Addvantage 2018 September/October

SEPT-OCT 2018

ULTIMATE CONTROL Nike Zoom Vapor 10 for Men and Women.

With Nike Zoom Air and a Dynamic Fit system, the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X HC Tennis Shoe provides exceptional control on the hard court.

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

Preferred USPTA MEMBER Pricing online at uspta.fromuthtennis.com.

FROM THE CEO

Recognizing our very best..

by John R. Embree, USPTA Chief Executive Officer

O

ne of our least publicized assets, yet one of the most positions as a director at clubs in important, is our own USPTA Hall of Fame. We spend Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, so much talking about the matters that are at the forefront and in St. Petersburg, Florida before of our association today that not enough time is dedicated to being named the director of tennis at the celebrating those figures who have contributed so mightily to USTA National Campus in Lake Nona our organization over the years and to the game in general. I am prior to its opening in January 2017. reminded of this fact as we recognize the 2018 Grand Inductees There, she has grown the teaching staff into the USPTA Hall of Fame during this year’s Tennis Teachers from nothing to over 24 professionals Conference in New York City on the eve of the US Open. where local programming is busting at the seams. Most notably, 2018 is an anniversary of sorts for our Hall of Fame because it she is the only female president of the USPTA (from 1994-1996) began in 1993. Our first inductee was the beloved Arthur Ashe. Is and will only be the second female inducted into our Hall of it not ironic that 25 years before that, Arthur was the first African Fame (the first was Doris Hart in 2012). Congratulations Kathy American male to win a Grand Slam and the first to win the title on this well deserved award. in the era of open tennis at the US Open? Thus, we are not only If there ever was an example of how to be an ideal tennis celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the USPTA Hall of Fame parent, Jimmy Evert was it. I only wish all tennis parents in but also 50 years of open tennis. Where does the time go? today’s junior competitive world could conduct themselves like Our second inductee in Evert. A gentlemen’s gentleman, 1994 was the late, great he embodied class, dignity, respect George Bacso. No one and modesty. He raised his five embodied the principals kids to be champions, both on and and ideals of the USPTA off the court. But, it wasn’t just his more than George, who not own children that he impacted. only served as our national The Holiday Park Tennis Center head tester for so many in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was the years but also as president epicenter of junior development of the USPTA from 1978in South Florida in the 70’s and 1980. Since those early 80’s, where players could go, hang days, the USPTA has out and play all day. World class recognized a total of 19 touring pros like Brian and Larry other giants in the tennis Gottfried, Frank Froehling, Harold teaching profession, Solomon, and later, Jennifer USPTA Hall of Famers Arthur Ashe and George Bacso. including the late Tim Capriati, along with Chrissie and Heckler, whose name will forever be linked with the USPTA Hall her siblings were taught sportsmanship, effort, how to deal with of Fame. All inductees will receive the USPTA Tim Heckler Hall adversity and so much more. I doubt Evert ever raised his voice of Fame Award as they are inducted. to anyone.

This is the association’s highest honor afforded any person, In recognition of his long-standing service to the Ft. national or international, living or deceased. Inductees have Lauderdale community, Holiday Park was renamed the Jimmy given exemplary service to the tennis-teaching profession.

Evert Tennis Center when he retired. A 63-year member of the Inductees must have momentous international and/or national USPTA, Jimmy passed in 2015 leaving a legacy that will long be tennis industry or teaching service, be well known by name to remembered. teaching professionals in the country in which they reside and We are proud to have both Kathy Woods and Jimmy Evert fulfill various other requirements. joining the esteemed group of previous inductees who all Against this set of criteria, we honor our two newest inductees represent the best that our industry has produced. Each, in in 2018, Kathy Woods and the late Jimmy Evert. Kathy has had their own right, were or are regarded as pioneers in our sport. a distinguished 30 year career as a tennis teacher and mentor They will forever be etched in the annals of our association. I am for so many people, it is hard to count. She has held countless grateful to have known many the inductees in my career. *

43 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

SOUND ON. VOLUME UP. PLAY YOUR HEART OUT. If you want the tennis world to listen up, then make noise when it’s time to play by putting your whole heart into it. It’s how you go from good…to great…to rock-star status. And it doesn’t hurt to be armed with the most classic of instruments: Roger’s legendary new Pro Staff RF97.

