Addvantage 2016 September/October

Inside this issue USPTA World Conference – 46 What’s Your Job? Make Tennis Fun! – 54 Competitive Edge: TGA Franchise, Passion for Tennis Give USPTA Pro Advantage in Market – 56 Departments: 50 USPTA News 42 CEO’s Message 52 Master Pro Corner 44 First Vice President’s Message 54 Inside Coaching 46 USPTA World Conference 56 Growing Your Business 48 Endorsement News 58 Career Development 49 Industry News 60 Member News Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: USPTA members attend a National Education Day event in San Diego. See Page 50 for more details about 2016 National Education Day on Nov. 12.

CEO’s Message

Appreciation for Tennis History

by John Embree

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s most of you are aware, I spent much of my early career at Wilson Racquet Sports (17+ years). During that time, I came to learn so much about the history of our great sport from treasured time spent with some of the legends of the game. Frequent conversations with the likes of Jack Kramer, Vic Braden, Tony Trabert, Billy Talbert (US Open Tournament Director in the ’70s-’80s), Mike Blanchard (long time US Open referee) and Ted Schroeder, just to name few, left an indelible impression on me as a young professional getting started in the tennis industry.

Couple those incredible experiences with the mentorship of Gene Buwick, who was truly the “godfather” of grassroots promotions for Wilson for more than 30 years beginning in the late 1950s, and I became a sponge who thrived on learning how the game evolved, understanding who did what to bring the game to what it is today, and recognizing the contributions that the forbearers made to enrich our sport. I became fascinated by those who took calculated risks to be different, those who challenged the status quo, and eventually those who made a huge impact on our industry.

To this day, I have a deep sense of pride knowing that I was fortunate enough to have crossed paths with so many of the wonderful characters who graced the courts and who blazed the trail so that those who are playing now or who aspire to play in the future will benefit from the groundbreaking actions of so many. What saddens me is that few in the current generation can possibly comprehend what transpired a half a century ago or longer and what sacrifices were made to create what we know the game to be at present. Ever asked a person under the age of 30 who Bjorn Borg was? You would be surprised how many have no idea …

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Because of my personal passion for the history of the game, I was thrilled when I was invited to become involved with the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., as a volunteer.

Not only am I serving on the Board of Governors, but I am chairman of the Membership Committee, and I participate on the Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Revenue committees.

My purpose in telling you this is not to

them as they developed as juniors and on into the pro game. I can promise that Rosie Casals, Pam Shriver and Lindsay Davenport will provide terrific insight into their careers with Todd eloquently interjecting his perspective during the session. By the way, this general session will be streamed live via YouTube to every member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame around the world.

We should celebrate on a daily basis the giants of our sport while preserving the heritage of our own association and the legends who made the USPTA the dynamic association that it is today. boast (by any stretch of the means) but to suggest that in these various roles, I can and am giving back to the game that I so cherish while fueling my genuine appreciation for the history of the game.

I write this just prior to my departure for the 2016 International Hall of Fame Induction weekend when Justine Henin and Marat Safin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. During this special celebration, there will be a number of activities and engagements that celebrate the achievements of tennis greats while the Hall of Fame Tennis Championships, an ATP 250, take place.

What a thrill for me to be a part of this annual gathering.

In a concerted effort to tie together the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the USPTA, we are going to have a Hall of Fame Day at the upcoming World Conference in Indian Wells, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 27. For the first time ever, we will be providing our membership with a forum to engage with fabulous members of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. With Todd Martin (CEO of the ITHF) facilitating, we will be holding a panel discussion with three of the great female tennis players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame to talk about coaching and the influence their coaches had on

Immediately following this general session, we will have our Awards Luncheon with recognition being given to many of our national award winners, highlighted by the induction of Peter Burwash into our own USPTA Hall of Fame. Past USPTA Hall of Fame inductees will be saluted before P ­ eter is warmly welcomed into this august group. Todd Martin will conclude our luncheon with his keynote address. This will be a terrific event that you won’t want to miss.

To wrap up our Hall of Fame activities, Peter will pass along his wisdom from more than 50 years in the sport in a general session after the Awards Luncheon. He has always been one of our most sought-out speakers whenever we have been fortunate enough to have him.

