Addvantage 2019 January

Congratulation to all 2018 TIMagazine winners

January 2019

January, 2019

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Happy New Year!

THIS IS PLACHOLDER TEXT.

USPTA FROM THE CEO

WHAT’S NEXT? John R. Embree USPTA CEO

I

t is common knowledge that our beloved industry is not near as healthy as it should be. We have the best game on the planet, yet the metrics for both casual and core players over the past few years are flat to declining. Even worse, the manufacturers experienced the most challenging year for selling their products into the trade last year

since records have been kept. If it is any consolation, we are far better off than many traditional team sports that are seeing dramatic declines in participation of late.

It is against this backdrop that Katrina Adams, president of the USTA, gathered leaders from the different manufacturers, USTA sections, USTA board members, Sr. USTA executives, the TIA, USPTA and multi-club operators for an Industry Summit, which was held in the training room of your USPTA Headquarters. It was an honor to host this event with some of the brightest people in our sport who came together to talk about how to jump start the industry.

As one would expect, there were lots of divergent interests in the room. The mantra going in was that everyone should put the specific needs of their respective organizations aside and focus on the common goal of growing tennis

USTA hosted Industry Summit at the USPTA world headquarters in November.

50 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

participation by bringing lapsed players back into the game and attracting new players to our sport. If we develop more players, everyone wins. It was refreshing to see that people took off their “brand” hats and contributed to the conversation with ideas that would benefit the industry as a whole.

I do not have the time or the space in this article to dissect all the notions that were vetted over the day and a half. But, without question, there were two or three themes that no one in the room could dispute. In order to truly grow the game, there must be a significant influx in the quantity of tennis deliverers of the game at the grass roots level. Coupled with that premise, these deliverers must be of higher quality, be more educated and trained on the latest teaching/coaching trends and be more committed to growing tennis participation.

Repeatedly, no matter what programs were discussed, the tennis delivery system (mostly USPTA professionals) must be better at what we do, and we have to offer a better experience for the customers with whom we work.

USPTA

USTA hosted Industry Summit at the USPTA world headquarters in November.

With the aging of our population of tennis teaching professionals, the focus on developing strong Professional Tennis Management (PTM) programs is paramount if we are to be successful.

Students that graduate from a quality

“

week program and then stop: it is another to retain them, keep them engaged and bring them into the fold as frequent players. That requires extensive training that the industry is prepared to embrace, with pilot

In order to truly grow the game, there must be a significant influx in the quantity of tennis deliverers of the game at the grass roots level.�

PTM program are more prepared and more knowledgeable about running high-quality tennis programs than many of those who have been working in clubs for years.

Secondly, we also have an aging player base. So, we need more providers to deliver entry-level programs for beginner adults and kids. It is one thing to give a six-

programs beginning in 2019 at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida.

A third concept that evolved out of the summit was the concept of establishing premier tennis facilities across the country. These would be targeted public, private and commercial facilities that would offer and embrace a variety of new player

initiatives to grow the game in their respective communities. In turn, they would receive a variety of benefits from various industry partners and the USTA in recognition of their efforts to grow tennis participation. Much must be done in 2019 to vet this premise so that it is attractive and viable for those tennis facilities who wish to be a part of this endeavor.

Nothing is gained from a meeting of such stature unless there is consistent follow-up and quantifiable action steps are defined. I have been to too many industry meetings over the years where lots of good ideas are discussed but nothing gets done. This cannot be the outcome of this summit! We are at a critical tipping point when an industrywide effort must be put forth that every segment of our sport can endorse and activate. I, for one, will be pushing to make sure this gets done.*

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 51

USPTA

52 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

USPTA

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 53

USPTA VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

UP YOUR GAME WITH CONTINUING EDUCATION Cari Buck USPTA Vice President

C

ontinuing education in any field is paramount to success. Every industry evolves and changes, so why should tennis be any different? In order to stand out, pros need to evolve and grow with the industry. It is too easy to stick with what we know and “how we’ve always done it.” Continuing education can help get you to that next level, both on and off-court, and 2018 has seen two outstanding new programs roll out: the USPTA Leadership Academy and RacquetFit, continuing education both on and off-court.

The Leadership Academy is a comprehensive and dynamic intensive course that focuses on building leadership skills. It is also the USPTA’s first ever course like this. The program

is designed to get participants thinking as a leader off-court. Sara Morse, a presenter and executive director of the So Cal Division said, “Anyone who is interested in moving into a leadership role should absolutely participate in the Leadership Academy. It is a necessary and fantastic first step in building the resume that management is looking for.”

The interactive sessions utilize case studies, self-assessments and best practices all geared towards building strong leadership skills. Additional areas of focus include team building, communication skills, customer service, time management, budgets and HR issues. If you are looking to move up the ladder, the USPTA Leadership Academy led by USPTA members Feisal Hassan, Ajay Pant, Sara Morse and Jose Pastrello is a great way to get started. Take a closer look at https://bit. ly/2zmxFLT. RacquetFit, on the other hand, focuses more on-court with your players. Their philosophy is on how the body functions in relation to tennis and believes that there is more than one way to hit a tennis ball based on what a player can physically do. It also breaks down the philosophy of the body and how it should move in relation to tennis-specific movements.