WILSON.COM Pros often customize the rackets they use, including string patterns. Consumer racket specifications may vary from models customized by Pros for match-play. © 2018 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 17-2599

45 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

President’s Message

This is Your Team of Leaders.

by Gary Trost, USPTA President

A

s we pass by the first six months of the new USPTA national board of directors and our latest board of directors meeting in Oklahoma City, it is important that I take this opportunity to explain to you the national board’s jobs and committees. This will give you an update on where we are headed and how we will address issues facing the association. It would be this president’s wish to leave this position with the association in a better place with excellent leaders ready and trained to step up. Here are some of the responsibilities they will oversee during the 2018-2019 term: First Vice President Feisal Hassan Budget and Finance Committee Feisal has a mandatory assignment of being the Treasurer along with being the budget and finance chair. The national board along with the Budget and Finance Committee are reviewing the current financials and future budgets that Feisal and our staff submit. Feisal also assists me in day to day decisions and gives me a great perspective on how to handle issues that may arise.

Vice President Cari Buck Marketing Task Force Cari is leading the Marketing Task Force that I thought we needed as an association. Although the Marketing Task Force is not an official committee of the association, she has the extremely important position of working with the national committees and the national office to blend the necessary marketing materials together. To assist with her duties as the chair of the Marketing Task Force, Cari has chosen a small group to help her promote the association both internally and externally.

Vice President Mark Faber Membership Committee Mark served on the Membership Committee for a couple years and was a natural choice to take the reins. This is a larger committee that has a few different specialized groups working within the entire scope of membership. I could probably spend this entire article trying to expand on the different ways that this group is looking to enhance your membership here at the USPTA and make it better for you now and in the future.

Vice President Trish Faulkner Award and Diversity & Inclusion Committee Trish had a late start to her position as the awards chair and diversity and inclusion chair but has quickly shown why the current board appointed her in January. Both are medium sized

46 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

committees and the awards were the priority with a deadline in April to have everything ready for the 2018 Tennis Teachers Conference in August.

Vice President Bill Mountford Education Committee Bill is the chair of the Education Committee that has the dual role of preparing our association for the USTA accreditation along with the education requirements for all of us to maintain our membership. Yes, that’s right, it is half way to everyone needing to have their education credits and this committee is ready to provide all USPTA members with all of the details. Bill has chosen a smaller committee to see these tasks through.

Vice President Rich Slivocka Testing and Certification/Competition and Rankings Rich is assigned as the Testing and Certification Committee chair and this medium size group also has the difficult task of preparing for the USTA accreditation status as well as ensuring continuity in the testing and certification processes nationwide. As a tournament player, he also leads the Tournament, Competition and Rankings Committee as we try to inspire members to compete in the USPTA Surface Championships Series.

Immediate Past President Chuck Gill Ethics Screening Committee Chuck is my advisor and counselor with his knowledge from being a former president and his level-headed approach to situations.

He also serves as the chair of the Ethics Screening Committee, which is a very small group handling some touchy situations.

In addition to their assignments, Cari, Mark, and Trish have stepped up to work alongside the USPTA Foundation to assist the team of Nancy Cox, Angie Koumaris, Warren Lem, Christin Thurston and Pat Whitworth. I know they continue to need help for volunteering and fundraising.

There is our team. Your team of leaders. We don’t view ourselves as a “national board of directors” because we are just like every other member of this great association – we are volunteering to make it better. I cannot forget to mention that all of these committees work with the Executive Committee, executive administrators and of course the great staff at the national office. Please contact us if you have concerns or need help in any of these areas mentioned.*

Tuffy WINDSCREEN 速

Now available with CHROMA-BOND速 DIGITAL IMPRINTING

Utilizing the latest, state-of-the-art, wide format digital printing equipment, your windscreen can display intricate, lifelike images not possible with other imprinting processes.

Chroma-Bond Digital Imprinting on Black Tuffy Windscreen

Add our exclusive Chroma-Bond速 Digital Imprinting to make any court or facility look its best for many years. Simple or dramatic imprinting that is so durable, it lasts as long as the fabric.

Tuffy BALLASTED WINDSCREEN 速

Protects chain link fences from high wind damage.

SAVES COSTLY LABOR TIME in last minute pre-storm preparations.

ACTUAL

ACTUAL INSTALLATION ACTUAL INSTALLATION

DEPICTION

DEPICTION DEPICTIONS

NORMAL POSITION: In calm to low

winds, units stay in vertical position.

Ballasted PVC pipe is in the reinforced pockets at bottom, and only the top is attached thru grommets.

STORM

POSITION: As winds exceed 20 mph, units billow to allow potentially damaging high wind velocities to blow through, helping to PROTECT FENCE and WINDSCREEN.

TIE-UP FEATURE: Built-in hook & loop strips at top allow one person to roll up and secure entire unit in less than 30 seconds. Also useful for better tournament viewing.

