Tennis Industry Magazine

FACILITY CONSTRUCTION CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAYER ACCESSORIES
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TennisIndustry
Contents June 2017

DEPARTMENTS p. 34 p. 24
4 Our Serve
6 Industry News
12 TIA News
14 Racquet Tech
16 Passionate Players
18 Facility Construction
22 Customer Service
38 Ask the Experts
39 USRSA World Conference
40 Your Serve, by Ali Goldman
INDUSTRY NEWS
6 UVAs Boland named USTA FEATURES
head of Mens Tennis
6 USTA League, Head Penn 24 NJTL Stars
renew 30-year partnership These dedicated
7 Dalton Enterprises launches
1-800-TENNISCOURT individuals and
7 USTA Enlists Aramark to organizations are
manage US Open retail bringing tennis and
7 People Watch
7 TitanTrax Shield repairs city
education to our
courts in Wisconsin nations youngsters.
7 Player Development names
annual coaching awards
8 Bryan Brothers to endorse
32 Dark Matter
Solinco strings The newest sunglasses
8 Mast, Andrew win HoF ON-COURT offer both protection
Educational Merit Awards
9 Short Sets 30 Private Enterprise for the eyes and
9 Sports Interiors, ITA sign These award-winning residential courts stylish looks.
3-year partnership
provide a unique sanctuary.
9 Memphis Open moves to N.Y.
after 41-year run
10 Topspin Sports introduces 34 Now You See It!
2-sided digital scoreboard
Heads new MXG racquets feature something
11 USPTA publishes book
celebrating 90 years not seen in yearsvisible technology.
PLUS
p.41 42 CEOs Message
44 Vice Presidents Message
46 Beyond the Court
46 48 52 54
$5,000 USPTA USPTA, USTA Technique What Do Our 48 USPTAs 90th Anniversary
Grass Court Work Together Trouble: How to Adult Students 52 Inside Coaching
Championships for Premier Improve Junior Expect From 56 Master Pro Corner
Set for June Event Development Us? 58 Career Development
60 Member News
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
2 TennisIndustry June 2017 www.tennisindustrymag.com
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TennisIndustry
OurServe PUBLISHER
JEFF WILLIAMS
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
EDITOR'S NOTE
A Focus on the Benefits MANAGING EDITOR

SCOTT GRAMLING
Is our industry finally taking a CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IAN KNOWLES
closer look at the health and fitness SENIOR EDITOR

ED McGROGAN
reasons for playing this sport? ART DIRECTOR

CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
PRODUCTION EDITOR
SAM CHASE
R

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
ecently, Ive been getting now has a national Tennis Health & CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
more excited about how Wellness Task Force, headed by Dr. ROBIN BATEMAN, CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG
CONNOR, KENT OSWALD, CYNTHIA SHERMAN,
our industry finally seems Jack Groppel and involving top doctors MARY HELEN SPRECHER
to be addressing the and sports medicine experts. The task
health, fitness and well- force is designed to help reach and CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
ness opportunities that tennis offers. engage Americans with messaging on
Ive always been an advocate for the wellness benefits of tennis. WEBMASTER
using simple, clear health and fitness As Dr. Groppel said at the TOM Con- GREG RAVEN
messages to sell this sport and get more ference, Tennis suffers from its inabil- ASSOCIATE EDITOR
people playing. The health aspects of ity as an industry to voice its incredible TIM McARTHUR
tennis are benefits all Americans can health benefits and link to other health EDITORIAL DIRECTION
relate to. Yet our efforts to promote this and wellness activities. Tennis needs 10TEN MEDIA
sport havent tended to focus on these to sell itself as one of the top sports for
basic factors, such as how tennis can lifelong health and fitness. TENNIS INDUSTRY
help prevent many of the ailments that Another speaker at the TOM was 250 Park Avenue, Suite 825, NY NY 10017
afflict our sedentary population. club health & fitness consultant Casey 646-402-5031
Conrad, whose presentations are info@tennisindustrymag.com
always dynamic and informative. One ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
of her key messages to tennis club own-
The opportunities for a ers and managers was to better utilize
JOHN HANNA
770-650-1102, x125
health-conscious sport like the health, fitness and wellness aspects hanna@knowatlanta.com
tennis are endless. of tennis. With nearly 150 million
Americans who are overweight, and APPAREL ADVERTISING
CYNTHIA SHERMAN
Even with current initiatives to grow millions with related conditions, Con- 203-558-5911
tennis, we still do not have a unified, rad says the possibilities for a health- cstennisindustry@gmail.com
clear strategy on health and fitness that conscious sport like tennis are endless.
shows mainstream consumers, in ways Our current initiatives to grow this
they can easily understand, why they sport are incredibly important, but we Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
should be playing this sport. need to hammer home to consumers monthly, January through August with combined
issues in September/October and November/
But nowand at the risk of speak- some of these simple, basic and very December, by Tennis Media Company, 250 Park
ing too soonit seems this industry real messages about why they should be Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical
postage paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing
may finally be taking a hard look at playing tennis. Lets not get so caught offices (USPS #004-354). June 2017, Volume 45,
the benefits tennis has to offer when it up in the process that we forget the Number 6 2017 by Tennis Media Company. All rights
reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo are trademarks
comes to getting and keeping Ameri- true benefits of our sport. of Tennis Media Company. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
cans healthy. advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
and editorial: 646-402-5031. Yearly subscriptions
This hit me during the recent Tennis $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
Owners & Managers Conference. Many address changes to Tennis Industry, 250 Park Avenue,
Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Tennis Industry is the
presenters and attendees talked about Peter Francesconi official magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA.
the importance of health and fitness Editorial Director Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
when it comes to selling this sport and Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
getting people onto their courts to not at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
only play tennis, but to play more tennis.

Tied into all this is that our industry
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IndustryNews
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

USTA League, Head Penn
Renew 30-Year Partnership
The USTA and Head Penn Racquet
Sports have announced a five-year
renewal of their 30-year partnership for
the USTA League program. As part of the
agreement, Head Penn will provide per-
formance Penn tennis balls for all USTA
League sectional and national champion-
ship events.
Since 1987, Penn has donated more
than two million balls during its sponsor-
ship of the USTA League program, in addi-
tion to providing gifts for league captains
and door prizes at sectional and national
championships.
Established in 1980, the USTA League
program has grown from 13,000 par-
ticipants in a few parts of the country
in its first year to more than 325,000
players across the nation today. Players
compete in an average of three leagues
each, which brings annual; total player
registration to more than 900,000,
making USTA League the worlds largest
Boland won three recreational tennis league.
national titles as Our partnership with Head Penn is
coach at UVA. one of the longest and most successful
relationships in the industry, says Jeff
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT Waters, the USTA's managing director
UVAs Brian Boland Named

of Adult Tennis & Association Services.
We look forward to working together to
continue increasing participation in the
USTA Head of Mens Tennis USTA League program.
Supporting players of all levels as
U
they reach for their goal to be the best
niversity of Virginia mens Brian brings a unique skill set, is exactly what Penn stands for, adds
head coach Brian Boland has a combination of management and Greg Mason, president of Head Penn
been named the next Head of coaching expertise, which enabled him Racquet Sports.
Mens Tennis for USTA Player Devel- to build a championship culture at the
opment. Boland will report directly to University of Virginia, said Blackman.
P H O T O S U S TA , S P O RT S M E N ' S T E N N I S & E N R I C H M E N T C E N T E R
Sportsmens Tennis Holds
USTA Player Development General Hes long been an innovative leader in Big Sister, Little Sister Event
Manager Martin Blackman out of the the world of college athletics.
USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla. Boland has been the head mens
As Head of Mens Tennis, Boland tennis coach at Virginia since 2002 and
will oversee all training and coaching has guided the Cavaliers to a 41957
of male juniors, collegians and pros record and three NCAA team champi-
by USTA Player Development, and onships, in 2013, 2015 and 2016. He has
will manage all mens USTA National been named the Intercollegiate Tennis
Coaches, in the Team USAPro, Associations Coach of the Year twice, in
Collegiate and Junior brands. 2008 and 2016.
Big and Little Sister participants
Boland replaces Jay Berger, who Bolands Virginia teams have reached
chose to step down after nine years in the NCAA title match five out of the last In late March, Sportsmens Tennis &
the position. Berger will remain in the six years. From April 2006 to Febru- Enrichment Center in Dorchester, Mass.,
role through June to assist with the ary 2016, Bolands Cavaliers won 140 welcomed 28 women and 28 excited girls,
transition, as Boland finishes the col- straight matches against ACC oppo- prospective Big and Little Sisters, for an
legiate season with the reigning NCAA nents, the longest winning streak by any evening of tennis as they got to know each
champion Virginia Cavaliers. team in any sport in ACC history. other a little better.
06_TI_FOB_IndustryNewsPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 9:22 AM

IndustryNews
People
Watch
Rocky Carson, currently the No. 2- had served as USTA Georgia ranking and Magazine, which sponsors and presents
ranked racquetball player in the world, rating coordinator since 2013. A native the awards, said of the Serb, She com-
won the International Racquetball Tour of Guam who grew up in Tacoma, Wash., bines natural beauty with athleticism
event near Dayton, Ohio, for his 25th Edrosa earned a degree in sociology and elegance.
career professional tournament victory. from the University of Washington and
masters in Education from Antioch
Award-winning tennis writer Joel University Seattle.
Drucker recently published his second
book, Dont Bet On It, about life, love and Frank Giampaolo will be the keynote
tennis, which is available on Amazon. educator speaking at the PTR GB Confer-
Druckers first book, Jimmy Connors Saved ence, an annual one-day event held on
My Life, was published in 2004. the middle Sunday of Wimbledon (July
9) at Londons Olympic Park. Other Ivanovic at the Gala Spa Awards
USTA New England will enshrine Lisa speakers at the conference include Andy
Albano-Fu, Chris Holmes, Paul Shaw and Dowsett and Phil Vivian. For information, Octagon is now managing the tennis
Jerry Albrikes into the sections Hall of visit www.PTRGB.org. affairs of the recently retired Ana
Fame on June 10 at the International Ivanovic, a former world No. 1.
Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Ana Ivanovic was named the Beauty
Idol of the year recently at the 21st Former Zaino Tennis Courts office man-
Marita Edrosa has been named USTA Annual Gala Spa Awards, which took ager Patricia May Hanson passed away
Southern manager of Adult Tennis. She place in Baden-Baden, Germany. Gala on March 5.
Opening our doors to organizations easier was a no-brainer, says Dalton En- of distinctive, official tournament apparel,
such as the Big Sister Association of Greater terprises President John Dalton. Weve souvenirs and keepsakes.
Boston enables us to expand on our mission had a fantastic reception and have en-
of building leaders on the court, in the class- rolled many area codes to date. TitanTrax Shield Repairs
room and in the greater community, says Dalton says contractors can brand their City Courts in Wisconsin
Sportsmens Executive Director Toni Wiley. trucks and equipment with 1-800- NGI Sports TitanTrax Shield crack
Our combined efforts made for a fun TENNISCOURT. For more information, repair system has been the system of
night, and we hope it leads to a few new visit www.800tenniscourt.com or email choice to renovate courts at locations
relationships, added Gayna Sealy, Sports- info@800tenniscourt.com. throughout the city of Watertown, Wis.
mens program coordinator. The renovation projects started in
Founded in 1961, Sportsmens is the first USTA Enlists Aramark 2014, when the citys Park & Rec Depart-
indoor, non-profit tennis club in the United To Manage US Open Retail ment hired Certified Tennis Court Builder
States built by and for the African-American In a multi-year agreement with the USTA, Fred Kolkmann to evaluate the 10 courts
community. Today, Sportsmens develops Aramark will manage all aspects of US Open in Brandt Quirk Park, adjacent to the
the academic and tennis skills for more than retail sales and merchandising operations Watertown High School. After the evalua-
5,000 children and young adults annually. throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie tion, the city chose TitanTrax Shield to fix
Visit www.sportsmenstennis.org for more. Jean King National Tennis Center. Aramark five of the courts. The next year, they did
serves millions of guests at live events every the remaining five using TitanTrax.
Dalton Enterprises Launches year around the world. In 2016, the city renovated four courts
1-800-TENNISCOURT As part of their effort to elevate and grow at Clark Park with the TitanTrax system,
P H O T O J O E L G A L A S PA AWA R D S
Dalton Enterprises Inc. of Cheshire, the US Open retail program, the USTA and and another bank of courts in Watertown
Conn., is launching the 1-800-TENNIS- Aramark will work together to renovate is scheduled to receive the treatment this
COURT network. Contractors in the U.S. existing stores, design more vibrant and year. Contact info@ngisports.com or visit
and Canada can lease their local area accessible shopping destinations, integrate www.ngisports.com for more info.
code so that when a customer from that leading-edge technology and introduce
area code calls the 800 number, the call greater customization and personalization. USTA Player Development
goes to that contractors office. Aramark will also collaborate with the Names Annual Coaching Awards
Contractors are extremely busy, and USTA's licensed merchandise partners to Mike Gennette, coach of top juniors Claire
helping them make their marketing market and carry an extensive assortment Liu and Austen Huang, and Henner Nehles,
www.tennisindustrymag.com June 2017 TennisIndustry 7

IndustryNews
coach of 17-year old rising star

Kayla Day, were named the 2016
Team USA Developmental Coaches
of the Year as part of USTA Player
Developments annual Team USA
Coaching Awards.
Smith Tennis in Indianapolis was
recognized as the 2016 Team USA
Developmental Program of the Year,
while USTA Northern California was
named the 2016 Team USA Player
Development Section of the Year.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King,
renowned coach Rick Macci and
University of Georgia legend Dan
Magill also were honored with Team
USA Legendary Coaching Awards.
All honorees were recognized at an
awards reception on March 26 at
the Easter Bowl junior tournament
in Indian Wells, Calif.
Bob and Mike
Bryan have won
16 major titles. Mast, Andrew Win HoF
Educational Merit Awards
PARTNERSHIPS
Bryan Brothers Sign Deal

To Endorse Solinco Strings
S ixteen-time Grand Slam doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan have signed with Solinco
Sports and will endorse the companys strings.
We are thrilled to have the most successful doubles team of all time, as well as two of
the most well-respected and liked players on the ATP Tour, join the Solinco family, says Solinco
Director KT Kim. They are true ambassadors of the sport, and were extremely excited to have them
Jorge Andrew Delaine Mast
The International Tennis Hall of

Fame presented its prestigious
continue playing with our strings and now officially represent our brand. Tennis Educational Merit Awards
Weve been using Solinco for the past two years and we love the feel and performance of the to Delaine Mast of Lancaster, Pa.,
strings, says Mike Bryan. Players are very sensitive about their strings and we believe [Solinco and Jorge Andrew of Lexington,
has] the best product out there. S.C. The presentation took place
The Bryans will have Solincos O on their strings to represent the brand. at the end of March at the USTA
Annual Meeting and Conference
in Orlando, Fla. P H O T O S S O L I N C O, F R E D M U L L A N E / C A M E R AW O R K U S A
The award is for notable con-
tributions in the tennis education
field at the national level. Re-
cipients will have demonstrated
leadership and creative skills in
such areas as instruction, writ-
ing, organization and promotion
of the game.
Mast is a longtime coach and
works for World TeamTennis,
overseeing recreational tennis
programs throughout the U.S.
She received the USTA Eve F. Kraft
Community Service Award in
2016. Andrew is the longtime

