game plan is nice but nearly impossible considering the many variables.

3. Practice playing tiebreakers. Not just playing them when the set reaches 6-6. Complete your practice session by taking a little time at the end of play and practice executing a tiebreaker.

4. Be the steady, no-unforced error team for the first four points. Get the ball in play no matter what. This means first serves in and serve returns in play. By getting that early lead through steady play, you force the other team to play catch-up and often they will abandon their normal style to a more desperate style of play.

5. Slow down. It would surprise most players to learn that when they

play a normal game, they play about twice as slow as they play a tiebreaker. Take the time to use the 25 seconds in between the points, especially when you are serving. Use that time to reinforce your strategy with your partner, or maybe more importantly, build up their confidence with positive statements.

The second approach to becoming a great tiebreaker player is to practice and play drills that will challenge your skills as a tiebreaker player. Here are eight terrific games that will help you accomplish this task.

1. The Steady Eddie – This is tough for all levels, but again crucial in creating the consistent player you

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need to be. The rules are simple – play the tiebreaker you most often will play in competition. If any player misses a serve return or double faults in the first four points, he loses the tiebreaker. You can change this to be the first six, eight – whatever works for you.

2. First and First – Again, here is a game with emphasis on cutting down on errors. Because so many players want to serve and volley during a tiebreaker, change the rules so that if the server is able to make her first serve and her first volley, she can’t lose the point.

She simply replays the point if the eventual outcome was not in her favor.

3. Lob Pressure – Once again, the art of winning tiebreakers can be the ability to allow your opponent to lose to you, not just trying to beat him. With that in mind, if any player misses an overhead at any time during the tiebreaker, that team loses the tiebreaker. This creates great pressure and promotes the lob, a great shot to use if you want to work yourself back into a match.

4. Volleyball Scoring – Holding serve is all important; this game will test you. You flip to find who serves first and only the serving team can win a point. Here is the catch, unless you start off serving, you need to win two consecutive points to earn the right to serve.

This means that a returning team could win every other point and lose at love. You should alternate servers every two serves and switch sides in accordance with the tiebreaker you normally play.

5. Do Over – In order to learn from our mistakes we need to correct them, or at least have a chance to correct them. In this drill, each team has the right to replay one point. Hopefully this will give you a chance to fix what went wrong.

6. Breaking Bad – Again, play the tiebreaker you need to practice, with this one added rule: if any player loses both of his serves, he has to serve the next time instead

of his partner. This may sound cruel, but what this does is force a team to work on their weakness in their serving rotation. In this game, it’s not unusual to see one player from a team serve an entire tiebreaker, but it is great practice to help solve the problem of holding serve.

7. Handle It – This drill is for those who lose it when one little thing goes wrong. Be careful, this can be either fun or irritating. In this game each team has the right to make one bad call. Be judicious about when to use this, and again, remember this is a drill to get you mentally prepared for the reality that bad things can happen at any time, even during an important tiebreaker. You can also play this drill so that instead of a bad call, if any player gets a let, even on a serve, they win the point.

8. Hocus Pocus of Focus – With the combination of pressure, a possibly rowdy audience, and the high energy on the court, it’s easy for your mind to be distracted. Again for fun, since so many people have cell phones, one player sets their phone to go off at a random time that will be during the tiebreaker. Make sure this is allowed on the court you are playing and not a distraction to neighboring courts. As you play the tiebreaker, see how well you stay focused on playing each point and not thinking about the eventuality of the alarm.

You know you’re a focused player when the alarm startles you.

Enjoy your time on the court.

Think of a tiebreaker as being a bonus and not a liability or an unpleasant outcome to a competitive close set.

The tiebreaker is an opportunity to shine and really enjoy your competition, win or lose. h

To become a great tiebreaker player, practice and play drills that will challenge your skills as a tiebreaker player.

Rod Heckelman’s career started in 1966 when he began his five-year role as a teacher at John Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch in Carmel Valley, Calif. Later he opened as the resident pro for Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch on Camelback in Scottsdale, Ariz. In 1976 he took over as head pro/tennis director at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club in Larkspur, Calif, and added the title and responsibilities of general manager in 1982. In 2010 he was awarded “Manager of the Year” for the USPTA NorCal Division and the “Manager of the Year” at the USPTA World Conference. He has written several books including, “Down Your Alley” in 1993, “Playing Into the Sunset” in 2013 and most recently, “250 Ways to Play Tennis.” He also produced the “Facility Manager’s Manual” and the “Business Handbook for Tennis Pros,” which is distributed by the TIA.

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USPTA News

USPTA Joins PHIT America, a National Campaign Helping America Get More Active, Fit & Healthy

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SPTA has become a sponsor of PHIT America, a national charity and campaign to fight the “inactivity pandemic” that is seriously affecting the health of Americans and our healthcare costs. This non-profit, started by the sport and fitness industry, promotes grassroots programs and new legislation to influence Americans to be more active, fit and healthy through the consumer website www.