PATENTED Thousands installed by schools, government operations, and private clubs over the past 7 years.

Official Windscreen of the United States Professional Tennis Association

AERFLO.COM

SOLD BY THE BEST TENNIS & SPORTS EQUIPMENT DEALERS

Master Pro Corner

A new direction for racquet head speed Adding precision to your coaching by subtracting doubt.

by James Shaughnessy, USPTA Master Professional

N

ick Bollettieri, the legendary coach, wrote in a 2008 TennisLife magazine article that “Generating this (racquet head) speed consistently is the solution to a more powerful game.” This sounds compelling.

But, will swinging with a high racquet head speed cause the ball to travel faster to the opponent’s court? The answer is sometimes. Will contacting a ball that is below the net with a high racquet speed project the ball into your opponent’s court successfully? The answer is sometimes.

Coach Bollettieri used the terminology “powerful game.” The mechanical definition of power is “the rate of doing work.” Although we cannot know for sure what Bollettieri meant by powerful, we do know that, in contemporary tennis vernacular “power,” incorrectly, refers to how hard or fast a player can hit the ball from point A to point B. Therefore, without adding precision modifiers to the term “racquet head speed” a student may not have a clear idea of how to be successful with a stroke.

The following study demonstrates how, the term “racquet head speed” is not nearly clear enough.

Using the SCiO 3D Sports Library, a 3D motion analysis of live match play was conducted on 48 forehands from players with a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) ranging from over 16 to 10.88. An independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare a group of forehands by top pros (UTR 15.5 or higher) with a group of forehands by top college players, blue chip and 5-star recruits (UTR 10.88 -15.1) The forehands in this study were selected only if the shot was a winner, forced an error or created an opportunity to attack the opponents next shot. The variables studied for differences and correlations at impact were racquet head speed, outgoing ball velocity, incoming ball velocity, tip trajectory, forward racquet tip velocity, upward racquet tip velocity and racquet tip trajectory at impact. Normal distributions of the data were found for all variables using the Shapiro-Wilk test.

As most coaches would expect, there was a significant difference in the scores for top ATP pro racquet speeds (M=73.5 mph, SD=6.3) compared to college and blue chip recruits (M=68.1 mph, SD=7.55); t(46)=2.56, p = .014.” The study also found a significant difference in favor of the ATP pros in speed of the outbound ball toward the target (M=86.6 mph, SD=5.8 mph).

Although these results suggest that racquet head speed 48 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

How does racquet head speed influence ball speed.

is the solution to hitting a ball that moves rapidly from point A to B, looking at the data more closely reveals noteworthy conflicting examples in which racquet head speed does not result in higher ball speeds toward the target. In one example, Roger Federer connects with a ball moving 8 mph with a racquet speed of 69.6 mph and the ball leaves the racquet at 78.54 mph. In another example, Novak Djokovic meets a ball traveling at 9.9 mph with a racquet speed of 81 mph. In this example, Djokovic’s ball projects at 75 mph, which is slower than Federer even though his racquet speed is higher. Both players hit the ball solidly close to the center of the string bed, with little wind, on the same day. In an alternate example, a college player, Nedvedyesov, connects with a forehand traveling 6 mph with a racquet head speed of 69mph and the ball leaves the racquet at 89 mph. So how can Nedovyesov swing with less racquet head speed than Federer or Djokovic and make his shot travel toward the target faster?

According to a Pearson Correlation test run on all 20 of the top ATP forehands, there was no correlation between racquet head speed toward the target and ball speed toward the target in the ATP group. However, when the same Pearson test was performed on data from the top College group the results showed a strong correlation between racquet speed toward the target and ball speed

Master Pro Corner SD=6.56 deg); t(38)=3.03, p=.004.

Analysis of 48 forehands in the study found a correlation between racquet trajectory and UTR. In other words, the ATP players racquet paths traveled upward on a steeper angle.

(See Figure 2)

A. Nedvedyesov (College)

B. Djokovic

Racquet speed did not correlate to ball speed in ATP pro tennis.

toward the target.

This data suggests general racquet head speed improvement does not evolve the college players to the pro player stroking level.

Why do the pro’s racquet head speeds not correlate to their ball speed? Here’s why.

