Racquet Sports Industry

November/December 2012
Volume 40 Number 10 $5.00

www.racquetsportsindustry.com
Healthy Business!
Cardio Tennis Continues
To Grow, Benefiting
Consumers and Providers
Tim Heckler:
USPTAs Driving Force
The Changing Pro Shop
NTC's Indoor
Training Center
Healthy Business!
Cardio Tennis Continues
To Grow, Benefiting
Consumers and Providers
Tim Heckler:
USPTAs Driving Force
The Changing Pro Shop
NTC's Indoor
Training Center
F
a
s
h
i
o
n
F
o
r

S
p
r
i
n
g
SPIN
CONTROL
COMFORT
Zo Dart
fti
'-------------"
GAmmA. GAmmA.
I
Zo Verve
2
DEPARTMENTS
R S I N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 USPTA names
John Embree as new CEO
7 Task force to look into
single teaching pro group
8 Hingis, Stich among
Hall of Fame nominees
8 ASBA Tech Meeting
in Orlando
9 Gamma introduces new
RZR Bubba frame
9 7 facilities gain USTA honors
9 PTR, Norwegian
Federation sign deal
11 Antigua tennis announces
2013 apparel line
11 Racquet Art to
distribute Ardor strings
13 SGMA launches
rebranding plan
14 Dunlop announces
2013 racquet range
16 USPTA recognizes
leaders in tennis
4 Our Serve
7 Industry News
15 Community Tennis
17 Tennis Retailers
19 TIA News
21 Retailing Tip
22 Tennis & Health
30 Pioneers in Tennis
40 Ask the Experts
42 String Playtest: Gamma Zo Dart 17
44 Your Serve, by Jon Vegosen
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
FEATURES
24 Healthy Tennis
With 1.3 million participants after just
seven years, Cardio Tennis continues to
improve and growbenefiting con-
sumers and providers.
28 New Fashions Spring to the Net!
Colors, styles and patterns make their
marks in playable soft fabrications that
are tough on the court and kind on the
body.
30 A Driving Force
After 30 years at the helm of the
USPTA, Tim Hecklers departure leaves
some impressive tennis shoes to fill.
34 Pro Actions
Tennis Hall-of-Famer Gigi Fernandez
brings her talents to bear on a new
state-of-the-art facility in Connecticut.
36 Shopping Centers
Tennis facility pro shops are having to
change with the times, and its the con-
sumer who is determining the direction.
38 The Inside Story
Thanks in large part to the vision of for-
mer USTA President Alan Schwartz, the
NTCs Indoor Training Center is a year-
round boon for tennis.
Contents
Contents
Our Serve
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)
Publishers
David Bone Jeff Williams
Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
peter@racquettech.com
Associate Editor
Greg Raven
Design/Art Director
Kristine Thom
Contributing Editors
Robin Bateman
Cynthia Cantrell
Joe Dinoffer
Kent Oswald
Bob Patterson
Cynthia Sherman
Mary Helen Sprecher
Tim Strawn
RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
Corporate Offices
PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
Email: RSI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.racquetTECH.com
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time
Advertising Director
John Hanna
770-650-1102, x.125
hanna@knowatlanta.com
Apparel Advertising
Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
cstennisindustry@earthlink.net
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
year: monthly January through August and combined
issues in September/October and November/
December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO Box 3392,
Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage paid at
Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS
#004-354). Nov/Dec 2012, Volume 40, Number 10
2012 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights
reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are
trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions
$25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box
3392, Duluth, GA 3009.
RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA
Common Goals
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2012
A
t the TIA Tennis Forum, held in New York City just
before the US Open, TIA President Jon Muir present-
ed a slide to the 300-plus industry leaders, teaching
pros, manufacturers, retailers and others in the room that
said the TIA will be working with the USPTA and PTR to
form a task force to look into forming a more unified teach-
ing pro network that can strengthen the position, econom-
ic growth, and industry impact overall for coaches and
tennis professionals, as one organization.
Finally, someone decided to put aside politics and say publicly what many in
this industry have been thinking and talking about privately for years: Lets get
together and look into how we may be able to have one unified teaching pro orga-
nization. A single organization has been the elephant in the room for decades.
Politically, all of us in this industry, myself and RSI included, have tended to tread
a fine line, not taking a stand publicly one way or another.
But lets open our minds for minute. For teaching pros and coaches, a unified
organization may well provide them with the credibility they deserve for the hard
work and dedication they put in. It can provide a clear pathway to education and
certification that is understandable by the public and that this entire industry can
endorse and promote.
For consumers and recreational players I dont think most know enough
about each of the two teaching organizations to really care. Worse, though, two
separate entities probably are confusing to most players (and especially to begin-
ners), who cant make sense of different terminologies, methods and defini-
tionsand cant figure out which is better.
From a manufacturers and organizations point of view, there are a lot of
advantages to dealing with and supporting one, rather than two, teaching pro
groups. In fact, heres a direct comparison: In 2003, manufacturers were support-
ing two industry magazines: Racquet Tech (the publication of the USRSA) and
Tennis Industry. At the urging of the major manufacturers and others in the
industry, we merged to form Racquet Sports Industry. Manufacturers continued
their reach into the industry audience, but with greatly reduced costs; we bene-
fited from pooling our resources. It was the right thing to do and formed a
stronger publication all around.
The USTA has shown great restraint in not stepping in years ago andlike
every other country in the worldcertifying pros on their own and running a
teaching pro organization. Im sure from a USTA viewpoint, theyre thinking
about how much further along important initiatives would be if there werent the
confusion, entanglements and duplicate efforts of different organizations looking
for their slices of the pie.
Muir said the goal of the Task Force is to have recommendations for next
steps by the end of this year, adding, This is a great opportunity for us to initiate
something that can be very positive for the industry and strengthen the delivery
system. Its time now for healthy, constructive, politics-free conversations.
Peter Francesconi
Editorial Director
I NDUSTRY NEWS
I NDUSTRY NEWS
I N F O R M A T I O N T O H E L P Y O U R U N Y O U R B U S I N E S S
Task Force to Look
Into Single Teaching
Pro Group
TIA President Jon Muir said the
TIA will work with the USPTA
and PTR to form a task force
that will look into the possibility
of creating a single, unified ten-
nis teaching professional organi-
zation.
Muir made the announcement to
more than 300 tennis providers,
teaching pros, coaches, facility
managers, retailers, media and
industry supporters at the TIA
Tennis Forum in New York just
before the US Open, which was
part of The Tennis Show (see
page 20).
The goal with a single organi-
zation would be to strengthen
the position, economic growth
and industry impact overall for
coaches and tennis pros, Muir
said. Its a great opportunity for
us to initiate something that can
be very positive for the industry
and strengthen the delivery
system.
Muir acknowledged that talk of
a unified tennis teaching pro
group tends to be politically
charged, but he said, Theres
no secret agenda here. Its about
having a stronger teaching pro
segment. Its a critical delivery
system for our sport and con-
sumers.
Initial talks took place during the
US Open. By the end of 2012,
Muir said, he hopes a task force
can deliver a clear recommen-
dation for next steps. We really
want to lay out a simple process
of engagement with both organ-
izations. Its purely exploratory to
say, lets sit and talk.
R S I N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
Industry Veteran John Embree Named
As New CEO/Executive Director for USPTA
I
ndustry veteran John Embree is the new CEO/Executive Director of the U.S. Professional Ten-
nis Association. Embree will take the administrative reigns from Tim Heckler, who will retire
at the end of the year, after 30 years in the position (see page 30).
After interviewing several candidates in conjunction with the search firm
GSI Executive Search Inc., the USPTA Search Committee offered the posi-
tion to Embree. The contract was ratified by the USPTA Executive Commit-
tee in late August.
I began my tennis odyssey during college as a teaching professional in
Virginia. After more than three decades of working in the sport that I began
playing at 6 years old, my career has come full circle, back to my foundation
as a grassroots advocate. I am thrilled to have been chosen to help lead the
USPTA in the years to come, said Embree.
We are pleased to welcome John into the USPTA family. His vast tennis
industry expertise, contacts, and company management skills will serve the
USPTA well, said USPTA President Tom Daglis.
Embree has held a variety of tennis industry roles, including serving as
president of Prince Sports, The Americas; president of Balle de Match; and vice president/general
manager, Racquet Sports Division for Wilson Sporting Goods. Most recently, he launched a tennis
consulting practice. His client list included the USTA, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Peter Bur-
wash International, Off the Grid Technologies, and Donnay USA.
Embree has served on many national USTA Committees, including the USTA Nominating Com-
mittee in 2005-2006 and currently as the vice chair of USTA Professional Circuits Committee. In
addition, he recently served as presidential appointee of the Board of Directors of USTA Middle
States section, is a past member of TIA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, member of
the Board of Directors of American College of Sports Medicine Foundation, and past president of
the Chicago Tennis Patrons Foundation.