Ever find yourself wondering why a

From left to right: Dr. Greg Rose, Dr. Mark Kovacs, Cari Buck, Jeff Salzenstein, and Dr. Sean Drake at the California RacquetFit certification .

54 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

student doesn’t seem to be doing what you have explained over and over? It is possible that they can’t physically do it, whether because of an injury or other physical limitations.

I recently attended RacquetFit’s “Level 1: The Body-Serve Connection,” and at the end of day one all I could think was “mind blown.” It honestly opened a whole new world to me, a new way to assess players and really help them within their potential physical boundaries. It is important for us as coaches to keep adding new tools to our “tool kits” and RacquetFit does exactly that.

The presentation itself was so well done, with a panel of experts including Dr. Greg Rose, Dr. Sean Drake, Jeff Salzenstein and Dr. Mark Kovacs, experts in their fields and an amazing team. It is also very interactive with attendees from several industries including tennis, fitness and medical so we are all learning from each other’s different perspectives and we all had something to share. After two full days, I was so excited to get started. My colleagues are getting tired of being “screened,” my serve is better than ever (thanks to some video analysis and a few quick adjustments from the team) and I’ve got a new tool in my “tool kit.”

“By being able to assess a player’s physical abilities, and then understanding how those attributes relate to their tennis-specific skills, is what separates an average coach from a great coach. This allows the coach to communicate with medical and fitness to get the results we want to see on and off the court,” said Dr. Sean Drake, vice president of RacquetFit. To learn more about RacquetFit, visit RacquetFit.com.

Like the Leadership Academy, RacquetFit is a commitment to your growth as an industry professional. Take the challenge, up your game and remember there is #alwaysmoretolearn. *

Our Story A passionate company with unique history

Led by founder Jim Fromuth and CEO Pat Shields, we are a tennis wholesale distributor based in West Lawn, PA. We first opened our doors nearly 50 years ago. The Fromuth Family liked and played the game of tennis, so they bought a stringing machine and had a few tennis frames to sell in the shop. In the late 1970s, tennis began to be televised and business took a different direction. Fromuth Tennis was born. As the tennis industry grew, so did our selection of racquets, strings and apparel. We began helping small pro shops get the product they needed to boost their own business.

Then & Now CEO Pat Shields and Founder Jim Fromuth

Today, we have a 25,000 sq. ft. warehouse. On a busy day in August, UPS trucks are lined up outside waiting to load more than 800 packages. Although bigger, we are still a family-owned operation with more than 70 employees who share a passionate drive for tennis and helping our customers.

USTA National Campus Pro Shop

Since 2006

Fromuth is the Official Distributor of Nike Footwear and Apparel to the USPTA

We lead all operations including staffing, merchandising and stringing services at the USTA National Campus Pro Shop. This 2,800 sq. ft. store in the Welcome Center of USTA National Campus features the newest product releases from top tennis brands such as Nike, adidas, Babolat, HEAD and Wilson, as well as unique National Campus memorabilia.

For more then 10 years we have provided Nike product to USPTA members. We are proud of our relationship with an exclusive community of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches promoting excellence in the tennis industry. USPTA members receive a 30 percent discount off retail prices when purchasing Nike goods through Fromuth.

The Official Distributor of Nike Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA.

uspta.fromuthtennis.com

MASTER PRO CORNER

High School Cross

Sport Athletes Alan Cutler

USPTA Master Professional Alan Cutler is one of the only dual master professionals that also holds two specialist degrees (computer and competitive player development). He taught tennis in municipalities, leased facilities, resorts, HOA’s and has held many levels of positions from teaching professional to president. He has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science.

Mark Faber

USPTA Elite Professional Mark Faber is the director of tennis at Twos Athletic Club and has been a USPTA member since 1993. Mark has been a no-cut high school coach for 24 years, spoken at USTA, USPTA and high school divisional and national education events and is involved locally, sectionally, divisionally and nationally on committees and boards.

T

oday’s high school athletes are encouraged to specialize in one specific sport, but, as we know, to be a well-rounded athlete it is important to play multiple sports. Skills gained from different sports enhance an athlete’s overall ability and talent. No single high school sport can fully train for the mental and physical demands placed on these athletes.

High school administrators and athletic directors should encourage coaches to promote multi-sport participation, thereby reducing any appearance of sports specialization.

Historically, many Division I college coaches prefer recruiting athletes that played multiple sports in high school. If you look back at the past few NFL, NBA and MLB top draft picks (first round), most were multiple-sport athletes.

We need to understand that the more athletic dexterities a player have, the more likely they are to be successful in competition. Also, by allowing them to take a break from their primary sport and preventing “burn out,” athletes may become more mentally motivated when they compete.