The evidence shows that upward racquet head velocity and higher racquet head trajectories correlate with higher UTR. The study also shows that top ATP pros hit through the ball less than players with lower UTRs. Therefore, C. Federer using the term “racquet head speed” with students is meaningless without qualifying a direction. Simply increasing your racquet head speed may not get the intended effect. Should your player be required to hit the ball with a higher speed toward the target give the precise cue to “increase your forward racquet head speed toward the net” and train the skills and muscles that cause that

Racquet head speed calculations use 3 values: 1. Forward racquet velocity toward the net 2. Upward racquet velocity toward the sky 3. Sideward racquet velocity toward the sideline

Notice each one of these values has a specific direction, forward toward the net, upward toward the sky, sideward toward the sideline. Kwon et. al. (2017) report that upward velocity of the racquet has been shown to significantly correlate with topspin. ATP players’ racquet head speed has a much higher component of upward racquet velocity contributing to total racquet head speed. This higher upward racquet velocity component slows the ball speed with topspin.

ATP pros show a significant difference in the scores for upward racquet velocity to the sky (M=37.67 mph, SD=5.63) compared to the College group (M=31.88 mph, SD=5.83); t(38)=2.316, p = .026.

ATP pros show a significant difference in the scores for angle of upward racquet trajectory at impact (M=35.75 deg, SD=4.9 deg) compared to the college group (M=30.20,

Figure 2 White ATP #1, Yellow Top College Player.

motion. If your player needs more topspin, then precisely cue them to “increase your upward racquet speed toward the sky.” Avoid using the term “power” and alternately use the cue “high forward ball speed.” Finally, when training to increase your players’ UTR, add the simple precision modifiers that indicate direction. *

James R. Shaughnessy MSS, CSCS, is a USPTA Master Pro specializing in the application of sports biomechanics to elite tennis players at the USTA Regional Training Center, at Tucker Tennis Academy in Tulsa. He is an award-winning professional with 28 years of experience as a speaker, researcher, analyst and consultant in sports biomechanics, 3D motion analysis and computerized exercise prescriptions. He is the founder of SCiO 3D Sports.

49 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

2018 USPTA HARD COURT CHAMPIONSHIPS Onion Creek Club - Austin, Texas

October 26-28 Entry Fee $90

For More Information: Visit uspta.com or contact tournament director Jenny Gray JGRAY@OnionCreekClub.com For online registration please visit bit.ly/2018usptahardcourts

Onion Creek Club

HCCHAMPV2.indd 1

7/30/2018 9:39:49 AM

GAME, SET,

NEVER MATCHED!

LITERALLY EVERYTHING FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR COURTS!

10-S.com • 800-247-3907 Text to Chat 954-800-6790

Official Court Equipment Supplier of the

inside coaching

SHORT, CHEAP AND EASY

by John White, USPTA Professional

T

he three reasons given for why people don’t play more golf or tennis, or take it up, are always the same: takes too long, costs too much, too hard. But it does not always have to be this way. With that being said, I have a couple thoughts on making the game of tennis short, cheap and easy for all players and tennis enthusiasts alike.

The national average for a one-hour private with a certified pro in America (according to the Tennis Industry Report)) is about $60. That’s a dollar a minute.

You can keep your dollar a minute, but you don’t have to do an hour. For me, 60 minutes is too long and 30 is not enough.

My Goldilocks is 40 minutes for $40. If they want to save $20, they can do a “3pac” (3 in 3 weeks for $100).

I wanted to watch Nadal and Thiem play Making tennis more affordable is easier than you think. the finals of the 2018 French Open but the prospect of sitting on the couch for hours persuaded me If I want them to point to the ball with their spare hand, to do something else. I did watch Justify take the Triple fingertips up, on a forehand, or dip the tip on a two-hand Crown; took him two minutes. Anything that speeds-up backhand, it helps if I can show them that a pro is doing it. tennis will be good for the growth of the game. No-ad Videos are great, and this is a golden age for videos, but scoring, best of three, play the lets. Get it down to two sometimes a still-shot is what the doctor ordered. If I can’t hours for viewers (when was the last time you sat through get the exact picture I want by doing a Google Image Search a three-hour movie?) and an hour for weekend warriors, or for the pro plus the stroke (e.g., “Federer serve”), I’ll go to 75 minutes.

YouTube and plug in the words “Federer serve slow” and Let’s admit, golf and tennis have many challenges in advance it frame by frame. When I get to the frame I want, I common and game length is one of them. Golf shoots itself take a screenshot. in the foot with its antediluvian etched in bronze five-hour I stash everything (audios, videos, pics and pdf’s) in folders death marches. And that’s not counting the drive to get on Google Drive and give the links to whomever I want. to there and back. It’s an all-day ordeal to all but retired If I don’t have a card handy, or a pencil to write with, and I codgers trying to fill up a day. For the growth of golf: want to tell somebody how to get in touch with me, I throw a Offer shorter options for busy people (6, 9 or 12 holes). ball on the ground and say “where the ball hits the ground is My favorite is to walk 9 or 12 holes of twilight when the the bouncepoint. If you want to get in touch with me, or see shadows are long and the critters come out. To interest new what I’m up to, Google the word “bouncepoint”. I’m the only golfers, charge a $5 fee for ride alongs (wives, kids, friends). one.” (I keep a free website on Weebly for that purpose.)