He says one of his proudest achievements in tennis was the creation of the USTA Adult League
Tennis program in 1980, when he served as the first USTA Adult League Tennis Administrator for
two years. He earned a bachelors degree from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA, and
was inducted into the W&L Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
USTA Announces Slate for 2013-2014 Board of Directors
T
he USTA nominating committee announced the following slate of officers and
board members for the 2013-2014 term.
OfficersPresident: David A. Haggerty, USTA Middle States; First Vice Presi-
dent: Katrina M. Adams, USTA Eastern; Vice President: Thomas S. Ho, USTA Texas;
Vice President: Donald L. Tisdel, USTA Pacific Northwest; Secretary-Treasurer: Patrick
J. Galbraith, USTA Pacific Northwest.
Directors at Large: Alexander Boyd Andrews IV, USTA Southern; Joan E. Baker, USTA Northern;
Raymond Benton, USTA Mid Atlantic; Mark D. Ein, USTA Mid-Atlantic; Andrew A. Valdez, USTA
Intermountain; Jeff Williams, USTA Eastern; Todd Martin, Elite Athlete, USTA Florida; Chanda R.
Rubin, Elite Athlete, USTA Southern; Brian Vahaly, Elite Athlete, USTA Mid-Atlantic
ASBA Technical Meeting Nov. 30-Dec.4
T
he American Sports Builders Association Technical Meeting
and Trade Show will be in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 30-Dec. 4, at
the Doubletree Hotel at Universal Orlando.
The agenda includes presentations that relate to tennis,
track, field and indoor construction. Tennis topics include fencing and custom fence
design, asphalt installation practices, acrylic cushion systems, dealing with club com-
mittees, and a tennis roundtable. There also will be a preparation course for the Certi-
fied Tennis Court Builder exam. The keynote speaker will be Steve Gilliland.
For more information, visit www.sportsbuilders.org.
N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
Hingis, Stich Among Nominees for Hall of Fame
M
artina Hingis, a former world No. 1 and the winner of five Grand Slam tournament sin-
gles titles; the 1991 Wimbledon champion and former world No. 2 Michael Stich; and
the great Czech doubles player Helena Sukova, winner of 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles
and mixed doubles, are among the Recent Player nominees for induction into the Inter-
national Tennis Hall of Fame.
In the Master Player Category, Thelma Coyne Long of Australia, who captured 19 Grand
Slam titles between the 1930s and 1950s, has been nominated. Additionally, three indi-
viduals have been nominated in the Contributor Category: ESPN's longtime tennis broad-
caster Cliff Drysdale, tennis promoter and industry leader Charlie Pasarell, and Ion Tiriac,
the Romanian tennis player turned influential player manager and tournament promoter.
Voting for the 2013 ballot will take place over the next several months. The Induction
Ceremony will be July 13, 2013, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I.
Novacrylic Ultracushion Selected for Fed Cup Final
T
he Novacrylic Ultracushion system manufactured by Nova Sports USA of Milford, Mass.,
has been selected for Novembers 2012 Fed Cup final between the Czech Republic and
Serbia. The Fed Cup defending champions Czech Republic will host the event at Pragues
17,000-seat O2 Arena.
The championship match will be played on an ITF classified category 4 cushion system
consisting of five blended EPDM/acrylic rubber coats followed by two coats of the Combi-
nation Surface color coating system. Pragues O2 Arena is the third Davis/Fed Cup venue
in 2012 to be played on a Novacrylic brand surfacing system. For more information, con-
tact info@novasports.com.
USPTA to Offer
PlayDev Workshop
T
he USPTA will hold its Player
Development Conference in
Naples, Fla., Dec. 7-9, with the
theme, The Spanish Way to Devel-
op Players. Featured speakers at
the event will include Emilio Sanch-
es Vicario, Luis Mediero and Derek
Touchette.
Visit www.uspta.com to view the
complete course schedule. For
more details and to regiser, visit
www.sanchez-casal.com, call 239-
641-0010 or email florida@
sanchez-casal.com.
High School Tennis Still a
Top 10 Sport, Says NFHS
T
ennis has long been popular among
high school students, and this year
looks to be no exception. According to
a survey conducted by the National
Federation of State High School Asso-
ciations (NFHS), which tracks sports
participation at the high school level,
tennis remains in the top 10 for both
boys and girls.
Each year for more than two
decades, the survey (which reflects the
previous school year; in this case, the
2011-2012 academic period) has
shown more kids overall playing
sports than the previous year. This
year is no different, with another all-
time high of 7,692,520.
Tennis is the eighth most popular
boys' sport in terms of player num-
bers, with 159,800 players. Among
girls, it is the seventh most popular
sport, with 180,870 players.
Overall, tennis showed a decline
over some previous years (in 2009-
2010, for example, there were
162,755 boys playing, and 182,395
girls). Team tennis, however, grew; in
2011-2012, there were 36,160 boys,
and 37,223 girls, as compared to the
2009-2010 totals of 28,904 boys and
30,818 girls.
The full survey, including interac-
tive participation results, is available
free of charge at www.nfhs.org (click
on "Participation Data").
Dynamite String Family Allows Customized Play
A
shaway Racket Strings says the range of characteristics available in its Dynamite fam-
ily of Zyex-based tennis strings allows players to customize the response of their rac-
quets to maximize performance. The multifilament Zyex cores balance toughness,
touch and tension holding, says the company, while the various core packages and
gauges allow players to fine-tune power and durability.
At 1.15 mm (18-gauge), Dynamite 18 Soft is one of the thinnest strings on the mar-
ket, and is designed to provide a softer feel yet still generate power and an optimum
ability to spin the ball. Utilizing a special multi-stranded monofilament construction that
increases power and toughness, the 16-gauge (1.30 mm) Dynamite 16 Tough is
designed to provide power and ball control for players who hit the ball hard and tend
to break strings. The middle member of the fam-
ily, 1.25 mm (17-gauge) Dynamite 17 Natural,
has been engineered to optimize power and
resilience, while providing a softer, more natural
gut-like string bed with a crisper feel and the
power to hit deep fast shots.
Visit www.ashaway.com.
November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
I N D U S T R Y N E W S
USPTA Provides Logo Program for Members
T
he USPTA has a logo program for all professional-level
members in good standing, which will provide access
to the USPTA certified professional logo. The goal is to help
members promote themselves as a USPTA professional, promote
their events and build the USPTA brand.
Once the logo agreement is signed, members have access to
the logo in various formats and sizes to use in many ways.
Members are encouraged to use the logos on email signatures, promotional fliers for
their club/facility, to promote their tennis programs, on social media platforms, such
as their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, etc.
To access the logo program for USPTA members, go to http://documents.uspta
.com or the member login page, sign in and click on the My Membership tab and then
on membership documents. The link to the certified member logos is at the bottom
of the page. If a member is current on dues and is also a Master Professional or Tester,
he/she will gain access to those logos as well.
PTR, Norwegian Federation Sign Partnership
D
uring Wimbledon, representatives of PTR and the Norwegian Tennis Federation
(NTF) signed a two-year partnership agreement in which PTR will provide educa-
tional services and all full-time tennis
coaches in Norway will become mem-
bers of PTR. At the Norwegian Tennis
Federation, we see our partnership with
PTR as another indication of our resolve
to improving tennis in Norway, said
Erik Solberg, NTF Vice President. A goal
of PTR President Jorge Andrew is to
expand PTRs role internationally. In
photo are, from left, Solberg; Oivind
Sorvald, NTF Director of Sports;
Andrew; and Dan Santorum, PTR CEO.
Gamma Introduces New
RZR Bubba Frame
G
amma Sports has introduced the
new RZR Bubba super-oversize rac-
quet, with a 137-square-inch head and
featuring RZR Advanced
Aerodynamics.
The company says the
new frame has the
largest sweetspot of any
legal racquet in the game,
providing outstanding
power and fewer mis-hits.
Gamma says RZR Advanced
Aerodynamics is the set of
unique design characteristics
that allow the Bubba racquet to
channel and displace air, allowing
more acceleration and speed in
the natural swing, minimizing
drag, making the racquet easy to
swing on any shot from any angle.
The RZR Bubba weighs 9.6 ounces
unstrung and is 29 inches long. Sug-
gested retail price is $219.99. Visit
www.GammaSports.com.
USTA Honors 7 Facilities With Outstanding Awards
T
he USTA announced seven winners of its 31st annual USTA Facility Awards Pro-
gram, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis
facilities. Each facility was honored at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York
City on Sept. 2. The 2012 winners are:
w Public Courts: Large Tennis Centers (11 or more courts): The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt
Community Park McKinney, Texas
w Educational Institution: Wake Forest Tennis Complex Winston-Salem, N.C.
w Private Facilities: Charlotte Country Club Charlotte, N.C.; Ellis Tennis Center El
Paso, Texas; Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort Tucson, Ariz.;
Sea Colony Resort Bethany Beach, Del.; The Haig Point Club Daufuskie Island,
S.C.