IndustryNews
PRO TOURNAMENT director of tennis for the Lexington

County (S.C.) Recreation & Aging
Memphis Commission and a former president of
the PTR. He also is both a PTR and USPTA
Open Moves Master Professional.
To N.Y. After Sports Interiors, ITA

Sign 3-Year Partnership
41-Year Run In a three-year partnership agreement,
Sports Interiors is now the official LED light-
T
ing solution for the Intercollegiate Tennis
he ATP's Memphis Open is Association. In addition to the endorsement,
moving to Long Island, N.Y., the ITA will offer its member programs
in 2018, after 41 years in Ten- special pricing for Sports Interiors products
nessee. The Memphis Open was one of Nikolaz Basilashvili (left) and Ryan Harrison and services.
the longest-running tournaments in the We strive to work alongside companies
United States and was the country's only that share a vision for the betterment of
indoor ATP event. our sport, says ITA CEO Timothy Russell. I
GF Sports, which bought the tourna- believe the products and services offered by
ment in 2015, announced in April that Sports Interiors will have a positive effect on
the men's tournament will be played at indoor tennis facilities.
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Sports Interiors has been in the tennis
New York. The company has partnered lighting and ceiling system business for
with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. more than 23 years and has installed
The tournament started in 1976 and systems in hundreds of tennis clubs.
its champions include Bjorn Borg, Jimmy
Connors, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Pete USTA Honors Recipients
Sampras and Kei Nishikori. In 2018, it of Annual Awards
will be played at the renovated Nassau The USTA honored the winners of its
Coliseum on Feb. 10-18. Kei Nishikori Annual Awards recently at the USTA
Short
Sets
The U.S. Fed Cup team defeated the organizers plan to build a temporary, of the Latex-Ite brand of recreational
Czech Republic, 3-2, in the World Group 3,000-seat stadium to host matches. coatings and recently launched the
semifinals in April at Saddlebrook Resort 1-800-TENNISCOURT network in the
in Florida. The U.S. squad will now face String manufacturer Ashaway has U.S. and Canada.
Belarus in the Fed Cup final, to be held added four new players to its 2017
in Belarus Nov. 11-12. Belarus defeated Professional Sponsorship Team for Snodgrass Partners Inc., an executive
Switzerland, 3-2, in the semis. racquetball: Felipe Camacho, Alejandro search, sports recruiting and manage-
Herrera, Daniel Rojas, and Gabriela Mar- ment consulting firm, has added four
Australia defeated the United States, tinez. The Ashaway Sponsorship Team is new allied partners: Alliance of Women
3-2, in the Davis Cup World Group Quar- designed to support rising professional Coaches, Forward Progress Athletics
terfinal in April, ending the U.S. cam- racquetball players. Ashaway has also Consulting, Moore Leadership and True
paign for 2017. In September, Australia been the Official String of USA Racquet- North Sports. Visit www.SnodgrassPart-
will face Belgium in one semifinal, while ball for over 15 years and supports more ners.com for more information.
France will meet Serbia in the other. than 100 top amateur players across the
country with string sponsorships. Visit A three-alarm fire on March 1 caused
Grand Slam Tennis Tours will host a pro ashawayusa.com for more info. about $2 million in damage and
exhibition event in Stowe, Vt., Aug. 22- destroyed about a quarter of the Cedar-
24, featuring top ATP Players. The event, Dalton Enterprises of Cheshire, Conn., dale Health and Fitness Center in Haver-
to be held the week before the US Open is the newest Supporting Member of the hill, Mass. The blaze started at 2 a.m.,
PHOTOS AP
begins, will be at the Stowe Mountain Tennis Industry Association. The family- and no one was injured. The club remains
Lodge, at the base of Stowe Resort. The owned business is the manufacturer closed for repairs.

IndustryNews
Annual Meeting and Conference,

held at the JW Marriott Orlando
Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando,
Fla, March 24-27. The honorees
were recognized for their dedica-
tion to growing the game.
Gene Orlando of Lansing, Mich.,
received the Brad Parks Award,
established in 2002 to honor an
individual or organization that has
been instrumental in the develop-
ment of wheelchair tennis.
Barbara Wynne of Indianapolis
received the USTA NJTL Founders
Service Award, which recognizes
an individual NJTL chapter founder
committed to positive youth
development through tennis and
education and provides free or
low-cost tennis, education and
life-skills programming to thou-
sands of underserved children
each year.
San Antonio Tennis Association
of Texas was named the USTA
Member Organization of the Year,
which recognizes the outstand- Topspin's
new TopScore
ing services of a USTA member scoreboard.
organization through its commit-
ment to the tennis community, the COURT ACCESSORIES
organizations members and the
game of tennis.
The Charles Norman family of
Topspin Sports Introduces
Aurora, Ohio, is the recipient of the
Ralph W. Westcott USTA Family of 2-Sided Digital Scoreboard
T
the Year Award, created in 1965 to
emphasize the theme that tennis opspin Sports LLC has introduced
is a family game. The award is TopScore, a digital, two-sided,
given annually to the family that net-post-mounted tennis score-
has done the most to promote board. TopScore features tennis intelli-
amateur tennis, primarily on a gence, with intuitive buttons that change
volunteer basis. the game and set numbers, switch num-
Steve Solomon of Palm Springs, bers from black to white, swap numbers
Calif., received the Seniors Ser- on changeovers and reset the numbers
vice Award, established in 1958 after a set or match.
and given annually to the person We developed TopScore because
most deserving of the respect and players werent satisfied with the current
honor of all senior players. on-court scorekeepers being used in tour-
nament and recreational play, says Paul
Two Student-Athletes Win Kincaid, the president and co-founder of outdoor-grade polycarbonate, while the
Wilson/ITA Internships Topspin Sports. outer shell is aluminum powder-coated, to
P H O T O S T O P S P I N S P O RT S L L C
Kelli Woodman of Seattle Univer- After six years in development, the resist fading or rusting.
sity and Milton Neto Cacace of patented TopScore is designed for indoor TopScore, which has a one-year war-
Harding University will receive paid and outdoor courts and uses highly read- ranty, comes in two colors: white panels
internships to work at Wilsons glob- able E-paper technology, controlled by with dark green text and outer trim, or
al headquarters in Chicago in the Topspin Sports proprietary circuitry. It dark green panels with white text and dark
Grassroots Marketing department is powered by two AA-batteries that can green outer trim. Suggested retail is $999.
this summer. last six months to two years, depending on Visit www.topspinsportsllc.com for more
Both Woodman and Cacace are daily usage. The panels are an anti-glare information, or call 949-510-4819.

the winners of the annual Wilson/ITA
LOVE LOVE
Club members and students will LOVE facing
National Promoter of the Year Award, off against the phenom. You will LOVE
which recognizes two student-ath- offering the added advantage.
letes who advance the game of ten-
nis by devoting consistent time and
effort to promotional activities, and
by supporting and bringing aware-

ness to their school program and to follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more.
college tennis in general. For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com
Woodman and Cacace will assist
with day-to-day projects and have an
opportunity to experience all facets
of Wilson Racquet Sports, from ten-
nis balls, racquets (performance and
recreational), promotions/market-
ing, U.S. tour, indoor (racquetball,
squash, badminton and paddle),
accessories and apparel/footwear.
USPTA Publishes Book

Celebrating 90 Years
The USPTA has created a coffee-

table book to celebrate its 90th
anniversary and commemorate
the tennis associations rich and
diverse history.
United States Professional
Tennis AssociationOur History,
Our Members and Our Contribution
to the Sport features hundreds of
biographical portraits and mem-
ber photos, and includes a roster
of all USPTA members. Julie Myers,
the USPTAs director of communi-
cations, coordinated the project.
The books were pre-sold to
the membership, although the
publisher, Acclaim Press, did print
extra copies that they plan to sell.
USRSA Announces
New MRTs
Master Racquet Technicians
Kenneth Long, Clover, S.C.
Timothy Ou, Tucson, Ariz.
Stan Pope, Clinton, Miss.
Jonathan Fried, Toronto, Canada

ORLANDO 2017
TAKEAWAYS
The fourth annual Tennis Owners & Managers (TOM) Conference, held in Orlando, Fla., March 27-29, attracted more than 250
tennis facility owners, managers and others in the industry. In addition to interactive sessions and roundtables, the TOM had
dozens of speakers and presenters. Here are some of the key takeaways from the 2017 TOM Conference:
Facilities that have incorporated fitness, wellness Make sure you know Fair Labor Standards Act and How can you enhance the value of your tennis
and other non-tennis programming have a greater state law basics, and comply with minimum wage facility? Capital expenditures and improvements,
chance of being successful with todays changing and overtime laws. Private sector employers implement an online system, add programming
consumer. Dr. Jack Groppel, Co-Founder, cannot give comp time to nonexempt employees or upgrade existing programming, sales and
Johnson & Johnson Human Performance instead of paying time-and-a-half overtime based marketing, invest in human capital.
Institute on an employees regular rate of pay. Jim Bates, Partner, Sports Club Advisors
Jordan Schwartz, Labor Law Attorney
Take care of your front-line staff, give them When building tennis programs, consider that
decision-making power, acknowledge their A successful leader creates stars out of their people need to connect, belong and build
accomplishmentsand they will take care of staff. Leadership is about them, not us. relationships. In todays world, customers need
your guests and customers. Brent Centlivre, Greg Lappin, Club Consultant real-time feedback. Mike Barrell, Founder/
Disney Institute CEO, evolve9
Today, fitness programming is not just about
Offer lower-level players the most convenient court-specific drills and games. It needs to involve Adult tennis programming requires a consistent
schedules; emphasize drop-in format technology advancements, gamification, approach, year-round in-house coaching, and a
opportunities for convenience; get the whole different fitness offerings, functional trainings, menu of choice that is specific to individual
family involved; offer consistently high quality of and accommodating the attention span of the clubs because each facility is different. Using a
service; and solicit student feedback regularly. users. Simon Pearson, National Racquets rating system helps to create standards.
Michael Mahoney, Senior V.P./General Programmes Manager, Virgin Active UK Gary Stewart, Racquet Sports
Manager, Midtown Athletic Club, Chicago Programming Consultant
At Midtown Athletic Club, the signature
There is only one thing that really gets traffic and beginner tennis programs achieve a number Infuse fitness into the DNA of your tennis
more members: Buzz! Members want results, of goals: increase the tennis market, sell club programs for juniors and adults. This could mean
and they want something new and remarkable. memberships, offer nonmembers a tennis and additional 30-minute sessions, which add to
The solution is Program Marketing: When a club club experience, and allow beginners to play with revenue. Michael Harper, Co-Founder,
offers a short-term, measureable program that their peers. Michael Mahoney, Senior V.P./ Courtplay Athletics
provides a high level of personal attention and General Manager, Midtown Athletic Club,
accountability and appeals to a specific health Chicago Stop selling and start using social media to
desire or medical condition. Casey Conrad, provide value and build community. To create
Communications Consultants Rally In 10 is a successful adult beginner value, you need to create a sense of belonging.
program at the Junior Tennis Champions Center Consider offering instructional tips, viral videos,
The ultimate client experience creates an that starts a four-step pathway to playing humor. Scott Baxter, CEO & Founder,
immersive environment, is one where the social and competitive tennis, and guarantees PlayYourCourt
employees are the experts, helps to educate adults will be rallying in the first 10 minutes of
customers, uses technology to enhance the instruction. Ajay Pant, National Tennis People play tennis for the benefits of tennis. We
experience, and reinvents a market. Director, Life Time Fitness are in the lifestyle change business and in the
Carlos Salum, Founder, Salum habit creation business. Greg Lappin,
International Resources Club Consultant
TIA Continues Webinar Series

The TIAs Spring/Summer Webinar Learning Series will include The series continues WEBINAR
LEARNING SERIES
educational webinars that touch on many segments of the tennis into September. Among the
industry. Many topics have been adapted from presentations at the webinars will be a four-part series from top club consultant Greg
recent TOM Conference in Orlando. Lappin on Clarifying Your Values for Increased Profitability, and
Last years Webinar Learning Series generated nearly 1,500 four retail webinars from Sean Barkulis from ShopKeep, a cloud-
registrations in the first three months. The PTR and USPTA offer based technology solution for businesses. The TIA continues to add
continuing education credits for those who attend the webinars. webinars, so visit TennisIndustry.org/webinars for the latest.
12 TennisIndustry June 2017 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . TennisIndustry.org
Save the Date: Aug. 28th
TIA Tennis Forum in NYC
The 10th Annual TIA Tennis Forum will take place in New York City on Monday
morning, Aug. 28, the first day of play at the 2017 US Open.
The Forum will be at a new locationthe Intercontinental New York
Barclay, the official hotel of the ATP Tour, at Lexington Avenue and 49th
Street in New York City.
At the Forum, industry executives will messaging of health, fitness and the reasons involving new startup companies and
present the latest news about the state of to play tennis. products helping to grow the tennis industry.
the tennis industry, including participation The Forum also will honor the 2017 Companies interested in applying for the
research, equipment sales data, and updates inductee(s) into the Tennis Industry Hall of NYC-2017 Innovation Challenge should email
from the TIA and the USTA, including the Fame (to nominate for the TI Hall of Fame, innovation@tennisindustry.org for more
status of a new youth tennis initiative. visit TennisIndustry.org/HoF). Attendees also information.
The Forum also will outline ways to better will receive a summary report on the 2017 While the 10th Annual TIA Tennis
define and boost the economic growth and State of the Tennis Industry. Forum is free to attend, space is
impact of the tennis industry, and effective New this year will be an NYC-2017 limited, so registration is required. Visit
ways to distribute clear, consistent Tennis Industry Innovation Challenge, TennisIndustry.org to register.
Youth Tennis, Cardio Tennis Tennis Marketplace

Shine In Recent Tennis Continues Struggle
Participation Study 2016 was particularly challenging for tennis
equipment sales, as wholesale shipments
Among the bright spots in the most recent tennis for racquets, balls, and strings all declined
participation data is an increase in the number of youth from the previous yearcontinuing a slide in
players and an increase in the number of Cardio Tennis equipment retail.
players, according to the latest study from the Physical Racquets declined in both units, down
Activity Council (PAC). 9.1 percent, and dollars, down 14.4 percent.
More than 4.53 million youngsters between ages Unit sales of youth racquets declined 8.3
6 and 17 took to the courts in 2016, which is a 7.2 percent, balls declined 9.2 percent and
percent increase from 2015. The increase was driven low-compression (red, orange, green) balls
by the youngest players, ages 6 to 12, up 11.7 declined 13.4 percent. Championship balls
percent, while ages 13 to 17 increased 2.7 percent. were only down 5%, which matches the
Core youth players, those who play at least 10 times a year, also decline in play occasions.
increased, by 3.8 percent to 2.68 million. And importantly, new youth players rose 17.8 Strings provided a bright spot in the
percent in 2016up 21 percent in the 6 to 12 age category and 11 percent in the 13 to 17 fourth quarter, up 8.5 percent in those three
age group. months, but that wasnt enough to pull it out
Cardio Tennis in 2016 was ranked No. 1 in year-over-year growth of the 118 sports and of negative territory for the year, down 1.2
activities measured in the PAC report, with an increase of 17 percent to more than 2.12 million percent YTD.
participants. Cardio Tennis has seen a 156 percent increase since first being measured in 2008. Early reports on 1st quarter wholesale
Total tennis participation for year-end 2016, though, is best described as stable. PAC data shipments show disruptive trends continuing.
shows total U.S. participation grew 0.6 percent from 2015 to 2016, to 18.08 million players. The retail data, along with
Overall core tennis participants declined 1 percent in the past year, to 9.86 million. Core participation data and other
players account for 94 percent of all tennis play occasions, so its no surprise that overall research collected from the
tennis play occasions also declined year over year, falling 4.8 percent to 425 million. (Non- nearly 70 TIA surveys and TENNI
core tennis players increased 2.6 percent.) studies, will be published STATE O
S IND
US TRY A
INDUSTFRTHE
SSOC IATIO
N
PAC data shows that opportunity continues to be found in the latent demand for tennis. in the seventh edition of Y
Aside from the 18.08 million players currently, the study shows there are another 12.7 million the TIAs annual State
2017
EDITI
ON
consumers, who consider themselves tennis players but may not have played in the past year, of the Industry report,
and 15 million non-players who are interested in taking up the game. scheduled to be released
The 2017 Physical Activity Council Participation Report surveyed 118 sports and activities. later this spring. For more
The annual report is produced by a partnership of eight of the major governing bodies and information on how to obtain a copy
trade associations in the U.S. sports and leisure industry (NGF, SIA, OIA & OF, TIA & USTA, of the report, contact the TIA at 866-686-3036
IHRSA, USA Football and SFIA). or research@tennisindustry.org.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . TennisIndustry.org June 2017 TennisIndustry 13
TennisIndustry
RacquetTech
Practice on your own

frames or demos, but make
sure you are using best
practice methods on your
clients frames.
desired result. For example, Ive lost

count of the number of ways Ive seen
a string job started. From my point of
view, as long as the frame or string is
not harmed and each string is ten-
sioned individually and fully, then there
are multiple ways you can start a job.
Choosing the method that is right for
you is simply about finding your best
practice. Once you choose a tech-
nique that you feel is best, use it for all
stringing and customization jobs. That
CUSTOMER SERVICE
is not to say you wont discover a new
Reliable Results technique you might consider using.

Experiment, as you should always look
When it comes to consistent racquet to improve your best practice.
The key to continual improvement in
service for your players, make sure youre this industry is to never stop learning.
Interacting with and discussing things
using your best practice techniques. with your peers is always educational.
Seek out new methods, learn why that
person uses them and think about any
By Bob Patterson advantage or disadvantage it provides
over your current method.
Often, there is a give and take: The
new method may be better in some
ways, but it may create problems in
other ways. Youll need to evaluate
I
these pros and cons to see if its worth
implementing into your routine.
f youve been stringing frames of stringing on the pro tour with many Consistency is always the founda-
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y B O B PAT T E R S O N/ U S R S A
for as long as I have, youve seen great people, and have seen a variety tion of good racquet service. If you are
a lot of innovations in racquets, of new techniques, some of which I constantly experimenting with various
strings and the equipment we incorporated into my craft. But even ways of doing things, you cannot expect
use to service them. Decades after all this time, Im still learning consistent results. Practice on your
ago, I started stringing on a Tremont and thats the way it should be. The own frames or demos, but make sure
Research stringing machinewhich is older I get and the more experience I you are using best practice methods
light-years away from the computer- have, the harder it is to see something on your clients frames. And never stop
ized, electronic machine I use today. that hasnt crossed my path before, but observing and learning.
But despite all of the technological it still happens.
changes, the actual act of stringing a When it comes to stringing and Bob Patterson is the Executive Director
racquet has not changed all that much. servicing racquets, there often is more of the United States Racquet Stringers
For many years, I had the privilege than one correct way to achieve the Association.
06_TI_FOB_RacquetTechPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 9:30 AM

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TennisIndustry
PassionatePlayers
I will probably have the

youngsters help with
dressing the court. I learned
from the best at the All
England Lawn Tennis Club
and would like to share
the information.
BUILDING VALUES situation, the 34-year-old took his life.
Rallying for the Cause Dealing with grief is personal,

and Mark and Denise went about it
privately. Since Alex died, no one has
The All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club played on the court, Mark says. I had
cancelled all the reservations. I just
comes back from tragedy with a couldnt host anyone.
Then they had an idea: The Alex J.
unique event for junior players. Kuhn Memorial Challenge Event.
Fair play and sportsmanship will be
By Mark Winters the themes, says Mark. I will probably
have the youngsters help with dress-
ing the court. I learned from the best
J
at the All England Lawn Tennis Club
and would like to share the information
uly 2016 was both memorable inspired Mark to write a memoir, with them.
and poignantly painful for Wimbledon 2015: Dreams Fulfilled & On June 24 and 25, the popular
Mark Kuhn. Missions Accomplished. courtwhich has been renovated, with
Mark and his wife, Last year, Mark went back to rye grass and a repaired irrigation
Denise, own an 850-acre Wimbledon, returning home on July systemwill be re-opened for the
farm in Charles City, Iowa. In 2003, 11. Buoyed by the new information he event, which consists of a 12 & Under
C O U RT E S Y A L L I O WA L AW N T E N N I S C LU B/ M A R K KU H N
Mark founded the All Iowa Lawn had collected about the complexities team competition between the top
Tennis Club, building a grass court on of grass-court maintenance, Mark was boys and girls teams from Iowa and
a portion of the property where there anxious to utilize his knowledge to Minnesota. Both the USTA Missouri
had been a cattle-feed lot. The purpose improve his own turf. Valley and USTA Northern sections
of this labor of love was to give local Sadly, tragedy soon struck. Alex, who support the new tournament. USTA
tennis aficionados an opportunity to had been a member of the Mason City Missouri Valley also provided a grant to
enjoy the Wimbledon experience in (Iowa) City Council since 2011, was in purchase individual trophies, as well as
his backyard. the middle of a political fight over the a traveling perpetual trophy.
Anxious to learn more about the construction of a $240 million pork- The court will be renamed in Alexs
nuances of maintaining a grass tennis processing plant. He vehemenly honor, says Mark. The event will be a
court, Mark and his son, Alex, who opposed the project, and after making way to instill important values in kids,
devoted time to the courts upkeep, his decision known, he was castigated and hopefully remind anyone in need
attended Wimbledon in 2015. Their by supporters of the plant construction. of help to seek professional assistance
journey to the All England Club On July 15, overwhelmed by the in dealing with depression.
06_TI_FOB_IowaPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 9:31 AM

DESIGNED LIKE NO OTHER
P L AY S L I K E N O O T H E R
POWER UNDER CONTROL
.COM
TennisIndustry
FacilityConstruction
1/ Viewscape
When tennis players arent competing,
they enjoy watching the game. At the
USTA National Campus, we planned a
Tournament Administration building
in the center of a sea of 68 courts of all
sizes. The second floor of the building
has a viewing deck that looks out over
all of the courts, providing a sense of
tennis immersion.
Facilities can review their site to
determine if there are areas that can be
improved to take advantage of views
looking over the courts. These social
spaces provide memorable experiences
that remain with visitors long after
they leave the facility.
A
PLAYER EXPERIENCE s a facility designer who
has worked with the
Copy That! USTA for many years, I
was involved in helping
The new USTA to develop the USTA
National Campus in Lake Nona, Fla.,
National Campus which opened earlier this year. The
100-court facility is amazing to experi-
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y U S TA , P L AY S I G H T, R I C H M O N D G I B B S P H O T O G R A P H Y
in Lake Nona ence with the excitement and energy
that exists, as the sport is celebrated
is groundbreaking daily by players of all ages and abilities.
While the National Campus is vast,
in many ways. we developed various smaller neigh-
borhoods of tennis. For instance,
Here are some the Team USA area has 20 cushioned
2/ 36/60-Foot Tennis
The Nemours Family Zone at the
features you should acrylic courts; the Har-Tru (green clay)
area has 32 courts; theres a six-court
National Campus consists of eight
36-foot and eight 60-foot tennis courts,
consider for your European red-clay area; the collegiate
area has 12 Plexicushion courts; and
providing a tailored tennis experience
for those who may find 78-foot tennis a
own facility. the family zone has stand-alone 36-foot
and 60-foot courts.
little intimidating, are just learning the
sport or want to have fun playing tennis
But besides the actual courts, there on a smaller scale.
By David LaSota are certain design components found Interest in short-court tennis
throughout the National Campus increases when there are standalone
that many tennis facilities around the 36- and 60-foot courts, in an area sepa-
country can incorporate to improve rate from 78-foot courts. I recommend
the experience for their own players, finding underutilized courts or space
spectators and visitors. and converting it to short-court use.
06_TI_FOB_CampusPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:10 AM

TennisIndustry
3/ Shade 4/ Live Streaming 5/ Water Stations and

Shade is increasingly important when At the National Campus, tennis Electric Recharge Stations
planning tennis facilities, particularly matches can be shared live online Water fountains and bottle-filling
in the South. For the safety of play- around the world. Cameras fixed to the stations have been installed throughout
ers and spectators, facilities need to courts and streaming services, such as the National Campus so players can
provide refuge from the suns rays. As a PlaySight, are available for relatively hydrate easily and frequently. Many
bonus, these areas also oer cover from low cost. If your facility hosts frequent players bring their own water bottles
the rain. They tend to become places to tournaments, consider live-streaming to the court, so the filling stations keep
socialize and rest after playing. matches so players families and friends them topped o while reducing the
Try to incorporate shaded areas, with can get in on the action. waste of disposable plastic bottles.
seating, between and near the courts. The National Campus is working The National Campus also has
The more comfortable you make your to coordinate live scoring with its live cell-phone charging stations, another
players, the more theyll want to be streaming, too, which will give a real- amenity that helps make players and
playing on your courts. match feel to the live-stream broadcast. visitors comfortable.
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y U S TA , P L AY S I G H T, R I C H M O N D G I B B S P H O T O G R A P H Y
Tim Smyczek
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pro-tecathletics.com wholesale pricing!
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06_TI_FOB_CampusPFED.indd 8 5/2/17 11:11 AM

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with an on-court kiosk, which is
connected to the internet.
SmartCourt cameras track, tag,
measure and record all player and
ball movement.
Players
layers can review video from
multiple angles, get in-depth
stats, and access gamified drilling
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STROKE ANALYSIS
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TennisIndustry
CustomerService
Racquets and String
Although some aspects
of racquets and strings
SENIOR PLAYERS may be more applicable
Changing Times to certain age groups, Bob Patterson,

executive director of the U.S. Racquet
Stringers Association, advises ten-
As your players and customers age, nis clubs and retailers to not label or
categorize based on age alone. Rather,
make sure youre still serving them they should focus on each individuals
playing ability, swing type, injury his-
in ways that keep them on the courts. tory, and playing frequencyand then
match their customers frames and
By Chris Lewis string set-ups accordingly.
Just as beginners racquet needs
change as they become more proficient,
older players needs also fluctuate, as
they may eventually lose some strength
and experience eyesight and reflex
issues. Players should constantly evalu-
ate their equipment and alter it when
necessary to ensure they can achieve
maximum performance.
In particular, senior players may
benefit from softer string set-ups,
including lower tension, softer string
itself or a combination. Softer string
beds are more forgiving on off-center
hits, propel balls deeper and transmit
less shock on impact. Older players
benefit from having frame characteris-
tics that match their unique needs.
Regardless of age, players can
optimize their on-court performance
by having frames with correct weights,
swing weights, head-size flexes and
lengths, Patterson says.
Once players have correct racquets,
based on their health, skill level and
level of endurance, they should have
their racquets re-evaluated every two
to three years, preferably by a certified
Master Racquet Technician or Profes-
sional Racquet Advisor.
These individuals have passed an
A
exhaustive examination process to
prove their knowledge and skills,
ge is just a number. should not be ignored, neither by the Patterson adds. As experts on the
Youve most likely heard players themselves nor the facilities industrys latest technologies, they can
this many times, and it and retailers that serve them. successfully fit players with proper
seems to apply to the To improve customer service for racquets on a consistent basis.
sport of tennis now more older clientele, clubs and retailers
PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK
than ever, as players of all skill levels should keep the following points in Lightweight,
play, compete and enjoy the game into mind, particularly in regards to fitting Comfortable Shoes
their 70s, 80s and even 90s. racquets properly, offering the correct In addition to properly
Nonetheless, certain aspects of the weights and widths of tennis shoes, fitted racquets, lightweight
aging processloss of strength along and ensuring that their facilities have tennis shoes are a necessity for older
with diminished eyesight and reflexes proper lighting. players. Dr. David Sharnoff, a podiatrist
06_TI_FOB_PlayersPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 9:50 AM

TennisIndustry
in Shelton, Conn., recommends that negative foot issues in mind, they will older players may need.
mens size 9 shoes weigh 14 ounces, have more agility and comfort longer Most LED lighting systems typi-
while womens size 7 shoes weigh in at than they may anticipate, Dr. Sharnoff cally cannot simply be swapped out
12 ounces. adds. And, consequently, they will fixture for fixture with metal halide and
Although some brands of shoes notice a difference in their on-court perform to the standards required for
dont provide different widths, older performance. older players, LaSota says.
players must keep the width of their The publication Tennis Courts: A
shoes in mind and account for foot Higher Illumination Levels Construction and Maintenance Manual,
pathologyany deviation from nor- Clubs and retailers must published by the American Sports
mal conditions, stresses Dr. Sharnoff. also ensure their Builders Association and the U.S. Ten-
After all, without the correct width facilities are designed and nis Association, recommends facilities
of shoes, bunions, hammer toes, heel constructed to meet the needs of the that cater to recreational tennis com-
spurs, metatarsalgia and plantar fasci- aging tennis population. David LaSota, petition maintain average horizontal
itis, among other issues, may result. founder of The Tennis Design Studio, illumination levels within the Primary
To ensure that players purchase shoes believes adequate tennis court lighting Playing Area at 50 foot-candles, along
with correct weights and widths, Dr. is extremely important to older players. with a maximum uniformity rate of 2.0.
Sharnoff advises that prior to purchase, In recent years, many tennis facilities LaSota often recommends even higher
players try on shoes at the end of the day, have been converting their court light- average horizontal illumination levels
as feet will typically swell 5 to 10 percent ing from metal halide to LED lighting of 75 foot-candles for facilities with
by that point in time. Furthermore, feet to reduce energy costs. However, one older players.
are not status quo, so players should primary issue has arisen as a result:
have their feet measured every year. LED lighting, if not properly designed By paying attention to what older
If older players purchase shoes that and installed, may not provide the player want and need, you can keep
are lightweight, have properly fitted average maintained horizontal illumi- them playing, upgrading their equip-
widths, and are designed with potential nation levels and uniformity rates that ment and enjoying the game longer.
PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK
06_TI_FOB_PlayersPFED.indd 8 5/2/17 9:50 AM

TennisIndustry
Mike Levy Sr.'s

contributions to the
Milwaukee-area
tennis scene include
helping launch the
Milwakee Tennis Club.
COMMUNITY TENNIS
COURT CONSTRUCTION
T E N N I S & E D U C AT I O N
NJTL Stars
These dedicated individuals and organizations
are among the more than 500 National
Junior Tennis and Learning chapters bringing tennis
and education to this countrys youngsters.
MIDWEST
Growing Tennis
One Program at a Time
Mike Levy Sr. has been working to grow tennis in the Mil-
waukee, Wis., area for over 40 years. He was a successful
high school coach and helped launch the Milwaukee Ten-
U S TA S O U T H W E S T/ U S TA I N T E R M O U N TA I N/ U S TA S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A
nis Club, which focused on giving adults in urban areas
the opportunity to play in summer leagues.
In 2008, Levy began planning a new CTA to serve the
Racine area. Now, the Racine Community Tennis Associa-
tion is an NJTL chapter, leveraging its strong relationship
with local schools to reach youngsters of all ages.
Levy is tennis director of the Milwaukee Tennis and
Education Foundation, also a local NJTL chapter. The
foundation offers a program called TEAM (Tennis, Educa-
tion and Mentoring) that focuses on tennis and life skills.
Levy says serving others has always been a goal for his
life, and he enjoys using tennis to reach young people. I
want to believe tennis can teach so much as it relates to
hard work, perseverance, accountability, teamwork and
sportsmanship, he says. Our urban youth win on all
fronts when the game of tennis is the teacher.
Tracy Maymon
U S TA M I DW E S T
06_TI_FEAT_StarsED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:07 AM

TennisIndustry
SOUTHWEST I N T E R M O U N TA I N
Flagstaffs Shining Star

Tennis Dynamo and NJTL Leader
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Flagstaff-area tennis volun-
teer Jana Perpich has been
Fifteen years ago, Trent
Alenik was a member of the
Huge Hearts
the backbone of the sport first class of the Marty Make a Huge Difference
in Northern Arizona for Hennessy Inspiring Chil-
over a decade. In that time, dren Foundation, an NJTL
shes helped develop high in Las Vegas. He was a Cheryl OlivasDieli and Lois Sczepaniak are a
school tennis programs in a beginning tennis player, but dyanmic duo that have helped hundreds of San
city where none previously eventually became a Diego kids learn the game of tennis for over 25
existed, worked to get youth nationally ranked state years. This coaching team is committed to help-
tennis programs started champion and earned a ing low-income youth through NJTL and classes
and thriving, and helped tennis scholarship to at the East County Community Tennis Associa-
sanction or run adult tennis Villanova University. tion (ECCTA).
tournaments. After college, Alenik had The two are also tennis coaching partners out
But her most impressive the opportunity to work on of Helix High School, and teach in the South and
and impactful achievement Wall Street. Instead, he East counties of San Diego, which are areas in
is as director of the Family chose to volunteer back at dire need of good training for kids and adults. In
U S TA S O U T H W E S T/ U S TA I N T E R M O U N TA I N/ U S TA S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A
and Community Teaming the NJTL chapter. After a addition, Olivas-Dieli, a USPTA-certified instruc-
for Students (FACTS) tennis year, he became manager, tor, is the only San Diego coach who has made
program in Flagstaff, a life- helping the organization inroads at the Indian reservations in her area.
skills program and NJTL navigate a large demand She offers year-round NJTL tennis and is the first
chapter that provides after- with limited resources. to help out at every San Diego community event.
school and summer tennis Now executive director, Sczepaniak, one of the original founders of the
experiences for more than Aleniks leadership has ECCTA, has been helping the Hispanic popula-
700 children each year. resulted in unique partner- tion in her area.
The award-winning ships with Richard Bran- With their huge hearts, and giving freely of
FACTS program has helped sons Necker Cup, the their time, both women are certainly making a
seed many of the citys year- National Tennis Foundation difference to many kids in the San Diego area.
round tennis programs and and the NJTL capacity- Cari Buck
high schools with enthusias- building program.
tic young players for nearly But his biggest impact has
10 years. Without Perpichs always been on the children
skills in managing, fundrais- he mentors daily. Under his
ing and communicating, the leadership, 92 youngsters
U S TA M I DW E S T
FACTS program might just have followed in his foot-

be a theory, as would much steps to gain admission and
of Flagstaff tennis. scholarships to top colleges.
Jeff Sikes Ryan Wolfington

TennisIndustry
COMMUNITY TENNIS
NORTHERN
Investing in
Mind and Body
Kevin Tran recognizes the huge impact tennis has

had on his life in such a short time. The senior at
Harding High School in St. Paul, Minn., only
started playing tennis as a freshman, but immedi-
ately fell in love with the sport.
That summer after his freshman year, he joined
the Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) program, CARIBBEAN NEW ENGLAND
and soon after, the SPUT Winter Warriors
Leadership Academy. Tran has served as a player
A Star of Hard Unique Style That
and instructor for SPUT, and last year was Work and Inspires Kids
selected to attend the Leadership Enterprise for a
Diverse America at Princeton University. Perseverance
Graduating as class valedictorian, Tran will be For the past three years,
first person in his family to go to college. He will Stamford Youth Tennis
attend Stanford University and is considering In 2003, Erasmo Almonte Academy (SYTA) has
studying aerospace or mechanical engineering, left his native Dominican provided underserved
economics or public policy. Of course, hell also Republic with only $200 youngsters in Southern
play club tennis. in his pocket in search of Connecticut education
I love the family I have made through tennis a new beginning. He came through tennis program-
and Saint Paul Urban Tennis, Tran says. Tennis to Puerto Rico, where he ming. With free tennis
has allowed me to invest in my mind and body. enrolled in college and lessons and clinics com-
Saint Paul Urban has given me the platform to obtained a degree in physi- bined with its ACE Curricu-
make many friends, meet inspiring coaches, cal education. lum, SYTA is a coveted
maintain a healthy lifestyle and give back to my Almonte visited the USTA resource for locals.
community. Caribbean office, interested The newest member of
Lisa Mushett in becoming a tennis coach. the SYTA team is 22-year-
U S TA M I D D L E S TAT E S / U S TA N O RT H E R N C A L I FO R N I A / U S TA PA C I F I C N O RT H W E S T
He completed a recreational old Marcus Hooks, whose
tennis workshop, then gregarious style of teaching
continued his education to tennis gains fans every-
make his dream a reality. where he goes. As soon as
Now, more than 10 years we met Marcus, we hired
later, Almonte is known for him on the spot, says SYTA
his teaching skills, but also Executive Director Linda
U S TA N O RT H E R N/ U S TA CA R I B B E A N/ U S TA N E W E N G L A N D
for his excellent personal Cremin. He has a great
values and qualities. presence, and you can tell
As a host for USTA initia- hes great with kids the way
tives such as NJTL, After he engages them.
School Programs, Tennis Marcus is inspiring and
Kids Clubs and Junior Team makes me want to come
Tennis, Almonte impacts back every week, says
hundreds of children each Stamford seventh-grader
year. In fact, he even signed Amare Leak.
an agreement with the local As long as Im the best I
government to provide free can be at what I do, Ill be
tennis lessons to low- happy, Hooks says. I want
income kids and adults, to let these kids know they
sharing with them the hope can be successful in both
that tennis has given him. school and tennis.
Arlin Hernndez James Maimonis

TennisIndustry
Only 16 years
old, Miguel Diaz
DeLeon is already
an inspiration to
younger scholar-
athletes.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Decades of Setting an
Giving to the Example for the
M I D D L E S TAT E S
Community Next Generation
Going Into
the Schools Carl Mendoza has been Eight years ago, Portland
active in the USTA com- Tennis & Education
munity for the past 30 years, introduced Miguel Diaz
The mission for City of Reading (COR) Tennis volunteering on countless DeLeon to tennis. Since
includes making tennis available, affordable and National and NorCal boards enrolling in Portland Tennis
fun for everyone. For several years, thats been on and committees, including & Educations year-round
display through community events, clinics and serving as chairman for academy in 2009, DeLeon,
tennis leagues. Most recently, though, its been the Diversity & Inclusion now 16 years old, has
apparent in the schools. and Community Tennis developed into an excellent
The award-winning COR Tennis recently began committees. scholar-athlete and become
the El COR Elementary School Tennis League, Mendoza also spends a lot an inspiration to younger
bringing together kids from five schools at Read- of his time giving back to the academy participants.
U S TA M I D D L E S TAT E S / U S TA N O RT H E R N C A L I FO R N I A / U S TA PA C I F I C N O RT H W E S T
ing, Pa.-area recreation centers. Matches are set community, teaching tennis Like many other scholar-
up for multiple skill levels, and there are mascots to youth players and adults. athletes, DeLeon has grown
and music to keep the atmosphere upbeat. He is certified by the PTR up in the program, working
These are great kids who may not have learned for Adults, 10 and Under, hard to improve himself in
about tennis or experienced it without us finding and 11 to 17 ages, as well as the classroom and on the
them in the schools, says COR Director of Tennis by the USPTA. In addition, tennis court. Saturday
Larry Zerbe. We make it fun for them. The kids Mendoza helped found the mornings find him helping
U S TA N O RT H E R N/ U S TA CA R I B B E A N/ U S TA N E W E N G L A N D
are learning what tennis can do for them and Northern California NJTL teach the Ducks and
what a great sport it is. Junior Training Camp, Beavers junior classes, and
COR also offers homework help to every kid in which has been in existence throughout the week he
the program. And parents also are learning the for 25 years. gives his time stringing
game for the first time. Currently, Mendoza is racquets for St. Johns
The program has been a hit, Zerbe adds. Its a volunteer for the Nor- Racquet Club members.
inspired a lot of the middle-school principals to Cal NJTL, a member of the Last summer, DeLeon was
add it to their schools, as well. NorCal Tennis Foundation selected to be a ball person
Michael Gladysz grants committee and the in the U.S. Davis Cup
lead instructor for Youth Quarterfinals and the US
Tennis Advantage (YTA). He Open. His journey continues
most recently was honored to inspire, setting an
with USTA NorCals 2016 example for younger
Outstanding Community scholar-athletes and paving
Tennis Volunteer Award. the way for a bright future.
Mylene Mukhar Celene Robert

TennisIndustry
COMMUNITY TENNIS
SOUTHERN
Propelling Youth Tennis

in Louisville
Its all about organization. Thats what people in

the know say about Dee Maynard and her skills in
getting things done.
The underserved youth of Louisville, Ky., are a
lot better off because of Maynards hard-working
and persistent attitude. Her volunteerism has
F LO R I DA EASTERN spearheaded a vibrant and successful local
organizationthe Louisville 10 & Under Tennis
Past President Creating Associationwhich is an NJTL and a CTA.
Serves Delray Opportunities for In 2012 there were only 270 Junior Team
Tennis players in town. In 2016, JTT exploded to
Beach Youngsters Inner-City Youth 1,475 participants. The NJTL supported about
200 kids five years ago. Based on receiving
numerous USTA and other grants during the last
Only two years after its Sam Chhoeun of Rochester, two years, at least 5,370 youngsters have played
founding, the Delray Beach N.Y., provides youngsters tennis in its program.
Youth Tennis Founda- with the opportunity to try Dee will knock on any door at any time to grow
tion has already touched tennis through Love-15, an tennis. She connects people in groups effortlessly
hundreds of underserved NJTL that for the last 26 and has tremendous leadership skills, says USTA
students and boasts mul- years has offered free Kentucky Executive Director Jason Miller.
tiple NJTL chapter awards. instruction and program- Even though Maynard keeps her hand in
The after-school program ming to thousands of local consulting with small businesses, she is extremely
extols leadership, academic kids ages 8 to 16. active in both tennis and non-tennis volunteer
excellence and healthy Chhoeun, the director of efforts. I like to volunteer 40 hours a week, she
habits through tennis. The Teens, Youth Sports and says. Louisville doesnt mind that at all.
foundations director of ten- Families at the Maplewood Ron Cioffi
nis is Don Cleveland, a past YMCA in Rochester, started
president of USTA Florida. in Love-15 as one of its first
We could not be more participants. Today, he runs
proud of Don and his the program with pride and
efforts, says USTA Florida passion, recruiting new
Executive Director Doug participants through several
U S TA T E X A S / U S TA M I D - AT L A N T I C/ U S TA M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y
Booth. Many USTA Florida nearby organizations,
past presidents have an conducting tennis clinics at
impact in their local com- local schools and parks, and U S TA F L O R I DA / U S TA E A S T E R N/ WA LT E R M U N DAY
munities after theyve hosting Love-15s summer

served the section, and Don tennis camp.
has certainly done that in his Our host sites are
work in Delray Beach with strategically located to
underserved children. attract young people who
The DBYTF has been rec- would not ordinarily have
ognized as winners over the the opportunity or inclina-
last two years of the USTA tion to play tennis,
Foundation NJTL Essay Chhoeun notes. We give
Contest, where students give participants an inclusive
voice to the life skills they've environment to interact
learned and applied through with peers, positive role
NJTL programs. models and mentors.
Rick Vach Kelsey Clark

TennisIndustry
For Corpus Christi's

Tennis Success
program, there are
few roles that Maria
Casares doesnt fill.
TEXAS M I D -AT L A N T I C
True Success in NJTL Mission

Corpus Christi Accomplished
MISSOURI VALLEY
Maria Casares, director of
education for Tennis Suc-
Parents Vanya Brown and
Jennifer Toomy planned a
Making a Year-Round
cess in Corpus Christi, is full weekend event at Old Difference
of energy. She not only Dominion University in
tutors kids in the program, Norfolk, Va., for the week-
but also helps with fundrais- end of March 31 that The First Serve NJTL program in Oklahoma City,
ers, organizes annual events embodied the spirit and mis- Okla., is picking up momentum. Despite arson
for kids and parents, will sion of NJTLs. The trip that destroyed much of the NJTLs equipment as
counsel and consult with incorporated the spirited the program was just beginning in 2014, the orga-
parents, and works with competition of Junior Team nization, based at the award-winning Oklahoma
high school students who Tennis match play, cultural City Tennis Center, has overcome that obstacle
are planning on entering enlightenment and an inside and has a new six-court indoor facility to provide
college, helping them with look at the experience of year-round opportunities to its players.
their scholarship require- being a collegiate-level Last year, First Serve reached nearly 800 chil-
ments and submissions.She tennis player. dren. This year, Executive Director Emmy Tigert
also spearheads all the proj- Brown and Toomy hopes that number tops 1,000.
ects involving the kids with volunteered their time to But its the new indoor courts that has Tigert
NJTL contests that involve make the event an enriching most optimistic in terms of making a year-round
essay writing and art work. yet affordable experience for difference for the children the program serves.
Fair and firm, Casares the kids and parents in To have them year-round is critical, she says.
U S TA T E X A S / U S TA M I D - AT L A N T I C/ U S TA M I S S O U R I VA L L E Y
is the glue that holds the attendance. In addition to If they were to go out and play for their high
Tennis Success program arranging transportation, school team, theyre likely to be facing kids get-
together.She was instru- Brown and Toomy arranged ting private lessons year-round. The indoor facil-
U S TA F L O R I DA / U S TA E A S T E R N/ WA LT E R M U N DAY
mental in Tennis Success for discounted hotel rates ity allows us to level the playing field for the kids.
receiving the 2014 USTA and donated indoor court With First Serve being a relatively newer NJTL,
Foundations NJTL Chapter time to ensure the informa- Tigert knows theres plenty of room for growth.
of the Year award. tive and engaging weekend She sees the next big opportunity as developing
Every child knows when was focused on the experi- its education program to continue to make a
they come into Casares ence and not cost. difference in the lives of children.
classroom, they will not The trip included a tour of Andrew Robinson
only get love, but help with the college, attending a
homework assignments and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity
fair and equal treatment.For crossover event, bowling,
Casares, every youngster in swimming, JTT match play
the Tennis Success program and attending a womens
is a teachers pet. tennis match.
Ron Woods Ronnie Goodall

TennisIndustry
Construction of
the court at the
Pinecrest residence
was facilitated by
preemptive clearing
and rough grading.
D I S T I N G U I S H E D F A C I L I T Y - O F - T H E -Y E A R A W A R D S Pinecrest
COURT CONSTRUCTION Residence
Pinecrest, Fla.
Nominated By: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Private Enterprise Architect/Engineer/Contractor:

Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Surface: Har-Tru Sports HydroBlend
These residential courts Fencing: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
provide an award-winning setting Windscreens: Aer-Flo

Court Accessories: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.,
10-S Tennis Supply
in the sanctuary of home. Certified Tennis Court Builder: John Sonner
By Peter Francesconi
I
n the world of tennis, there natural swales in the landscape.
are few sights more appeal- The court at the Hsu residence was
ing than a well-constructed,
beautifully landscaped
designed by the owner, who is an archi-
tect and highly ranked tennis player. Hsu
private tennis court. And
the most recent residential
The surface is a green clay topped with
natural European red clay. Due to
Residence
court winners of the Tennis frequent night play, the owner chose Birmingham, Ala.
Industry/American Sports Builders to upgrade the lighting system from
Associations Distinguished Facility- the recommended standard by adding
of-the-Year Awards are no exceptions. additional fixtures. Like the Pinecrest
Nominated By: Lower Bros. Co. Inc.
In our February issue, we highlighted court, the contractor who prepared the
General Contractor: Lower Bros. Co. Inc.
the Outstanding residential winner home site also did the initial grading for
Surface: Har-Tru Sports
a private court in Gladwyne, Pa. This the court. A poured concrete retaining
Subsurface Irrigation: Har-Tru Sports
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A M E R I C A N S P O RT S B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
time, were recognizing the two wall was installed on the upper end to
Lighting: LSI Industries
Distinguished award winners, a new divert surface water around the court,
Windscreens: Putterman Athletics
private court in Pinecrest, Fla., and the which also allowed the owner to posi-
Nets, Posts: Har-Tru Sports
new court at the Hsu residence in tion the court closer to the house.
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Linn Lower
Birmingham, Ala., both of which are Playing on these award-winning
clay courts with subsurface irrigation. private courts will raise the level of
The Pinecrest project encountered anyones game.
no difficulties or challenges in con-
struction, which may have been due to The deadline for the 2017 Outstanding
the fact that the homeowner had the Facility-of-the-Year Awards is June 1,
site cleared and rough graded prior to and awards will be presented at the The court at the Hsu residence
the court contractor coming in to build. 2017 ASBA Technical Meeting, to be was designed by the owner,
While the court uses subsurface irriga- held in New Orleans, La., Dec. 1-5. who is an architect and highly
tion, there are also four conventional For details and additional information,
above-ground sprinkler heads for contact the ASBA at 866-501-ASBA or
ranked tennis player.
supplemental watering. Drainage info@sportsbuilders.org, or visit
of storm water is achieved through www.sportsbuilders.org.
06_TI_FEAT_CourtConstructionED.indd 7 5/2/17 9:33 AM

TennisIndustry
Pinecrest Residence
Tk of the eight facilities used post-tensioned concrete slabs, continuing a trend

that is becoming more popular in sport facility construction. Tk
Nes aut mo eos vitatur? Quiam nonem que etur sunt, voleniet quiduciat maios
1 2
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y A M E R I C A N S P O RT S B U I L D E R S A S S O C I AT I O N
Hsu Pinecrest
Residence Residence
Birmingham, Ala. Pinecrest, Fla.
Nominated By: Lower Bros. Co. Inc. Nominated By: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
General Contractor: Lower Bros. Co. Inc. Architect/Engineer/Contractor: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Surface: Har-Tru Sports Surface: Har-Tru Sports HydroBlend
Subsurface Irrigation: Har-Tru Sports Fencing: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Lighting: LSI Industries Windscreens: Aer-Flo
Windscreens: Putterman Athletics Court Accessories: Fast-Dry Courts Inc., 10-S Tennis Supply
Nets, Posts: Har-Tru Sports Certified Tennis Court Builder: John Sonner
Certified Tennis Court Builder: Linn Lower
Hsu Residence
06_TI_FEAT_CourtConstructionED.indd 8 5/2/17 9:36 AM

TennisIndustry
S TEEL N
L INNI G
S V
FRI SAI M
OENS
2 0P1L7AYREARC QAUCECTE SSSEOLRE ICETSO R
Dark Matter
The newest sunglasses offer both protection
for your eyes and stylish looks.
By Chris Nicholson
S
unglasses are worn to the court and club for many Under Armour UA Octane
reasons, from enhancing vision during play to Under Armour brings an arsenal of patented technology to
simply wanting to be stylish. No matter the its eyewear, including ArmourSight, which allows the player
reason, most players who pick up a racquet will at to see distortion-free from one edge of the frame to the other,
some point don a pair of shades. and strong ArmourFusion frames reinforced with injected
Advances in sunglasses technology continue to forge polymide. Self-articulating temples and multiposition-
ahead. This seasons models feature some of the lightest able nose pads on the Octane ($115) provide a comfortable
sunglasses ever available, lenses that polarize light and block custom fit.
UV rays, and eye-boggling technology that renders the world
as clear and vivid as a 4K TV.
The sunglasses models here, from some of the top brands
in the niche, reflect all of these innovations and more,
allowing your customers to be some of the best-seeing and
best-looking tennis playerson court and off. (Prices are
suggested retail.)
Chris Nicholson, the author of Photographing Tennis, is a freelance writer based in Connecticut and North Carolina.
06_TI_FEAT_SunglassesED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:17 AM

TennisIndustry
Costa Playa Bolle Bolt S

Costas 580 lens technology in the Playa frames ($169) will Looking electric, the Bolt S sunglasses ($170) are armed with
fix the colors of the world, reducing harmful wavelengths B-Clear technology, Bolles Trivex material that is lighter,
and boosting good onesboth protecting the eyes and mak- more shatter resistant and has greater optical clarity than
ing any court look better. The lenses are also polarized and polycarbonate lenses. Holding those together are the B-Thin
scratch-resistant. frames, which allow Bolle to customize for prescriptions.
Oakley EVZero Path Maui Jim Ho'okipa

The EVZero Path ($170) is Oakleys lightest frame and its Strut the club in style with Maui Jims Hookipa ($189). The
best for tennis, providing a rimless design of Plutonite lenses lenses PolarizedPlus2 technology will not only protect eyes
with an unobstructed wraparound view. Moreover, the from glare and UV, but will also enhance details and color.
house-technology earsocks and nose pads improve their grip The thin glass and minimalist frames combine to form one of
when they encounter perspiration. the more lightweight sunglasses in the sportswear market.
Native Eyewear Distiller Nike Show X2

Natives N3 technology in the Distiller ($109) works overtime Designed to be adjustable to different fits and comfort levels,
to protect pupils, blocking four times more infrared light Nikes Show sunglasses ($166) also offer other features
than standard polarized lenses, while also selectively filter- attractive to tennis players: reduced fogging, cam-action
ing blue and UV light to create a crisp image. The frames give hinges, adjustable temple wraps and interchangeable lenses
full visual coverage and are impact resistant. to match different light conditions.
Rudy Project Rydon with Tennis 100 lenses Smith PivLock Arena
Rydon ($249) utilizes a carbonium frame to create one of the The Arena frames ($189) are ergonomic to fit the face for
lightest pair of court-worthy sunglasses available. Moreover, stability during extreme activitysuch as running around a
the Tennis 100 lenses have a specially designed green tint hot rectangle for a few hours chasing and hitting a ball. Arena
that makes it easier to visually track a yellow tennis ball. also features Smiths ChromaPop lenses, which boost clarity.
06_TI_FEAT_SunglassesED.indd 8 5/2/17 11:19 AM

TennisIndustry
While marketing and sales

departments are typically
privy to the development
of new products, Head
engineered its new MXG
with a nearly exclusive
emphasis on performance.
I
NEW RACQUETS t seems that for the past few
years, technological
Now You See It! innovations for racquets
have centered on informa-
Heads new MXG racquets feature tion-gatheringcall them
smart racquetsand we
something not seen in yearsvisible continue to see develop-
ments in that arena. However, it has
technology. But for these frames, been a long time since we have seen
new racquets introduced to the market
theres more here than meets the eye. with what is often referred to as
visible technology.
By Bob Patterson Think back to the introduction of
metal frames from traditional wood
racquets, and then the debut of graph-
ite composites. There also were the
developments of oversize heads and
wide-body frames, and most recently,
O-Port frames. These are all examples
of visible technology, which often is
critical when it comes to convincing
consumers to buy something new.
While new frames are introduced
every year, its been more than 10 years
since weve seen anything physically
different in a frame. That changes this
month, as Head is launching two new
framesthe MXG 3 and MXG 5both
of which feature a new technology that
is unquestionably visual.
According to some of the dealers I
spoke with who participated in a recent
playtest held in Miami, Heads newest
technology goes well beyond the visual
and enhances the performance of the
racquet itself.
Investing in the Product

It is nice to see something new in a
racquet, and not just a new version of
a current racquet, says Ken Arnold,
manager of Swetkas Tennis in Moun-
tain View, Calif. Head has promised
power under control, and I think these
racquets deliver.
In March, Arnold was among a group
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y H E A D
of some of the top dealers in the U.S.

who were the first to see and hit with
the MXG racquets.
Not only is this an exciting product,
he adds, but it is great to see Head
stepping up and proving to dealers they
06_TI_FEAT_HeadED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:20 AM

TennisIndustry
We had players of all levelsfrom Andy Murray

to retirees on Hilton Head Islandhitting with the
racquets and providing feedback.
believe in this technology by investing ing the developmentmarketing, sales, ary design and engineering, with the
in advertising to drive players into our research. But we knew this had to be precisely formed, injection-molded
stores, providing demo events across developed on performance, so very few magnesium bridge providing stability
the country, and having great visual people saw this until it was complete. at a very low weight. The molding pro-
displays available for our stores to cess, which is relatively new, has been
showcase the products. Magnesium Throat Bridge used in other industries with great suc-
According to Head USA President Combining a metal and composite cess, but combining it with a composite
Greg Mason, MXG technology has material in a tennis racquet is certainly material in a tennis frame was not easy.
been in development for more than not new. Over the years weve seen We chose magnesium because it
four years. The M stands for magne- combinations of various metals, includ- accomplished what we wanted, which
sium and the G represents Graphene ing tungsten, copper, boron, titanium was to greatly enhance the torsional
Touch, the third generation of Gra- and even magnesium with traditional stability of the racquet without adding
phene that was recently introduced in high-modulus graphite materials. weight, Mason says.
some Head models. Graphene Touch However, previous uses of metal in However, incorporating it into the
enhances the dampening effects of the composite racquets have been limited racquet was no easy task. The injec-
super lightweight and strong mate- to fine fibers used sparingly in strategic tion-molding process has been used
rial, with the addition of Kraibon for placements. With MXG, this is most in the automotive industry and other
enhanced shock-absorption. certainly not the case. The magnesium products such as high-end camera
From concept to completion, this is a structural part of the frame and bodies, but incorporating it into a
project did not follow the normal plainly visiblethe entire throat bridge carbon-fiber tennis frame took many
process, Mason says. Normally, a is made of it. prototypes and a lot of testing to get
concept goes through a lot of looks dur- The MXG frames feature revolution- things just right.
06_TI_FEAT_HeadED.indd 8 OUTSTANDING RESIDENTIAL TENNIS FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD 5/2/17 11:20 AM

TennisIndustry
Head's new hybrid

Primal String is
designed specifically
for the new MXG
frames.
But, when we finally got it done, we

knew that it would be a game-changer.
Free-Moving Strings
One of Heads taglines for the new MXG
frames is power under control. The
power comes from the frames design,
including the construction of the bridge
that allows for longer, free-moving
main strings. The longer mains provide
a larger sweet spot and increased power
compared to a traditional racquet of the
same headsize. The free-moving strings
add to that power while also providing
comfort with less shock.
The control comes from the frames
solid magnesium bridge. The unique
component keeps the hoop from
deforming and twisting, increasing
torsional stability of the racquet.
Head says the MXG frames are
designed like no other and play like
no other. Many of the dealers who
played with them seemed to agree. It is nice to see something new in a racquet, and
We knew it had to perform, so
instead of taking the normal track,
not just a new version of a current racquet.
most of the people who saw this during
the research and development process
were players doing play tests, Mason New Racquet, String and Grip designed to complement the newly
says. We had players of all levelsfrom The MXG 3 racquet features a introduced frames, featuring one string
Andy Murray to retirees on Hilton 100-square-inch head size and an aver- comprised of eight micro-strands of
Head Islandhitting with the racquets age unstrung weight of 10.4 ounces (295 polyester and a full polyamide multi-
and providing feedback to our develop- grams). The slightly head-light balance filament string. Both coils are 20 feet
ment team. of the 27-inch racquet is maneuverable in length and are 16 gauge (1.30-mm
When our top professionals were without feeling too light. The 16/18 diameter). For more power, install the
excited about the racquets, we knew we string pattern offers plenty of pop and strings with the multifilament as the
had accomplished our goal. bite on the ball, with comfort as well. main and poly on the crosses; for more
The dealers we spoke with all agreed The MXG 5 features a 105-square- control, switch them around.
that the MXG racquets live up to Heads inch head size and an average unstrung The new Ultimate replacement grip
promise of not only looking different, weight of 9.7 ounces (275 grams). The features a three-layer design with a
but also performing like no other frame 27.2-inch-long frame has a balance that cushion layer topped with a polyure-
on the market. is 0.4 inches head-light. It also features thane foam and a unique micro-
To assist dealers in communicat- a 16/18 string pattern that with the textured surface that gives the grip a
ing the MXG racquet release, Head is increased head size offers even more soft suede-like feel, and provides com-
launching tease ads and will follow power and spin potential. fort and a secure grip in all conditions.
with additional print, digital and televi- Both models are offered in grip sizes Unquestionably innovative, the new
sion advertisements. The campaign 0-4. The suggested retail and MAP gear is only the beginning for Head.
will be supplemented with demo events price for each frame is $239.95. We look at this as step one of a
throughout the country to help dealers Head didnt stop with the new sustainable technology that we will
get MXG racquets into the hands of framesthere is a new string and grip continue to build on, says Mason. We
players. Dealers will also have access to available as well. The Primal String is are looking at all options for expanding
custom-made store displays. a hybrid packaged string specifically this technology.
06_TI_FEAT_HeadED.indd 9 5/2/17 11:20 AM

ROUND THE CLOCK LIVE
MAY 28 - JUNE 11
EXPANDED COVERAGE ONLY ON TENNIS CHANNEL PLUS

BUYTCPLUS.COM
041317_TC_FullPage_RG17_8375x11125.indd 1 4/13/17 12:17 PM

TennisIndustry
AskTheExperts
another material, mostly an additive.

It becomes a co-polymer due to its co-
monomer content.
Where to Start?
Q: I became a USRSA Certified Stringer
when I was 13, then played DII college
tennis in the late 1990s. When I was
a junior, I would send my racquets to
have them all matched, but I didnt
understand the process. Im getting
back into tennis now because of my
kids, and I want to start experimenting
with customizing my own racquets.
In your opinion, what is more
important: The racquet layup or the
specs? What would be a better start-
ing platform for customization, a stock
Head i.Prestige MP with an unstrung
weight of 330 grams, or a stock Head
Ti.Radical MP with an unstrung weight
of 305 grams?
A: The racquet layup is more impor-

tant, because you play the layup, not
the lead tape and other modifications.
For example, you need to find racquets
that have the same flex first and fore-
most, because no amount of modifica-
USRSA member to be certified. USRSA tion can change that.
Getting Started members also receive Tennis Industry, As for the better starting point, that
With Stringing which will help keep you current with depends on where you want to end up.
the latest racquets, strings and tools. You ideally want to start with a racquet
Q: Where is the best place to buy a used that is as close to your final specs as
Babolat Star 5, and how do I learn to Poly vs. Co-Poly possible, if for no other reason that
string and become certified? you can run into situations where it is
Q: Some people refer to polyester either impossible or inelegant to add
A: You arent the only stringer looking strings as co-polys. Whats the differ- as much mass as needed to make the
for used Babolat Star 5s. They seem to ence between a poly and a co-poly? specifications match. The lighter the
be scarce, and when you do find them, racquet, the more possibilities there
they are not discounted very much. If A: Any string that is not natural gut is are for the final product, but realisti-
you do find one, make certain it is in composed of some sort of polymer cally, it is better to start with a racquet
good shape so you dont have to invest which is nothing more than a chain of that needs only slight fine-tuning.
a lot to get it into working order. Get in monomers, such as nylon or polyester. In any event, you might consider
touch with the Babolat representative However, poly has come to be the starting with a frame that is currently
in your area, who can help you find a term we use to refer to the (typically) available, as there is only so far you can
good used machine or alternative. monofilament strings composed of go with discontinued frames, no matter
As for learning to string and certifi- thermoplastics such as polyester. how good they once were.
cation, you should become a member To answer your question more fully,
C O U RT E S Y B A B O L AT
of the USRSA. USRSA members have we reached out to Nico Van Malderen We welcome your questions. Please send
access to online stringing tutorials and at Luxilon. A polyester is one mate- them to Tennis Industry, 48 West 21st
other materials that are great for begin- rial, Van Malderen says. A co-polyes- Street, New York, NY 10010, or email
ning stringers, and you have to be a ter is a compound of a polyester with greg@racquettech.com.
06_TI_BOB_ExpertsPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:25 AM

TennisIndustry
USRSAConference
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Expert Advice
The inaugural USRSA World
Conference will be held in
Orlando in October.
O

rlando, Fla., home to the welcome reception on
the new USTA Friday evening, and then two
National Campus, full days of seminars and work-
will be the site of shops, with certification testing
the first U.S. Racquet Stringers on Monday, says Patterson. We
Association World Conference will have a list of workshops,
Oct. 6-9. Racquet technicians seminars and presenters within
from around the world will the next few weeks, along with
gather for workshops, seminars information on lodging, costs
and networking. and other details.
This is something that our The USRSA is planning to
members have continually provide workshops to benefit
asked for, says USRSA Execu- all racquet technicians. Topics
tive Director Bob Patterson. will include fitting players with
For the last 10 years weve the proper frame and string set-
worked with and supported up, stringing and servicing for
Tim Strawn and the Interna- indoor racquet sports, machine
tional Association of Racquet and equipment maintenance,
Technicians (IART) at its basic and advanced racquet
annual symposium. Tim has customization, and tournament
done an incredible job of put- stringing. There also will be
ting together an informative plenty of networking opportu-
and educational conference. nities with participants, pre-
But when IART decided not senters and industry leaders.
to host a symposium this year, With a massive industry
we explored offering a confer- presence in Florida this fall, the
ence by the USRSA. Weve been USRSA hopes to draw members
working with the USTA and the from around the world.
USPTA on various educational Hosting the event at the
initiatives over the last year, USTA National Campus and
and so with their help, the new USPTA headquarters and
USRSA World Conference just prior to the USTA and
seemed like the perfect addi- USPTA conferences might
tion to our work together. make it easier for both U.S. and
The USRSA World Confer- international members to make
ence will be held immediately the trip, Patterson says. Being
prior to the USTA Tennis in the Orlando area makes it a
Development Workshop/ great draw for families, too.
USPTA World Conference. For more information, visit
We tentatively plan to have www.usrsa.com.
June 2017 TennisIndustry 39
06_TI_BOB_USRSAPFED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:30 AM

TennisIndustry
YourServe
paddle and a balloon, and asked me to
T ENNIS PASSION
hit the balloon as best as I could. It was
How Tennis Saved My Life a pivotal moment.

The therapists were thrilled when
they found out my career was in tennis.
elled by a grave illness, this
F I progressed to hitting a light ball and
looked forward to these sessions. I
passionate player used the sport knew I had to pick myself up and work
harder than I ever had before. I needed
to change her outlook. to be back on the tennis court again, no
matter what it took.
By Ali Goldman Then I realized, this is what I do.
Promoting youth tennis was my job at
the USTA, and here that same philoso-
phy was aiding in my recovery. I kept
progressing, guided by the thought that
no matter the size of the racquet, color
of the ball or the size of the court, my
lifes passion was helping me heal. It
was giving me back my life.
When I was finally able to step onto
a tennis court, it was onto a 36-foot
court, with a red ball. This allowed me
to hit more balls and ease back into the
basics. I was extremely weak, nowhere
near recovered, but the experience
proved instrumental in getting me back
into the sport. As I gained confidence
and mobility, I moved to a 60-foot court
and an orange ball.
We know that smaller, modified
equipment and shorter courts benefit
kids and beginners. But I know first-
hand the life-affirming benefits of how
they can help people with injuries,
disabilities or setbacks that may hinder
their ability to play tennis on a full-size
court using standard equipment. While
I
I still have many challenging days,
tennisespecially short-court tennis
has been paramount in my physical and
ve played tennis my whole life. however, I couldnt move; my muscles emotional recovery.
I competed in junior tourna- had atrophied and I had hemiparesis on Tennis is not only the sport for a
ments, played for the varsity the left side of my body. lifetime, its a sport that can save lives.
team in college and went on to I started to receive lengthy, and very It has certainly saved mine.
work in the tennis industry. difficult, inpatient occupational and
Then, in April 2015, I fell illgravely physical therapy. At first, I couldnt Ali Goldman, a PTR and USPTA
illwith E.coli bacteria. I was on a res- stand up, even for a second or two. certified pro, worked with the USTA
pirator for weeks, received dialysis due I would just crumple back into my for nine years in the Marketing,
to kidney malfunction, had multiple wheelchair, my spirits crushed. Officials, and Coaching Education
departments and was integral in the
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y A L I G O L D M A N
seizures, multiple blood transfusions, a It was spring, and the French Open
development of the Coach Youth
feeding tube and brain swelling. was on TV. It made me smile at first, but Tennis Program. She played varsity
I was near death. To even have a then I would cry while watching it from tennis at Binghamton University and
chance to survive, the doctors had to my hospital bed, not knowing if Id ever has coached high school tennis as
induce me into a coma-like state under be able to play tennis again, or even well as children under 10 years.
heavy sedation. Thankfully, all of their walk. The emotional stress was severe.
efforts worked. Then a life-changing event hap- We welcome your opinions. Please email
As a result of my extended condition, pened. The therapists gave me a small comments to info@tennisindustrymag.com
06_TI_BOB_YourServePFED.indd 7 5/2/17 11:32 AM

Inside this issue
USPTA, USTA Work Together
for Premier Event 48
The Trouble with Technique 52
What do our Adult Students
Expect From Us? 54
Departments: 52 Inside Coaching
42 CEOs Message 54 Master Pro Corner
44 Vice Presidents Message 56 USPTAs 90th Anniversary
46 USPTA News 58 Career Development
48 USPTA World Conference 60 Member News
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
On the cover: The new USTA National Campus will be the site of a full day of
on-court seminars during the USPTA World Conference.
CEOs Message
Close to Completion
By John Embree
I
t was January 2014 at the first our doors will be opening in a matter of will be set up, the office furniture
USPTA Board Meeting of the year days in Lake Nona and we will soon be delivered, our sustainable/mov-
when Thaddeus Seymour from vacating Houston for good. I have been able walls installed and carpeting
the Tavistock Company and Vir- using ADDvantage to regularly update completed.
gil Christian from the USTA came to you on developments and have been n Unfortunately, I cannot predict the
our World Headquarters in Houston posting pictures on our social media exact dates of our first day of op-
to inform the board about an incred- outlets to show you how things have erations in our new digs. As I have
ible project that was planned to build progressed since we started to prepare come to learn (rather painfully),
a state-of-the-art tennis complex in a the building site in November of 2016. there are still so many unknowns in
community outside of Orlando, Fla., construction that I must no longer
called Lake Nona. At that time, the I cannot wait to be settled into this make any definitive prognostica-
presentation was strictly informational innovative and collaborative environ- tions. We have already had to push
with no thought that it would eventu- ment with a fresh perspective and an back the start date on two different
ally become our new home. Over the enthusiastic passion for elevating the occasions. So many elements have
course of the next 18 months, the board standards of our association. to come together at the same time
and our Executive Committee con- in order to put the finishing touches
ducted the proper due diligence to un- As we wind up this exhausting but on this fantastic structure.
derstand more thoroughly what exactly exhilarating process, here are some I can tell you that the office in
this new National Campus would mean key milestones remaining for your Houston will close May 31. The new
to the tennis market and whether or information: staff will be operating out of the
not it would be in our best interest to n Interviews for the new staff began temporary quarters in Lake Nona.
uproot from our Houston location and in earnest in mid-March. We have As soon as I get the word from our
set up shop adjacent to this magnifi- to replace almost 75 percent of our general contractor as to our move in
cent facility. team, as only six current staff mem- date, we will let you know. My guess
You may recall that the Executive bers have agreed to relocate. Unfor- at this point: mid to late June. Keep
Committee voted to approve the sale of tunately, we have lost or will be los- your fingers crossed
our building, the purchase of the land ing 15 valued and valuable employ-
from Tavistock, and the design of our ees, many of whom have worked for It is hard to believe that this project
new office in Lake Nona during its Sep- the USPTA for many years. I cannot of three years and six months is finally
tember 2015 meetings in New Orleans. thank Kathy Buchanan (31 years), wrapping up. I cannot wait to be settled
Fast forward from then to today; we Vicky Tristan (26 years), Julie into this innovative and collaborative
are about to complete the construc- Myers (23 years), Kim Forrester (17 environment with a fresh perspective
tion of our 10,000-square-foot building years), Melony DeLoach (14 years), and an enthusiastic passion for elevat-
and actually begin operations, ending Matt Stotts (four years), and Aileen ing the standards of our association.
a long and storied chapter of residing Nacpil (two years) enough for their Remember one last thing: while the
in Texas. It is bittersweet that we ar- tremendous dedication and service new USPTA headquarters in Lake Nona
rive at this moment in our rich history. to our membership. A ton of institu- is going to be the seat of our association
While Houston served us well for 2 tional knowledge goes out the door for years to come, it is your building,
decades, we were able to monetize that when their time concludes. They your laboratory, your destination. The
very smart investment made by the will be sorely missed! staff and senior leadership across the
USPTA leadership back in 1990 to pay n The new team will be in place by country are engaged for one purpose
for what will truly be an inspirational, May 1. While the loss of our current and one purpose only: to serve you, our
eco-friendly and tech showcase for staff is heart-wrenching, the talent members. That fact is never lost on me.
the next generation of tennis-teaching pool that we have been able to attract I hope you will be proud to call Lake
professionals. for our open positions is terrific. I am Nona our new home and be exception-
As of this writing, we are probably excited about the prospect of creating ally prideful of your association. Thanks
60 days from completion, assuming of a winning culture with a tennis DNA. to your Board of Directors and the Ex-
course that the construction remains n Training of our new employees will ecutive Committee who have brought
on the revised time line that has been commence the week of May 15 for us to this defining moment. Come see
charted. When this arrives in your mail two weeks. Pending our certificate us! As a famous marketing jingle says
box at home, it is my clear hope that of occupancy, our IT infrastructure we will leave the light on for you. h
42 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Construction of our 10,000-square-foot building should be complete mid to late June.
Keep your fingers crossed!
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 43
Vice Presidents Message
Tournament Tennis
A Priority? By Ken McAllister
O
ne of the questions asked
of me at my first Executive
Committee meetings was,
Why do we budget money
for USPTA tournaments when they
involve so few members? It was a
legitimate question to me as the newly
assigned chairman of the USPTA
Tournament Committee. I probably
answered it, Huh?, but I believe
it deserves some examination from
those whose profession is tennis.
I hope you have enjoyed a copy
of the newly published history of
the USPTA. In it you will note that
our 1927 founders were well known
and mostly nationally ranked play-
ers who had turned to teaching the
game. Tournaments were an integral
part of all the annual meetings of the
association. In fact those events prob- There definitely was value perceived in the camaraderie and competition created
ably peaked with the 1970s and 80s among the divisions in previous years.
divisional team events during World
Conferences. By example, 17 of the first years with an increasing number of this may extend to our decline in the
31 business pages of the 1976 USPTA assistants each year. It was my policy World Conference event. I recall that
Directory were devoted to tournament to encourage them to play tourna- the World Conference schedule for
rankings, results and rules. Thirty ments and get rankings if possible. It many years made certain that seminars
years later, there were still 18 pages was my opinion that this made them and events did not conflict with the
devoted to tournament information more credible to their students and Division Team Championships play so
and 35 pages to other USPTA business. actually increased lessons that made that all could go and cheer. Last year
We no longer print our directory, but up for time lost at tournaments. I also at Indian Wells, there was a concern
I note that tournaments are not even had base salaries for all full-time as- that the finals of the tennis tourna-
listed on the top or bottom of our web- sistants. In addition, I had a hard policy ment conflicted with other events.
site. This is a notation, not a criticism. that they could not play in leagues Quite a contrast. There definitely was
For the first time in at least 42 years, that involved amateurs. I believed this value perceived in the camaraderie and
the Executive Committee approved a was also a credibility issue still do. I competition created among the divi-
2017 budget without any money bud- personally continued playing tourna- sions in previous years. Is this being
geted for tournaments. ments and even had a national ranking accomplished in a different way now?
Again, this is not a criticism but an for a few years. I also tried to play on Is it necessary for the professional envi-
observation. It is obviously the direc- the USPTA Texas team, but I was not ronment? Or have tournaments begun
tion our leadership believes we should always good enough. to run their course to be replaced by
go, and they may be correct. Or are This is a good place to note that we shorter formats and games?
we ignoring the adage that all work all know that there has been a decline in I hope you have found this to be an
(study) and no play makes Johnny (or adult tournament tennis since the ad- interesting excursion of thought about
Mary) a dull boy? Admittedly, we still vent of USTA Leagues. This has been an tournament tennis. Please share your
do a good job of playing at the nightly economic and time issue for the players reactions with your favorite Board
parties of the World Conference. who have dropped the weekend-long member, a member of the Tournament
I was a Director of Tennis for 17 tournaments. It can be speculated that Committee, or me. h
USPTA News
$5,000 USPTA Grass Court
Championships Set for June
E
ver want to play on the sweet
grass courts at the International
Tennis Hall of Fame? Nows
your chance! The historical ten-
nis center located in Newport, R.I., will
be the host of the 2017 USPTA Grass
Court Championships. The tournament
is scheduled for June 20-23, and is open
for registration to USPTA-certified Pro-
fessionals through June 13.
Total prize money for the tourna-
ment is $5,000 and feature events in
the following categories: mens open
singles, mens and womens 35 singles,
mens and womens 45 singles, mens and
womens 55 singles, mens and womens
65 singles, mens and womens open courts that all of the greatest champions formation, match times and results. To
doubles, mens and womens 45 doubles, in tennis history have played on. register, go to www.setteo.com/torneos/
and mixed doubles. Due to the historic nature of the club uspta-grass-court-championships/.
The International Tennis Hall of and in respect of tennis tradition, play- As a benefit to certified members, the
Fame preserves and promotes the history ers are required to dress in predomi- surface championships provide an op-
of tennis and celebrates its champions, nantly white tennis attire on the grass portunity to play against other USPTA
thereby serving as a vital partner in the courts. Only smooth-soled tennis shoes Professionals, showcase skills, and win
growth of tennis globally. In 1881, the are allowed on court. Grass court shoes prize money. The USPTA Surface Cham-
Tennis Hall of Fame hosted the first U.S. will not be permitted. pionships are open to all USPTA-certified
National Lawn Tennis Championships The use of Setteo, the official club Professionals in good standing. To see
today known as the US Open. As this and tournament software platform of the current rankings or learn more about
years host of the USPTA Grass Court the USPTA, allows USPTA members to ranking rules, sanctioned tournaments,
Championships, members have the op- register for surface tournaments and and tournament regulations and require-
portunity to play on the historic grass get quick and easy access to location in- ments, go to uspta.com/tournaments. h
Tennessees De Zutter Wins Open Singles Title at USPTA Indoor Championships

Cedric De Zutter won the mens open
singles division at the 2017 USPTA Indoor
2017 USPTA Indoor Championship Results
Championships on March 17-19, at the Rac- Mens Open Singles Cedric De Zutter (Memphis) def. Michael Pereira (Little Rock,
quet Club of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. Ark.) 6-3, 6-4
The three-day tournament featured Mens Open Doubles De Zutter / Matt Feury (Bartlett, Tenn.) def. Duncan Howell
events in four categories and gave USPTA- (Memphis) / Tom Wride (Memphis) WO
certified Professionals an opportunity to Mens 45 Singles Kevin Gillette (Meridan, Miss.) def. Rob Horsch (Laguna Niguel,
earn a portion of the $5,000 prize money. Calif.) 6-2, 6-0
De Zutter (Memphis, Tenn.) defeated Mens 35/45 Doubles Horsch/ Gillette def. Patrick Fontana (Dallas, Texas) / M.J.
Michael Pereira (Little Rock, Ark.) in two Garnett (Collierville, Tenn.) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5
sets (6-3, 6-4) to win his first open singles
title at the USPTA Indoor Championships. Kevin Gillette (Meridan, Miss.) the mens 45 doubles division alongside
De Zutter later paired up with Matt cruised to the finals in the mens 45 sin- teammate Gillette by defeating Patrick
Feury of Bartlett, Tenn., to win the mens gles division and defeated Rob Horsch Fontana (Dallas, Texas) and M.J. Garnett
open doubles division title over Memphis (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) 6-2,6-0. (Collierville, Tenn.) 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.
duo Duncan Howell and Tom Wride by For the second consecutive year, For more information visit uspta.
the means of a walkover. Horsch returned to take home a win in com/tournaments. h
46 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 47
USPTA World Conference
USPTA, USTA Work Together
for Premier Event
W
ere changing up the
USPTA World Confer-
ence this year and hold-
ing it in conjunction with
the USTA Tennis Development Work-
shop. The event will be held at the
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Oct.
11-15, slightly later than our usual Sep-
tember dates, but one month earlier
than the traditional USTA TDW dates.
Join us in Orlando for a fantastic
event showcasing our new World
Headquarters and the USTA National
Campus. Details are still being final-
ized and will be published in the July
issue.
The theme for this years confer-
ence will be Next Generation and will
have four different education tracks:
l Net Generation (youth tennis)

Join us in Orlando for a fantastic event showcasing our new
l USPTA Courses World Headquarters and the USTA National Campus
l USTA University
l Community Tennis
Certification, Upgrading Available at Conference
Need to take the Certification Exam or upgrade? The PTCA I and Certification Exam
will be offered at the World Conference. Contact the Membership Department at
SCHEDULE membership@uspta.org or 800-877-8248 for more information or to sign up. h
Wednesday, Oct. 11 Specialty course Renaissance

Opening reception by the pool Renaissance
(College tennis theme, so wear your college colors)
Thursday, Oct. 12 On-court sessions USTA National Campus

Tour USTA National Campus and new USPTA World Headquarters
USPTA Buying Show and dinner Renaissance
Friday, Oct. 13 General Session on NET Generation Renaissance

Hall of Fame panel discussion moderated by Todd Martin Renaissance
USPTA/USTA Awards Luncheon Renaissance
Educational seminars Renaissance
Saturday, October 14 Educational seminars Renaissance

Division parties TBD
Sunday, October 15 Education Renaissance
USPTA World Conference
Oct. 11-15
Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld
Orlando, FL
Highlights S av e
Wednesday, Oct. 11
Opening Reception the
Thursday, Oct. 12 D at e
Day at the USTA National Campus
USPTA Buying Show !
Friday, Oct. 13
Awards Luncheon
SeaWorld

ce Orlando at
Renaissan
USTA National Campus, Orlando, FL

Inside Coaching
The Trouble with Technique
How to Improve Junior Development
By Dan Beedle, USPTA
W
hen a young junior stu- student is lucky perhaps she wins a The pro continues to help the student
dent shows up for her match but has lost three or four. The try to perfect the technique.
first lesson, it is typical parents go back to the pro and say What will happen to the student
for the pro to hit with their child was not able to keep the ball if this trend continues? The student
her a bit to see how she is hitting the in play and missed too many forehands may continue because it is something
ball. Then the pro will go over how and/or backhands. The pro goes back her parents want her to do, or she will
to hit a forehand and proceed to feed become frustrated with her lack of
balls to the student to let the individual Tennis matches are not won on perfect success and may no longer play this
practice the technique that the pro technique. Matches are won based on great sport. What happens to this pro?
was demonstrating. Weeks go by of les- a players ability to construct points The student may leave for another pro
sons and the student makes progress and put the opponent in a situation looking for better results, in which
by correcting her technique and may that he does not want to be in. case, the pro needs to replace this les-
even develop the ability to produce son or lose income.
topspin. Months go by and perhaps the This has happened countless times
student has developed relatively good to making technical corrections and and will continue to happen until we as
technique. The parents are happy, the smoothing out the strokes with fed pros look beyond the pursuit of perfect
student is happy. balls and cooperative rallying. Another technique and focus more on playing
The student has been taking les- one-day tournament or beginner level the game of tennis. Tennis matches are
sons learning how to hit the ball. It is tournament comes around and again not won on perfect technique. Matches
now time to attend a one-day tourna- the student has lost all two or three are won based on a players ability to
ment or low level junior event. If the matches (depending on the format). construct points and put the opponent
in a situation that he does not want to
be in. This is not to say that technique Once the basic technique is established,
should not be taught, but rather that movement/receiving the ball and hitting
more focus should be put on point con- to appropriate targets (shot selection)
struction and hitting specific targets are critical to create better tennis players.
that will allow a player to control the
point.
As I entered the tennis industry, I
was overly focused on perfecting the
players technique. Through the many
conferences I have attended, I have
learned one important fact about
teaching and playing tennis. As Craig
OShannessey of Brain Game Ten-
nis says, How you hit the ball mat-
ters, where you hit it matters more.
When teaching technique, pros will
feed a controlled ball right to the stu-
dents strike zone for him to achieve
success. Once the student gets out of
that controlled environment and into
the match play arena, the technique
typically breaks down rapidly. How
can we counteract this inevitable Hitting to the target class. Could their technique have
struggle? The next issue to focus on is the been better? Absolutely, but they
ability of the player hit to the nec- were playing real tennis.
Receiving and shot selection essary target. For too long, lessons When do we start this process of
Once a student has a grasp of the and clinics have focused on playing playing tennis rather than just per-
basic swing path, then the focus of catch. As teaching pros, we want the fecting strokes? As mentioned before,
the lessons can shift to more impor- players to hit lots of balls to make once the student has a grasp of the
tant matters. Receiving the ball and their time on court worth it. Players swing path we can incorporate move-
shot selection are possibly the two are sent on court with the goal of hit- ment/receiving the ball with hitting to
most important areas of junior devel- ting 10, 20, 50 balls in a row without specific targets or areas of the court.
opment. When teaching players, we missing (depending on the level). The age of the student does not mat-
need to place more emphasis on how Consistency is important but accord- ter in this process. Kids dont want to
they receive the ball. Are they able to ing to OShanneseys research, we hear about forearm pronation or rac-
adjust to a change in direction and know that the average point in tennis quet acceleration; at the younger ages
hit the ball when moving? Can they lasts four shots or less. Best-selling the kids dont know what those terms
move in a way that allows them to author and international speaker mean. If you can get them to receive
receive the ball in their strike zone? Frank Giampoalo describes tennis as the ball and hit it with direction they
I was once running a 10 and Under a game of keep away not catch. can begin to play real tennis. As pros
clinic with 12 to 15 kids. We would go What patterns of play can a player we give lessons to help students enjoy
over technique and have the kids play use to create an opportunity to end playing the game, not just enjoy hit-
doubles points champ-of-the-court the point? How can the player use his ting a ball.
style. Frustration was building be- better shot to hurt his opponent? In To summarize, teaching pros need
cause the kids could not get the ball our red ball group during this winter to help the student establish good
in play after the feed. The next week session, our focus was on hitting to technique but not spend the entire les-
we spent half the lesson working on specific targets and playing keep away son on it. Once the basic technique is
receiving the ball. We divided the from the opponent. We went over established, movement/receiving the
court into different zones, and based technique for about five minutes at ball and hitting to appropriate targets
on where the ball landed, the player the beginning of the class, and then it (shot selection) are critical to create
needed to be in the appropriate zone. was all about hitting to a certain area. better tennis players. There are good
After covering this we sent them The kids were rallying and construct- ball strikers and then there are good
to play champ of the court and the ing points by the second or third tennis players. h
results were unreal. The kids were
rallying and playing tennis. The kids Dan Beedle is a graduate of the Professional Tennis Management
began to love playing and competing. program at Ferris State University in Michigan. He is Assistant Head
We spent little time teaching tech- Pro at Windyke Country Club in Memphis, Tenn. Beedle has been
nique yet they made such a drastic USTA Louisiana and Southern Pro of the Year, USPTA Southern As-
improvement simply because they sistant Pro of the Year, USPTA Top 10 Education credit achiever, and
were able to receive the ball properly. is a National Cardio Tennis Trainer.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 53
Master Pro Corner
What do our Adult Students
Expect From us?
By Feisal Hassan, USPTA Master Professional
A
s tennis pros, we need to be very Has regular feedback where students of hitting and moving in ways that
understanding and empathetic tell coach what works best for them resemble the pros. They may occa-
of the adult players we teach and what they need to learn. sionally need a reality check in terms
and coach. of what theyre physically capable
Our adult students expect the fol- 3. Treated and trained in a positive of (although sometimes they might
lowing from us: manner Working with P.J. Simmons, surprise you when given the chance!).
founder of the Tennis Congress, and In cases where you think they need
1. Commitment to lifelong learning based on our experience and feed- a reality check, its helpful for them
Lifelong learning is a hallmark of a back received from adult players, to hear it phrased positively, such as:
profession as a whole and a profession- here are some recommendations: For just about every tennis player
al. What if your auto mechanic didnt other than those at the very highest
continue to learn? Chances are your Students like to be called athletes. professional levels, I recommend...
newer high-tech automobile couldnt Players invest a huge amount of time,
be serviced. What if your doctor or sur- money, and emotional and physical Help them build their capacity to keep
geon didnt continue to learn? Chances effort into trying to achieve their per- learning by emphasizing the WHY
are you wouldnt get the newer laparo- sonal best. When you call them ath- and HOW, not just the what.As you
scopic or robotic procedure. letes and tennis players (as opposed plan your classes, consider how you
We should hold ourselves to a to labels like average recreational can help the adult player learn how
standard of lifelong learning as our players), it makes them feel great and to learn and practice better once they
game of tennis continues to evolve, inspires them to work even harder. leave the court. For instance, when
and we need to continue to evolve you introduce a drill, tell them why
with it and continue to learn. They love it when you reinforce what theyre doing it, then tell them why
theyre doing well. Some adult players the adjustment will help them unlock
2. A great learning environment are among the most self-critical people their potential, and how they can prac-
Dr. Dorothy Billington conducted a youll ever meet, often acutely aware of tice to achieve the desired result.
four-year study to see which factors what theyre doing wrongthe issue
in adult learning environments best usually being they dont know how to Review the most important take-
facilitate adult growth and develop- fix it. In the process of trying to make aways and give them on their
ment. Her results concluded to seven changes, sometimes they lose sight of own work!Take at least five min-
factors found in learning programs (or may not realize) important things utes at the end of your class to invite
that stimulate adult development*. theyre actually doing right. You can them to grab their smartphones so
The environment needs to be one help them retain the good stuff and they can capture you summarizing
that: keep their confidence up by reminding key things you want them to remem-
Is safe and supported, where individu- them of those things while also coach- ber. Remind them which drills or
al needs and uniqueness are honored. ing them on how they can improve. exercises they could do at home on
Fosters intellectual freedom and their own or with their teammates.
encourages experimentation and Yes, they can learn new tricks! The
creativity. majority of adult players are open to Focus on these expectations and the
The coach accepts and respects adult trying new things and making new athlete will have fun learning and im-
students as intelligent, experienced discoveries that will help them unlock provement will drastically occur. h
adults whose opinions are listened their potential over the long term. If * (Reference: Billington, Dorothy D. (1998)
to and appreciated. necessary, most of them are willing to Ego Development and Adult Education.
Creates self-directed learning, take one step back today in order to Doctoral Dissertation, The Fielding Institute)
where students take responsibility take two steps forward tomorrow.
of their own learning. Feisal Hassan is vice president on the
Challenges players just beyond their Assume you can train them like high- USPTA National Board and holds USPTA
present level of ability. performance juniors and aspiring pros specialist degrees in Competitive Player
Has students and coach interact and in intensity and methods. Many of Development, Facility Management,
dialogue. them aspire to experience the feeling Sports Science and 10 and Under Tennis.
USPTAs 90th Anniversary
USPTA Presidents (1984-1997)
Mike Eikenberry (1984-86) has been a USPTA tice co-authored USPTAs How to Hire a Tennis Professional,
member for 45 years and he earned the George an employment assistance manual that outlines ten important
Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. As steps in the hiring process.
president, it was his recommendation that USPTA
investigate the use of computers by the national Gordon Collins (1992-94) has been a USPTA
office. member since 1976. He served as president of the
Northern California Division from 1981-83 and he
Jim Reffkin (1986-88) was the director of ten- was the divisions Professional of the Year in 1980,
nis for the city of Tucsons Parks and Recreation 1981 and 1983. Collins is the tennis director at Bay
Department and the Reffkin Tennis Center (re- Club Courtside in Los Gatos, Calif. He also serves
named in his honor in 2009) for 40 years. He was as a director on the USTA Norcal Board.
named USPTA Professional of the Year in 1996
and he was inducted into the USTA Southwest Kathy Woods (1994-96) has the distinguished
Section Hall of Fame in 2005. honor of being the first and only woman to serve
the association as national president. She was
Rod Dulany (1988-90) became director of tennis the director of tennis at the Racquet Club of St.
at Washington Golf and Country Club in 1972 and Petersburg, and has been a certified teaching
served in this capacity for 30 years. He was the first professional for nearly three decades. In 2016 she
Junior Tennis Council Chair for the USTA/Mid-At- was named Director of Tennis at the USTA National Campus
lantic Section, and later served as the sections presi- in Orlando, Fla. In 1996, Woods was honored with the presti-
dent and delegate to the USTA from the 1991-1998. gious Educational Merit Award by the International Tennis
Dulany was president of the USPTA/Mid-Atlantic Division from Association for outstanding service to tennis at the national
1977-1980 and served on the USPTA Executive Committee from level.
1976-1996 and the national USPTA Board of Directors from 1984-
1992. He was named the USPTA Professional of the Year in 1980. Kurt Kamperman (1996-97) is the USTAs chief
executive for community tennis and he has led the
Jack Justice (1990-92) has been a USPTA member USTAs efforts to increase tennis participation in
since 1969. He also served as president and sec- the United States. He previously was president of
retary of USPTAs Southern Division, was on the the Tennis Industry Association. Kamperman is a
USTA National Junior Tennis League Committee, USPTA Master Professional and has been a mem-
and was a USTA clinician and umpire. In 1988, Jus- ber for more than 30 years. h
Master Professionals
Larry Abrams Dave Brown Ken DeHart Jack Groppel Jo Ann Kurz Michael Mercier Jim Reffkin Gary Trost
Lee Adams Bunny Bruning Rosemary DeHoog Spike Gurney Anna Kuykendall David Minihan Allie Ritzenberg Bill Tym
Janet Adkisson Fred Burdick Becky Desmond David Hagler Ron Lague Bal Moore Albert Rogers * Mike Van Zutphen
Greg Alexander Harry Burrus * Kim Dillard Jay Hardman Phil Lancaster Gardnar Mulloy * Hans Romer Fernando Velasco
Bob Anderman Peter Burwash Joseph Dinoffer Feisal Hassan Don Leary * Avis Murray Raul Saad John Verde
Kirk Anderson Shelly Caldwell * Rod Dulany Jeff Hawes Darryl Lewis Jack Newman Emilio Sanchez Rick Vetter
Jorge Andrew Jorge Capestany Larry Dupleich Tim Heckler * Larry Lineberry Dan OConnell Vicario Tommy Wade
Jim Annesi Allan Carvell * David Dvorak Allan Henry * Jim Loehr Mike OConnell Mark Savage Betty Walsh
George Bacso * Mark Centrella Fred Earle III Don Henson Les Longshore Jr. * Stan Oley Paula Scheb Russ Warner
Mike Baldwin Manuel Cervantes Fred Earle Jr. * Will Hoag Angel Lopez Desmond Oon Brett Schwartz Hugh Waters
Rosie Bareis Michael Todd Ellenbecker Bob Holm * Bob Love Ajay Pant Diane Selke Doug Welsh
Jack Barnaby * Chamberlain Doug Eng Gary Horvath Charles Lundgren * Jim Parker Ed Serues * Pat Whitworth
Van Barry Howard Chodak John Foley Glen Howe Rick Macci Guy Parks James Shaughnessy Glenn William
Sanford Baruch * Holly Chomyn Dexter Fong John Ingram Doug MacCurdy Jimmy Pitkanen Len Simard Ted Withall
Sheryl Behne Chris Chopra Jack Foster Dean Ives * Paul MacDonald Joseph Pizzat Dave Sivertson Ron Woods
Craig Bell Will Cleveland Ty Fuller Gordon Johnson Paul Marcum David Porter Sean Sloane Ron Woods
Lorenzo Beltrame Steve Contardi Ed Garcia Jack Justice Patrick Mason Dave Power Dean Snyder Rod Workman
Marvin Benzing Jim Cox * David Gary Kurt Kamperman Jay Massart Ben Press * Randy Stephens Paul Xanthos *
Jay Bewley Alan Cutler Florin Giuglescu Leo Katz Ken McAllister Warren Pretorius Tom Sweitzer David Zeutas-Broer
Nick Bollettieri Tom Daglis Barry Goldsmith Dick King Tom McGraw Hank Quinn * Keith Swindoll
Bill Bond * Jim Davies * Sylvia Gothard Dave Kozlowski Mark McMahon Adrian Rattenbury R.J. Tessier *Deceased
Donnia Bondallian Jim Davis Tommy Gray Jim Krimbill Ed McQuillin Mark Rearden Joseph Thompson
Chip Brooks Robert Davis Ian Griffin Chuck Kuhle Luis Mediero Ron Rebhuhn * John Trinity
Career Development
Exams, Upgrades Cardio Tennis Conferences/
& PTCA I June 10 Level 1 Training Course Activities
(4 credits for PTCA I segment) Edgewood Country Club; Pittsburgh (Division Conferences 6 credits)
July 15 Level 1 Training Course
June 1-2 McMinnville, Ore. June 2 Pacific Northwest Convention
June 1-2 Naples, Fla. Princeton Racquet Club; Princeton, N.J.
McMinnville, Ore.
June 3 Richmond, Va. July 16 Level 2 Training Course
Aug. 18 Midwest Division Convention
June 3 Rome, Ga. Princeton Racquet Club; Princeton, N.J.
Mason, Ohio
June 3-4 Aurora, Ill. Sept. 8 Level 2 Training Course Oct. 11 2017 USPTA World Conference
June 3-4 San Antonio Crooked Creek Country Club; Alpharetta, Ga. Orlando, Fla.
June 3-4 Portsmouth, R.I. Sept. 16 Level 1 Training Course Oct. 22 Hawaii Division Convention
June 4 Hilton Head Island, S.C. Preakness Hills Country Club; Wayne, N.J. Honolulu
June 5 Carlsbad, Calif.
Oct. 22 Level 1 Training Course Nov. 9 Middle States Convention
June 5-6 San Francisco
Methodist University; Fayetteville, N.C. Philadelphia
June 8-9 Minneapolis
Nov. 5 TRX Training Course
June 9-10 Missoula, Mont.
June 10-11 Atlanta Park Crossing Swim and Racquet;
June 15 Des Moines, Iowa Charlotte, N.C.
June 16 Nichols Hills, Okla. Nov. 11 Level 1 Training Course
June 17-18 Raleigh, N.C. Ferris State University; Big Rapids, Mich.
June 26-27 Orlando, Fla.
July 8 Indianapolis
July 8-9 Boca Raton, Fla. Webinars
July 9-10 Garden City, N.Y. (.5 credits)
July 10 Vienna, Va.
Watch all recorded webinars
July 15 Boston
at tennisresources.com.
* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days For more information visit uspta.com/Education.
prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam,
upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations
must be received no later than 14 days before the Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register.
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.
Accredited
Professional Coach
Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC)
and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA
SmartCode Education System. This uses your
smartphone to instantly register
your attendance to all seminars
and specialty courses earning APC. Education requirements
To use the system at a seminar,
general session or specialty course,
All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period
you must scan two QR codes. One to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activi-
QR code is on your conference badge. The second ties. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you
QR code will be in your conference notebook and
cannot be scanned until the end of the session or
attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to educa-
the beginning of the next session. If you do not have tion@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches
a smartphone, you may use someone elses. Forms and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) Questions? Write to education@uspta.org
are available upon request.
or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.
Member News
Florida Section USPTA Professional Kathy Foulk has been elected as the 2017-2019 National Larry Abrams has been inducted into the
Senior Womens Tennis Association President. Foulk took the helm of the 1,000-member associa- USPTA New England Hall of Fame. He was
tion during the annual meeting at the Houston Racquet Club and the 47th recognized at the
annual USTA National Senior Womens Clay Court Championships in Houston, divisions annual
Texas, March 2017. The NSWTA is a non-profit organization of tennis advocates convention May 2,
that began in 1977 with three forward-looking women, Nancy Reed, Betty 2016 in Norwich,
Pratt and Charlene Grafton. Now with 1,000 men and women ranging in age Ct. Unlike the
from 30 to 90-plus, they strive to raise the standards of age-level match play, International Ten-
fitness and sportsmanship in both individual and team competition. They are a nis Hall of Fame
growing network of competitive members who actively interact with the USTA, sponsor national that recognizes
tennis tournaments, promote womens tennis abroad, and provide local support to tennis com- top tennis profes-
munities in the United States. Foulk has been an avid supporter of age-level match play, a 28-year sionals world-
USPTA Elite Professional and a long-time competitive player. She has held USTA individual rank- wide, the USPTA
ings since she was playing in the 35s. She still strongly competes at 60 and encourages league includes not only tournament players but
players to join the fun of individual match play. also teaching professionals, coaches, and
resort/facility managers. Abrams was the
In recognition of more than 30 years of committed service to the sport of tennis, USPTA Profes- head professional and director of racquet
sional Delaine Mast of Lancaster, Pa., has been honored by the sports at the Sugarbush Resort in War-
International Tennis Hall of Fame with the Tennis Educational Merit ren, Vt. He was the New England Division
Award. Mast has served tennis for more than 30 years, wearing President for four years, an eight-year
countless hats including high school and college coach, mentor at member of the National Executive Commit-
inner city youth programs, and National Director for WorldTeam Ten- tee, two-time division Professional of the
nis Recreational Leagues, among many others. She was a co-founder Year, and achieved Master Pro status. He
of the Junior Tennis Corporation of America, which has provided was recognized in the International Tennis
national, coed team tennis programs and free instruction for more Hall of Fame with the Joseph Dietz award
than 1 million players. Over the years, Mast has served on nine USTA for outstanding service, and spent four
national committees or task forces. Among her colleagues, Mast is heralded as an agent of years as division convention chairman. As
change who has helped to build communities, boards, partnerships between organizations, a player he was co-ranked No. 9 nationally
and programs. Currently, Mast is serving on the USTA High School Task Force. in the 40-and-over singles and ranked No.
3 in New England Mixed Doubles. Abrams
USPTA Master Professional Jorge Andrew was honored by the International Tennis Hall of Fame was assistant to Tournament Director Jim
with the Tennis Educational Merit Award. Andrew competed on the ATP World Tour for more than Westhall for the ATP Volvo International
10 years, and he was a player and captain for the Venezuelan Davis Cup Tennis Tournament at Stratton Moun-
team. After retiring from his playing career, Andrew settled in Lexington, tain, Vt. Hes been published in Tennis
S.C., where he has been an integral part in the tennis community. Today magazine, Tennis Directory, and Raquetball
he is the Director of Tennis Operations for the Lexington County Recre- Illustrated. Abrams also ran successful pro-
ation Commission with 51 courts in two large facilities. He has brought grams and competed in St. Croix, US Virgin
numerous notable tournaments to the area including junior, high school, Islands, and Pebble Beach, Calif.
and collegiate events. He has served on USTA committees for more than
15 years, and is currently a member of the USTA Hispanic Task Force. He is NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
also a USTA Master Trainer for 10 & Under tennis. Andrew is the Immediate President Chuck Gill
Past President of PTR, and remains highly engaged in the organizations activities. He has taught First Vice Gary Trost
well over 100 tennis teacher workshops in 25 states and 11 countries, in both English and Spanish. President
Vice Presidents Alan Cutler
Brenda Gilmore, USPTA, Feisal Hassan
going through her Ken McAllister
Wheelchair Certification TM
Jack Michalko
with National Head Tester, Diane Selke

Sid Newcomb at the Past President Tom McGraw
USTA National Campus. CEO John Embree
Legal Counsel George Parnell
ADDvantage magazine editorial offices Managing editor Kimberly Forrester The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the
USPTA World Headquarters Circulation Kathy Buchanan authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202 USPTA.
Houston, TX 77042 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time
Phone 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U Copyright United States Professional Tennis
Fax 713-358-7794 ADDvantage is published monthly by the Association, Inc. 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction
United States Professional Tennis Association. of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without
email magazine@uspta.org
written permission from USPTA.
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FACILITY CONSTRUCTION CUSTOMER SERVICE PLAYER ACCESSORIES

Borrow from Lake Be sure to give senior New sunglasses

June 2017 / Volume 45 / Number 6 / $5.00

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BABOLAT - OFFICIAL TENNIS RACKETS, SHOES*, PERFORMANCE APPAREL,

Contents June 2017

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OFFICIAL PLAYING SURFACE

Citi Open is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc.

A Focus on the Benefits MANAGING EDITOR

Is our industry finally taking a CREATIVE DIRECTOR

closer look at the health and fitness SENIOR EDITOR

reasons for playing this sport? ART DIRECTOR

only play tennis, but to play more tennis.

4 TennisIndustry June 2017 www.tennisindustrymag.com

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IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

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www.tennisindustrymag.com June 2017 TennisIndustry 7

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coach of 17-year old rising star

Bryan Brothers Sign Deal

The International Tennis Hall of

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PRO TOURNAMENT director of tennis for the Lexington

To N.Y. After Sports Interiors, ITA

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by supporting and bringing aware-

USPTA Publishes Book

The USPTA has created a coffee-

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TIA Continues Webinar Series

Youth Tennis, Cardio Tennis Tennis Marketplace

Practice on your own

desired result. For example, Ive lost

Reliable Results technique you might consider using.

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The next generation of tennis starts now!

Heres what were serving up:

Comprehensive print and digital curricula

Join The Net Generation today:

2017 USTA. All rights reserved.

I will probably have the

Rallying for the Cause Dealing with grief is personal,

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