It will pay dividends later.

Make it easier to meet people. Adult students have To attract a bigger customer base, give your students all trouble finding people to hit with. The day after a clinic the advantages of technology today. For 10 bucks a month, I send out an “Icy Fab” (in case you found a bud) with I get a terabyte of space on Google Drive (1,000 gigabytes). the names and numbers of the people they hit with. If It’s like Dropbox, a place to store your stuff in the cloud. somebody is looking for a rally partner, singles match or a One of the folders I keep in there for my students I call fourth for dubs, I run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.

“Frozen Pros.” Pics of pros frozen in motion doing what I “Game-arranging” is easy for us. We know how everybody want my students to do. hits and we’ve got their numbers.

51 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

Inside coaching

The best way for people to meet is to run a mingles or couple doubles game .

Run a “Mingles” (mixed doubles for singles) or a “Couple Doubles” for couples (but don’t let husbands play with wives). People want to meet people. We are very tribal. We need to be around people we like. It’s one of the reasons folks in the five Blue Zones live to be 100.

Post a bulletin board by e-mail. Mine is called “Jupiter” (John’s ultra-private inside tennis exclusive referrals). “The people you hit with and I teach.” It’s my little Angie’s List: Help Wanted, Job Wanted, For Sale, List My Business, Fund Raiser, Sniper Needed. No charge.

Bring your people together in other ways. “Sunday Morning Holy Rollers Bicycle Society” is a leisurely bike ride I do for chit-chatters up the NCR Trail. No speed-demons or trail snails. 30 minutes one way, 30 minutes back, apples at the turnaround. Same trail Lincoln took to Gettysburg four score and seven years ago.

Start your own little club of 20 preferred students.

“Johnnyclub” is mine. My JC’s (Johnnyclubbers) pay $50 in January and get “JC Bennies” all year (discounts on lessons, tips each week, priority on signups, gift certificates, ‘round the world cruises).

The very best strategy in tennis is very good strokes.

The best way to get new students and keep the ones you’ve got is very good teaching. One of the ways to improve your

teaching is by using your Dick Tracy Two-Way Wrist Radio.

Dick got his in ‘46 (thanks to Chester Gould). I got mine in ‘07 which is now called the Apple Watch (thanks to Steven Jobs).

When a lesson is over, I reach in my pocket, pull out my Tracy with a cracked screen, click on the Voice Memo app, hit the red button to record and summarize what we just did. If the student’s phone has Air-Drop, I drop it to them.

If it doesn’t, I text it to them and they can listen on the way home. In the ‘70s and ‘80s I used audio cassettes with a lapel mic. If Im going to record on the way home, my right earbud has a microphone. If I want to show a student what they are doing on their serve, I hit the camera app, click video, and show it to them. If I want to break that video down into a couple of stills, I bring it up on my Mac when I get home, advance it frame by frame and take screenshots.

If the student agrees to share their video, I stick it in a folder on Google Drive or YouTube and share the link with other students.

To make it easier to sign up for privates, I blind-copy my students and give them one-letter choices (e.g., A = sign me up for Mon 7pm. B = put me in the Sat serve clinic, etc.). They respond with one letter. For same-day communications, texting is the way to go. Make it short, cheap and easy.*

John White is a semi-retired tennis pro who also teaches golf and lacrosse. Prior to his tennis-teaching career, he was a correctional counselor at the Maryland Training School for Boys along with being a high school English teacher and lacrosse coach in Baltimore, Maryland. He currently is a teaching pro at John White Sports.

52 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

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

Leadership Academy

USPTA leadership academy Photos by John Cornell and Gustavo Reyes

T

he USPTA National Headquarters here in Lake Nona, Florida hosted 32 USPTA-certified professionals for the inaugural USPTA Leadership Academy. This two-and a halfday event was catered towards key tennis industry leadership principles led by USPTA First Vice President and Master Professional Feisal Hassan, USPTA Elite Professional Sara Morse, USPTA Master Professional Ajay Pant, and USPTA Elite Professional Jose Pastrello. Attendees had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow professionals on group project topics ranging from time management, communication skills, customer service, team building, budgets and human resources issues. Professionals that completed the USPTA Leadership Academy earned education credits toward their career development program. Attendees of this event are as follows: Michael G. Arrigo Stefan Kruger Mike Baugh Justin Landis Kendra Becker Dominique Levin Viktoria Beggs Brianna Love Chris Biesterfeld Brian Lowery Christie Bradley Christine Macur Jeremy A. Carl Joao Pinho Chris Champion John Sanders Andrei Daescu Richard L. Snodgrass Kris David Ron Steege Brandon Fallon Melissa Tafoya William J. Foreman Kevin Walker John Garnett Todd Wise Raleigh S. Grossbaum Benjamin Zaiser Deanna M. Kernan Carrie Zarraonandia Jason K. Kinder