To be considered for an award, facilities must be under the jurisdiction of a parks
and recreation department, an educational institution, a non-profit corporation, or
private or commercially-owned and operated facilities that offer both USTA and pub-
lic programming designed to grow tennis.
Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to
site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations
for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of
signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services
and social areas; and the facilities participation in USTA programs.
US Open Reaches Millions
of Fans Worldwide
D
espite rain moving both the mens
and womens US Open finals back a
day, television viewership of the three-
set womens singles final featuring Ser-
ena Williams defeating Victoria
Azarenka on CBS Sports was the high-
est since 2002, with 17.7 million view-
ers watching all or part of the match,
says the USTA.
The mens five-set match in which
Andy Murray captured his first Grand
Slam victory by defeating Novak
Djokovic was seen by 16.2 million
viewers on CBS Sports, the most view-
ers to watch a mens singles final since
2007. The tournament was broadcast
in 180 countries.
Also, total attendance at the Open
was 710,803, the fifth time its been
above 700,000 for the two weeks of the
tournament. The official website,
USOpen.org, generated more than 325
million page views and was accessed
by more than 11.7 million visitors
worldwide.
N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
Rob Scott is the new executive director of the USTA Intermountain Sec-
tion.
At the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting held during the US Open, Barbara
Lawrence of Toledo, Ohio, was honored with the USTA Service Bowl Award,
and Andre Agassi of Las Vegas received the USTA Presidents Award.
Head has reorganized responsibilities within the company and will merge
the Customer Service and Communications areas. Allison Barnett will
become Customer Service and Communications Manager and will oversee
the daily operations of both areas.
Ray Moore has been named CEO of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and
the BNP Paribas Open. Moore has been involved with the event for 25 years
as a former owner and managing partner. Hell report to owner Larry Ellison.
Ralph Shaw is the new Dunlop territory manager for the Southwest. Hell
handle racquet sports accounts throughout Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas
and Southern Nevada. Also, Kit Rohm and Vicky Franz are new Dunlop terri-
tory managers for Southern California.
Former USTA President Mervin A. Heller Jr. died Aug. 22, following a pro-
longed illness. He was 65.
U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Kappes (ret.) of San Diego, a member of the USTAs
Community Tennis Association Committee, received the Navy Region South-
west Fleet, Fighter, Family Champion Award in a ceremony aboard the USS
Midway on Oct. 13. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that
are providing outstanding support to the fleet, sailors and their families.
Kappes has been instrumental in the USTAs tennis-related military outreach
efforts.
Andy Murray became the first British man since Fred
Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam singles title, beat-
ing fellow Head player Novak Djokovic in the 4-hour,
54-minute US Open final in five sets. Murray plays
with the YouTek IG Radical Pro, and Djokovic uses the
YouTek IG Speed MP.
Serena Williams beat fellow Wilson player and world no. 1 Victoria
Azarenka in the US Open womens singles final in three sets. Williams, who
has 15 Grand Slam titles, uses the Blade Team racquet, and Azarenka the
Juice 100.
American Samantha Crawford of Atlanta captured the 2012 US Open
Girls Junior Championship with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over No. 12 seed Anett
Kontaveit of Estonia. Crawford, who currently trains at the USTA National
Training Center in Boca Raton, Fla., is the second consecutive American to
win the US Open Junior Girls title, and the third in the past five years.
Head Penn Racquet Sports signed a long-term sponsorship contract with
Nick Montalbano, an up and coming star on the mens professional racquet-
ball circuit. A New York native currently attending college at Colorado State
UniversityPueblo, Montalbano finished the 2011-2012 season on the Inter-
national Racquetball Tour (IRT) ranked No. 33.
Leo Alonso of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been appointed to the PTRs
Board of Directors.Alonso, a PTR Master Professional, has been a member of
the organization for more than 30 years, and has served as the Official Rep-
resentative for PTR in Argentina since 1995.
General Ann E. Dunwoody, alumna of the State University of New York at
Cortland Class of 1975, received the Intercollegiate Tennis Associations high-
est honorthe 2012 ITA Achievement Award. The award honors past partic-
ipants in the world of varsity tennis who have achieved excellence in their
chosen careers.
Kaitlin Flaherty is the new assistant director of the PTM program at
Methodist University, working for director Tom Daglis. Flaherty is completing
her MBA degree at Methodist, was a former student association
president for PTM and played No. 1 on the womens team.
South African native Steve Host, PTR, and a USTA High
Performance Coach, is the new director of competitive tennis
at the Midland Community Tennis Center in Midland, Mich.
Former University of Tennessee Head Womens Basketball
Coach Pat Summitt received the Billie Jean King Legacy Award, which hon-
ors individuals whose outstanding courage and contributions have helped to
change the global cultural landscape. At its 2012 USTA ICON Awards, the
association posthumously honored 2012 International Tennis Hall of Fame
inductee and wheelchair tennis pioneer Randy Snow and former USTA CEO
and pioneer of the Diversity and Inclusion Department at the USTA, the late
Lee Hamilton.
Bob and Mike Bryan and Samantha Stosur have received the first-ever US
Open Sportsmanship Awards, presented to the male and female professional
tennis players who best demonstrate excellence in sportsmanship through-
out the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open.
Dorothy Watman Levine Kohl of Palm Beach, Fla., (formerly of Chicago
and Milwaukee), one of the top U.S. women players in the 1950s, will be
inducted into the 2012 USTA Midwest Section Hall of Fame on Dec. 1 in
Indianapolis.
Dennis Rossi, owner of American Tennis Courts in Baltimore and a former
ASBA board member, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 30.
Dennis Novikov, of San Jose, Calif., swept the USTA Boys 18s National
Championships singles and doubles titles, and Victoria Duval, of Bradenton,
Fla., won the singles title at the USTA Girls 18s National Championships in
August, earning wild card entries into the main draws of the 2012 US Open.
Oren Motevassel of Sunnyvale, Calif., won the mens open title at the
USPTA International Championships in September in Monterey, Calif. He also
won the Mens 40 singles title.
Players for the sixth annual BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square
Garden, on March 4, will be World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, Wimbledon cham-
pion and Olympic gold medalist Serena Williams, Olympic bronze medalist
Juan Martin del Potro, and 11-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
PEOPLEWATCH
November/Decemberr 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11
Antigua Tennis Announces 2013 Apparel Line
T
he Antigua Group Inc., known in the golf apparel, sports licensing
and casual wear business for over 30 years, has launched its 2013
line of mens and women's tennis apparel, in three collections: Per-
formance, Essentials and Outerwear. Contemporary styling and
high-tech performance feature prominently, with Antigua's Desert
Dry and Desert Dry Xtra Lite (D2XL) technical fabrics, the
company says.
Choosing stylish colors and designing contemporary
pieces that match well is important with any women's
tennis line, says Ron McPherson, president and CEO
of Antigua Group. But the apparel must also stand up
to competitive use. Our new women's line not only
does that, but our proprietary fabrics can help your
tennis game by keeping players dry and cool.
The Performance collection for women consists of
seven items, ranging from polos to skorts to jackets.
Most come in at least five color options. The Essentials
collection is made up of eight different tops, some avail-
able in as many as 22 colors. The Outerwear collection
has four tops, including hoodies, half-zip fleeces and
long-sleeve full-zip jackets. Some are available in as
many as 26 colors.
Antigua, which was the official apparel of the 2012
Family Circle Cup, also offers a custom embroidered
logo program. Visit www.antigua.com for more information.
Hall of Fame Names New Board and Officers
C
orporate leaders, a tennis industry veteran, and a former WTA star are
among the eight individuals who have been elected to the Board of
Directors of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum. The new
board members were announced at the Hall of Fame's Annual Meeting in
New York City in early September.
The newly elected board members are Jim Citrin, senior partner at the
global executive search firm of Spencer Stuart; Marianne Gaige, president
& CEO of Cathedral Corporation; Jim Goldman, president & CEO of Godiva
Chocolatier; David A. Haggerty, current first vice president of the USTA,
incoming president of the USTA, and former chairman of Head USA; Bob
Jeffrey, chairman and CEO of JWT Worldwide; Stephen Lewinstein, owner
of the real estate investment and development firm of Stephen R. Lewin-
stein Associates and part owner of the Boston Celtics; Betsy Nagelsen-
McCormack, a former top-25 player on the WTA Tour, and wife of the late
Mark McCormack; and Mark J. Panarese, managing director of Rockefeller
Financial.
"Our new board members bring a variety of expertise and talents to the
organization and their active participation will be very helpful in our efforts
to preserve the history of tennis and to provide a premier landmark for ten-
nis fans, while honoring the game's greatest champions and most influen-
tial contributors to the game of tennis," said Christopher E. Clouser,
chairman of the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.