By bringing a small piece of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in ­Newport, R.I., to our USPTA World Conference, we marry tennis history with the greats of our association. It is not only unique to our World Conference to have this opportunity to have Todd, Rosie, Pam and Lindsay with us, but it is also symbolic. We should celebrate on a daily basis the giants of our sport while preserving the heritage of our own association and the legends who made the USPTA the dynamic association that it is today. h

First Vice President’s Message

How to Expand Yourself as a Professional

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n a tennis match, we play to our strengths and when we practice, we all want to work on certain weaknesses to become a better player. This should be true of your professional skills and resume building to increase your worth at your current employment or obtain that dream job in the future.

Here are some ideas and areas that I have worked on personally, or mentored other professionals and staff to become stronger tennis professionals in the future. The strength of our association is the education, learning from others and mentoring.

Programs and Events – Are you offering something for all levels/genders/ ages/families? Your calendar needs to be a mix of social, mildly competitive, team and individual tournaments.

Take time each summer to drop some events that are old and tired and bring in something exciting. I will snoop around on other club websites or when I visit other clubs and talk to other pros to share ideas on events and

themes, modify them for my club and experiment!

Teams – You must be able to organize a team with team captains, rosters, league deadlines and team meetings. It is important to be able to run team practices and to have themes for making the players interested and improving. Make sure that you make time to observe them playing and know when you can coach on match day. (Know the rules!)

Juniors – Start with Coach Youth ­Tennis and use Red, Orange and Green balls, knowing how to handle each level, age and court size for these juniors.

Many of our juniors are not skilled or ranked and still need programming and events for intermediate levels as well.

Seasonal players that play other sports, school season tennis players, and ranked juniors have different needs from you as a coach.

Business – From budgets, business plans, pro shops, human resources, resumes and hiring and firing – it is all

Have lunch occasionally with your local professionals and trade program ideas – the camaraderie and networking is essential to being successful in any profession.

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by Gary Trost

part of our jobs. I do know that every pro gets paid differently, with percentages of group and private lessons, bonuses, and how they get paid for working events.

I know these are a few basic examples of what some of us do every day, but there can be no way that we are all experts in every field. We all need more education and help from our mentors and colleagues. Volunteer some time at a local tournament and help that ­USPTA Professional – you will learn how the tournament is run, gain experience and it beefs up your resume. Have lunch occasionally with your local professionals and trade program ideas – the camaraderie and networking is essential to being successful in any profession.

Take the time to list out what your strengths and weaknesses are, and work on those areas. Look for help in the USPTA – whether it is from World Headquarters, your division conventions and workshops, or maybe your next door neighborhood pros – it will make you a better pro and employee. h

USPTA World Conference

Top 5 Reasons We Created an App for the USPTA World Conference

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here’s always a lot going on at the World Conference – seminars to attend, people to meet and places to go. The USPTA World Conference app will help you keep organized by giving you a customizable schedule, list of contacts, detailed maps and more right at your fingertips.

Here are just a few benefits and reasons why you don’t want to miss out on it: 1. Access the event schedule and ­customize your agenda with ­personal appointments 2. Get reminders and schedule updates through the app with push ­notifications 3. See all the speakers, read their bios, and download their outlines 4. See who’s attending and share ­contact information by networking with other attendees 5. Check out the exhibitors and locate their booths more easily through an interactive map Go one step further and log in with the personalized registration code that was emailed to you (conference attendees only) to use advanced features like:

• • • • • •

In-App instant messaging Personalized schedule of the ­sessions you want to attend Exportable notes regarding ­sessions, speakers and attendees Share your event experiences on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and post on the app’s activity wall Scan your QR codes for education credits Access the Virtual Event Bag

Ready to get started? Go to https://crowd. cc/s/f9iA from your device. If you use Apple or ­Android, you can also search for ­USPTA World Conference in the iTunes store or Play store. h

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USPTA World Conference

Conference Schedule Sunday 9/25/16

Monday 9/26/16

9 – 1 p.m.

9 – 10 a.m.

Are you a Dr. Feelgood?

(Ct) / Stan Oley Teaching Effective Strokes: Volley Patterns / Panel Discussion (I) / Hank Pfister USPTA Benefits Specialty Course 1:

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

The Serve (Ct) / Jeff Salzenstein Maintaining Your Hard Courts (I) / Jeff Gearheart Lunch 1 – 2 p.m.

Retail Management and Pro Shops (I) / Pat Shields Doubles Strategies That Will Make a Difference (Ct) /Gundars Tilmanis

Tuesday 9/27/16

Wednesday 9/28/16

Thursday 9/29/16

9 – 10 a.m.