54 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

Leadership Academy

55 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

VUE Tennis: The Evolution of Tennis Court Lighting Har-TruÂŽ has teamed up with NLS Lighting to introduce a cutting-edge LED system designed specifically for tennis.

We’ve come a long way Modern LED fixtures cost less to own and less to operate, are maintenance free, last longer, save energy, and when designed correctly can evenly light the whole court.

Designed by a nationally-ranked tennis player and lighting engineer Free 30-day Trial

VUE Tennis features a patent-pending recessed and hidden light source that acts to maximize light and minimize glare.

10-Year Parts & Labor Warranty

Beautiful and efficient

Financing Available

VUE Tennis is a beautifully designed fixture that blends with any club or residential setting. Easy to install, VUE Tennis can run for decades with virtually no light loss and no maintenance needed.

877-4-HAR-TRU 877-442-7878 hartru@hartru.com 22OO Old Ivy Road, Ste 1OO, Charlottesville, VA 229O3

www.hartru.com

HAR-TRU

Embrace Technology to Enhance the Game and the Places We Play

By Pat Hanssen, President of HAR-TRU

I

remember when I first started teaching the game of tennis. The club where I began my career was still espousing continental grips and one-handed backhands, this despite considerable evidence that the game was moving to topspin grips and two-handed backhands.

The shift was not precipitated by new technology the way we think of it today, but even then, string and racquet materials were evolving and that played a large roll driving the changes in playing styles that have continued through today.

When it comes to adopting “new” tennis has always been a laggard and much like I experienced at my first club, I think that is holding us back. In today’s world the paradigm is to try things and fail fast, but, with no small amount of irony, it appears that tennis fears failure. Some of this is likely systemic. Many who manage facilities have learned that it is safer and easier to minimize change and disruption.

“What if our members don’t like it?”

Some might be attributed to stubbornness

The wonderful thing about great ideas, many of which are technological these days, is that they slowly win over consumers. Technology is beginning to sift into our sport and in the process, it is doing many things to enhance the game and the places we play. At Har-Tru we increasingly understand that we can make a difference in the rate of adoption by supporting new technologies and giving them a platform to reach the customer.

What we hope is that consumers take notice and, through trial and feedback, assist in the evolution of ideas that will help tennis thrive. Here are a few to consider that we are involved with: Vue Tennis: LED lights for tennis are now able to generate light levels consistent with, or in most cases better than, your existing Metal Halide fixture. The light can be directed quite accurately to produce more consistent (better quality) lighting. Upfront costs continue to drop, and operating costs are significantly lower. We love Vue Tennis because it uses an innovative reflector to place the light where you want it, improving uniformity but reducing annoying glare.

TopScore: This is the world’s first digital, net-mounted, tennis scoreboard and if professionalism and The world’s first autonomous tennis ball collector. appearance are important and apathy. “This is how it has always for your facility or event, you should been, and I don’t want to be bothered have this product. It features up/down with trying that.” This in turn affects the arrows for sets and games, a reset button, innovators, manufacturers and suppliers. a changeover button, and a home /visitor It takes significant capital and effort to function. It runs on two AA batteries and develop, market and sell new technology. is easily visible from several courts away.

If the chance of adoption is deemed low, Tennibot: This is world’s first why invest? In the end, consumers and the autonomous robotic ball boy! It clears sport are bereft of the value and energy the court while you play or relax, making that innovation can bring. it an awesome ball-picking-up solution

with serious cool factor. As an investment partner, Har-Tru is assisting Tennibot with the launch of the product, as well as its sales and distribution. Look for product to hit the market in spring of 2019.

About Har-Tru In 1931, a contractor named Henry Alexander Robinson (HAR) developed a clay court surface using American stone first mined in Pennsylvania. The stone’s true green color, and the true bounce that came from playing on it, quickly caught on — and the Har-Tru company was born.