In addition to the new members of the Board of Directors, the following
officers were elected for two-year terms: Christopher E. Clouser as chair-
man, Mark L. Stenning as chief executive officer, Stan Smith as president,
Donald L. Dell as vice chairman, Barbara A. Georgescu as vice chairman,
Nancy von Auersperg as treasurer, and Peggy H. Woolard as secretary.
Racquet Art to Distribute
Ardor Sports Strings in the U.S.
R
acquet Art, which manufactures custom racquet stencils
as well as premium stencil inks in both solvent- and
water-based formulas, will be the exclusive distributor of
Ardor Sports (ardorsports.com) products in the U.S. Ardor
Sports makes tennis strings.
We are excited to now be in a position to provide the
tennis industry in the U.S.
with an exceptional product at
a fair price, says Michael
Waroff, owner of Racquet Art.
Ardor Sports offers strings
ranging from synthetic gut in
four colors to its Twisted 5
co-poly. Racquet Art will mar-
ket the strings to retailers, pro-
shops, coaches and stringers.
In related news, Klip
Europe will be the exclusive European distributor of Racquet
Art products, which allow players to customize their rac-
quets with creative stencils, ranging from their initials to var-
ious designs, and include 10 ink colors.
For more information, visit racquetart.com or email
mwaroff@racquetart.com.
Collegiate All-Star
Team Members Picked
T
he 29th ITA Collegiate All-Star Team includes the
nation's top-ranked men's and women's players
from the year-end Campbell/ITA College Tennis Rank-
ings, as well as winners of the 2011 USTA/ITA National
Indoor Intercollegiate Championships and 2012
NCAA Division I Championships.
w NCAA Div. I SinglesMen: Steve Johnson - University of
Southern California, Mitchell Frank - University of Virginia,
Eric Quigley - University of Kentucky; Women: Nicole
Gibbs - Stanford University, Marta Lesniak - Southern
Methodist University, Beatrice Capra - Duke University
w NCAA Div. I DoublesMen: Chase Buchanan/Blaz Rola -
Ohio State, Steve Johnson/Roberto Quiroz - University of
Southern California, Raony Carvalho/Gonzalo Escobar -
Texas Tech University; Women: Nicole Gibbs/Mallory Bur-
dette - Stanford University, Kaitlyn Christian/Sabrina San-
tamaria - University of Southern California, Sofie
Oyen/Allie Will - University of Florida
w NCAA Div. IIMen: Georgi Rumenov - Armstrong Atlantic
State University; Women: Annie Hwang - Brigham Young
University-Hawaii
w NCAA Div. IIIMen: Dillon Pottish - Emory University;
Women: Gabrielle Clark - Emory University
w NAIAMen: Bruno Tiberti - Oklahoma Christian Universi-
ty; Women: Ana Veselinovic- University of Auburn-Mont-
gomery
w NJCAAMen: Memford Owusu - Georgia Perimeter Col-
lege; Women: Kerrie Cartwright -Tyler Junior College
N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/Deember 2012
>
USTA Player Development has released 10
and Under Tennis Competency videos to pro-
vide coaches, players and parents with a
source on fundamental guidelines and skill
proficiencies that young players should learn
prior to progressing from one play format to
the next. The videos can be found in the
about USTA, player development area of
USTA.com.
>
Spain knocked the U.S. out of the 2012
Davis Cup with a 3-1 semifinal win in mid-
September on a red clay court in Gijon, Spain.
Spain will face the Czech Republic in Novem-
ber in the Davis Cup final. The U.S. will host
Brazil in the first round of the 2013 Davis Cup,
to be held Feb. 1-3 at a location to be deter-
mined.
>
Prince has renewed a partnership with
record-breaking American doubles team and
2012 US Open Mens Doubles Champions
Mike and Bob Bryan. The Bryan Brothers will
continue to use Princes EXO3 Rebel 95 rac-
quet and Beast XP string. The Bryans have
won 12 Grand Slam titles, more than any
other team in the Open era. Prince also
renewed its deal with top American player
John Isner, who uses the EXO3 Warrior 100
frame.
>
The Courts at Gabe Nesbitt Community
Park in McKinney, Texas, received the USTA
Featured Facility Award, which was presented
at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting held during
the US Open.
>
The U.S. Quad Doubles wheelchair tennis
team of David Wagner and Nick Taylor were
recently selected by the U.S. Olympic Commit-
tee as the 2011-2012 Paralympic Team of the
Year. Wagner and Taylor are the first Quad
wheelchair tennis players to be recognized by
the USOC for this honor. The duo won the dou-
bles gold medal at the recent Paralympics in
London, and in singles, Wagner won the silver
and Taylor the bronze.
>
The USPTA raised $7,582 from its silent
auction held at the Tennis Buying Show during
the USPTAs World Conference on Tennis in
September in Monterey, Calif. The auction
benefits the USPTA foundation, which sup-
ports various programs in the community that
help to grow tennis and bring the game to
SHORT SETS
those who might not otherwise have the
chance to play.
>
Venus Williams led the Washington Kas-
tles to their second consecutive World
TeamTennis title in September with a 20-19
victory over the Sacramento Capitals at the
Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, S.C.
Williams was also named the Finals MVP,
winning her sets in women's doubles, mixed
doubles and the decisive final set of
women's singles.
>
IMG has partnered with Sergio Tacchini
to bring back the tennis and sportswear
brand in major markets around the world.
>
TennisHub (www.TennisHub.com),
designed to help tennis players find more
playing opportunities by arranging play and
booking court time, is now live. Players can
create games, publish their desire to play and
share games with both their social network
and tennis community, and its fully integrat-
ed with Facebook, says founder Eddie Ross.
>
The credential lanyards used during the
2012 US Open were made from recycled ten-
nis ball cans and lids. Insignia Promotions
President J.T. Marburger collected more than
600 pounds of tennis ball containers and lids
from the USTA from the 2011 US Open and
worked with a recycling center to turn the
material into recycled polyester that was
then weaved into the lanyards. Visit
insigniapromo.com.
>
For the second consecutive year, the U.S.
has won seven cups at the ITF Super-Seniors
World Team Championships. The 2012 event,
the 32nd edition of the championships, was
held in Umag, Croatia, and consisted of 186
teams from 35 countries competing in 10
age categories from 60 and over to 80 and
over.
>
The American Sports Builders Association
(ASBA), the national organization for
builders, designers and suppliers of materials
for running tracks, tennis courts, sports fields
and indoor and outdoor synthetic sports sur-
faces, has announced the publication of the
seventh edition of Running Tracks: A Con-
struction and Maintenance Manual. Visit
www.sportsbuilders.org.
Congratulations To the Following
For Achieving MRT Status
New MRTs
Randy Houston Palm Desert, CA
Christopher Kuehn Champaign, IL
Dan Swanson St. Paul, MN
Nathan Frank Bryn Mawr, PA
Stockton Morris Bryn Mawr, PA
Daniel Schank Chesapeake, VA
Ricardo Rodrigues Dipold BRAZIL
Ashaway Calls New
Tennis Strings
Manmade Natural Gut
I
n a recent column on his company's
website, Ashaway Vice President
Steve Crandall says newly developed
tennis strings made from a polymer
material called Polyketone, or PEEK,
play more like natural gut than any
other synthetic string yet devised.
According to Crandall, the key to the
gut-like playability of these strings,
which Ashaway markets under the
brand names Dynamite and MonoGut
ZX, is their "dynamic stiffness."
Crandall's tennis stringing tips
columns, including "Ashaway's Zyex-
Based Tennis Strings: the New 'Man-
made Natural Gut,'" can be found at
www.ashawayusa.com/TennisTips.php.
MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: Babolat Sensor Expert
with Cabinet: $2500 or best offer,
Babolat Star 4 without stand: $1500
or best offer, Babolat Star 5: $2000
or best offer, Babolat RDC, new ver-
sion with Blue Case: $2000 or best
offer. For additional details, email:
Stringingmachines3@GMail.com
November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13
SGMA Launches New Strategic
Plan and Rebranding
T
he Sporting Goods Manufacturers Associa-
tion (SGMA) unveiled its new rebranding
effort that will change its name to the Sports &
Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). The move
will also include a new website, national advo-
cacy campaign, research initiative, supplier
directory and thought leadership programs
The decision followed a two-year strategic
review and planning process that led the
organization to refine its mission statement,
core services and communications platform to
focus on promoting sports and fitness partici-
pation and industry vitality.
Traditional concepts of sporting goods
and manufacturers have evolved while our
terminology has not, says Tom Cove, SGMA
president and CEO. Thus, the change from
Sporting Goods to Sports & Fitness is more
definitive about our inclusion of brands con-
nected to fitness and active lifestyle products.