Tennis Analytics: Measurement and Performance (I) / Lorena Martin Performance (Ct) / Jumio Godreau 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

General Session (I): Hall of Fame Panel / Rosie Casals, Lindsay Davenport, Pam Shriver Noon – 2 p.m.

9 – 10 a.m.

Momentum – How to Start, Stop and Steer it in Your Direction (Ct) / Emma Doyle Locker Room Power (I) / David Sammel 10:30 a.m. – noon General Session: Seminar (Ct) / Jose Higueras

8:30 a.m. – noon CYT Workshop (register at coachyouthtennis.com) 9 – 10 a.m.

Utilize Digital Platforms to Energize Your Brand and Business (I) / Tracy Almeda-Singian Seminar (I) / Feisal Hassan 10:30 a.m. – noon General Session: Seminar (I) / Gerry Faust

Lunch

Lunch

Keynote speaker: Todd Martin

1 – 2 p.m.

Cardio Tennis: Heart Rate Training (Ct) / Michele Krause Budge Outside Your Comfort Zone (I) / Ajay Pant 1 – 5 p.m.

1 – 5 p.m.

Specialty Course 3:

Specialty Course 4:

A Better Teaching System / John Yandell

Equipment Consulting: A Professional Racquet Adviser /Bob Patterson

Awards Luncheon

2 – 6 p.m.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Attracting the Future General Session (I) / Panel Discussion (I) / How to Plan Your Career Pros in the Industry Peter Burwash CMAA Manager / Paula Scheb Through USTA (I) / Competencies: Craig Jones, Scott Schultz Tim Dietrich, Jason Koenigsfeld, Steve Shaw How to be Addicted to Health in 2016 (I) / Jane Savage 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Manufacturers Ad USTA: Community Tennis Start Young & Right: Staff Meetings and Player Development Early Years of Developing (I) / Martin Blackman, a Grand Slam (I) / Kurt Kamperman, Craig Tim Mattek Morris Leadership: Core Competencies (I) / Howard Moore 5 – 6 p.m.

5 – 10 p.m.

5 – 6:30 p.m.

USPTA General Session (I) / Ways to Become a More Buying Show USPTA Membership Effective Leader (I) / and Reception Meeting Desmond Oon Seminar (I) /Brian Teacher 7 – 9 p.m.

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Division Parties Poolside Reception Specialty Course 2:

(This schedule is tentative and subject to change)

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Endorsement News

The Times, They are a Changin’

By John Embree, USPTA CEO

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hose of you who are Bob Dylan fans will recognize the title above from one of his famous songs first released in 1964. I reference it because it is apropos for what has happened with our major endorsee, Prince.

Unbeknownst to us until early April, the company (the Waitt Group) that licensed the Prince brand from Authentic Brands Group (ABG) decided, after two years of operation (2014-2015), to discontinue the business (for reasons which I am not privy). Thus, the Prince licensee reverted back to ABG in mid-March, thereby scuttling the Prince Global Sports Group with whom we had our endorsements. The corporate offices in Atlanta have since been closed and almost all of the staff is no longer ­employed.

Once we were advised of this change, Authentic Brands Group let us know that they were not legally bound to honor the endorsement agreements

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that we had previously negotiated with Prince Global Sports. Strategically, their intent is to find another company that would become the licensee for the Prince brand, but as of this writing, no announcement has been made nor have we been advised as to who that new entity is. It is entirely possible that if they are unable to find a suitor to take over the brand, they may determine it best to continue to operate the brand, even though that is not part of their corporate model.

So, we find ourselves in a very difficult and unexpected situation. We have members who were promised equipment that won’t be shipped. We have divisions that did not receive the ball allocation that they were expecting. And corporately, the revenue and retirement plan contributions that Prince had committed to us through August of 2018 are no longer intact. I can honestly tell you

that since being notified of this change, we have done everything on our end to be good corporate soldiers during this uncertain period by upholding our end of the bargain, hoping that a satisfactory solution could materialize.

As of July 1, it does not appear as if a remedy is in the offing. With the help of our in-house general counsel, the board is evaluating options that could be pursued to protect our brand and image within the marketplace. We are in the process of unwinding our agreement. Meanwhile, it is vital that we try to find a suitable replacement for Prince for both hard goods and tennis balls. With the challenges facing the tennis industry at present and the time constraints for this process, this is not going to be an easy task.

Once we have confirmation of a new endorsee relationship, we will share it with you immediately. Thanks for your ongoing patience as we undergo this process. h

Industry News

Final Overtime Rule Released with Concessions to Employers

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he U.S. Department of Labor has released the final version of the Overtime Exemption Rule, which will require clubs to pay overtime to any employee making less than $47,476 per year. The final rule will take effect on Dec. 1, 2016.