Not all skills developed in the various sports work in conjunction with each other, but by taking a careful look, you may find skills that are extremely similar or complementary. Specific attention should be given to specific player positions as, in football for example, an offensive lineman will have to be treated differently than a defensive back or wide receiver. With that said, identifying similar sports skills is critical to the multi-sport development of any player. Knowing

56 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

that batting in baseball is very similar to hitting a tennis ball and first-step explosive speed is directly related to running a pass pattern can aid coaches in identifying the most beneficial skills to their previously specialized athletes.

What we must do better, as tennis professionals, is help other coaches realize the direct benefit of encouraging their athletes to participate in tennis in the offseason.

This may be hard to sell to coaches and athletic directors who may believe in the more traditional specialized athlete, so it is important to have the right information and approach. We need to make sure they understand we are not trying to steal their athletes, but rather, enhance their overall athletic experience. We need to show coaches that we also have the best interest of their player and program in mind and want to be their partner rather than their competition.

If you cannot establish this trust, many coaches will not feel secure or understand the benefit of crosssport training, and this is not going to happen. To really help an athlete grow, a coach must put aside their personal fears or selfish motives and look at developing the athlete as a whole.

Tennis is truly a sport that develops multiple athletic moves all at once, versus some cross-training sports that only develop one at a time. The following are some ideas of what tennis brings to other sports. This is not meant to be a complete list but, rather, ideas of how to help you sell this concept to athletic directors, as well other sport coaches.

MASTER PRO CORNER

Baseball

1. First-step explosive speed: Tennis players need to get moving very quickly to be able to get to the ball.

This skill directly relates to stealing base in baseball.

2. Hitting the ball, and maybe being able to control location of hits: The sweet spot on a bat and tennis racquet are not that different.

Understanding that the target is the contact point of a hitting tool (bat or racquet) is basically the same.

3. Picking up the spin of a pitch faster: This is about learning to watch the ball as early as possible.

4. Core rotation while hitting (power stance and coil/uncoil): Like tennis, the kinetic chain is from the ground up.

5. Angle in arm when serving or throwing: This is also a very similar skill.

Basketball

1. Side to side movement: This is about first-step explosive speed as well as agility and balance.

2. Athletic position: Ready position with legs loaded. This helps with movement as well as jumping.

3. Reading and anticipating of opponent’s movement.

4. Focus on big point: Learning to controls the athlete’s emotions, calming themselves down to allow for more success.

5. Recovery between points and refocusing on tasks.

Soccer

1. Quick explosive movement/short sprint as it relates to footwork and balance.

2. Reading and anticipating of opponent’s movement.

3. Tracking skills: Learning how to improve interception of the ball.

4. Multiple directional changes: Agility with speed and control.

Golf

1. Core rotation while hitting (power stance and coil/uncoil): Like tennis, the kinetic chain is from the ground up 2. Controlled club head acceleration: learning the difference between generating power from the legs and using the hands to control hitting location and spin.

3. Angle of club face to manipulate ball hitting direction is very similar to club head.

Volleyball

1. Service motions are very similar for developing the ability to hit different spins on the serve.

2. Tracking skills and understanding angle of attack to intercept the balls location.

3. First-step explosive speed to get the ball earlier.

4. Reading and anticipating of opponent’s movement .

5. Recovery between points and refocusing on tasks.

Football

1. Wide receivers/defensive backs and linebackers.

2. Tracking skills and understanding angle of attack to intercept the ball’s location.

3. First-step explosive speed to get the ball earlier.

4. Multiple directional changes: Agility with speed and control.

5. Recovery between points and refocusing on tasks (like between plays).

6. Reading and anticipating of opponent’s movement.

As mentioned previously, football and some other sports will be based on position. Being knowledgeable in the synergies between different sports, no matter what they are,

is the most important part of our message to coaches. We want to be viewed as trusted partners in the success of their players, rather than the coach that is trying to steal away a good player.

Once we have explained the benefits of multi-sport athletes to the coaches, it is important that we provide them with enough information to encourage their players to consider the benefits. A proper periodization schedule would include an active rest period, which is the perfect time for participation in another sport. We must break down barriers and perceived threats of taking good athletes away from one sport to another and make sure everyone, including the player, understands the benefits of working together to develop better athletes.

Athletic directors and physical education administrators need to get involved at a higher level as well to make sure coaches are introduced and trained to understand the benefits of cross-sport participation.

However, at the end of the day, it is still likely that tennis coaches will need to sell this to the other coaches. We must foster a sense of trust and cooperation between coaches.

At the end of high school, most athletes will not have the skills or talent to compete at the college level. Even though these athletes may not have the ability to continue, it should not stop them from participating in sports as adults. Coaches need to meet the needs of all their athletes, not just the ones that will make it to the next level. The introduction and encouragement to participate in sports like tennis allow these athletes to continue to find recreational exercise for the rest of their lives. *

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 57

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KEEP IT SIMPLE

Michael O’Connell USPTA Master Professional

K

eep it Simple. How often have we all heard this statement when teaching our students new techniques or even if we are working with a beginner for the first time? I have been teaching for more than 40 years and have been exposed to many different styles and approaches in communicating, educating and delivering instructions. I have been fortunate to be able to teach hundreds of individuals seeking to get into the tennis industry and become tennis professionals through the program we offered at the Indiana University Recreational Sports Tennis Center, “tennis training for career professionals.”