Har-Tru is based in Charlottesville, Virginia and is the leading provider of clay courts, lighting and court accessories in the tennis industry. As the Official Provider of Teaching Carts, Ball Mowers and Baskets of the USPTA, all USPTAcertified members receive a 3 percent contribution on all ball equipment purchased towards their USPTA Supplemental Savings Program. HarTru also offers special rates for USPTA members when shopping on their website for qualified products. For more information or to purchase equipment for your club or facility today, visit Hartru.com.

57 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

Member News

USPTA Member News Todd Rubinstein was recently named the 2017-2018 USPTA District 16 Professional of the Year at the USPTA Florida Division Conference. The award includes all tennis professionals in District 16 which includes the southern part of Broward County and the northern part of Miami-Dade County.

Rubinstein is the former number-one ranked United States Tennis Association (USTA) singles, doubles and mixed doubles player in Florida. He has been ranked as high as number three in the United States.

Rubinstein also mentors students as the head coach at Alonzo & Tracy Mourning Senior High School.

Harold Henderson retired from his position as head coach for the men and women’s tennis teams at Hendrix College. Henderson came to Hendrix in the fall of 1997 as the women’s coach and a year later he added the men’s team to his responsibilities. During his tenure, Henderson has coached seven all-conference selections and 11 honorable mentions on the women’s side, including the 2009 SCAC Player of the Year and All-American. Henderson has also coached 12 men’s all-conference honorees and five honorable mentions.

Scott Williams was named the Florida Tennis Volunteer of the Month by USTA Florida. He is the director for three USTA Florida Diversity Camps throughout the state in 2018, the long-running camps that list players such as Sloane Stephens and Sachia Vicery, currently on the WTA tour, as alumni. Williams has worked with former ATP world No. 2 Tommy Haas, doubles world No. 1 Max Mirnyi, world No. 3 Mary Pierce and Anna Kournikova. Currently, he is the varsity tennis coach at The King’s Academy, a Christian college-preparatory school in nearby West Palm Beach.

Neal Feinberg opened the doors to his new tennis facility in Amagansett, New York called 27 tennis. Feinberg is a USPTA certified pro located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Neal Feinberg attended Northfield Mount Hermon School (played #1 Singles), Columbia University, and Pace Law School. He has coached high school teams for Horace Greeley and Columbia Prep. From 2009-2017 he was the head pro & club manager of Yorkville Tennis Club. Neal currently coaches recreational players of all levels and ranked USTA tournament-level players.

John Monnier’s facility, Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch, was named 2018 Facility of the Year by USPTA Hawaii Division.

The award recognizes facilities for encouraging professional development, making special contributions to the game and being affiliated with various industry organizations. Royal Lahaina Tennis Ranch claimed the top spot for Best Game Arranging in Tennis Resorts Online’s list of the Top 100 Tennis Resorts and Camps for 2018. The list ranks international tennis resorts in more than a dozen categories, with game arranging referring to a service that arranges games between guests depending on skill level and availability.

Scott Smith has been hired as tennis director at Squire Creek Country Club in Choudrant, Louisiana effective September 1st. Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee Scott has over 35 years of tennis-teaching experience. Scott played at Walters State Community College and then transferred to the University of Tennessee. He worked for the prestigious Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy the early 80’s training such stars as Andre Agassi and Jim Courier. Scott then proceeded to direct some of the top clubs in Florida such as the River Hills Country Club in Tampa, Meadows Country Club in Sarasota and Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club in St. Petersburg.

58 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

Member News

USPTA Member News Mike Baugh was named the state chairman for tennis of the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. Along with duties with the FACA, he is the owner of Baugh Elite Tennis Training and is the national U30 Chairman. He was awarded the 2015 USPTA Florida District 14 Pro of the Year award and was one of three recipients of the Welsh Winner Circle Scholarship. Mike holds certifications of USPTA Elite Professional with APC, USTA High Performance Coach, Cardio Tennis Licensed, Positive Coaching Alliance Certified, and FHSTCA Level II Coach.

Bill Carey was named the new head coach of the Bellarmine University women’s tennis program. Prior to his promotion, Carey worked with the Bellarmine University men’s tennis team in the assistant coach capacity for two seasons and served as a head coach at Louisville Collegiate School and as a teaching professional at the Louisville Tennis Center. Carey is a USPTA-certified teaching professional, a certified provider of Net Generation, a board member of the USPTA as well as of the Tennis Association of Louisville Kentucky.

Paula Scheb, director of sports at Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs, Florida, celebrated the end of the season and the start of summer with the opening of a 15,000-square-foot sports center that includes a new racquet complex, a redesigned pool area, and an all-new dining venue. Paula assumed her role as Head Tennis Professional at the club, 24 years ago. In her role as the director of sports, she is responsible for the tennis, pickleball, croquet, and pool with a team of 12 full time and 15 part time team members.