Under the current law, salaried employees making at least $455 per week ($23,660 per year) and who meet the requirements under the “primary duty” test are exempt from overtime compensation. Under DOL’s new rule, the minimum salary threshold will increase to $913 per week ($47,476 per year).

The previous version had proposed a threshold increase to $970 per week ($50,440 per year).

An important concession for clubs,

DOL’s final rule makes no changes to the primary duties test, which may have further reduced the number of employees classified as exempt.

“This is an important issue that will impact all facilities and directors of tennis, with their staffing budgets and payroll beginning in December.”

The rule also requires the minimum salary income threshold to be increased every three years – not each year as the previous version of the rule had proposed. The threshold will adjust to meet the 40th percentile of full-time salaried workers. Based on wage projections, the threshold is expected to rise to more than $51,000 on Jan. 1, 2020.

Also important for many private clubs, employers will be able to count bonuses and commissions – including golf and tennis lesson income – toward as much as 10 percent of the salary threshold.

The rule’s most important concession is a six-month phase-in period for its implementation.

“This is an important issue that will impact all facilities and directors of tennis with their staffing budgets and payroll beginning in December,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “We want to bring this to everyone’s attention in case you are not aware of it. For more information, contact your human resource department or a local labor board or chamber of ­commerce.” h

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USPTA News

Save the Date! November 12 is National Education Day

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his year marks the third annual National Education Day and the end of the first three-year p ­ eriod in the USPTA Professional Development Program. All U ­ SPTA divisions are organizing educational events on or around Saturday, Nov. 12 to help USPTA Professionals reach this goal.

Three years ago, the Education Committee designated a Saturday in November as a day to not only “help you meet your education credit requirements, but also help make you a better tennisteaching professional,” said Education Committee chairman Alan Cutler.

In order to “elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professional and coaches,” all certified members are required to earn 6 education credits every three years to maintain their membership (International members, Recreational Coaches, and those 65 and older are ­exempt).

Each division will send out information about the events via email. It will also be posted on division websites.

USPTA Professionals who are interested in hosting an educational event should contact their division’s executive director/administrator. Previous years’ events have included one-day workshops, meetand-greets, mini-­conferences and more.

In addition to National Education Day, USPTA has many opportunities for members to earn education credits at no cost.

• Free webinar each month – These webinars cover topics ranging from on-court coaching to enhancing one’s professional career skills. Webinars

are announced via USPTA E-News and fill up quickly.

• TennisResources.com – All USPTA webinars plus “On Court with ­USPTA” episodes are posted on the newly redesigned website. To view these videos, log in and select “Free” under Access Level and “Education Credit” under Watch for Credit.

USPTA members must log in and select “Yes” when prompted to receive credit for the video. Members’ report cards are updated immediately.

• CoachYouthTennis.com – This website, developed by the USTA, has six free online courses. Each is worth .5 education credits, but the USPTA Education Committee approved doubling the point value when all six have been viewed.

USPTA members can check their education credits by going to uspta.com/education and clicking on “View Education Report Card” in the right-hand column. h

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USPTA News

USPTA 2016 Hard Court Championships Open for Registration

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he USPTA 2016 Hard Court Championships will be held Nov. 4-6, 2016, at Hollytree Country Club in Tyler, Texas.

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

“The purpose of the event is to provide one of the few opportunities for friendly competition and networking among our members in the sport associated with our organization,” said Jim Sciarro, Director of Tennis at Hollytree.

“I hope everyone has a great experience in Tyler and has fun playing the event.”

To be eligible to participate, all competitors must be USPTA-certified Professional-level members in good standing at the time of entry. USTA membership is not required. The entry fee is $80 for singles and $40 per player for each doubles event entered. To register for the tournament, players must

create free account through www.EastTexasTennis.com and then enter the tournament. Entries must be submitted by Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016. Detailed tournament information is available on the site as well. Entries also include courtside breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday.

The featured divisions that will take place are: men’s and women’s open singles and doubles, men’s and women’s 35 singles and doubles, men’s and women’s 45 singles and doubles, men’s 55 singles and doubles, men’s 65 singles and doubles, and mixed open doubles.

There will be limited free housing with club members, but is not guaranteed until entry is received by the tournament. Players traveling alone will be offered housing before families can be housed. However, the Holiday Inn South Tyler will be the tournament hotel for the weekend. The tournament rate of $99 per night will be offered until Oct. 20, 2016.

Men’s and women’s open singles winners are guaranteed a minimum of $1,900 with full 16 draws. The tournament will offer first-match loser consolation in all events and prize money to consolation winners. Prize money is based on the number of entries in each event. The total prize money for the event is a guaranteed $13,000 to be distributed among all the divisions held.

Some of the sponsors for the weekend include: The Original Evans AC, Quality Investments, Texas Spine & Joint Hospital, Lago del Pino, Yvette Brunette State Farm Insurance, Mc­ Millin Holdings, and Urology Tyler, PA. For more information regarding the tournament and free housing, please contact Jim Sciarro at jsciarro@gmail. com or 903-581-7788.

Tournament Hotel Information: Holiday Inn South Tyler is one mile from the court at 5701 S. Broadway.

903-561-5800. h

2015 Hard Court participants

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Master Pro Corner

Promote a Service Return Court

By Joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Professional Setting the Scene

What’s the second most important shot in tennis? Good question. Easy answer. It’s the return of serve. How can we reach this conclusion? We have charted the most frequently hit shots in tennis.

Of course, the serve is the most often hit when you statistically factor second serves and double faults into the equation. The service return is a close second.

What’s the most under-practiced shot in tennis? Also the return of serve. Considering this, we have a marketing gem just waiting to be discovered. Let me explain. Although there is an obvious need for players to practice and improve their service returns, tennis facilities rarely have serving machines available, and it is hard to find a practice partner who is able and willing to help us systematically and progressively practice just our returns.

Marketing Idea for Clubs

Promote a “Return of Serve Court” at your club with a serving ball machine that can be rented, along with private and group instruction scheduled on that specific court. You could even charge a small

premium for lessons on that court. There are serving ball machines ranging in price from $6,000 to $14,000, so take an average of $10,000. If you charge $10 per hour for machine rental or add $10 as a premium for lessons on that court, it would take 1,000 hours to break even on your investment. How long would that take?

If you use the machine just 20 hours a week, it will take less than a year. And, if you presell blocks of time at a discount, you can get a lot of that money up front.

Conclusion

Add a designated service return court to your facility and be the talk of your community. Everyone wants to stand out from the crowd and this is one surefire way to do just that! h Joe Dinoffer has conducted clinics and exhibitions in more than 50 countries. He received the 2006 USPTA Industry Excellence Award, and was named USPTA Texas Division Pro of the Year for 2012. He is the author and editor of seven books and more than 20 DVDs. He has more than 200 published articles in numerous tennis magazines, plus many instructional tips on the Tennis Channel.

Photo by Fred Mullane

Andre Agassi was not born with a great service return. He systematically practiced against a serving machine for countless hours. Before discounting this example as irrelevant to club players, consider this simple fact.

Hardly anyone practices their service return and the more they do, even just a little, they can improve their ­competitive results significantly.

Sweet 16 Reasons (for Serve ’n Volley in Doubles)

By Sheryl Behne, USPTA Master Professional

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ow do you convince baseliners to serve and volley in doubles? Try these “Sweet 16 Reasons” to serve and volley. To coach is really to coax.

1. Attacking the net is more physical – more endorphines released and less choking 2. Moving brick wall – two goalies are better than one 3. Less pressure for perfection – more court to hit into 4. Partner will not be a target – sitting duck 5. Your body will bisect your opponent’s highest percentage shot 6. Potentially using the CHIPS: Return of serve, approach volley, final volley and smash are all slice and all use the continental grip 7. All the muscle “confusion” movements are good for bun muscle definition 8. More mileage covered

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9. Service toss is more aggressive 10. Partners are naturally closer together for huddling 11. The volley can be learned faster and sooner 12. Aggressive and positive movement/planning will spark improvement 13. Forces opponent to hit more difficult shots 14. Mission of “make something happen”– not “wait and wonder” 15. Pro-active – not re-active 16. Win – deserve it! Lose – went down fighting! h Sheryl Behne has taught in every tennis arena – camps, high school physical education, high school coaching. private and municipal clubs. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s in kinesiology from Smith College. Behne has been awarded more honors from USPTA Texas than any other Texas pro. She is a national speaker and a previous tester.

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Inside Coaching

What’s Your Job? Make Tennis Fun!