Some of the most powerful and meaningful words spoken to your students are the simplest and most effective provided you have a good understanding of all the proper mechanics and stroke production. Often these words, rhymes and isms that I will share are reminders to the students on what they should focus on.

These are a few of the “mike-isms” that I have incorporated in my sessions and adopted that my students respond to.

SIT BEFORE YOU HIT: The goal here is to get your students to bend their knees and stay down as they are striking the ball.

EXTEND BEFORE YOU BEND: This phrase refers to the student extending out through the contact point before bending the arm too soon and going across the body.

MASTER PRO CORNER

Thumb on the thigh, thumb in the sky: Often times the student needs a checkpoint or a reference point as it relates to the starting point and finishes.

Perform before you bow: This thought helps the student to keep their head up and to extend up and out on their serve.

Track it to the racquet: This phrase is to get your students to think about watching the ball to the strings.

If you want to celebrate, then you must accelerate: This statement is to get your student to think about finishing the stroke and illicit spin.

Meet it, don’t beat it: Most of your students take too much backswing when volleying and this phrase will help your student prevent too much backswing.

If you want to score, use your core: As teaching professionals, we all know the importance of utilizing the core to perform the desired stroke production.

Cock it, lock it, knock it: This statement is to get the student to lay the wrist back, align the racquet face and to stabilize.

If you want to compete, then move your feet or suffer defeat: This phrase recognizes the importance of footwork.

• BELIEVE, AND YOU WILL ACHIEVE • DON’T RUSH-BRUSH • WHEN LOW, GO • SOLVE THE RIDDLE, GO DOWN THE MIDDLE • DIP AND RIP • GRIP IT, RIP IT • SLICE IS NICE, FLAT NOT WHERE IT IS AT, SPIN YOU WIN (MY FAVORITE) • SERVE FOR SHOW, VOLLEY FOR DOUGH • IF YOU WANT YOUR SERVE TO RATE, THEN PRONATE • IF YOU POP IT UP THEN YOU WILL COUGH IT UP • RENOUNCE THE BOUNCE • FIND, FEEL, FINISH • SPLIT THEM OR HIT THEM • THE FOUR R’S: READY, READ, REACT, RECOVER • THE FOUR P’S: PRESENTS, POSTURE, POSITION, PRESSURE • IF YOU CAN’T READ IT, YOU CAN’T BEAT IT • BACK UP THEN YOU WILL PACK UP • STOP THE CHOP • LOAD AND EXPLODE • PLAY LARGE AND IN CHARGE • NO DISGRACE TO CHANGE THE PACE • IF YOU WANT TO WIN THE RACE, CHANGE THE PACE • IT IS RISKY TO BE WRISTY • DON’T BE CUTE, JUST EXECUTE • RECOVER TO DISCOVER • WORK FOR A CAUSE, NOT THE APPLAUSE

As you can see, there are so many short words, phrases and isms that can be incorporated into your teaching vocabulary. Here are a number of other rhymes and isms that I utilize:

The next time you are teaching your students and you want them to remember correct form, use keywords and phrases. These simple words will make learning tennis enjoyable and long-lasting. *

O’Connell was the head professional at the Indiana University Recreational Sports Tennis Center from 1992-2015. He was a five-time Indiana USPTA Professional of the Year, Midwest USPTA Professional of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the USPTA Midwest Hall of Fame in 1998

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 59

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INSIDE COACHING Mind your P’s for perfecting play

USPTA

by Tony D. Adams, USPTA Professional

W

hile I’ve been teaching tennis for seven years and have been certified for three years, I’ve been playing and coaching tennis for 27 years.

As a USPTA certified professional, I’ve been working within the youth tennis program for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section in Woodbridge, Virginia and its’ affiliate, TGA. I have also been coaching area high school teams, including 100-plus roster players, and also independently coaching players from more than 400 families. I played for 10 years overseas while serving in the military and competed stateside on USTA teams in league championships and area district tournaments.

My experience in tennis helped me to develop a successful playing and coaching philosophy. My teaching system includes components that key on specific terms which helps me to communicate various skills to my students. I would like to introduce my strategies that focus on six key words starting with the letter “P” and share them with other teaching professionals.

The below terms include poise, patience, position, pace, placement and power in the order of importance. Together, these skills help players build on a successful game plan.

1. Poise

Poise is related to a player’s thought processes/decision making during a point, set or match and is directly associated with problem-solving during competition. Poise is concerned with learning to play within one’s capacity for a given shot and change shots

against opponents with contrasting and varying styles. For example, when a player is late to the ball, by using more poise he or she can hit a high and deep shot instead of a weak rally ball when forced back or out of position and gain more recovery time to be in position to hit the next set of shots. Having poise can help players remain in the shotmaking moment, just player and ball, so that the player can finish successfully through the ball without interruption of thought or emotion.

my more competitive students gain advantage during tougher points. I also believe more patient players will serve at a higher percentage and more effectively win their service games through smarter, more efficient serving.

