USPTA Southern Division: Where Excellence is STANDARD
The USPTA Southern Division
Volume 19 Issue 4: November 2018
Don’t Be Afraid Change is Coming
INSIDE:
Summer/World Conference Wrap & Photos . . . . . . pg 3-4 How To Run World Class Socials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 6 Season of Adult Lesson Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 8 Build Extraordinary Relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg 10
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Volume 19 Issue 4
President’s Message Dear Southern Pros, USPTA Southern has had an outstanding year in terms of education. In February, for the first time we offered a series of webinars featuring terrific speakers and presentations. In May, our Division Convention took place at the beautiful Atlanta Athletic Club, and as always, our presenters were top notch. Our Summer Convention was held at the historic Richland Country Club in Nashville, TN, and Bill Riddle did a tremendous job spearheading that event and developing a great lineup. In November, we supported the 2nd Annual Tennis Haus conference at the remarkable Stone Creek Club in Covington, LA. Davor Dekaris did a fantastic job hosting a worldclass event. This year has been memorable in terms of education, and we are already look-
ing forward to 2019. Our first business related conference for tennis pros will take place on Friday, February 1st in Atlanta, and we are finalizing the location. Also, mark your calendars for May 16th to the 19th when our Southern Convention will take place at North Hills Club in Raleigh, NC. We are excited about the venue and expect it to be an excellent event. As we develop more educational opportunities for next year we will keep everyone informed. In planning your schedule, please remember that at the end of 2019 requirements for upgrading one’s USPTA membership from
“Professional” to “Elite Professional” will increase significantly. So I urge you to look at upcoming exam dates and if you or your assistant pros need to upgrade, then select an exam date and go for it. We all know how time can get away from us and by scheduling your upgrade sooner rather than later you can avoid having to rush late next year to get it done. I am always available to discuss any USPTA questions or concerns and look forward to our Southern Division enjoying an exceptional 2019. In service, Kevin Theos
COVER STORY
USPTA Continues To Move The Dial with Changes
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he whirlwind speed of changes and growth with USPTA is breathtaking. We are currently the only USTA accredited tennis teaching organization. Full details are still in the works, but this is a giant step to catch up with tennis coaches throughout the major countries of the world. Expect to see some major announcement throughout 2019. The higher levels of pre qualification should showcase a much more experienced new professional that is prepared for the current demands of tennis. If you have ever planned to upgrade, now is the time to make the m ove as 2020 will usher in the new standards. Know a friend that is PTR? During 2019 they
receive a equivalency that will allow them to become member’s without testing. USPTA continues to align with excellent endorsees and sponsors. Caribbean Sol is our newest partner. Still going strong are Wilson, Fromuth, NetKnacks, AerFlo, 10-S Tennis Supply, HarTru, Setteo, and SportMaster. Add benefits of Insurance, ITPA, Racquet-Fit, Coaches Resources, True Car, and Booking Community for travel discounts. Refer a friend to USPTA with the AIM program (Admire, Invite, Mentor), and you receive a $50 discount on your yearly dues. Our own Kevin Theos has chaired the National Career & Leadership program, pairing experi-
enced professionals and Master Professionals with newer professionals. So far, the program has been a huge success with both parties enjoying the interaction. Your division has stepped up the opportunities to network and learn by providing conferences during each quarter of the year, and in diverse locations. It will be easier than ever to stay on the leading edge and acquire your education points. As you see, USPTA has grown a lot this year, and will continue to see strides next year. Don’t Be Scared, lets embrace the changes. To quote Yoda - Do or do not, there is no try. Let’s Make It Happen.
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Tech Corner The Net Generation App and Website – Well Worth Getting to Know By Kevin Theos
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y now most of you are familiar with Net Generation, which is a bold attempt to increase youth tennis participation and elevate the quality of tennis coaching. Here we will review some of the powerful tools on the Net Generation app that can enhance your programs. Perhaps the most impactful benefits of Net Generation are found in the “Find a Local Program” and “Find a Certified Coach” functions. The USTA is devoting significant resources to educating consumers that at netgeneration.com they can find local programs and certified pros who have registered on Net Generation and passed a background check. By registering and then taking a few minutes to list and distinguish your programs from those of your competitors, you can generate new business for yourself. Besides driving business to facilities, Net Generation gives providers lesson plans for players at different levels. Curricula exist for three levels of Red, three levels of Orange and two levels of Green ball play. Additionally, curricula for yellow ball play will be added in 2019. The lessons are well thought out and can be used as is, or a pro can use the app to make custom lessons by selecting drills from a wide selection of options. Every drill has a name, followed by a description and in some cases a video that shows the drill in action. Whether you use the lessons as written or you make your own lessons, one consideration for all pros is when to advance players from one
level to the next. This is where the Net Generation player evaluation tools come in handy. Each Net Generation level includes recommended competencies for a player to attain before moving to the next level, and the app has an “Assess Performance” tool that allows a coach to rate a player from 1 to 3 on each of multiple level specific competencies. Upon completion, the assessment generates a player score and recommends what score a player should achieve before advancing. Player assessment results can be shared with players and parents who are “Connections” of the coach on the app. Even better, these results help focus discussions concerning when a player should move to the next level in terms of skill development and away from wholly subjective impressions of parents and players. In addition to assessments, which can motivate players to improve, the app includes an “Assign Practice” tool that allows coaches to assign skills that motivated players can complete outside of clinics and private lessons. Players who complete these “Assigned Practices” not only improve their skills, but they are also able to earn “Badges” from their coaches. Beyond the features described here, the Net Generation app includes lesson plans for PE teachers, marketing tools for pros and numerous other benefits. Net Generation offers an unprecedented level of youth tennis promotion, coaching resources and player engagement and all for FREE. I encourage you to give it a try.
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Volume 19 Issue 4
It’s A Wrap
Summer Conference & NY Tennis Conference
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ugust was busier than a swarm of bees during spring flower season. First we held our first ever Summer Conference in Nashville at the beautiful Richland Country Club. Thanks to Dustin Overbeek and his staff for serving as our hosts, and to Bill Riddle for putting together a tremendous program. Bill tapped into his friends to provide some different speakers that were world class. Many of us have not been in presentations with Tim Bainton, Craig Cignarelli, Taylor Dent, or Scott Mitchell. The entire group did a fantastic job. Videos from most of the presentations are posted on our Youtube channel. Search for usptasouthern (no spaces). Later in August we invaded New York City for the Tennis Conference. Once again, it was
a very diverse program with an opportunity to see many new speakers and topics. With multiple presentations each time slot, it was tough to pick what to attend, but that is a great problem to experience. We had a fun division party with about 50 people at Suite 53 that turned out to be more unique than we anticipated. Check out the photos and One Good Idea for a few snippets from the action. Four Conferences In a Year?? Find Your Spot Southern is planning to offer 4 conferences in 2019. This will allow you to hit your continuing education marks, network, and hopefully only endure a modest amount of traveling. Offering a conference in each quarter of the
Summer Conference in Nashville
year, and locations spread around the division, we hope you will find a conference that fits your needs. The schedule will include: February 1st - The Business of Tennis - Plan For Success Atlanta, GA (site TBA) May 16-18 - Spring Conference - North Hills Country Club, Raleigh, NC August - Summer Conference - Nashville or Memphis November - partner with Tennis Haus Covington, LA Complete details will be forwarded
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Tennis Conference in New York City
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Volume 19 Issue 4
Try It Out
By Mark Schminke, USPTA Elite Professional
StringWeaver Makes Stringing Easy
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tringing rackets has always been a great side business to the usual tennis lesson routine. There’s always been a little part of me that’s jealous of workers who don’t have to “perform” throughout the day for clients. The option to string rackets, on my own time, not in front of a crowd, and while listening to music, is one of the most appealing “breaks” from my regular on court routine, and it pays. The StringWeaver is one of my favorite stringing tools that has both shortened my stringing time, and saved my fingers when stringing with poly string. The StringWeaver is a tool that pushes every other main string down and pulls the alternate mains up, creating a space between for the cross string to easily thread through. It attaches
The Social List By Tom Cascarano
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ocials are a major part of a Tennis Professionals responsibility. Tennis socials allow members to help engage to your tennis program. These events are an opportunity to meet other members, meet the staff, as well as help to promote the tennis programs. To top it off, socials bring non-tennis playing members to the tennis facility. One of our more successful tennis socials is our Martini Mixer. This event brings all levels of tennis players to the social event. Here is how I prepare and run the tennis Martini Mixer. I start by scheduling a date for the event that does not conflict with any other club events. I then set up a budget in order to identify how much to charge. Afterwards, I sit down with the food and beverage staff to come up with a menu. The typical menu will consist of heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages that may relate to the theme of the mixer. I offer 3 different types of martini’s as well as beer and wine for members with a different taste. Once the menu is complete, I set up music entertainment. (Live singer or piano player) It is then time to get prizes for the drawing at the end of the night.
to the string bed in a matter of seconds by sliding down onto the main strings. It comes in three different sizes to accommodate different head sizes and string patterns, all of which are color coded for easy recognition. After a few weeks of using the StringWeaver, I’ve experienced numerous benefits, but there are three that really make this product indispensable. First, the StringWeaver makes threading cross strings a piece of cake, especially when nearing the end of the racket when there isn’t much play in the
string. Second, it allows me to quickly pull the threaded cross string through the mains without fear of burning or notching the mains. This is a huge time saver. Third, and the most important to me, it makes stringing rackets with a 100% poly bed so much easier on my fingers, especially when you have multiples. If you are interested in saving time, and your fingers, when stringing tennis or badminton rackets, check out stringweavers.com to pick up this amazing product.
How to Organize & Run a Martini Mixer Tennis Social This is a great way to wind down and finalize the evening. Due to diverse levels of play, I do a drawing to give everyone a chance to win. It is now time to advertise and market for the event. Make sure to use all marketing tools available in order to relate to any audience and better your attendance. (newsletters, emails, social media, and phone calls) For the event, setting up the bar, food, and decorations help to enhance the experience. Once all the participants arrive, it’s time for their first drink along with a description of the evening. Our socials use a combination of court games (Ex: King of the Court, Olympics, Rotation Doubles, even triples) and mixed doubles play. The members typically enjoy the games more due to the fact that levels don’t matter and everyone can engage. I usually set the time frame for 20 minutes of play on the court and 10 minutes off court to socialize. (Food and drink) Don’t forget to take pictures! The event is set up for a 2 ½ hour evening with the drawing of door prizes to bring it to a close. Once the evening is complete, I will do an email and Facebook post overview of the event with all of the
pictures. This is sent to the whole membership allowing them to see not only how much fun it was, but also how successful. I finish with an evaluation sheet of the event which is used as a reminder of what went well and what could be improved for the next year. In order to help your next Tennis Social run smoothly, here is a list of tips: • Date for the event • Budget: Food & Beverage with an expense sheet (what to charge) • Food & Beverage • Entertainment (Music) • Prizes • Marketing, promotions, and sign-up’s • Decorations • List of games and Round Robin Sheet • Camera for pictures! • Conclusion – posting event to social media • Evaluation sheet I hope that all of these things will help in preparing, promoting, and successfully running your next tennis social.