Lynn Miller was inducted into the USPTA New England Hall of Fame during the first round of the International Tennis Hall of Fame Championships. Miller was the men’s and women’s tennis coach at Wheaton College for 35 years before she announced her retirement. Along with being the tennis coach, she guided the women’s basketball program from 1980–84. Miller also served as the director of athletics at Wheaton from 1986–88, the intramurals director (1990-97), sports information director (1991–93), and facilities manager (1993–2000) during her time as a coach.

Mark Hathorn was named the new head coach for Abilene Wylie. Hathorn comes from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas where he was the head men’s and women’s tennis coach since 2001. During his time with the War Hawks, Hathorn was named American Southwest Conference Women’s Coach of the Year once and won the ASC Men’s Coach of the Year three straight times from 2008-10. His three daughters played tennis at Wylie, the youngest of which just graduated in the spring.

Nick Bollettieri was featured in the documentary Love Means Zero, which appeared on ShowTime and focused on his renowned tennis-coaching program.

Since founding the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy near Bradenton, Florida, in 1978, the legendary coach has helped launch the careers of Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jim Courier, Martina Hingis, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova, Venus and Serena Williams, and many others.

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 Managing Editor ................................................... DeVonte’ Martin Editor.............................................................................John Cornell Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes Editorial Assistance......................Nataliya Bredikhina,Risa Epstein, Ashley Walker, Ellen Weatherford Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle USPTA World Headquarters 11961 Performance Dr. Orlando, FL 32827

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. 2018. All rights reserved.

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

59 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine

USPTA CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Wheelchair Certification 4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Sept 8 – 9...................................Aurora, IL Sept 8 – 9.............................. La Habra, CA Sept 8 – 9 ............................ Clearwater, FL Sept 9 ................................Midlothian, VA Sept 13 ......................... Minneapolis, MN Sept 15 – 16 .............................. Rome, GA Sept 20 – 21 ............................. Tucson, AZ Sept 21 – 22 ........................... Houston, TX Sept 22 – 23 .............. Gleneden Beach, OR Sept 22 ..............................Des Moines, IA Sept 22 – 23 ..................... Coral Gables, FL Sept 30 ..................... West Bloomfield, MI Oct 1 – 2 ..................................... Boise, ID Oct 5 .................................... Mt. Kisco, NY Oct 6 – 7.................. Huntington Beach, CA Oct 6 – 7............... North Richland Hills, TX Oct 7.................................Hilton Head, SC Oct 8 – 9 ................................. Orlando, FL Oct 11 – 12........................... Missoula, MT Oct 13 – 14.............................. Atlanta, GA Oct 14 .................................Sherwood, AR Oct 19 ..............................Nichols Hills, OK Oct 20 – 21......................... Boca Raton, FL Oct 21 ................................. Richmond, VA Oct 26 – 27........................ Fayetteville, NC Oct 27 – 28..........................Columbus, GA Oct 29......................... Rancho Mirage, CA 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.

m

ADMIRE MENTOR

INVITE

October 18 - 19......................... Orlando, FL USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer”

November 7 - 8........................Lafayette, IN USPTA Certification in conjunction with USTA “Train the Trainer”

Spanish Tennis Teaching System

2018 USPTA Division Conference Schedule Division Conferences - 6 Credits November ..............................Middle States Wilmington Country Club; Wilmington, DE

Cardio Tennis

Sep 8 ....................... Level 1 Training Course Preakness Hills Country Club; Wayne, NJ Nov 10 ..................... Level 1 Training Course Methodist University; Fayetteville, NC Nov 10 ..................... Level 1 Training Course Sea Pines Racquet Club; Hilton Head Island, SC

At Academia Sanchez-Casal USPTA professionals can earn 10 Education Credits by participating in the Level 1 or Level 2 course of the Spanish Tennis Teaching System hosted by the International Coaches Institute.

Oct. 24 – 26............................... Naples, FL

Competitive Coaching Course Level 1

Oct. 26 – 28............................... Naples, FL

Pro Coaching Course Level 2

Sept. 29 – 29 ..................... Long Beach, CA Nov. 16 – 17 ........................... Atlanta, GA

Online education

Admire Invite Mentor

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 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 Watch webinars, seminars, On Court with USPTA •Only certified members in good standing will be eligible and they may only refer first-time potential members. episodes, specialty courses and much more on TennisResources.com to earn your education For more information, contact the membership department at membership@uspta.org credits.

60 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine