4 Fresh Social Ideas that work NOW

The Social List

These are from the One Good Idea Collection from 2009. See over 200 pages of ideas on socials, programming, teaching, management, stringing, and 15 other subjects. Visit usptasouthern.com for the direct link to the PDF book.

IRON BOWL TENNIS SOCIAL

Submitted by: Rhett Russell, Orange Beach, AL The Idea: Have each team wear their college football team’s colors. ex: Alabama – Crimson and White, Auburn – Orange and Blue. Since Rhett is in Alabama football country, he does Alabama vs Auburn. In other areas, it will be appropriate to wear your college colors. Rules: Flip a coin to see who begins to serve and which team starts on the North or South side.

The server from each team must win 2 points in a row in order to declare a field goal (3 points)-3 in a row or touchdown (6 points)-4 points in a row and if necessary an extra point (1 point)-5 points in a row. If the server loses at anytime, then it results in a turnover---the other team gets to serve (follow the order who serves). Play and finish until whistle is blown.

Play 25 minute rounds 4 times. Half time is after 2 quarters where the people socialize (eat and drink). Everyone brings a dish, tennis balls, or drink.

Keep a plaque with the annual Iron Bowl winner in the trophy case. Take pictures of each team before the event and send to the press with names and winners. This is a great social during college football season and is full every year. Note: Make a determination on how to split skill levels. We use a combo rating of 6.5 and below, and then 7.0 and above.

MIX IT UP MIXERS FOR A FUN TIME!!

Submitted by: Ken DeHart, San Jose, Ca The Idea: Running out of ideas for your social mixers? Use the same format but with: 1. Foam Balls – the balls stay in play and the big hitters can’t dominate play. 2. Low Compression Balls – once again, the big hitters can’t dominate as much and the points last longer so everyone has more fun. 3. Tail Balls – not only are they difficult to put away, they make a noise as the go through the air and the visual of the tail ball is awesome. 4. Altered Scoring – 1 serve only, all 4 players must start on the baseline, ball cannot touch the ground after the serve, under hand serves only, must lob the return of serve on every point or play Australian formation only. These are simple ways to Mix up your Mixer and create a fun atmosphere.

PRIZES AT TENNIS SOCIALS

Submitted by: Chuck Gill, West Palm Beach, FL The Idea: We used to have a problem with players getting too serious at our tennis socials, which are really just ways for players to meet each other, greet new members, meet their neighbors, etc. When we used high scores for prizes, it took away from the “social’ aspect of the game.

Now I “semi-jokingly” tell all of the players that if they play well with each other, at the end of the event, they will be entered into a drawing for gift certificates, which will be raffled off.

At the end of the event, just before the BBQ, I gather the group and thank them for their participation. I list every player with a number (which is totally at random) and ask another member, (usually my committee chair) to “pick a number between 1-52” (or whatever the number of players)...

They pick #29 (or whatever) and then #29 gets their certificate, and THEY (#29) get to pick the next number. It proceeds until all of the certificates are gone. Usually someone will pick a spouse or a neighbor or a friend, or on occasion a jerk that they really don’t like...at any rate it is a great way to ad-lib some great one-liners, get a few laughs, etc. It also keeps the emphasis on fun and social and keeps the players from getting too serious during play. Have a trustworthy participant or staff member around to look over the list and verify that you are not cheating. When the first 3 numbers drawn are the members who take the most lessons...YOU WILL BE TOAST!!!!!

I typically give away 6-8 $25 certificates per event, which can be used for shop purchases or applied toward clinics and lessons.

The “Other” Socially Distant Tennis By Bill Riddle

How many of us thought or even said to know the income for that window of time. Day, but guaranteed set income may not be the word “socially distant” before 2020? I am not going to agree or disagree on those something you can count on. Probably none of us, but now it is con- statements, but we only need look at pickleball The other social tennis event we have offered stant and for good reasons since no one wants to see that model happens weekly and mind more recently is the “Shoot Out”. This is for our to get “The Rona”. Tennis is a socially distant you, without the presence of a “pro”. singles players (men, women and children) who sport, which is one of the reasons many of us Consider a couple of “other” options for your are looking for or need more matches. The key is have found ourselves busy on the courts even tennis socials with the first being the “Play “low fee” with multiple, no ad short sets, played during the worldwide pandemic. Day”. Simple, straight forward and to the point in a compass draw or round robin format. A

I am not going to hit you with more about from above… just show up and PLAY. My club player has the chance to play multiple players why tennis is a great sport during CORONA offers this at least once per quarter usually on (3-4) in a small window of time, which is great season, but more about how we have become a Thursday night when we do not have other if some of the skills are a bit lopsided. This has somewhat “socially distant” from social tennis activities at the club or locally. We set aside been great for our middle and high school tenand how we may find our way back. The typical 6-8pm on designated courts and the fee is $10 nis players to play some of the adults because tennis social at our club or facility has lost its per person. Requirements are that you can it gives everyone much needed match play in a luster or finds itself somewhat stale. Gone are serve and keep score. Turnover is quick with 5 controlled quick environment. the days when the pro sets a window of time to 7 no ad games total. I control pairings based Remember, socially distant is a good thing in aside on a Friday night and says “Just show up on play that night, which means I keep the some cases but being socially distant from new and Play”. Why you ask? Well as we discussed pairings as equal in skill level and personality ideas, changes, or modifications to the way we in a recent USPTA Lunch and Learn meeting in as possible. Everyone knows the goal for the operate is not so good. Look at other options Nashville, “that’s not how we do it anymore”. night is to PLAY as much tennis and enjoy the to get and keep people playing tennis because Some suggested the pro needs to know how time. Flexibility, quick thinking and no pressure that is the important thing we all should be many people they will have to plan better and are key elements to the success of the Play working towards.

USPTA Invited Guest Overlooked and Forgotten Tennis Opportunities

By Bill Riddle – USPTA Master Professional

You have probably all heard and seen the news reports about college sports taking a “hit” due to the budget crunches since the world wide pandemic hit us back at the beginning of the year. I am sure many of you have paid close attention to the number of college tennis programs that have found themselves cut during these difficult times. As of this article there have been over 69 (men and women’s) college tennis teams cut, dropped or suspended over the last year with notable NCAA division 1 programs like Minnesota and recently Fresno State on that list. Additionally, reports show that the #1 dropped college sport since the 1990’s (including all sports) is Men’s Tennis.

Many of you may want to speculate the variety of reasons for men’s tennis to be at the top of this list. It could be a combination of many factors but the simple truth is there are many schools that are drastically looking and sometimes begging kids to come and play tennis at the collegiate level. There is a good chance that many of you reading this played college tennis at some level before you entered the business. There is an even better chance that you have or aspire to send your junior players in your program onto play college tennis.

My question to you is, how would it affect your tennis lessons, camps, tournaments or your “academy” program IF there are fewer and fewer college tennis teams or potentially no college tennis at all? All it takes is a conversation with almost any tennis parents or club pro to know the goal for little “Johnny or Sally” is to play “D1” college tennis, right?? Unfortunately, the tennis teams at the D1 and D2 level are at the top of the list of sports being dropped or cut. The other reality is that most college coaches at those levels or schools are first looking at international kids before they look at American kids. Just look at any D1 or D2 school tennis team roster on their website. I challenge you to find more than 5 schools in the country that have more American players than foreign players on the roster.

The point I am working toward is that there is still the opportunity to play college tennis for our American juniors, but we need to look at all of the options. Some of you may have played college tennis at the NAIA level and know the real truth about tennis at that division. There is really good tennis at that level and as current NAIA college tennis coach, I can tell you there are lots of opportunities to play. Here are some stats to consider: • 250 NAIA schools • $800 million in scholarships • 21 Conferences • 77,000 student athletes * source: NAIA website

Often we (club teaching pros) miss the mark in educating our players and parents about all of the opportunities that are available at the college level. We also are not connected with the NAIA schools and college teams that are options for our junior players. Keep in mind, the recruiting budget for NAIA tennis teams is almost nonexistent, and to be fair many of the coaches at these schools are not connected to USPTA pros. The opportunity for your players to play and compete at the NAIA college level are available and there is both athletic and academic scholarships available. I encourage those of you that coach junior players to explore and educate yourself on all of the options and opportunities that are out there. You will be surprised at what is available both from a play and scholarship opportunity with an NAIA tennis team for your junior players.

Bill is in his fourth stint as a college coach at Martin Methodist College. He has coached 6 AllAmerican players and numerous with national singles and doubles rankings

State News

Alabama The Alabama State Workshop featuring Bill Patton, David Smith and Chuck Tomlin will be held November 14th at Greystone Country Club from 9:00am-4:00pm.

Looking Ahead to the spring with Jack Broudy The Swing. Play Natural, Effortless, Powerful Tennis ...Today! Learn the true secrets of the natural athlete and transform your game. Sponsored by Inverness Country Club for Spring 2021.Check out theswingtennis.com

Georgia USPTA Georgia is excited to announce our plan for the Winter Workshop. This workshop will be unlike any other and held virtually. Mark McMahon is the owner of McMahon 10S, a top search firm for our industry. Please continue to monitor the USPTA Georgia Facebook page for continued updates on times and costs. There are spots for 50 attendees for this program and the cost is $25. The topic is A Strategic Plan For Your Professional Development.

Friday December 4 includes Introduction – Why Plan Your Professional Development, Five Steps to Creating a Professional Development Plan, and Your Personal Professional Development Questionnaire

Friday December 11 includes Discovering What You Want, Assessing What You Have, Planning What You Need, Deciding What You Will Pursue, Acting on What You Desire, and Finalizing your 2021 Professional Development Plan.

Details to register and additional info coming soon.

Louisiana Greetings from the 2020 Hurricane Capital of the World. Lake Charles leads the league with 2 major hurricanes back to back. Not to be left out of the competition, the New Orleans area came through with a lot of damage from the most recent storm. All of these storms have done damage throughout Louisiana including the northern part of the state. We are all trying to get our facilities up and running and make a living. There were several area social gathering scheduled, but they have taken a back seat to our current situations. The members who have been able to stay in business have been very willing to hire pros from the Lake Charles area, which will be out for an extended period of time. If anyone wonders why they should be a USPTA member just go through a disaster and you will see how much help and generosity come from your fellow professionals. Good luck to everyone.

Mississippi It has been a busy Fall on the courts for the Pros in Mississippi. Several teaching Pros have reported an increase in player participation at their facilities and clubs. We saw an increase in demand for beginner and intro lessons in both adults and youth. I hope the trend continues. Our industry certainly needs the resurgence of players to grow. Some of our Pros partnered with USTA MS and hosted multiple Tennis Apprentice sessions. This has helped grow tennis in Southaven and Columbus very successfully.

Unfortunately, we have also had an increase in Hurricanes making landfall on the coast this year. Our Pros on the coast are currently dealing with storm damage from the most recent storm, Zeta. I hope everyone will recover and be fully operational in the very near future.

On behalf of our MS Chapter, I would like to congratulate Bo Gard on becoming a USPTA Master Professional. Bo was MS Chapter president for 8 years. During that time, he greatly increased attendance of our annual Pros Workshop. Bo has been a USPTA Member for 14 years.

Lastly, the in-person State Pro Workshop for 2021 has been canceled. Our event is usually hosted by USTA Mississippi in conjunction with the USTA Annual State Meeting. They have decided to host a virtual meeting in 2021. The plan for 2021 is now to host two or three regional workshops, most likely in summer. Those will be shorter in duration than our normal one-day event. Dates will be determined soon.

North Carolina Well my fellow pros, with the long summer days behind it is a time to reflect on the uptick in our teaching and programming business from COVID -19. Many feel that our business will continue thru the winter.

Winter is a good time to look for more education and build your skills for 2021. If you have not looked into it, get your pickleball certification and continuing education videos on some areas that are of interest to you. Pickleball is a fast growing market that needs pros to drive lessons, clinics and programming. If you need any assistance in this area, please do not hesitate to contact me. I even ran pickleball on only clay courts!

I want to send out some props to a pro that made the most of a difficult situation due to Covid. Mark Troutman from Winston Salem normally hosts the Buddy Up tennis event to benefit Forsyth County Mental Health. Since there was no tennis could be played, an online One Team for mental Health was formed to raise money and the results were impressive. Highest numbers ever! Great job Mark!

Pros, look out for a possible fraudulent solicitation that a couple of NC pros have experienced. The pros received text messages looking for lessons and want to pay thru credit card. No accounts were given out, but clearly the perpetrator wanted account info. Finally, I look forward to the day when we can gather and celebrate, educate and have some fun at a meeting or convention. Have a great winter form NC.

South Carolina There is no big news in South Carolina. Our SC clubs remain open and everyone is busy, but league play has not resumed in most areas.

Tennessee Happy Fall. In speaking with a number of you over the past months the biggest thing I am hearing is that a lot of tennis is going on in Tennessee. Many of you never slowed down. Some have even put in more hours on the court helping people improve their games, train, or just get some healthy exercise.

As things are getting back to what is being called our “new normal”, tennis has been deemed a “safer” sport to participate in. Camps, JTT, adult league and junior tournaments have been increasing in number since mid-June.

We do have a for sure lunch and learn hosted by Bill Riddle, Thursday, November 5, 12:30-2:00 at the Richland Country Club, Nashville. Lunch will be provided for all USPTA member who attend. Be looking for additional lunch and learn opportunities to be announced in Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City.

Regardless of all the craziness all around us, one thing is for certain: people need and want healthy activity. Many rec team sports are still on hold. Tennis is a great option for a huge cross section of our population. Let’s continue to grow the game together. Stay safe and stay healthy.

OUTSIDE theLINES

Art of the Pitch and Closing the Sale

Tim Bainton

President & CEO at Blue Chip Sports Management. Blue Chip Sports has optimized/managed over 30 facilities Without sales there is no investment. Some fitness entrepreneurs and coaches seem to have it all figured out. Their business is thriving, their book of business is packed, and the community is buzzing about their talent and expertise. It’s not necessarily because they really are the best in the world at what they do. There are probably thousands of wonderfully talented and highly experienced fitness pros who could help clients just as well as these fully-booked superstars. And yet those thousands of pros don’t have packed schedules and swelling bank accounts. What gives?

The difference is all in the pitch.

Always be pitching

At a fundamental level, a “pitch” is just an effort to close a deal. It could be a pitch to investors, where the deal is more funding for the business. Most often, a pitch is a prelude to a sale, and a great pitch can dramatically improve your chances of closing a sale. The definition of a great sales pitch has changed over time as buying preferences and consumer tastes have evolved, but many elements of great pitches have remained consistent for decades or centuries. Some people respond well to data and factual arguments, but the majority of your audience is likely to respond most strongly to emotional appeals. To pitch them on your service or company, you have to find the right emotional touchpoints that can compel them to act. Why should they pay for your services or invest in your business? What’s the downside to their inaction — that is, what will they miss out on if they don’t use your services or invest in you? A successful pitch finds answers to these questions, even if the prospect isn’t looking for those answers on their own.

Know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em

There might be any number of answers to those two questions, but as you become more adept at pitching a particular audience, you’re likely to find common responses coming up time after time. This can help you better target your pitch and improve your delivery. As you gain a better understanding of your audience, you’ll be better able to correctly assess their emotional triggers, and you’ll also be better able to respond to common objections that are bound to arise during the pitching process.

One of the best ways to master your pitch is simply to practice pitching all the time. There’s an opportunity to pitch your services every time you meet someone new. After all, everyone could use better health, right? But there’s a fine line between a good pitch and an unwanted intrusion into a stranger’s day. Successful pitching requires more than an understanding of emotional triggers and how to address them. If you aren’t emotionally receptive and empathetic enough to read your audience’s emotions, you’ll have a far harder time closing them on your offer. Being emotionally receptive and empathetic are key traits for successful coaches and fitness trainers, so it’s undoubtedly important to develop these traits if you want to build a rewarding career in the fitness industry.

Frank Giampaolo

Frank is an award winning coach, popular international speaker, and sports researcher. He is the bestselling author of Championship Tennis (Human Kinetics Publishing), Raising Athletic Royalty, The Tennis Parent’s Bible (volume I & II) and The Mental Emotional Workbook Series. Tim, my initial pitch is to give a future client something free & powerful. It’s a customized gift. It’s something they didn’t even know...they needed desperately to know. Then....I exchange contact into and wish them the best. 75% of the time they call me within a week for help. Is this a typical puppy dog close?

Peter Freeman

Owner of Crunchtime Coaching, a major online tennis coaching entity that just completed their 4th Tennis Con with over 60 segments. This may be uncomfortable to many people, but most offers are open ended. The more you can add urgency or scarcity to your offers, the better. At my last club, I would offer a free clinic, normally having 10 or more. I then make a special offer at the end of the clinic. First ask if they had a good time, and everyone did. The next ask was if they wanted to continue, and most/all did. Normally this class is $20/person. I can only take 6 for the next session. If you sign up tonight, it will come out to $14/lesson. This created both scarcity and urgency and provided a high rate of booked clinics.

The big part of all offers today, whether online or on the court, is FREE. Show people what is possible and what they can experience before they commit financially.

Jorge Capestany

Owner of Tennisdrills.tv, the largest online drill resource, and now includes lessons plans, and The Lab. Tim Bainton is spot on with his assessment of how tennis coaches can be successful. It’s one thing to be great on the court, but perhaps even more important is your ability to sell yourself, your programs, and your club, so that you have the traffic flow to keep all your pro busy on the court.

Ken DeHart

Author of numerous books and videos, a lifelong learner and educator, and a featured presenter around the world. A successful pitch is to help the client realize they already have the answer and you can help them successfully apply it. Discover what experience a client has that you can relate your service or product to expedite their success.