By David Berens, USPTA

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ast spring I attended the ­USPTA Southern Convention at the Standard Club in Johns Creek, Ga., and I can honestly say I’ve never had so much valuable information squeezed into three days of learning. From Feisal Hassan to Lane Evans and from Kirk Anderson to Frank Giampaolo, the message was clear: we want you to be the best teaching pro you can be, and here’s how you do it.

I have a notebook full of scribbles that I may or may not be able to decipher, but I do know that there’s gold in those notes. I heard things I had never heard before, and I was forced to examine the things I already knew and maybe had pushed to the back of my mind. I participated in drills that made me smile, sweat and say, “I know exactly who I’m going to use this with!”

But what was the overall theme?

What did every speaker, presenter, award winner, and educator tell me that was the same? Down to a person they all said that our job is to Make Tennis FUN and Make Tennis about the ­STUDENT. That theme was hammered home over and over again. Don’t we all strive to do that? Of course we do, but let’s be honest, there are times when we are a little too impressed with our own technical knowledge and ability. There are times when we are teaching in a certain way – because that’s the way it’s always been done. There are times when we reject others’ ideas – because we know the best way. There are times when we go overboard into monotony – because practice makes perfect.

Right?

Hey, I’ll be the first to admit that I do so many things on the court for the simple reason that it’s the way I’ve always done them. There are things I do that I just know are the right way to

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Lane Evans (left)

do them. But the convention and the powerful presenters have woken me up a little, given me some ideas, challenged me to make some changes, and bettered my outlook on my career.

Make Tennis FUN:

Frank Giampaolo

Kirk Anderson

I was lucky enough to get on court with USPTA Master Professional Kirk Anderson for a session called “Partner Drills for Juniors – No Lines Here.”

I was drooling – drills, drills, drills! I come early to the convention to catch love new drills. I can just imagine mythe specialty course taught by USPTA self feeding all these new drills to my Master Professional Feisal Hassan. juniors and hear them saying, “Dave, Naturally, I knew who Feisal was you’re such a good pro with all these from articles and pictures I’d seen in cool drills!” And that’s when Kirk said, ­ADDvantage magazine and other pub“Ok guys, put down your racquets.” lications, but I had never heard him Wait … what? Yeah, for at least 15 speak. WOW! Again, the energy these minutes, I didn’t have a racquet in my guys have is amazing! hand. And by the end of that warmup, For four solid hours, Feisal took us I was sweating and my heart rate was from the classroom to the court to see quite elevated, and Kirk hadn’t fed a single ball and I hadn’t run Feisal Hassan a single lap around the court.

And to top it all off, I was smiling from ear to ear.

So, what gives? Kirk told us that much research has been done on what things students DON’T like about their tennis lessons. They are: 1) Running laps 2) Standing in line 3) Shadowing other players 4) Picking up the balls Within the first 15 minutes, I had found out how to get warmed up without running any laps, standing in line, shadowing other players or picking up any balls. Mission accomplished.

But, some other amazing things happened. Backing up a few minutes, Kirk told us as the participants that he only expected a few things from us. These things were: 1) Do your best 2) Keep your intensity high 3) Support your teammates 4) Have FUN Amazingly, I didn’t even have to try to remember any of these principles. With Kirk’s infectious high fives and high energy, I just naturally fell into the pattern of all four. By the end of the warmup, my attitude toward “drilling” had changed and I wanted more. I left the court wanting to go out and hit – isn’t that what we want our students to feel as they leave?

Make Tennis About the STUDENT:

Yeah, yeah, we all know this, right?

Of course, we want our students to be successful! (Because then other people will come to us to help them be successful too, right?) I made the effort to

him in action with all of us scribbling furiously to keep up with his presentation. I have so many notes about this course that it will take me hours just to re-visit and remember everything I learned – but what was my major takeaway? A line from Feisal that I circled HEAVILY in my notebook. It reads: “How many times have you walked onto the court and said, ‘Ok, students, here’s what we’re going to work on today.’

Many times a week, I thought to myself, what’s wrong with that? That’s YOUR agenda – It’s not about the STUDENT.”

Feisal then demonstrated exactly how he begins a private lesson:

Coach: “What shot do you want to work on?”

Student: “My low backhand volleys.”

Coach: “Singles or doubles?”

Student: “Doubles.”

This conversation continued until Feisal had diagnosed a very specific shot and worked the student for maybe 10 minutes in a way that made a huge improvement on the STUDENT’S low backhand volley. They had a common language to talk about the shot because of his earlier experience listening to Feisal teach the course. This language is simple and allows your students to accurately drill down to the specific problems they’re having.

It was striking. Feisal made no directives, taught very little technique, and had no agenda for the lesson. He asked questions and dug into the errors the student might have been making and then addressed it in a way that was simple, effective and fun. I know from speaking with him afterward that he was extremely positive about the effect this short example had on his shot making. It was all about the STUDENT. There’s so much more to what these two amazing presenters taught us and this only scratches the surface of the other classes I attended.

There isn’t enough room in this article to go through them all. If you haven’t been to a conference, I can’t tell you enough about how much I got out of the experience. I will attend again and I will attend often.

Here I am, Monday morning after the conference, about to go on court… and I’m excited! I’m invigorated. I’m refreshed. I’m ready. Ready to do what? Make it about the STUDENT and Have FUN! h

David F. Berens has been a USPTA Elite Professional since 2001. His experience in tennis

has taken him from city parks to exclusive resorts and island getaways. He has been a writer

most of his life and went to Carson-Newman College and East Tennessee State University

to obtain his English Literature degree. He has been published in ADDvantage magazine and has appeared on several local news programs promoting 10 and Under Tennis. Berens

has written two books, “Break Point – 9 Life Lessons from the Tennis Court – Taking You

from your own Break Point to a New Beginning with Specific Life Hacks from a Tennis Coach’s Perspec tive,” and a soon-to-be-released instructional book, “Keep It Simple (Tennis) Students – The ONLY 5 Strategies You Will EVER Need For Doubles.”

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 55

Growing Your Business

Competitive Edge:

TGA Franchise, Passion for Tennis Give USPTA Pro Advantage in Market

U

SPTA Professional Stefan Gabler had the passion for teaching and growing his sport, and has found the competitive advantage in his North Carolina market by investing in a TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA) franchise.

“Building my own business in the sport I am most passionate about has been very exciting,” said the Durhambased former television and radio producer who has been a USPTA instructor for a decade. “TGA has provided a proven business model and teaching methods that are receiving strong recognition within communities for how it is impacting youth and families of all demographics.”

Gabler, who studied communications, journalism and political science at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, has been an instructor in Germany and the U.S. and specializes in 10 and Under Tennis.

“As a USPTA Professional, the TGA business model has allowed me to branch out into other areas of instruction, most notably the after-school enrichment markets of elementary and middle schools,” Gabler said. “While other teaching professionals will also target these markets, TGA has created a significant advantage by building a sustainable and scalable business infrastructure designed around getting new players into the sport.”

Since partnering with the United States Tennis Association and launching its school-based business model in 2012, TGA has become a leading introductory and recreational model in the tennis industry. The model has already activated more than 50,000 new tennis players across the country and is providing opportunities for USPTA professionals.

Gabler is proving that a USPTA member can garner a competitive advantage by providing after-school tennis programs at every elementary school within the community he works.

56 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

He has found that as those youngsters age and become vested in the sport along with their parents, a future pipeline of business is created, and overall tennis participation is increased to foster a successful future for the sport and for the USPTA Professional.

By putting tennis on the list of activities alongside mainstream sports and implementing its multi-level play-based enrichment curriculum for ages 5-10, and a play-based enrichment curriculum for students 11-14, TGA increases

after-school program, which puts tennis on a level playing field with other mainstream sports. Second, TGA ushers students and their families to recreational programs at tennis facilities that include USTA JTT and tournaments, and Play Day Series. This increases access points into tennis for youth, grows the base of tennis players, and presents the sport with a new avenue to cultivate elite talent for the future.

Gabler’s TGA of Durham County along with other similar chapters across

access points into tennis for youth, grows the base of tennis players, and presents the sport with a new avenue to cultivate elite talent for the future.

“In addition, with many of our kids and families never having played tennis before, we are working toward offering programs for parents to learn the sport, which could grow into increased lesson opportunities for my business in the future,” Gabler said.

The success of the TGA model comes from the celebrated two-pronged formula: First, introductory tennis programs are brought directly into schools and community centers as a before- or

the country are impacting thousands of youth through tennis and opening doors for USPTA Professionals to work as coaches, whether it is part time a few hours per week for enrichment programs, or full time at summer camps as head coaches and camp directors.

“It does take time, money and effort to build the reputation and successful business and clients in the community, but it is well worth it in the end when you are planting the seeds to grow the sport, impact youth, and build future business,” Gabler said.

For more information visit ­ www.playtga.com. h

Career Development Specialty Exams, Upgrades Coach Youth & PTCA I Tennis Workshop courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment)

(2 credits)

(2 credits)

Sept. 4

Louisville, Ky.

Sept. 10

Richland, Wash.

Sept. 7

Minneapolis

Sept. 29

Indian Wells, Calif.

Sept. 10-11

Aurora, Ill.

Sept. 10-11

Wayland, Mass.

Sept. 10-11

Boise, Idaho

Sept. 10-11

Richland, Wash.

Sept. 11

Coronado, Calif.

Sept. 18

Midlothian, Va.

Oct. 1-2

Huntington Beach, Calif.

Oct. 1-2

North Richland Hills, Texas

Oct. 2

West Bloomfield, Mich.

Oct. 2

Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Oct. 6-7

Mt. Kisco, N.Y.

Oct. 8-9

Atlanta

Oct. 8-9

Boca Raton, Fla.

Oct. 9-10 Oct. 14

Vienna, Va. Nichols Hills, Okla.

Oct. 14-15

Houston*

Oct. 9

Los Gatos, Calif.

Oct. 29

Fayeteville, N.C.

For more workshops, visit coachyouthtennis.com.

Webinars (.5 credits) Sept. 14

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.

Teaching Effective Strokes: Volley Patterns H. Pfister USPTA World Conference, Indian Wells, Calif.

Sept. 25

How to Plan Your Career P. Scheb USPTA World Conference, Indian Wells, Calif.

Sept. 28

A Better Teaching System J. Yandell USPTA World Conference, Indian Wells, Calif.

Sept. 29 Watch all recorded webinars at tennisresources.com.

For more information visit uspta.com/Education.

Cardio Tennis Sept. 25

Cardio Tennis Training Course Level 2 Windy Hill Athletic Club, Atlanta

Dec. 10

Cardio Tennis Training Course Level 2 Midtown Athletic Club, Chicago

* 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.

Injury Prevention; Mark Kovacs

Sept. 25

Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register.

Equipment Consulting: A Professional Racquet Adviser B. Patterson USPTA World Conference, Indian Wells, Calif.

Conferences/ Activities (Division Conferences – 6 credits; World Conference – 10 credits) Sept. 25-29

USPTA World Conference Indian Wells, Calif.

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.

58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

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.

Member News • USPTA Professional Jackie Roe and other organizers passionate about growing the game coordinated “Tennis in the Streets,” a tennis play day for 800 young children to get them excited about summer and playing tennis. For the 26th time since its inception in 1990, 40 pros and 75 volunteers offered tennis instruction and fun on Market Street on Rodney Square on May 20 for Tennis in the Streets. Kids from about a dozen elementary schools showed up, got a T-shirt, were provided racquets, and then were assigned to work with a pro for about 20 minutes.

Kids who showed real interest may qualify for a summer tennis scholarship at Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association. The USTA, USPTA, Wilmington Parks and Rec and RSTTA all worked with Roe to help deliver a fun-filled morning to the school children. USPTA Pros who participated in the event included: Adam Goldstein, Anthony DeCecco, Ed McQuillin, Gary Cimperman, Jeremiah De Jose, Jim Flesch, Jonathan Stein, Mark Centrella, Pat Tarrant, Rob Wirth, Shane Racine, Tom Weir and Kenny Beebe.

• The tennis community in Tuscaloosa, Ala., along with the generous members of Indian Hills Country Club and our sponsors, raised more than $18,000 this year during its annual one-day charity tennis tournament. IHCC Director of Tennis Keith Swindoll, USPTA Master Professional, presented Becci Hauser of United Cerebral Palsy of West Alabama with a check.

Past tournaments have raised money for ALS, American Cancer Society, Hospice of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa Tornado Relief and more.

Keith’s Classic is a women’s doubles event and is in its 29th year at Indian Hills.

• Jeff Abbey, long-time USPTA member and a tennis legend in Southern California, passed away on June 10 at the age of 90. He touched many lives, both on and off the court, and will be greatly missed.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President

Chuck Gill Gary Trost

Vice Presidents

Past President CEO Legal Counsel

Alan Cutler Feisal Hassan Ken McAllister Jack Michalko Diane Selke

TM

• USPTA Hawaii Pros show their Aloha Spirit wearing Hawaiian lei lanyards at the recent Hawaii Conference held in May at Punahou School in Honolulu. For the third straight year, there was record turnout for the USPTA Hawaii Division. Hawaii leads the nation in pros who have already earned their 6 professional development credits.

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

60 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.

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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