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USPTA Invited Guest
The Real Talent is Emotional Toughness The following post is an excerpt from Emotional Aptitude In Sports NOW by Frank Giampaolo Emotional Aptitude Is a Skill At the start of a Southern California junior tennis tournament, the referee calls Kristen Michaels and Jenny Scott to court number four for their match. Kristen seemed to be a super fit, committed athlete with poise and solid fundamentals. She was dressed from head to toe in the newest Nike gear with her hair braided to perfection. She walked onto the court, unpacked her Wimbledon tournament towel, Gatorade and water bottle as she meticulously lined them up next to her chair. She then selected two rackets from her Nike tour bag as she “pings” them together to listen for the perfect string tension. Deciding on one, she immediately started shadow swinging and shuffling her feet as she waited for the umpire to perform the mandatory coin toss. Jenny on the other hand, did not appear to be as polished. In fact, she looked downright amateur in her California board shorts and surfer T-shirt. At the coin toss, Jenny was still wrestling through her tennis bag looking for a hair tie as the umpire yells “heads or tails?” Jenny grabs the only racket she brought and calmly saunters towards the net. She lets Kristin choose to serve or return. Jenny couldn’t care less. The 5 minute pre-match warm-up started and Kristen looked like a professional. Her movement and strokes were flawless. Jenny, on the other side of the net looked unorthodox, as she scrambled to return the ball back Kristin’s way. The referee called time and the match started. Most watching were sure Kristen was going to blow Jenny off the court. But to the spectator’s surprise, Kristin was struggling, down 0-2 within the first 5 minutes of play. The beautiful strokes we had witnessed in the warm-up were gone. By game 3, Kristin reached her maximum frustration tolerance level. She couldn’t keep a backhand in the
court as Jenny profiled her opponent and systematically hit every ball to Kristin’s ailing backhand side. Kristen was angry, stomping around, yelling at herself, screaming at her racket, her coach and her mom. Jenny, on the other hand, was a composed warrior relentlessly picking on Kristin’s weakness. Within 45 minutes, Jenny went on to win 6-2, 6-0. After the match, Jenny’s mom was overheard only uttered three words “Who wants Taco’s?” As illustrated above, emotional aptitude isn’t typically identifiable until after competition begins. What separates the elite competitors from the emotionally fragile athletes is their ability to thrive under perceived stress. Emotional aptitude is the ability to overcome hardships and to distress situations rather than magnify stressful situations. Athletes struggling with poor emotional aptitude lack confidence, composure, suffer bouts of selfdoubt and possess an overwhelming fear of being judged by others. These performance meltdowns often go unseen in practice but shine in all their glory on game day. Elite competitors are confident that their superior emotional strength will override any hardships and physical limitations. The emotionally weak athletes are convinced that the unfair hardships and their perceived limitations will override their peak performance and catastrophe will once again occur. An old-school word used to describe emotional aptitude is Grit. In regards to high achievers, researchers have come to the conclusion that successful individuals possess traits deeper than the mastery of athletic ability. Grit is persistent courage, resolve and strength of character. Grit is the learned ability to have “nerves of steel,” fortitude and determination. Interestingly, some athletes are pre-wired to have these essential components and some are not. For those athletes who are not natural combatants, developing emotional aptitude is critical. Sadly, emotionally weak competitors often ignore the development of such skills. Cultivating these character traits is what propels the few
into the winner’s circle. If you believe that your emotions are holding you hostage on game day and keeping you from the success you deserve, I suggest focusing your attention on the below list of solutions Fifteen Solutions to Foster Emotional Strength Nurture the Love of Competition Studies show that experiences bring more joy than possessions. The energy of the event is contagious. Athletes should enjoy competing against their past, fatigue, opponents and against time. Commit to Improving Being the best of the best (even in your town) doesn’t come without extreme effort. Improve your performance by understanding emotional aptitude. Recognize That You Can’t Be Normal … and a Champion Champions lead very different lives than normal people. Being an athletic champion is a daily life style. Customize Your Training Realize that diligent customized training trumps social, group learning. Research shows, on average, group training takes up to six times longer than quality private training. Adopt a Growth Mind-Set Great skills are cultivated through continuous effort more so than initial talent or IQ. Without effort…you fail by default. Understand that success starts with the effort of optimism and a growth mindset. Embrace Failure Initial failures are the beginning of the long road to success. They are your teachers. It’s often through setbacks that your customized secrets to success are found. Continued on next page .
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Step Up and Take Responsibility A challenge for many athletes is to not allow parents or coaches to routinely solve their problems for them. Solve your problems yourself versus tapping out when difficulties arise.
Volume 19 Issue 4
game day preparation could make all the difference in the world.
Take Competitive Risks Being scared to leave your comfort zone stalls the growth you seek. Take the risk…or grow old wondering if you were ever good enough.
Apply Positive Visualization Winners use positive visualization by imagining themselves executing their best patterns and plays without hesitation. Less successful athletes are overcome with negative visualization, which of course overwhelms their thought processes with visions of failure.
Ask Experts About Their Story You’ll quickly realize that failing is what winners do often. Winners often don’t have the most physical talent. They most often possess the positive emotional qualities you seek.
Train Under Game Day Stress Athletes need to train much more than just their physical techniques and athleticism in practice. They have to get comfortable… being uncomfortable.
Organize a New Developmental Plan Success stems from spectacular preparation. A brand new deliberate, customized developmental plan along with intelligent
Rehearse Tolerance Overcome hardships and pain in practice. Simulating stress in practice provides you with the opportunity to conquer your emotional demons.
By doing so, reoccurring game day negative thoughts are replaced by positive thoughts such as: “I’ve done this before, I’ve conquered this several times and I know I can overcome this again because I have done it often.” Learn to Compartmentalize Emotions Great athletes stay in their optimal performance frame of mind during discomfort by staying on script (pre-set protocol). This entails choosing to mentally focus on the job at hand by overriding the emotional contaminants, thus not letting emotions control the show. Stop Feeding Negative. Emotions Flip constantly feeding the problems, worries and fears with customize protocols which feeds optimism, courage, resiliency and fortitude. Athletes should have pre-set triggers (words and actions) that help them focus on positive plays and patterns.
PRO PLANS 8 Week Lesson Plan For Adult Club Teams By Tom Parkes with a great team of Ken Andriano, Tom Cascarano, and Chris Stevens High Percentage/Consistency • 1 up / 1 back feed to baseliner rally 3 balls play point out • 2-up / 2-back – feed to net players 2 volley’s in a row - starts point • 3-up / 1-back – feed to baseliner/hitting down the middle or crosscourt rallying 2 in a row – starts point Having a Game Plan/Court Coverage • 1-up / 1-back – press (middle ball) and release (cover line on the outside ball) feed to baseliner, they focus on cross court. Games to 5 • Quick volley drill - all 4 students at service line. Define who covers what spots (Middle or down the line) Play games to 11 • 3-up / 1-back (stagger position) Feed all to net team rally 3-ball play out point when you reach the 3rd ball Isolation: Building the Point • 3-up / 1-back (feed net player) Try to isolate
baseline player rally 3-balls play out point • 2-up / 2-back (feed baseliner) Net players try to isolate one baseline player 3-ball to one side before point starts • Cross court down the line game (one on one drill) Work on Targeting • 2-up / 2-back (feed to net players) Net players try to attack (T) Finish Point – play points • All 4 players back. When ball hit, short zone – players moves forward attack the (T) to open the outside angles. Play points • All four at net – service line Attack the (T) Offensive Play • Serve and Stroll points • 1-up / 1-back Start point to baseline players winner gets approach volley play point • 2-up / 2-back (feed overhead) Play points to? (advanced version: 3 up 1 back over head goes to back person play out points)
Defensive Play • 1-up / 1-back - feed lob to baseline player. Baseline should step up and punch volley back cross court to start the point play point out • 3up / 1 back. Feed lob over a net person. They must punch volley ball out of the air and movie back forward. Play point out • 2-up / 2-back (feed baseliner) Player must hit first ball as a lob Play point Poaching • 1-up / 1-back (feed middle ball) Net player cuts to retrieve feed Baseliner switches to cover open court Play point Dead ball feed poach drill with targets • 1-up / 1-back Rally cross court Poach with 4 6-ball rally Formations • Funky Formation • I/Australian formation 2 back off the serve
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State News Alabama
In April, we were thrilled to have Scott Del Mastro of Club Med Academies lead a coaching seminar, a ladies’ clinic, and a junior clinic at Highland Racquet Club in Birmingham, AL. The connection was made through Niba N’tcha, a former player of Del Mastro’s, who played at Samford University. N’tcha was a teaching professional at Vestavia Country Club and graduate assistant coach at Samford University. We were thrilled with the turnout of coaches and players for this special workshop, and look forward to a continued relationship with Del Mastro. We are looking forward to 2019 and adding more educational opportunities for our tennis professionals throughout our great state!
Arkansas
“Elevating the standards of teaching-tennis professionals and coaches” is our mission statement. Developing our abilities through collaboration amongst ourselves is an outstanding way to elevate our own standards. USPTA Arkansas in conjunction with USTA Arkansas’s Annual weekend is again conducting a conference Sunday January 13, 2019. This year we are looking for your help and input. It’s an opportunity to be a speaker and pass on what you have learned and what makes you successful on a day to day basis. If you are willing to share and would like to speak please contact me. Some possible topics might be How you incorporate Net Generation; Working with 10 & Under Kids; Working with Schools; How You use Ball Machines; How to Make more Money; Options for Rain Days; Building Teams; keeping People coming to Lessons; Growing Your Base: Filling seasonal Gaps. Please save the date and plan on attending. Contact be at bwagstaff@hsvpoa.org
Georgia
Once again, we will feature 2 amazing, internationally recognized speakers. Gigi Fernández voted by ESPN the 10th-most-influencial Hispanic athlete in history. The big-serving and hard-hitter was the first female athlete from her country to become a professional in any sport, and she carved out a legacy, largely based on astounding doubles success. Fernández won 17 major doubles titles with four different partners. Fourteen of those titles were shared with Natasha Zverera. Fernández and Zvereva have the second-longest major doubles title streak in the Open Era, winning six in a row from the French Open in 1992 through Wimbledon in 1993. Doubles earned Fernández her place in history and the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Frank Giampaolo is an award winning coach, popular international speaker, and sports researcher. He is an instructional writer for ITF (International Tennis Federation) Coaching & Sports Science Review, UK Tennis magazine, the USPTA, Tennis Magazine and Tennis View Magazine. Frank is both a USPTA and PTR educator, a Tennis Congress Factuality Member, and has been a featured speaker at the Australian Grand Slam Coaches Convention, the PTR GB Wimbledon Conference, and Wingate Sports Institute (Israel.) Frank 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
Louisiana
This past month we had several pros tested for USPTA certification at City Park in New Orleans. Thanks to USPTA tester and man of many hats, Bill Phillips, we’ve had more test dates in Louisiana helping pros in this region get certified. November 9th and 10th marks the dates of the second annual Tennis Haus convention in Covington. I am excited to announce our date for the USPTA-LA workshop is set for February 2nd in Baton Rouge. The venue is still yet to be determined, but we have a great lineup of speakers including the always entertaining, informative and crowd favorite Bill Riddle!! If you are in touch with news around the tennis industry you are well aware of Bill’s influence. He has spoken at many conventions and workshops with a most recent trip to China. He has also interviewed the likes of Andre Agassi, Nick Bollettieri and Virginia Wade. Please make an effort to save the date of February 2nd in Baton Rouge for a great learning opportunity!!
Mississippi
Hello everyone. We are getting close to the end of the year and it is safe to say that we had a great year here in MS. On top of being a busy year for our teaching professionals, below you’ll see some promising numbers coming from our USTA office.
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• Junior Team Tennis: 2018 Goal was 1721 and we are at 1925 in Unique Participants • USTA Adult League Participation: 2018 Goal was 19153 and we are at 19275 participants. • Net Generation Providers: 188 (this is a great amount of registrations with 69% SafePlay and Background check “approved”, which is the strongest percentage in the South) • Net Generation Tournaments: 2018 Goal was 83, we are at 87 so far. On a different note, we are finalizing our 2019 USPTA MS workshop. Our workshop will be held on Friday, January 11th at the Country Club of Jackson. Once again, MTA will pick up expenses for one night room and mileage. For those who are interested in getting an upgrade, we will host a one day USPTA Certification on Saturday, January 12th. If you would like to nominate someone or yourself for a USPTA MS State Award please do so. Nominating lists will be open until December 3rd.
North Carolina
What a crazy fall it has been for most of us, and way more serious for some. Hurricane Florence and Michael sent many of our fellow pros scurrying to other locations while hoping that their clubs and homes would remain safe. We hope that everyone has returned without issue, although assistance is still available from USTA NC if needed. Thanks to Olde Providence Racquet Club in Charlotte for hosting our Winter Workshop this year. The event will be held on Friday, December 7 with classroom sessions in the morning, on-court sessions in the afternoon, and a platform tennis social to be held in the early evening. Headline speakers include Bill Riddle and Tim Bainton. Plan to stay around to watch some of the best platform (paddle) players in the south compete in the Mehmet Varinli Memorial tournament which starts Friday and continues Saturday. Please register early on Setteo to ensure you receive your workshop gift.
South Carolina
We have finally made it to our wonderful fall weather here in SC! It has been a wonderful journey here in SC for me as USPTA SC president. I will be leaving our great state and heading to Texas in a few weeks for a new and exciting opportunity at Bentwater Yacht and Country Club. I would like to thank the SC Pros and USPTA Southern for giving me a chance as president. I love to serve and help grow our great organization. USPTA Southern will have a new president in place soon and they will get the ball rolling for 2019. As one of my good friends Bill Riddle joked, “KJ is trying to set a record for how many states he can be USPTA President of.” Moving to Texas will be a change but I will hopefully give them a taste of what South Carolina has taught me. Please remember to keep sending in those articles for our newsletter. We have one the best state newsletters and that is in part to pros sending us content. The board will be hard at work planning for 2019 and I hope to come back and see lots of you at State and Southern workshops. Kevin Jackson
Tennessee
Meet Your Tennessee Board Member David Berens has been a USPTA Elite Professional since 2001 and has worked in the tennis industry since 1998. He learned to play tennis by hitting thousands of balls against a backboard until he joined his high school team. There he found a true passion for excelling in the game and went on to play at Carson-Newman College. When he graduated, he became an English teacher and eventually started working with high school players and coaching high school teams. Soon enough, it became clear that he was happier teaching tennis than anything else, so he began to seek out ways to improve as a professional. Step one was to learn everything he could from every teaching pro around him. Step two was to experience every type of tennis facility he could work at from Florida to Tennessee. From resorts to public parks to private clubs, he found that he was also learning about the behind the scenes business it takes to be a successful tennis facility. Now, he works as a tennis professional at one of Knoxville’s premier indoor clubs, Cedar Bluff Racquet Club, and serves as the Vice President of the USPTA TN Board. He has joined the board to help USPTA professionals understand and maximize the benefits of membership and find ways to grow membership to well qualified and professional tennis teachers. He’s authored several tennis books and is always interested in learning more about the game, its history, and its future.
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Volume 19 Issue 4
OUTSIDE the LINES
9 Habits of People Who Build Extraordinary Relationships
By Jeff Haden
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he most extraordinary professional relationships are built by ordinary actions like these. Professional success is important to everyone, but still, success in business and in life means different things to different people–as well it should. But one fact is universal: Real success, the kind that exists on multiple levels, is impossible without building great relationships. Real success is impossible unless you treat other people with kindness, regard, and respect. After all, you can be a rich jerk… but you will also be a lonely jerk. That’s why people who build extraordinary business relationships: 1. Take the hit. A customer gets mad. A vendor complains about poor service. A mutual friend feels slighted. Sometimes, whatever the issue and regardless of who is actually at fault, some people step in and take the hit. They’re willing to accept the criticism or abuse because they know they can handle it–and they know that maybe, just maybe, the other person can’t. Few acts are more selfless than taking the undeserved hit. And few acts better cement a relationship. 2. Step in without being asked. It’s easy to help when you’re asked. Most people will. Very few people offer help before they have been asked, even though most of the time that is when a little help will make the greatest impact. People who build extraordinary relationships pay close attention so they can tell when others are struggling. Then they offer to help, but not in a general, “Is there something I can do to help you?” way. Instead they come up with specific ways they can help. That way they can push past the reflexive, “No, I’m okay…” objections. And they can roll up their sleeves and make a difference in another person’s life. Not because they want to build a better relationship, although that is certainly the result, but simply because they care. 3. Answer the question that is not asked. Where relationships are concerned, face value is usually without value. Often people will ask
a different question than the one they really want answered. A colleague might ask you whether he should teach a class at a local college; what he really wants to talk about is how to take his life in a different direction. A partner might ask how you felt about the idea he presented during the last board meeting; what he really wants to talk about is his diminished role in the running of the company. Behind many simple questions is often a larger question that goes unasked. People who build great relationships think about what lies underneath so they can answer that question, too. 4. Know when to dial it back. Outgoing and charismatic people are usually a lot of fun… until they aren’t. When a major challenge pops up or a situation gets stressful, still, some people can’t stop “expressing their individuality.” (Admit it: You know at least one person so in love with his personality he can never dial it back.) People who build great relationships know when to have fun and when to be serious, when to be over the top and when to be invisible, and when to take charge and when to follow. Great relationships are multifaceted and therefore require multifaceted people willing to adapt to the situation–and to the people in that situation. 5. Prove they think of others. People who build great relationships don’t just think about other people. They act on those thoughts. One easy way is to give unexpected praise. Everyone loves unexpected praise–it’s like getting flowers not because it’s Valentine’s Day, but “just because.” Praise helps others feel better about themselves and lets them know you’re thinking about them (which, if you think about it, is flattering in itself.) Take a little time every day to do something nice for someone you know, not because you’re expected to but simply because you can. When you do, your relationships improve dramatically. 6. Realize when they have acted poorly.
Most people apologize when their actions or words are called into question. Very few people apologize before they are asked to–or even before anyone notices they should. Responsibility is a key building block of a great relationship. People who take the blame, who say they are sorry and explain why they are sorry, who don’t try to push any of the blame back on the other person–those are people everyone wants in their lives, because they instantly turn a mistake into a bump in the road rather than a permanent roadblock. 7. Give consistently, receive occasionally. A great relationship is mutually beneficial. In business terms that means connecting with people who can be mentors, who can share information, who can help create other connections; in short, that means going into a relationship wanting something. The person who builds great relationships doesn’t think about what she wants; she starts by thinking about what she can give. She sees giving as the best way to establish a real relationship and a lasting connection. She approaches building relationships as if it’s all about the other person and not about her, and in the process builds relationships with people who follow the same approach. In time they make real connections. And in time they make real friends. 8. Value the message by always valuing the messenger. When someone speaks from a position of position of power or authority or fame it’s tempting to place greater emphasis on their input, advice, and ideas. We listen to Tony Hsieh. We listen to Norm Brodsky. We listen to Seth Godin. The guy who mows our lawn? Maybe we don’t listen to him so much. That’s unfortunate. Smart people strip away the framing that comes with the source–whether positive or negative–and consider the information, advice, or idea based solely on its Continued on next page.
Standard
Fit to Hit By Lane Evans, Certified Tennis & Golf Performance Specialist and USPTA Elite Professional & Tester
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Staying Sharp: A Guide to Mental Fitness and Sharpness That Every Tennis Professional Should Do
ow many times have you wandered around your home or apartment aimlessly in what seems to be hopeless attempt to retrieve your keys, cell phone or glasses only to find them in your in your pocket or on your head. It happens more than you think. According to national research, you may be suffering from a condition commonly called “brain fog.” What is “brain fog,” you ask? It is simply an inability to focus or concentrate effectively or clearly. This condition is present in both young and old. Have you ever been in the middle of a lesson and your mind just wanders off? You can’t remember who you are teaching and what you were teaching them. For younger pros, this temporary memory loss may pop right back but with pros over the age of 50 this process might take a minute or so. There are days and moments when I can remember my third birthday party and there are moments I can’t remember where I parked the car 30 minutes ago. Don’t panic, you can take steps to remedy the situation. Here are a few tips that will help. In fact, Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) is a very common condition, affecting most of us at some point or another. Women report this condition a little more often than men do. Many face anxiety and depression as well. Here are some very simple tips that will help keep you mentally sharp and focused as much as you need to. Remember, young professionals should focus on these tips as much as the “over-40-50” crowd.
1. This first one should be an easy one, exercise. As tennis professionals, we are constantly on the move. Possibly too much. That’s right, too much. Fatigue is the culprit. When you are tired to the point of exhaustion, take a break. If you are one of those professionals who loves to brag about how many hours they spent on the court today, stop it. You will not win this battle over the long haul. Pace yourself and take ownership of your mental stability.
merits. People who build great relationships never automatically discount the message simply because they discount the messenger. They know good advice is good advice, regardless of where it comes from. And they know good people are good people, regardless of their perceived “status”.
store noticed it one day and said, “Oh, you’re a Reading supporter? My team is Manchester United.”
9. Start small… and are happy to stay small. I sometimes wear a Reading Football Club sweatshirt. The checkout clerk at the grocery
2. Stimulate your mind by reading, writing or even playing a video game now and then. Any mental activity is good and healthful activity. 3. Talk to people. Verbal engagement is critical to good mental health. You must structure sentences and you must listen. All good here. 4. Certainly stay away from harmful drugs. Limit alcohol consumption. If you are a smoker, stop. Immediately! I used to give lessons to a heart surgeon who used to tell me the horror stories of patients he worked on that were smokers. He used to always say the same thing with each case. Smoking takes away the body’s ability to heal itself. It just can’t recover the damaged valves and lungs. Enough said here. 5. Fatigue causes you to become complacent and negligent at times. This can cause injury. Maybe you stumble over a line or run into a net post. Fatigue is a major contributor to injuries. You need to be on the court, not laid
Normally, since I’m pretty shy, I would have just nodded and said something innocuous, but for some reason I said, “You think Man U can beat Real Madrid next week?” He gave me a huge smile and said, “Oh yeah. We’ll crush them!” (Too bad he was wrong.) Now whenever I see him he waves, often from across the
up in the bed. Be safe. 6. Make sure you manage your stress. Take breaks during the day. Get away from the courts. Take a walk. Take a drive. Take a vacation. Anything that takes your person and mind away from the day to day grind environment. 7. Make sure you are eating enough and well. Know your body. Know what your body needs to get through your day comfortably. Keep energy bars close by in case you get into trouble. Make sure to stay hydrated as well. 8. Get your sleep. Know how much sleep you need to get through the day. I usually take a 20 minute “power nap” at some point in the middle of my day. Just long enough to get myself back in gear. Our good friend Allistair McCall does the same thing and swears by it. 9. Manage injuries. If you have a sore back, knee, hip or whatever, make sure you take proper care of it. Ignoring it will only make it worse. You are not doctors. I know it takes you off the court but believe me, you will get it all back with proper injury management and prevention. 10. Manage relationships. Whether it is your wife, girlfriend, kids, members, or anyone else who is a part of your day-to-day always nurture those relationships to constantly improve them. This last one is really the lifeblood that controls all of us. No one cares more about your well-being than those closest to you.
store. I almost always walk over, say hi, and talk briefly about soccer. That’s as far as our relationship is likely to go and that’s okay. For a couple of minutes we transcend the customer/ employee relationship and become two people brightening each other’s day. And that’s enough, because every relationship, however minor and possibly fleeting, has value. People who build great relationships treat every one of their relationships that way. (That’s a lesson I need to take to heart more often).
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U30 EXPERIENCE
Spreading the Benefits of Conferences to U30 Coaches By Dan Beedle - U30 Chairperson TENNIS DIRECTORS AND HEAD PROS, What is the U30 initiative? For those who are not familiar with U30, here are our goals:
• Develop a “voice” for our under 30 professionals • To move from a minority to a majority
• Provide financial assistance for education opportunities through stipends and scholarships • To help young professionals entering the industry develop a strong network of friends and colleagues that will assist them in future career endeavors • Help create a mentoring system with established industry professionals (USPTA Advisory Staff)
It is crucial for the future growth of tennis that we continue to involve the next generation of coaches within the industry. What can we do to help them get involved rather than just teaching lessons? Encourage your U30 pros to attend education days and conferences! Both division and sectional conferences are a great way for young pros to network and get new ideas to bring back to your programs. Bouncing ideas off others and discussing best practices helps re-energize them when they
get back on court. They meet other pros from their area and use those connections to host match play days with other programs. Attending conferences can also help prevent burn out. It is tough to be on court 5 or 6 days a week, and some of us are teaching 7 days a week. Conferences allow you to relax a bit, learn new things, meet new people and give you a break from the grind of teaching. Many younger pros I have spoken with do not attend conferences due to the cost. As a Tennis Director or Head Pro, if you budget money to help with registration fees or travel costs it will only help your program move upward. If you have a U30 pro that is looking to get involved please contact Dan Beedle at dan. beedle10s@gmail.com
One Good Idea! From the Tennis Teachers/World Conference in New York From Youth Tennis Panel – Specializing in a single sport early creates a much higher risk of injury as well as burnout. A recent 5 year study found that kids that play in multiple sports are much more likely to continue to be in sports in 5 years than those that specialize. Tennis can be considered the most athletic demanding sport. All programs should include athletic development as part of the curriculum. From Chris – My father just kept everything simple. We worked on the basics and had fun. He had 5 kids that all won national
championships and 7 juniors that went on to play Wimbledon. Steve Job quote – “Your time is limited, so don’t spend your time living someone else’s life.” You have to find what you love. The only way to do great work is to do what you love. Paula Scheb – The Mysteries of Leadership top trait of great leaders • Keep the team engaged. Know when to bring the right people on board • Be curious • Be an avid reader
• Ask questions, and then LISTEN • Think BIG, but failure can happen. Amazon did not make money for 10 years. • Dive deep and be determined • Show appreciation. This can be more important than money • Accountable and Responsible. Give credit to others but be responsible when needed. • Solid communicators • Honest and Integrity. People do not want to be involved with sketchy characters • Human, not humanoid. People focused that connect on a personal level.
ENGINEERED TO EXPAND LIMITS
Introducing the Wilson Ultra Ball, the official ball of the USPTA. This ball features a thicker felt for enhanced durability and high-vision felt for improved visibility.
WILSON.COM Š 2017 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 17-0228
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Southern Officers The “Standard” is the official newsletter for the Southern Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
President Kevin Theos theos@sta.usta.com 205-790-7256 1st Vice President Kaitlin Flaherty-Bisplinghoff kflaherty07@gmail.com 832-656-4472 2nd Vice President Tom Parkes pvcctennis@gmail.com 910-233-4755 Secretary/Treasurer Bill Riddle tennisun@aol.com 615-243-6698 Past President/Regional VP Todd Upchurch tupchurch1@gmail.com 704-258-7220 Directors at Large Ken Andriano kandriano@theriverclub-ga.com 336-541-5876
Executive Director Pat Whitworth pat.whitworth@uspta.org 800-438-7782 (phone/fax) Head Tester Ron Gwyn rgwyn@haigpoint.com 843-341-8114 State Presidents ALABAMA Jenny Robb jennywrobb@gmail.com 205-902-1188 ARKANSAS Bob Wagstaff bwagstaff@hsvpoa.org 501-922-5054 GEORGIA Billy Uelze buelze@me.com KENTUCKY David White d.white@topseedtennis.net 859-361-1536
LOUISIANA Jason Hazley usptala@gmail.com 225-247-3028 MISSISSIPPI Bo Gard bogdangard@yahoo.com 228-243-3110 NORTH CAROLINA Darryl Lewis usptanc@gmail.com 828-964-8490 SOUTH CAROLINA Kevin Jackson camdencctennis@gmail.com 803-432-6711 TENNESSEE Meg Bandy mbandy@mccallie.org 423-593-5523
USPTA Welcomes Our New Members Bennett, Jonathan G. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxford GA Boxx, Kristi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxford MS Boylan, Teresa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greensboro NC Brown, Jeff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baton Rouge LA Bueche, Logan J. . . . . . . . . . . . Baton Rouge LA Cavender, Kyle A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arab AL Edens, Matt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brookland AR Felts, Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh NC Fox, Wendy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hoschton GA Fuller, Leo J. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lithonia GA Gilbert, Tyler K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Louisville KY Habtezgi, Daniel M. . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte NC Hale, Seth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sevierville TN Hardy, Byron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kaplan LA Harris, Brandon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amory MS Hogan, Mattew . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fayetteville AR Hogan, William . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fayetteville AR Hooks, Shawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Batesville AR Huck, Marcy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawsonville GA Isache, Adrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newport KY
Johnson, Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Killen AL Langlois, Owen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raleigh NC Merriman, Jim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonesboro AR Nash, Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxford MS Oprea, Maria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jonesboro AR Ransome, Irving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Monroe NC Somerville, Mary . . . . . . . . . . . Baton Rouge LA Spieldiener, Michael . . . . . . . . Baton Rouge LA Stoietskyi, Dmytro . . . . . . . . . . . . Little Rock AR Telfer, Matthew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbia SC Tewari, Ravi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chapel Hill NC Thomas, Marvin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Knoxville TN Thorne, Vail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Atlanta GA Vasileva, Alena . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrenceville GA Watson IV, Judson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oxford MS Wisener, Ian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horton AL Wolfe, Zachary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cottondale AL Wood, William . . . . . . . . . . Powder Springs GA Zeitvogel, Larry . . . . . . . . . . . . Birmingham AL
C Hustle beat talent when talent doesn’t hustle - Ross Simmonds Don’t be upset with the results you didn’t get form the work you didn’t do. — Anonymous People often ask me if I know the secret of success . . . . and could tell others how to make their dreams come true. My answer is you do it by working. — Walt Disney The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem. — Captain Jack Sparrow The biggest mistake you can make is listening to people who’ve given up on their dreams telling you to give up on yours. — Umair Hague On communication: good communication is clear communication. Use ordinary language and say exactly what you mean, If you don’t, people will leave more confused than they were before. — Lee Cockerell
USPTA Certification Tests & Upgrades Nov 10 - Rome Tennis Center Rome, GA
Nov 11 - Stone Creek Club and Spa Covington, LA
Nov 17 - Park Crossing Charlotte, NC
Dec 2 - Williamson County Parks & Rec Brentwood, TN
Dec 9 - Haig Point Club Hilton Head, SC
Dec 15 - Atlanta Athletic Club Johns Creek, GA
USPTA SOUTHERN DIVISION
NEWSLETTER 337 Rhodes House Court SUWANEE, GA 30024
The Standard is published every 60 days by the Southern Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association. The opinions expressed in The Standard are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Standard, the USPTA or Southern Division. CopyrightŠ The Standard/United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the newsletter is not permitted without the written permission from the USPTA Southern Division. Advertising information: All ads must be camera ready and in color, if possible. Prices are per issue. Full Page......... $400 Half Page........ $275 1/4 Page......... $140