The change from Manufacturers to Industry
embraces a broader community including sup-
pliers, brands, major sports and fitness retail-
ers and partnersa much clearer reflection of
our current and future membership.
This is not a change in philosophy for our
organization as we already have many mem-
bers in these categories. It is simply a more
accurate and transparent indication of the
industry segments that we serve, Cove adds.
The rebranding process includes a new mis-
sion statement developed by the Board of
Directors: To Promote Sports and Fitness Par-
ticipation and Industry Vitality. This translates
to focusing the new SFIA on four core product
areas: Thought Leadership & Events, Public &
Industry Affairs, Member Services and
Research Insights.
Several new initiatives are planned includ-
ing:
Innovative Thought Leadership programs
led by the 2013 SFIA Industry Leaders Sum-
mit, scheduled for September 25-26, 2013.
A national campaign to grow sport and fit-
ness participation: PHIT America
A new member friendly website:
www.SFIA.org
A comprehensive SFIA Supplier Directory
A new Grassroots Sports Participation in
America research report
Content enhancements and design updates
to our weekly e-newsletter, InBrief
Major upgrades to the Product Testing mem-
ber benefit
5 Teams Win Inaugural National Family
Tennis Championships Tournament in Florida
T
he National Family Tennis Championships celebrated its pilot year of play
as 18 husband/wife and parent/child teams from seven states competed in
the national championship tournament at the Waldorf Astoria in Naples, Fla.,
in September.
After three days of fun and competitive tennis, teams in five divisions left
Naples with the title 2012
National Family Tennis
Champion. These include:
w Father/Son: Brad & Ben-
jamin Goodman (age 15) of
Birmingham, Ala., and the
Hoover Country Club
w Mother/Son: Kathy & Chris-
tian Smith (age 14) of
Austin, Texas, and the Cir-
cle C Tennis Club
w Mother/Daughter: Marcy &
Samantha Hirschberg (age
14) of Alpharetta, Ga., and
the South Fulton Tennis
Center
w Father/Daughter: Andrew
& Evan Lake (age 14) of
Davie, Fla., and the Laud-
erdale Tennis Club
w Husband/Wife: David King and Kimberly Cashman (above) of Clearwater,
Fla., and the Harvey L. McMullen Tennis Complex.
This was a phenomenal event, said Brad Goodman, who teamed with his
son Benjamin to capture the Father/Son title. It was great to play tennis with
my family and meet other families with a similar passion for tennis.
The 18 teams earned an invitation to the national championships after
participating in local competitions. For more information, visit www.Fami-
lyTennis.com.
ITA Names Leadership & Sportsmanship Winners
T
he Intercollegiate Tennis Association recognized recipients of the 2012
Arthur Ashe Jr. National Leadership and Sportsmanship Awards at the ITA
Awards Luncheon hosted by the USTA before the US Open. The award takes
into account a player's tennis accomplishments, scholastic achievements and
extracurricular endeavors. The recipients are:
w NCAA Div. IMen: Ryan Thacher - Stanford University; Women: Caroline
Newman - College of Charleston
w NCAA Div. IIMen: Tyler McCullough - West Liberty University; Women:
Kara Murphy - Bentley University
w NCAA Div. IIIMen: Will Petrie - Williams College; Women: Cze-Ja Tam -
Carnegie Mellon University
w NAIAMen: David Spennare - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University;
Women: Jordan Kimura - Concordia University-Irvine
w Junior/Community CollegeMen: Simon Bardell - Meridian Community
College; Women: Gienna Gonnella - Santa Rosa Junior College
N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
Dunlop Announces 2013 Racquet Range
D
unlop has brought out six new racquet models for 2013, including four entirely new frames. The
racquets also feature three new Biomimetic technologies.
Each new racquet starts with either an F, M, or S, signifying a players swing speed and style.
F stands for Fast/Full, M stands for Medium/Moderate, and S stands for Short/Slow. The numbers have
been changed from hundreds to a decimal system to signify the new molds.
The new frames are the 3.0 racquetsF3.0 Tour (right), M3.0, S3.0 Litewhich Dunlop says
enhances spin and power; the 6.0 framesM.6.0 and S6.0which build on the inaugural 600 Bio-
mimetic racquets played by tour players Dominika Cibulkova and Tommy Robredo; and the S8.0 Lite,
designed for players with shorter or slower swings.
The new Biomimetic technologies are Aeroskin, which Dunlop says reduces drag; BioFibres, which
are plant stem fibers woven in the throat and handle that the company says are stronger than steel and
lighter than carbon and help to minimize shock; and Molybdenite (MoS2), in the new grommet system,
which reduces string friction. Visit www.dunlopsports.comfor more information.
Hinding Refurbishes
Highland Park
in Brooklyn
J
ust before the start of the US
Open, newly refurbished ten-
nis courts were unveiled in
Brooklyn, N.Y.'s Highland Park,
as part of the Fresh Courts pro-
gram, which is a partnership
between American Express and
the USTA to support local tennis
in communities across the U.S.
Hinding Tennis of West Haven,
Conn., renovated the 18 courts,
which included eight courts for
Youth Tennis. For information,
visit www.HindingTennis.com.
Community Tennis
to help out, whether its volunteering to
man a tournament desk for 12 hours or
helping to sweep the courts after an
event. For municipalities, the CTA dedica-
tion to volunteerism helps out an over-
worked Parks Department staff.
Programming and events
Nationwide, CTAs are paramount to suc-
cessful tennis programming. As USTA
members, they coordinate, run, and
organize leagues, tournaments, round
robins, 10 and Under Tennis, classes for
Special Olympics and wheelchair play-
ers. They can provide tennis for kids as
young as 3 to seniors in their 90s.
Stay current with a
national tiein
With a CTA on board, your programming
will stay current with USTA national
trends and initiatives. "The USTA's com-
mitment to support our parks deliver
tennis is unwavering, says David Slade,
the USTAs National Manager for CTAs
and Tennis in the Parks.
Scholarships to conferences
and workshops
Your staff can qualify for USTA confer-
ence and workshop scholarships, such as
Recreational Coach Workshops, Recre-
ational QuickStart Tennis Workshops,
and the USTA Community Tennis Devel-
opment Workshop.
Grants Awards and
Facility Assistance
CTAs mean money. "Registered CTAs
have access to resources from the
USTA's national, section and district
offices," says Kurt Kamperman, the
USTAs chief executive of Community
Tennis. "Partnering with a CTA can
open up some important grant and
scholarship opportunities for park & rec
agencies."
educed budgets. Smaller, over-
worked staffs. Shortened hours of
operation. All these factors press
Parks & Recreation Departments into
exploring various methods to make ends
meet. When it comes to tennis, though,
developing relationships with local Com-
munity Tennis Associations can help a
rec department save money, increase
programming, fill their tennis courts, and
open the doors for grants and scholar-
ships.
According to the USTA, 70 percent of
all tennis is played on public-park courts.
In addition, CTAs are charged with devel-
oping and promoting tennis at the grass-
roots level. When a Park & Rec
Department and a CTA team up to offer
tennis, the entire community benefits.
If you are with a Park & Rec Depart-
ment, here are some specific reasons
that youll want to get together with your
local CTA.
Advocacy
Tennis courts and facilities need
improvements, upgrades, refurbishing
and equipment replacement. Asking
elected officials for large sums of money
can prove daunting. No one sings the
praises of the game louder than tennis
players themselves. CTA members can
grab the ears of city council members
and other community members for
yes votes when allocating funds for
tennis.
Networking
Not only do tennis players form close-
knit relationships, they represent the
pulse of many communities. CTAs, with a
quick email blast, can spread whatever
word tops your current agenda.
Volunteers
CTA members are passionate about their
sport and often jump at the opportunity
R
9 Reasons Park & Recs
Should Team Up with CTAs
BY ROBI N BAT E MAN
Teaming up with CTAs gives Parks
tennis facilities eligibility to fund proj-
ects for equipment, resurfacing, 36- and
60-foot blended lines, major center
improvements, fencing, and blueprints
for new tennis centers. In addition, a
CTA hook-up means free marketing
materials and program resources.
Economic Impact
With successful programming, your
entire community stands to benefit.
After matches and lessons, players eat
at local restaurants, shop at nearby
stores and, if you've organized a week-
end tennis event, may book hotel
rooms in your area. In other words, a
thriving tennis calendar brings an eco-
nomic impact your entire city will
appreciate.
Community
More than money, CTAs care about their
neighborhoods. In New Haven Conn.,
for instance, the Parks Department and
New Haven Youth Tennis & Education
paired up to help kids on and off the
tennis courts.
"This program is successful because
it is a true community partnership
between the parks, the schools, the CTA
and the New Haven Open at Yale (a pro-
fessional tournament)," says NHYTE
Executive Director John Pirtel. Through
the partnership, kids not only learn and
play tennis and benefit from a healthy,
lifetime sport, but also they develop key
education and life skills.
Remember, both Parks agencies and
CTAs have rules and regulations they
must abide by. Communication is a key
factor in obtaining a successful partner-
ship. In the words of Scott Hanover, ten-
nis director for Plaza Tennis Center, a
park & rec facility in Kansas City, Mo.:
"Parks plus CTAs equals tennis for every-
one." w
November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY www.racquetsportsindustry.com 15
N O V / D E C 2 0 1 2
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
USPTA Recognizes Leaders in Tennis at World Conference
T
he USPTA honored tennis coaches, players and volunteers during its annual national awards breakfast at the USPTA World
Conference on Tennis, held Sept. 16-21 in Monterey, Calif.
w Doris Hart of Coral Gables, Fla., and
Pancho Segura of Carlsbad, Calif
became part of an elite group as
grand inductees into the USPTAs Hall
of Fame. Hart, who won 35 Grand
Slam titles during her career, has been
a tennis-teaching professional and a
USPTA member since she retired from
the tour in 1955. Segura, who was a
former leading player of the 1940s
and 1950s, joined the USPTA in 1946.
He was widely credited with helping
develop the young Jimmy Connors.
w David Porter of Laie, Hawaii, received
the associations top annual member
award, the Alex Gordon Award for the
USPTA Professional of the Year.
w Geoff Griffin of San Diego, Calif., is
the recipient of the USTA/USPTA Com-
munity Service Award.
w Ken Sumrow of Plano, Texas, is the
recipient of the USPTA Industry Excel-
lence Award, which is sponsored by
the TIA and supported by Tennis Tutor
ball machines.
w Catherine Thomas, of Mason, Ohio,
received the USPTA Star, recognizing
teaching professionals who make an
indelible mark on their communities.
w Kyle Kaneshiro of Honolulu, Hawaii,
received the Lessons for Life Individual
Award.
w Dave Neuhart of Madison, Ga., also
received the Lessons for Life Individual
Award.
w Jackie Roe of Greenville, Del., received
the Tennis Across America Individual
Award.
w Angel Lopez of San Diego, Calif.,
received the USPTA Diversity Award.
w Dee Henry of Norwalk, Calif., received
the Manager of the Year Award Small
Facility. Henry is the tennis director at
Biola University in La Mirada, Calif.
w Trent Schiek of Tyler, Texas, received
the Manager of the Year Award Large
Facility. Schiek is the former general
manager of Hollytree Country Club in
Tyler, Texas.
Other honorees are:
w Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas Tour-
ing Coach of the Year
w Ron Albers, Vincennes, Ind. College
Coach of the Year
w William Wickenheisser, Whippany, N.J.
High School Coach of the Year
w Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, Va.
George Bacso Tester of the Year
The following have been named Player
of the Year in their respective divisions:
w James Daly, Tyler, Texas Mens Open
w Jonas Lundblad, Austin, Texas Mens
35-and-over
w Jeff Cohen, Boca Raton, Fla. Mens
45-and-over
w Kimm Ketelsen, Tyler, Texas Mens
55-and-over
w Agata Cioroch, Atlanta, Ga. Womens
Open
w Robin Keener, Melbourne, Fla.
Womens 35-and-over
w Kathy Vick, Lubbock, Texas Womens
45-and-over
USPTA divisions receiving awards are:
w Texas Division Large Division of the
Year
w Southwest Division Small Division of
the Year
w Southern Division Most Improved
Division of the Year
w Southern Division Newsletter of the
Year
Two Earn USPTA Master Professional Honor
M
ark Centrella of Wilmington, Del., and Gary Trost of Nichols Hills, Okla., were
recognized for achieving USPTA Master Professional status, the highest USPTA
professional rating. Only about 1 percent of USPTAs more than 15,000 members
worldwide have achieved the Master Professional designation.
Centrella is the director of racquet sports at Greenville Country Club in Wilming-
ton, Del. He has been a certified USPTA professional for 18 years. Trost is the direc-
tor of tennis at Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, in Nichols Hills, Okla. He has
been a certified USPTA professional for 25 years.
Phillip Receives
Top Education
Credit Honors
T
he USPTA honored William
Phillips from Lafayette, La., as
the top credit earner in USPTAs
Career Development Program.
Phillips, a USPTA-certified P-1
and member since 1986, earned
88 continuing education credits,
the most in the 2011 program.
Other top education partici-
pants for 2011 include: Jeff Roth-
stein, Feisal Hassan, Ken DeHart,
Alan Cutler, Craig Wells, Bill
Mecca, Andrew Minnelli, Andrea
Barnes, Zwelo Khupe, Kevin Jack-
son.
Tennis Retailers
---------------------------
TIA Forming Retail Division
T
he TIA is working with retailers
to create a TIA Retail Division
with a mission that aims
w promote the economic vitality
of tennis retailers and the sport"
through a unified effort involving all
segments of the induSLry.
"Our industry has never had a
recailer division or association. and
we think this effort wi ll help bring a
unified. strong voice co tennis retail
that can help us grow the game at
all levels ... says TIA President j on
Muir. when tennis retailers grow
and prosper. it helps to lift the whole
industry."
According to the TIA, the goals of
the new Retail Division include:
Increasing the awareness of
the value and needs of tennis
retailers.
Improving the sustainability
and economic vitality of tennis
rerailers in the industry.
Providing an educational
pathway and mentoring system
to enhance business and career
opportunities.
Promoting a passion for
tennis and promoting tennis
participation and involvement
with industry initiatives.
"As the TIA Retail Division takes
shape. we expect it will provide
greater representati on in the i ndustry
for tennis retailers. and will hel p
identify areas where the TIA can
focus its efforts to help the retail
segment grow ... says TIA Executive
Director jolyn de Boer.
The initial task force for the
division will include members from
the TIA Retail Advisory Panel: Ken
Arnold of Swetka's Tennis Shop.
Mountain View. CA: Brad Blume of
Tennis Express. Houston, TX: Dan
Kester of I Play Tennis. Atlanta. GA;
Bruce Levine of Courtside
Racquet Club, Lebanon.
NJ; Woody Schneider of
New York City Racquet
Sports; Steve Vorhaus of
Rocky Mountain Racquet
Specialists, Boulder. CO.;
j ay Townl ey, retail
consultant with
the Gluskin Townley
Group; and Marty
Mohar, the TIA's Retail
Development Manager.
"As a voting member
of the TJA Retail
Division, you'll be
involved in a unified
effort to help boost
tennis retail in the
U.S., determine key
focus areas of the
tennis industry.
and promote the
growrh of rennis," says Jolyn de Boer.
"Plus. you'll receive many direct
benefirs and cools rhat can move
your business forward." (For a list of
benefits, see page 1 9 .)
Voting membership in the TIA
Retail Division, which includes access
to more than
S 1.000 worth of benefits
and services. is S 150. For more
information, visit TennisRecailers.org.
RSI will be following the
formation of the TIA Retail
Division as it takes shape and
reaches out to retailers.
THE TIA RETAIL
DIVISION
MEMBERSHIP
ADVANTAGE
Shipping Discounts
As a voting member of the TIA Retail Division, you' ll be part of a unified effort to
help boost tennis retail in the U.S., help determine key focus areas of the tennis
industry, and help promote the growth of tennis. A standard TIA Retai l Division
voting membershi p, which includes TIA membership at t he Industry level, is
$150-an investment you'l l get back many times over with all t he great benefits
and services you'll receive (see below). As a member of the TIA Ret ail Division,
not only will you help move your own busi ness forward, you' ll be involved in
moving this industry forward, too. To get involved, contact Marty Mohar, TIA
Retail Development Manager, at marty@t ennisindustry.org or 843-473-4505.
rJTennislnsure
..---
Careers
w::u
1
Downloadable " Retail Manager's Manual," including free access to
future updates to the manual. (value: $35)
Retail "tips" articles and newsletters, providing key, current
information. (value: $50)
Discounted access t o a " retaiJ assessment program" to evaluate and
help improve your current operation. (value: $50)
Tennis Participation Study: Topline report shows important trends in
play frequency and participation overal l to help in forecasting for your
business. (value: $500)
State of the Tennis Industry: Highlights consumer demand, helps you
to target your markets and will help in planning inventory levels.
(value: $250)
Subscription to RSI magazine (value: $50), along with discounted
advertising rates.
Preferred placement on the industry's " Retail Locator," which appears on
sites such as playtennis.com and 10andUnderTennis.com, so consumers
can easy find your busi ness and t he products/services you offer.
" PartnerShip" shipping discount program on select FedEx services that
could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year. Take advantage
of savings on inbound and outbound shipments. including up to 70% off
select programs.
10 and Under Tennis Retail Tool Kit that includes a Growth Chart wall
poster, copies of the " Parents' Guide to Youth Tennis," an "Authorized
Dealer" door sti cker, web banners, logos. postcards and more.
Member Card Services, including reduced credit-card processing rates
that could save you hundreds each year.
Tennislnsure custom insurance programs, created for business, health,
liability, property, auto, umbrella and Workman's Comp requi rements .
Prime placement in the TIA's weekly Careers In Tennis Job Alerts and
unlimited use of the job posting service.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . .. Grow the Game . . . www.Tennislndustry.org November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19
Hundreds Gather for The Tennis Show 2012 in NYC
The tennis industry came together in New York City,
just days before the US Open began, for The Tennis
Show 2012, a one-day celebration of the sport t hat
included hundreds of tennis providers, teaching pros,
coaches, facility managers, retailers, media and industry
supporters. Held at the Grand Hyatt New York, it was the
fi rst industry-sponsored tennis show since 2000.
"The activity at the show and the excitement for tennis
and the industry that the event generated is something
we plan on continuing-and growing-at The Tennis
Show in 2013, and beyond," said TIA Executive Director
Jolyn de Boer.
Presented by the TIA, in conjunction with the USTA's
annual Tennis Teachers Conference, The Tennis Show
2012 featured an exhibitor show, demo court, and t he
TIA Tennis Forum, along with the induction ceremony of
legendary coach Nick Bollettieri into the Tennis Industry
Hall of Fame.
The TIA Tennis Forum included a welcome by USTA
Chairman of t he Board and President Jon Vegosen, a
"State of the Tennis Industry" report by TIA President
Jon Muir, and an update on Youth Tennis and other key
initi atives to grow the game by USTA Community Tennis
Chief Executive Kurt Kamperman. Then former pro and
current TV tennis analyst Brad Gi lbert introduced his
former coach, Bollettieri, who accepted a plaque as the
newest inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame.
Plans are in the works for The Tennis Show 2013,
including possibly increasing the number of exhibitors and
creating other related events. "We were very pleased
by the response we received this year for The Tennis
Show," said de Boer. "To see how positive t he attendees
and exhibitors were was t ruly gratifying. We have a lot to
celebrate in t his sport, and we're pleased that The Tennis
Show is helping to bring out that excitement."
For more information about this year's show (including
short videos from lnTennis on each of the exhibitors and
a short video from Tennis Channel) and to find out more
about next year's show, visit TennisShowcom or the
TIA's website, Tennislndustry.org.
A Big Thank You ...
actiVIIJNETWDRK" # sabalaT BOLT_, clubAI:.IIDII1l!IIDII
l'lc.-1' ,.,...._. ,_.... . ...
DecoTurf
......-----o...o-
We'd like to thank all our exhibitors and
attendees for supporting The Tennis Show
and the tennis industry. We hope to see
GAmmA.
HEAD
j1etJn
0
A Hl
1
\iAN PFRI OR\ to\N<. f
Y '"''''"'r
,.,..
all of you back for next year's Tennis Show
(stay tuned for details).
,..

4lr

- --
.-01111
COUIIIT
SPORTSMARI(InNG SURVEYS USA.
_1 ___

Tnl._..

,...,.l47.WW
r
2 Q RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2012
!!...!'.::!:!!
MINDSQDV

AiC\
PLAYMATE
-
-

TENNIS

c"u
. )
10Yifl
r !GJ!
TennTuse.

I
--
ti!JJD
Join the TIA ... Increase Your Profits ... Grow the Game ... www.Tennislndustry.org
Retailing
throughout the holiday selling season.
Preparation is Key
Prepare your store, your staff and your
staffing schedule. Preparing your store
involves planning the in-store displays,
including holiday decorations and mer-
chandising, in advance and laying it out
on your planning calendar. Know where
you are going to obtain materials, what
displays you will change and set-up, and
when and who will do the display work.
Preparing your staff, no matter how
big or small, for the 60-day holiday
shopping season can make the differ-
ence between being worn out and har-
ried and being satisfyingly tired and
feeling youre in control. Sit down with
everyone who will be involved and
review your planning calendar and Gift
Guide, marketing plan and store opera-
tions planning, including the hours your
store will be open, to make sure every-
one is familiar with and prepared for the
customers and their questions, the role
they are going to perform, and the
hours they are going to work.
And dont forget the seasonal shop-
per who may not be a tennis player, but
is shopping for a gift for a relative or
loved one who is a tennis player. Your
stores job is to make buying a tennis
gift as simple and easy as possible, by
providing an extraordinary tennis shop-
ping experience! w
For upcoming TIA retail webinars, and to
view previous webinars, visit tennisindus-
try.org/webinars.
endar filled out, and have your Gift
Guide on your website in early Novem-
ber. In-store displays can wait until
after Thanksgiving, but have them
ready to go up as soon as you open for
Back Fridaywhich is the next day.
MultiChannel
Marketing
You probably know this, but lets
review the key dates for planning your
multi-channel marketing for the holi-
days: Nov. 22Thanksgiving; Nov. 23
Black Friday; Dec. 9-16Chanukah;
Dec. 24Christmas Eve; Dec. 25
Christmas Day; Dec. 26Kwanzaa;
Dec. 31News Years Eve.
The 60 days from Nov. 1 through
Dec. 31 and the four gift-giving occa-
sions from Dec. 9 to 31 are the critical
time frame and focal points of your
direct response mailing and advertis-
ing, your website, your special holiday
events, both in-store and with partners
in the community, and your in-store
merchandising.
Coordinate your holiday merchan-
dising and marketing with your Gift
Guide. If you havent already done so,
sit down with your suppliers sales reps
and coordinate the merchandise you
have selected for your Gift Guide with
the items you advertise, feature on
your website and display in your store.
Sounds simple, but the important steps
of making sure you get the most bang
or sales out of the time and money you
invest in advertising, promotion, in-
store displays, your Gift Guide and your
website by making sure the same mer-
chandise is featured, and available, is
too often overlooked.
The last point to coordination is
making sure your suppliers can get you
what you need, when you need it,
ouve worked with your sup-
pliers and created your Gift
Guide, and now its time to
get your store and staff ready for the
holiday selling season.
According to Deloitte, a leading
consulting firm in the retail and dis-
tribution industry, holiday sales are
expected to increase 3.5 to 4 percent
this year. Significantly, Deloitte also
forecasts a 15 to 17 percent increase
in non-store sales this holiday sea-
son, primarily attributable to e-com-
merce.
Alison Paul, vice chairman of
Deloitte, says, Non-store sales con-
tinue to outpace overall growth, but
increasingly influence consumers
experience with the retail store
from trip planning, to in-store prod-
uct research, and post-purchase
reviews and sharing. In other
words, many holiday shoppers and
gift-givers are going to research and
plan their shopping trips and pur-
chases online, so specialty tennis
retailers need to make maximum
use of their websites as a part of the
overall shopping experience they
provide, including showcasing their
Gift Guides, providing driving direc-
tions to their stores and explaining
the tennis products and services they
sell.
Many holiday shoppers and gift-
givers start their research before
Thanksgiving in order to be prepared
before Black Friday and the actual
start of the holiday shopping season.
This means there are 60 days of offi-
cial holiday shopping from Nov. 1
through Dec. 31. With this in mind,
make sure youve planned your holi-
day merchandise selection with your
suppliers, have your scheduling cal-
Y
Having a Happy Holiday
Coordination and preparation are keys to a
successful holiday selling season.
This is part of a series
of retail tips presented
by the Tennis Industry
Association and written
by the Gluskin Townley Group (www.gluskin-
townleygroup.com).
Tennis & Health
the USTAs Youth Tennis program.
Larry Soler, president and CEO of Part-
nership for a Healthier America,
expressed the need to reintegrate physical
activity into the everyday lives of children
and families, while inspiring and enabling
kids to choose active play and sports. He
also cited the USTAs commitment of
building thousands of kid-sized courts
across the country and funding an addi-
tional $150,000 for new tennis equipment
to support schools and programs that are
providing 10 and Under Tennis programs
for kids
White House Assistant Chef and Senior
Policy Advisor for Healthy Food Initiatives
Sam Kass highlighted the fact that the
U.S. is spending 20% of total healthcare
costs just on obesity, adding that the cur-
rent group of young people is the most
sedentary generation of kids. We just
have to inspire kids to move more, he
said. Its a way of life that we have to
teach our childrenits not a choice.
The U.S. has an inactivity epidemic,
said Mike Bergeron, the chairman of the
National Youth Sports Health and Safety
Institute. He noted that kids who are fit
perform better in school and on standard-
ized tests. He also stressed that sports
have to be accessible and more inclusive,
citing the importance of 10 and Under
Tennis.
tanding before a panel of notables
and the press at the USTA Billie
Jean King National Tennis Center,
USTA Chief Executive for Community
Tennis Kurt Kampermans opening
remarks regarding the obesity epidemic
engulfing the country and particularly
Americas youth could not have been
more timely. Statistics show that in the
last 30 years, childhood obesity has
tripled, resulting in 1 in 3 children being
overweight or obese.