PHITAmerica.org.

Who is PHIT America?

PHIT America is dedicated to increasing physical activity and fitness to improve the health of all Americans.

PHIT America was launched in January 2013 with the support of more than 100 companies and organizations.

While the name PHIT sounds like FIT, it also has another meaning. PHIT stand for Personal Health Investment Today. The goal is to invest in personal health through fitness to improve the health of Americans, especially children.

The obesity crisis is well documented. It is a tremendous issue for many Americans and is driving up overall health care costs. However, there is another huge issue – actually a global pandemic, which is equally troubling.

Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death, and more people are dying of physical inactivity than smoking in America.

Eighty percent of children are at risk of disease due to physical inactivity, and two-thirds are not active to healthy standards. More and more children are sedentary as their level of physical activity is limited to moving their fingers while using electronic devices. This is why PHIT America has adopted this mission: “Dramati-

at www.phitamerica.org/Academics. htm.

“Just look around any community in the U.S. You can see the obesity issue is a serious concern in every city and state,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “We need to get America more active, fit and healthy in order to help prevent sickness and reduce health care costs. USPTA is proud to promote PHIT America and to influence active, healthy lifestyles.”

PHIT America has three major programs to get America, especially children, more active, fit and healthy:

cally Improve the Health of Americans, Especially Children, by Implementing ‘Pro-Activity’ Programs.”

PHIT America is helping to solve two huge issues that children face: 1. Health and wellness 2. Academic performance The benefits of physical activity for the body are well-documented. But now there is conclusive research an active child is a better student. There are more than 10 independent studies that show physical activity improves academic results. See all the ways physical activity helps academic performance

1. Get 1 million children off the couch and active by putting physical education back in our schools. PHIT America gives out GO! Grants, which jump start more movement and activity in schools.

2. Educate Americans, especially parents, about the inactivity pandemic, its ramifications, and the PHIT America solutions through “News Article,” a 30-minute documentary, and other approaches.

3. Pass common sense pro-activity legislation such as the PHIT Act. The PHIT Act will allow Americans to use pre-tax medical accounts as an incentive to be active and reduce healthcare costs.

PHIT America CEO and founder Jim Baugh is excited about USPTA joining its alliance. “The support from USPTA is really important. To fight the inactivity pandemic, we must work together. We are now over 120 companies working together to get America more active, fit and healthy.”

Companies or organizations interested in joining the PHIT America Alliance should contact Alliance@ PHITAmerica.org. h

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USPTA News need to be. The rules are simple – play the tiebreaker you most often will play in competition. If any player misses a serve return or double faults in the first four points, he loses the tiebreaker. You can change this to be the first six, eight – whatever works for you.

of his partner. This may sound cruel, but what this does is force a team to work on their weakness in their serving rotation. In this game, it’s not unusual to see one player from a team serve an entire tiebreaker, but it is great practice to help solve the problem of holding serve.

USPTA News USPTA

8. Hocus Pocus of Focus – With the combination of pressure, a possibly rowdy audience, and the high energy on the court, it’s easy for your mind to be distracted. Again for fun, since so many people have cell phones, one player sets their phone to go off at a random time that will be during the tiebreaker. Make sure this is allowed on the court you are playing and not a distraction to neighboring courts. As you play the tiebreaker, see how well you stay focused on playing each point and not thinking ortothe second consecutive the seco feating the As a benefit USPTA-certified mem- year, or about the eventuality of the alarm.

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Larson (Fridley, Minn.) defeated Thiago (Salina, Kan.) in three 3.

Lob Santos Pressure – Once again, the art setsof(6-2, 4-6, 6-1) to win the winning tiebreakers candivision be the forability his sixth win inyour the past seven to years. to allow opponent Helose alsoto won four men’s you, notconsecutive just trying to beat open singles between him.

Withtitles that in mind, if2010-2013, any playanderthe 2016an championship gives him misses overhead at any time a seventh singles title during overall the tiebreaker, thatacross team all loses divisions in additionThis to hiscreates eight the tiebreaker. doubles in the USPTA Surface great titles pressure and promotes the Championship series. lob, a great shot to use if you want to Santos didn’t go home work yourself back intoempty a match. handed. He picked up the men’s open doubles crownScoring with partner and fellow 4.

Volleyball – Holding Kansan Carvalho De Melo by deserveVictor is all important; this game will test you. You flip to find who serves first and only the serving team can win a point. Here is the catch, unless you start off serving, you need to win two consecutive points to earn the right to serve.

This means that a returning team could win every other point and lose at love. You should alternate servers every two serves and switch sides in accordance with the tiebreaker you normally play.

F

5. Do Over – In order to learn from our mistakes we need to correct them, or at least have a chance to correct them. In this drill, each team has the right to replay one point. Hopefully this will give you a chance to fix what went wrong.

6. Breaking Bad – Again, play the tiebreaker you need to practice, with this one added rule: if any player loses both of his serves, he Tony hasLarson, to serve the next time instead Men’s Open winner

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7. Handle It – This drill is for those who lose it when one little thing goes wrong. Be careful, this can be either fun or irritating. In this feating Memphis duo ofright Jay Horne gamethe each team has the to andmake Michael 6-1, 6-3. one Chamberlain, bad call. Be judicious Johanwhen Gedlitschka (Greensboro, about to use this, and again, N.C.) cruised to theisfinals remember this a drillintothe getmen’s you 45 mentally singles division andfor defeated Rob prepared the reality Horsch by athings forfeitcan after leadingat3-0. that bad happen any Horsch (Laguna Calif.) did time, even duringNiguel, an important tiepick up a narrow winalso in the men’s 45 breaker.

You can play this drill doubles division teammate so that insteadalongside of a bad call, if any Kevin Gillette Miss.) by player gets a(Meridan, let, even on a serve, defeating Johan Svennsson and M.J. they win the point.

Garnett 6-2, 3-6, 10-8.

Horne also won the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award, which was awarded for the first time this year as voted on by the tournament players.

Next up in the USPTA Surface Championship series is the $10,000 2016 Clay Court Championships in Miramar Beach, Fla., at TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort.

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2016 USPTA Indoor Championship Results Men’s Open Singles Tony Larson (Fridley, Minn.) def.

Thiago Santos (Salina, Kan.) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1

Johan Gedlitschka, Men’s 45 Singles winner

become a great tiebreaker Men’sTo Open Doubles player, practice and Santos/Victor Carvalho Deplay Melo drills that will challenge (Salina, Kan.) def. Jay Horne your skills as a tiebreaker player.

(Memphis)/Michael Chamberlain (Memphis), 6-1, 6-3.

Johan Gedlit

Men’s 45 Singles

Rod Heckelman’s career started in 1966 when he began (Greensboro, his five-year role as Johan Gedlitschka N.C.) a teacher at John Gardiner’s Tennisdef.

Ranch in Carmel Valley, Calif.

Later he Rob Horsch (Laguna Niguel, Caopened as the resident pro for Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch on Camelback in Scottlif.) by a forfeit, 3-0 sdale, Ariz. In 1976 he took over as head pro/tennis director at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club in Larkspur, Calif, and added the title and responsibilities of general Men’s 45 Doubles manager in 1982. In 2010 he was awarded “Manager of the Year” for the USPTA Horsch/Kevin (Meridan, NorCal Division and the “Manager of the Year” at the USPTA WorldGillette Conference.

He has writMiss.) def. Johan Svennsson ten several books including, “Down Your Alley” in 1993, “Playing Into the Sunset” in(Lake2013 and land, Tenn.)/M.J. Garnett (Collierville, most recently, “250 Ways to Play Tennis.” He also produced the “Facility Manager’s Manual” Tony Tony Larson, Thiago Sant Thiago Santos andHandbook Victor Carvalho De Melo, Tenn.)

6-2,Larson, 3-6,by 10-8 and the “Business for Tennis Pros,” which is distributed the TIA. Men’s Open Doubles winners

Men’s Open winner

Men’s Open winner Men’s Open

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5/2/16 9:53 AM

Career Development Exams, Upgrades Coach Youth Division Activities & PTCA I Tennis Workshop (6 credits)

(4 credits for PTCA I segment) June 2-3 June 2-3 June 4-5 June 4-5 June 4-5 June 4-5 June 6 June 9 June 9-10 June 11-12 June 12 June 12 June 16-17 June 17-18 June 18 June 18 June 18-19 June 24 June 26

Orlando, Fla. Kirkland, Wash.

Greenville, R.I. Paradise Valley, Ariz.

San Antonio Aurora, Ill. Carlsbad, Calif.

Minneapolis Azusa, Calif.

Atlanta Hilton Head Island, S.C. Richmond, Va. Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Houston* Raleigh, N.C. Des Moines, Iowa Ocala, Fla. Nichols Hills, Okla.

Jackson, Miss.

* 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.

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.

June 1-5

(2 credits) June 1

Orlando

June 1

Bismarck, N.D.

June 2

Indianapolis

June 2

Billings, Mt.

June 2

Kirkland, Wash.

June 4

Barrington, Ill.

June 4

Bedford, N.H.

June 4

Wayland, Mass.

June 5

Orlando

June 5

Holland, Mich.

June 5

Honolulu

June 5

Edina, Minn.