3. Position

2. Patience

Achieving the best position starts with a good ready position and split step

Power up their legs for a shot

Patience is just what it sounds like, and can be integrated into practice before and during a point, game, set or match.

I continually want my students to take more time to power up their legs for the shot and set the racquet, and then hit a cleaner, stronger shot using what I call the “power step” with trampoline effect falling into the shot. I find myself telling them, “bounce, bounce, pause, explode and smack through the ball.” This helps

I expect my students to use positive energy and get in a better position so they can hit cleaner, less risky shots and experience fewer errors in any given match. Good footwork and finding dynamic balance before and during a player’s shots are essential ingredients.

Achieving the best position starts with a good ready position and split step, especially with more advanced players, so that higher-level players can quickly anticipate shots and get in position to “hit the right shot at the right time”; another phrase I often use in teaching.

One point of interest for any coach should be helping students learn how to transition to the mid-court, get into a nice unit turn. This is a good time for

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 61

USPTA INSIDE COACHING skipping to a player’s open-stance power position and hitting around and up on the ball (turning the arm over). This is what I refer to as a cutshot similar to how Rafael Nadal hits his forehand, which helps to strike through the ball and keeping it well within the court without sacrificing good racquet head speed. Further, I realize that patience is even more important for younger, less-confident players who are working to learn better backhands. This happens when students reach for the ball instead of moving to and attacking the ball. For best results, early forward momentum should take place prior to the bounce on the backhand.

4. Pace

Ideal pace, for both forehands and backhands

The fourth “P” is one of the most important attributes of successful high school players. Since emotions play a vital role in a high school player’s results, how players manage energy and emotions is central to controlling the racquet and managing the pace in his or her game. Thereby, nearly all of my practices with my high school students incorporate hitting for rhythm at each player’s ideal pace for both forehands and backhands.

For example, one of my students might have 80 percent pace on his forehand, but only 65 to 70 percent pace on his backhand. It’s important

for the coach and player to find this mutual understanding of what pace is correct for the given player’s shots to effectively work the point without sacrificing silly errors. Hitting with the right pace and working the point with rally balls instead of simply playing up to his or her limits too early in the rally or at the wrong time in a rally can be vital in winning close matches.

Considering the above, it’s important to help players speed up and try to increase their pace with all shots to allow them to play first-strike tennis when necessary.

strategy when he or she is being beat at his or her typical game.

6. Power

5. Placement

Without understanding a player’s pace, placing the ball is often too challenging.

Learning to place the ball is not often practiced enough, especially at a player’s ideal pace. While most young players really enjoy hitting hard, hitting angles and deep balls at slower speeds can be tremendously effective in luring players out of position. When working angles including outside-in and insideout style shots, down-the-line practice, high-and-deep balls and various slices, the coach should help players figure out his or her ideal patterns of play and pace so they can regularly play to his or her strengths. At the same time, I try to help students learn to anticipate obvious angles of their opponents’ shots by following learned patterns or generally playing cross-court angles.

The coach and player must ultimately be flexible enough and have alternative patterns that target noted weaknesses of a given player. Players have to be brave in changing his or her game

The sixth and final “P” is power, which becomes evident in a player’s game as they compete at increasingly higher levels. Power has its biggest place in tennis when players utilize “first-strike” style tennis. If players are equal or challenged in the baseline game, it’s a good time to implement more “strikefirst” style tennis early in rallies. While power is not necessarily for everyone given a player’s style, today’s tennis tour players seem to hit the ball faster in most matches, but sacrifice errors. Basically, when the opponent’s ball is sitting just above the net, I encourage my students to hit high-style attack shots with great power.

Implementing the six “Ps” of poise, patience, position, pace, placement and power creates a great foundation for a well-rounded game. The key is to find the right blend between the “Ps” for your player(s). *

Tony Adams lives in Springfield, Virginia, and works as an independent USPTA tennis professional and teaching pro for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Region. He started playing tennis after high school and competed while a soldier in Germany for the US Army. At his current position at Fort Belvoir, he has won the Intramural Tennis Championships the last four out of six years.

62 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

RACQUETFIT

No Coil Characteristic and Screen

H

ow many coaches have experienced this? A player arrives for a lesson and announces their intention of learning to swing and serve like their favorite player. The coach goes to work, offering analysis and technical cues in hopes of bridging the gap between their student and the generational athlete they hope to emulate. After an hour of work, progress is limited. The student still isn’t doing what their favorite player is doing.

Does this mean that the student is a poor athlete or that the coach is ineffective at communicating a desired technical change?

No. Allow me to present a third option: the student does not have the movement capabilities required to reproduce what their favorite player does.

At RacquetFit, we’re obsessed with understanding how the human body moves in tennis. The sport of tennis presents unique physical demands and we believe that coaches and athletes should consider how they move when designing how they play.

One problem with modeling your game after a professional player is that the strokes you see on TV belong to athletes who not only have elite technique, but elite movement capabilities. If you want your athlete to copy Roger Federer, you better hope they can move like Federer.

This issue is extremely prevalent in the serve, in part because of the mobility and stability requirements. A common serve characteristic that we see is a lack of rotation in the trophy pose. In order to create explosive power during the serve, the athlete needs to be able to rotate or coil their body during the toss phase. In order to assess whether or not you are coiling enough, the front of their hip and the majority of their chest should be visible from the back-camera view. If you can’t see the chest or hips, we refer to this as a swing characteristic called No Coil.

Lack of coil isn’t just the result of physical limitations. Technical issues such as poor ball toss, inefficient stance or inadequate forward weight shift can contribute to No Coil. More often than not, however, the issue is physical.

In our opinion, if you have an athlete who wants to increase their coil, the most important thing you can do is to determine whether the

USPTA

by RacquetFit Team

issue is technical or physical. Let me show you one of the ways we teach coaches, trainers and medical professionals to screen for rotational capabilities in our RacquetFit seminars.

The multi-segmental rotation assessment tests for normal rotational mobility of the trunk, pelvis, hips, knees and feet. To perform the screen, stand with your back to a mirror (or behind your student). Stand tall, holding a racquet behind your head. Turn as far as you can to the right. If you can see your left shoulder in the mirror, there’s a good chance you have the requisite physical capabilities to coil properly in the serve (there are two additional rotational tests in the RacquetFit screen we use to confirm).

If you don’t pass the multi-segmental rotation screen, the good news is you can still play great tennis. You don’t have to move like Federer to serve well, you just have to move like Federer to serve like Federer.

Our philosophy is that there are infinite ways to serve, but there’s one way to serve that is most efficient for you and it’s based on how you can move.

Once we know your screen results, we give you two options: you can work with a trainer or medical professional to move your physical capabilities or you can develop a style with your coach that works around your physical limitation.

Instructing athletes to move in a way that they are not capable of moving isn’t just the recipe for a frustrating lesson, it’s the recipe for a bad lesson. Don’t guess how your athlete moves, assess how your athlete moves.

If you’re interested in learning more about RacquetFit and how to physically screen and evaluate your athletes, check out our website: www.racquetfit.com. We look forward to seeing you at one of our 2019 Locations: Phoenix - 2/07-08/2019 Lake Nona - USPTA 3/29-20/2019 Newark - 5/24-25/2019 Dallas - 7/18-19/2019 Las Vegas - Attached to the USPTA World Conference 9/28-29/2019 Atlanta - 11/15-16/2019*

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 63

USPTA PLATFORM TENNIS

Why your racquet sports facility should consider adding Platform Tennis!

by Andy Sorrentino, USPTA Elite Professional & PPTA Professional

P

latform Tennis, with its multigenerational appeal, has been exploding across the country over the past 10 years. Platform tennis, which is affectionately known as “paddle,” by its enthusiastic followers, is a fun, exciting, fast-paced game which is easy to learn but uniquely challenging to those with advanced racquet skills. Originally thought of as a cold weather alternative to outdoor tennis, platform tennis courts have been popping up in some interesting warm climate locations such as Arizona, California, South Carolina, Georgia and even in Florida.

Summer platform has also been gaining a following thanks to the development of a special warm-weather ball which bounces lower in warmer conditions.

Platform tennis was invented nearly one hundred years ago in Scarsdale, New York by James Gogswell and Fessenden Blanchard, two avid tennis players looking for a way to stay active and hone their tennis skills during the long east coast winters. Platform is

played on an elevated aluminum deck (thus the name “platform tennis”), approximately 1/3 the size of a tennis court, over a 34-inch net, with the court surrounded by 12-foot-high screens. The ability to melt snow and ice with heating units underneath the gritty aluminum surface makes platform tennis a true all-weather sport.

At many clubs in the Northeast and Midwest, platform tennis has taken over as the number one alternative during cold weather months when racquets enthusiasts and golfers traditionally go into hibernation. The mass appeal and party atmosphere make platform tennis a fun, healthy outdoor activity that can be played socially or at a highly competitive level. Platform is truly a lifetime sport. The smaller court is easier to cover than a tennis court and the relatively quick learning curve allows players of all ages and abilities to become proficient rather quickly.

Many people describe platform as a combination of tennis, racquetball and

64 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

squash, as players utilize classic tennis strokes with the ability to play shots off of the wires. Almost exclusively played as doubles teams, the tight confines of a platform court make communication and teamwork imperative. Initially, players with proficient racquet skills have an advantage, but unlike tennis, many players can compensate with thoughtful strategy and a little bit of hustle. The inability to hit winners and the reliance on strategy has led many to call platform tennis the “chess game” of racquet sports. Platform tennis is unique in that players of varying abilities can still enjoy a competitive game, as the ability to use the screens becomes a great equalizer. So, as the court space shrinks, the tactics and strategies increase which has become the main feature in platform’s lasting appeal and growth in popularity.

Of course, there are financial benefits in developing a platform tennis program as well. The teaching options are endless, from new players, to junior programming, to players with elite racquet skills desperate to learn the intricacies of paddle strategy. Platform tennis is easy to learn, easy to coach and there are many opportunities to gain teaching proficiency and certification through the USPTA. Platform tennis programs are a fantastic way to increase pro shop sales at racquet clubs during the winter months which have traditionally been the slow retail periods. The ability to deliver an entirely new line of racquets, balls and cold-weather sports apparel can create completely new revenue streams. Clubs can additionally benefit from the food and beverage opportunities that are associated with leagues, tournaments and platform parties, which have

USPTA become a major part of the platform tennis culture. The increased social appeal of platform lends itself to a more festive post-match atmosphere usually accompanied by a meal and an adult beverage.

As the decision makers at many clubs are searching for additional revenue sources, increased programming for its members and creative ways to compensate club professionals, platform tennis provides a comprehensive option

that addresses each of these challenges.

Who benefits from a platform tennis program?

1. Professionals/managers looking for a fun, new, winter program for their tennis players, golfers or a whole new group of members.

2. Racquet professionals who can continue to teach through the cold weather months with little loss of revenue, without having to relocate

to a warm weather destination.

3. Clubs looking to increase pro shop sales 4. The membership who will welcome an outdoor sport that they can play year-round with their friends and family.

5. The general manager who will be grateful for the increases in food and beverage sales associated with keeping members engaged at the club through the winter season. *

USPTA PARTNERS WITH IPTPA TO BRING PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION TO THE ASSOCIATION T

he United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) has entered into a three-year partnership with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA.) Under the terms of the agreement, the USPTA will work collaboratively with the recognized world leader in pickleball teacher certification to certify USPTA professionals in pickleball.

Starting in 2019, the IPTPA will host specialty courses in pickleball across USPTA division conferences, where interested professionals will be able to earn their Level I certification in pickleball.

“We realize that our members have been asked about pickleball and many are being encouraged to start a pickleball program at their facilities.

With that in mind, our board of directors has recognized that USPTA

members should have education about pickleball,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “The IPTPA has proven to be a well-respected and outstanding organization providing opportunities to improve teaching skills through continuing education programs.

However, it is not our intent to get into the pickleball certification business.”

The pickleball certification course will include classroom sessions, oncourt teaching sessions, and an on-court playing session. The cost for the fivehour workshop is $240, which includes the pickleball certification testing, access to the specialty course, and a one-year membership with the IPTPA.

The courses will be hosted at USPTA division conferences.

“As highly trained teachers, USPTA professionals are great communicators, can break a skill down to its simplest components, understand the importance of a great lesson plan and are passionate about teaching,” said IPTPA CEO Seymour Rifkind. “We condensed our workshop into a format that will allow USPTA members to recognize the distinct differences of pickleball while becoming familiar with the IPTPA methodology which has become the world standard in teaching pickleball. IPTPA is thrilled to be partnering with the USPTA.”*

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 65

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MEMBER NEWS

Rex Cuajunco

Lisa Dodson

Henry Harris

Eric Anderson

Featured in the New York Tennis Magazine article At the Net with Lisa Dodson.

Dodson is a 40-year teaching professional and is the developer and owner of Servemaster along with being a WTCA and USPTA Professional and a former WTA world-ranked player.

She has extensive experience in club management, program development, product development and professional teaching for all levels of play.

Lisa is also a national speaker, a serve specialist and has accumulated over 40 years of experience in the tennis industry. Currently, she is the seasonal director of tennis at Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York.

Henry Harris is set to be inducted into the Tennis Foundation of Mississippi Hall of Fame. Harris attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and then graduated from Alcorn State University.

He then returned to Natchez, Mississippi to work as a policeman. 18 years later, he was transferred to the Parks and Recreation Department (now the City of Natchez Recreation Department).

In 1976, Harris started volunteering as the tennis coach at North Natchez High School. During his time leading the Rams, they won four division championships, four state championships, and two Big 8 Conference championships.

Anderson is Director of tennis at Desert Highlands in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was given the 2018 Outstanding Tournament Enrichment Award from the USTA Southwest Section along with the 2018 Sally Grabham Tournament Enrichment award from the USTA Phoenix Section. The awards were given for his performance as the tournament director of the Desert Highlands USTA Southwest Grass Court Championships, held since 2012. Anderson also received the Industry Excellence Award during the 2018 USPTA Southwest Division Convention.

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President...................................................................... Gary Trost First Vice President................................................. Feisal Hassan Vice Presidents..........................................Cari Buck, Mark Faber,

Trish Faulkner, Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka

Immediate Past President.............................................Chuck Gill CEO...........................................................................John Embree Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell

ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Editor.............................................................................John Cornell Managing Editor ................................................... DeVonte’ Martin Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes Editorial Assistance.......................... Tommy Cardinal, Risa Epstein, Ramona Husaru, Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ashley Walker Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827

USPTA

Cuajunco has been named director of operations for the SMU men’s tennis team. He recently was the director of tennis at The Village Dallas for over 20 years and is a USPTA Elite Professional and a Master Racquet Technician with the United States Racquet Stringers Association.

An avid volunteer, Cuajunco has served in numerous capacities such as president of the Dallas Professional Tennis Association, Nominating Committee Chair at the USPTA Texas Division, D&I Committee Chair at USTA Texas Section, and his current role as the Leadership Development Committee Chair for the USTA Texas Section.

ADDvantage is published monthly by the USPTA The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the United States Professional Tennis Association.

Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2019. All rights reserved.

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

Cover Photo by Hans Romer

January 2019 — USPTA ADDvantage Magazine - 67

USPTA

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Exams, Upgrades & PTCA 4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Jan. 5 – 6 ...................................Aurora, IL Jan. 5 – 6 ..............Mountlake Terrace, WA Jan. 6.................................. Collierville, TN Jan. 11 ....................... Oklahoma City, OK Jan. 12 - 13 ....................... Boca Raton, Fl Jan. 18.............................. Kansas City, MO Jan. 18................................... Stanford, CA Jan. 26 – 27 .......................... La Habra, CA Feb. 2 – 3 ................. Hilton Head Island, SC Feb. 9 – 10 ....................... Johns Creek, GA Feb. 11 – 12 ............................ Orlando, FL Feb. 13..........................North Merrick, NY Feb. 14 – 15 .......................Centennial, CO Feb. 16 – 17 ............ Huntington Beach, CA Feb. 17 ...................................Boston, MA Feb. 21.................................... Wichita, KS Feb. 22 ................................ Mt. Kisco, NY Feb. 23................................ Eau Claire, WI Feb. 23 – 24 ................. Horseshoe Bay, TX Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade. PTCA I is included in the two day exam. 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.

Online education

Division Conferences - 6 Credits Watch webinars, seminars, On Court with USPTA episodes, specialty courses and much more on TennisResources.com to earn your education credits.

Platform Tennis

T

m

ADMIRE MENTOR

INVITE

• Admire the reputation of the prospective member • Invite them to join our respected organization • Mentoring for those interested in professional guidance USPTA members are asked to recommend admirable teaching professionals in their local area or region who are currently instructing but not USPTA certified. If the prospect decides to join, it

January 18-20......................... NorCal Division Stanford University; Stanford, CA

February 16-17........... Intermountain Division Lifetime Fitness; Centennial, CO

Feb. 21 ....................... Certification Course Englewood, CO

February 21-23.......... Missouri Valley Division

Feb. 24 - 25 ................. Certification Course Garden City, NY

February 21-24..........................Texas Division

Mar. 19 – 20 ................ Certification Course Golf, IL

March 1-3............................Northern Division

Apr. 21 ........................ Certification Course Stamford, CT

Crestview Country Club; Wichita, KS

Horseshoe Bay Resort; Horseshoe Bay, TX

Fred Wells Tennis and Learning Center; St. Paul, MN

March 2-3...........................San Diego Division La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club; La Jolla, CA

Mar. 29 - 30................. Certification Course USPTA National Headquarters; Lake Nona, Fl

Cardio Tennis Jan. 19 ...................Level 1 Training Course Ferris State University; Big Rapids, MI

National Board Applications Available Soon he USPTA Nominating Committee will be seeking candidates who are interested in serving on the USPTA National Board of Directors for the 2020-2022 term. Information and the application will be emailed to eligible members this month.

The application deadline is March 1. Phone interviews will be conducted with qualified nominees. The selected candidates will then be offered a live interview during the Executive Committee in April.

2019 USPTA Division Conference Schedule

A nominating slate will be presented to the membership by June 1, and any challenges to the slate must be submitted by Aug. 1. If an election is needed, it will be held in late August so that results can be announced at the World Conference in September.

Please note that only members in good standing with a certification level of Elite Pro or higher are eligible to apply. Any candidates failing to meet these criteria will not be considered.

is the referring member’s responsibility to be sure that the applicant includes his or her name on the application in the field labeled “Please provide the name of the person who recommended USPTA membership to you.”

New Member Referral Incentives & Eligibility: • $50 discount on USPTA annual dues up to $300. After that – a $50 credit for the USPTA Pro Tennis Shop • Only certified members in good standing will be eligible and they may only refer first-time potential members.

For more information, contact membership at membership@uspta.org

68 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine — January 2019

April 27-28..........Southern California Division SeaCliff Country Club; Huntington Beach, CA

May 16-18...........................Southern Division North Hill Country Club; Raleigh, NC

May 17-19........................ Southwest Division Location TBD

May 30-June 2........................ Florida Division PGA National; Palm Beach Gardens

May 31- June 1.......Pacific Northwest Division Central Park Tennis Club; Kirkland , WA

August 15-16....................... Midwest Division Western Southern Open; Cincinnati, Ohio