June 7

Arapahoe, N.C.

June 10

Fairfield, Conn.

June 11

Roseville, Minn.

June 11

Orlando

June 11

Milwaukee

June 15

Glenview, Ill.

June 18

Portland, Maine

June 18

Schenectady, N.Y.

June 21

La Crescent, Minn.

June 25

Philadelphia

June 25

Philadelphia

June 3-4

USPTA Florida Convention Orlando, Fla. USPTA Pacific Northwest Conv.

TBD

Webinars (.5 credits) June 8

Guideline to an expert lesson Soophie Woorons

Watch all recorded webinars at tennisresources.com.

For more information visit uspta.com/ Education>Education Calendar.

Cardio Tennis June 11

Cardio Tennis Training Course Gilford Hills Tennis & Fitness Club, Gilford, N.H.

June 24

Cardio Tennis Training Course The Lakes at Castle Hills, Lewisville, Texas

Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register.

For more workshops, visit coachyouthtennis.com.

Spanish Tennis Teaching System (10 credits) May 30 – June 1

Pro Coaching Course Naples, Fla.

June 3-5

Competitive Coaching Course Chicago

Please visit www.icitennis.org to register.

Education requirements All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activities. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to education@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) Questions? Write to education@uspta.org or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.

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Member News • The office of the Rome City Manager appointed USPTA Immediate Past President Tom Daglis as the Executive Director of the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College in Rome, Ga. He will also serve as the Director of the Professional Tennis Management Program at Berry College starting June 1, 2016. Additionally, USPTA Elite Pro Kevin Brundle was selected to serve as Director of Tennis at Rome Tennis Center and Assistant Director of the PTM program. Daglis Kevin Brundle will oversee the strategy, operations, staff, finances Tom Daglis and culture of Rome Tennis Center and Downtown Tennis Center. He is responsible for establishing the organizational culture and operating principals of the center while increasing the center’s visibility to grow the number of competitive tournaments offered. Brundle will oversee the programming and assist the executive director in all operations. Most recently, Brundle served as the Director of Tennis at the Village Tennis Club in Houston and previously served as Director of the Tampa Tennis Club, a 41-court facility with one of the top 10 and under junior programs in the state, and was responsible for doubling membership and increasing program participation.

• Congratulations to the Racquet Club of Columbus (Ohio) 18s team who won the World Team Tennis Midwest Section Championships in Fort Wayne, Ind. The team advanced to the WTT National Championships in San Diego in July 2015. The team defeated Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. This is the first time an Ohio team has gone to Nationals. The WTT format consists of one court of boys and girls doubles, two courts of boys and girls singles, and two courts of mixed doubles.

In WTT, lets are played and players are allowed to be subbed for one another in the middle of a set. Pictured: USPTA Coach Bryan Nibert (center) with Racquet Club of Columbus Squad that includes two of his stepchildren Alexandra and Robert Cash.

• These lucky ladies got to play some tennis with former world No. 1 Venus Williams, courtesy of EleVen by Venus. Members of the BallenIsles Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., won a hitting session with the Grand Slam champion after placing the winning bid at the silent auction during the 2015 USPTA World Conference in New Orleans. The funds went toward supporting the mission of the USPTA Foundation to help economically disadvantaged people learn tennis. From left: USPTA Florida Division President Trish Faulkner; BallenIsles club members Pat Ditri, Marguerite Gelber and Michelle Reisman; Venus Williams; and club member Joanne Graceman.

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202 Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org

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.

• Bob Litwin, an 18-time USTA National Champ and former ITF No.1 in the world in 55 and over, has written a new book, “Live the Best Story of Your Life.” A USPTA member for 27 years, he was the USPTA National 45-and-over player and a 12-time Eastern Division Player of the Year. In 2011 he was inducted into the Eastern Hall of Fame. Often quoted more as a teacher than a player, he was among the first coaches in early 1970s who emphasized methods that later morphed into mental training. He started the Sports Focus Institute in 1987 where he trained players in multiple sports including the New York Knicks and New York Islanders.

In his book, Litwin reveals the secrets of his trade. Combining his experience at the highest levels of sports and business, he distills them into lessons meant to change the way you tell your story. He teaches that the stories we tell ourselves and others have the dramatic power to shape our lives. The simple act of flipping the stories that aren’t working can create change, while being easy and fun. It’s easy work for the hard worker.

The ability to make quick changes may be the skill that tennis players need to be able to play the best games of their lives. To order visit Amazon.com or www.facebook.com/ boblitwinauthor.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President

Chuck Gill Gary Trost

Vice Presidents

Alan Cutler Feisal Hassan Ken McAllister Jack Michalko Diane Selke

TM

Past President CEO Legal Counsel

Tom McGraw John Embree George Parnell

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. 2016. All rights reserved.

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

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