The USTAs Youth Tennis initiative is
the single largest initiative in the history
of the organization, Kamperman said,
adding that the USTA is determined to
combat obesity and inactivity in kids in
a big way. The USTA initiative also fits in
with First Lady Michelle Obamas Lets
Move!, a program that promotes
regular physical activity and
healthy eating for kids.
The press event, held on Sept.
1 during the US Open, helped to
kick off National Childhood Obe-
sity Awareness Month. As part of
the activities, from Sept. 1
through Oct. 6, families could log
onto YouthTennis.com, which list-
ed more than a thousand events
around the country where kids
and their parents could experi-
ence tennis.
A superstar panel of experts from the
fitness, sports and entertainment worlds
spoke about the importance of the col-
laboration of the USTA with the Partner-
ship of a Healthier America and the
Lets Move! program. Olympic swim-
ming medalists Dara Torres and Cullen
Jones, fitness expert Bob Harper and
actress Christine Taylor were among the
dignitaries to lend their voices to this ini-
tiative. Following the presentation, the
panelists joined in a mini tennis clinic
with local kids who were participants in
S
USTA Partners to Help
Combat Childhood Obesity
BY CYNT HI A S HE RMAN
Gold medalist swimmer Cullen Jones,
who helped launch Make a Splash, a pro-
gram that educates families, children and
communities about the importance of
learning to swim, added, You have to find
ways to keep kids active and healthy in a
social setting. The biggest thing is to be
active and most importantly to have a good
time doing it. Bob Harper added that par-
ents need to get involved with their chil-
dren and become more activethey must
be the role models; to be part of the solu-
tion, they must do what they want their
kids to do.
Dara Torres noted that it needs to be
fun for kids so theyll stick with it. Thats
why this USTA program is good for kids,
because they can experience success right
away, Torres said.
Actress Christine Taylor smiled
and said, My kids were born into
a funny family and none of this
came naturally to us or my hus-
bands (Ben Stiller) family. To make
it fun is what its all about in my
household. To be a part of the
USTA 10 and Under initiative was
just a gift because of my love for
the game.
Kamperman urged everyone to
get involved in addressing the inac-
tive lifestyle and repairing youth
sports. The rule changes that weve put in
place allow more kids into the game, they
can have fun right away, and part of fun is
having success right away. Tennis will raise
the bar with other sports.
At the Youth Tennis clinic afterward, the
kids themselves picked up on the same
themes the grownups mentioned. I get to
play with my friends, said 8-year-old Asan-
tewa when asked what she liked about ten-
nis. And I like that you have to warm up
before you play, and when I dont play with
my friends, I play with my Dadhe makes
me run! w
P
h
o
t
o
s

b
y

C
y
n
t
h
i
a

S
h
e
r
m
a
n
TENNIS BALL AND STRINGER OF THE FRENCH OPEN
PROGRAMMI NG
With 1.3 million participants after just seven years,
Cardio Tennis continues to improve and grow
benefiting consumers and providers.
T
IA Cardio Tennis Manager Michele Krause just finished run-
ning an afternoon of Cardio Tennis sessions at the grand
opening celebration of the Montgomery TennisPlex in
Boyds, Md., outside of Washington, D.C. She finally has a moment
to relax before heading to California for the USPTA World Confer-
ence, where she and some of the National Cardio Tennis Speakers
Team members will put on morning clinics for the attendees and
offer a presentation to USPTA pros.
Yesterday, we did a great training session for about 20 tennis
teachers at the new Montgomery County facility, she says. And
today at the grand opening, we had a lot of people on the courts.
Then she talks about one middle-aged woman who had never
played tennis before.
She came for the first session, but was very unsure about Car-
dio Tennis and worried that she would look foolish, or not be able
to keep up, or just not enjoy it, Krause says. But she loved it so
much, she ended up being the first one in line for the second ses-
sion. We just created another customer for Montgomery Tennis-
Plexs new Cardio Tennis program.
Many people think they either need to get in shape to do Car-
dio Tennis, or they cant do it because they dont play tennis,
Krause continues. Thats just not true. Its a very safe and healthy
workout for any age, any ability level and any fitness level.
I always refer to The Biggest Loser. Two years ago on that
reality TV show, Anna Kournikova [now a Cardio Tennis
spokesperson] put the 15 contestants through a Cardio Tennis
workout. They werent tennis players, yet they were smiling and
laughing throughout the workout. If those people, weighing 300 to
400 pounds, can do Cardio Tennis, anyone can.
According to the Physical Activity Council, more than 1.3
million people are doing Cardio Tennisa remarkable figure
when you consider that Cardio Tennis was only created in
2005. (And in fact, participation has been above a million for
the last three years.)
I dont know of any tennis program that, in seven years,
has had that kind of phenomenal growth rate, says Jolyn de
Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Association,
which manages Cardio Tennis. Clearly, Cardio Tennis is
speaking to consumers and addressing what theyre looking
for in a fitness activity.
Tennis and Fitness
The idea behind Cardio Tennisemphasizing the fitness
attributes of hitting tennis balls in a fast-paced environment
is not new. But the Cardio Tennis program, which got off the
ground with support from the USTA, standardized the curricu-
lum purpose and components, gave it a great name, and
packaged it for consumers. From there, says Krause, its
evolved tremendously, and we continue to improve the prod-
uct. In fact, if you were trained to deliver Cardio Tennis five
or six years ago, you need to go through training again, to be
able to deliver the proper product, because so much has been
improved and enhanced.
The driving force behind Cardio Tennis was Jim Baugh, a
former TIA president, USTA board member and industry
manufacturing executive who now is a consultant in the
HEALTHY TENNIS
HEALTHY TENNIS
sports industry and heavily involved in the health initiative PHIT
America.
In 2004, Jim was looking at participation numbers and saw
that fitness activities were making huge inroads over traditional
sports, and he thought about how tennis could compete with the
fitness industry, de Boer says.
Tennis needs to have a piece of the fitness market, Baugh
says. Cardio Tennis is all about getting a good cardio workout by
hitting tons of balls. The pro-
grams foundation was based
on bringing a whole other
group of people into tennis, as
well as getting players fit and
healthy. Its amazing the suc-
cess Cardio Tennis has had,
with limited resources, and it
could be so much bigger if
everyone in the industry got
behind it. Right now, theres an
inactivity and sedentary crisis,
but Americans are starting to
get the message that they need
to get active and fit.
Jim covered a lot of bases
to make sure Cardio Tennis
would be well-positioned with
consumers and providers,
adds Kurt Kamperman, chief
executive of Community Tennis for the USTA. After the initial
two- to three-year startup, weve continued to fund Cardio Tennis
through the TIA, and its grown organically. We wanted the health
benefits of tennis out there, and to tap into the ever-growing fit-
ness market. Its definitely succeeded on both fronts.
A Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIAformerly
SGMA) report says consumers want group exercise because its
motivating and has social appeal, plus it is economically attractive.
Krause also points to a number of other reasons why Cardio Ten-
nis continues to grow:
w It provides great health benefits: CT is total body and mind
engagement, so participants are easily able to achieve their effec-
tive heart rate zones; interval training such as CT is the most
effective way to achieve heart health and fitness; CT allows play-
ers to burn more calories than singles, doubles, and many other
fitness activities; its a group activity where players of all ability
levels enjoy working together; it fights obesity and offers a better
fitness option for those not motivated to go to a gym.
w Cardio Tennis will improve a players tennis: While CTs primary
goal is health and fitness, the continuous movement, repetition
and realistic playing conditions also will improve tennis skills.
Cardio Tennis is the way to train for tennis.
w It attracts new consumers to the game: Cardio Tennis appeals to
lapsed players, non-players, the fitness market and to active con-
sumers, so it brings in new players looking for fun and a great
workout. Its also for every level of player, including advanced
and beginners, as well as any ages from 12 to seniors.
Revenue Generating
For facilities and pros, Cardio Tennis is a money-maker, Krause
says. Some clubs are making $20,000 a month with Cardio Ten-
nis. Most, though, are offering four or five classes a week and
bringing in about $3,000 to $4,000 a monthwhich is a very rea-
sonable goal.
Midtown Tennis in Chicago brings in $250,000 a year with Car-
dio Tennis, averaging about 900 participants a month, says Alan
Schwartz, who founded the club. Interestingly, many of the non-
tennis players end up being converted to regular tennis players
through Cardio Tennis, he adds.
To deliver Cardio Tennis
properly, so participants are get-
ting the full benefit of the pro-
gram, pros need to go through
CT training where they learn
how to work with all ability lev-
els, the importance of playing
music during CT sessions; using
heart-rate monitors to make sure
participants are in their ideal
zones; cardio blasts to keep
participants moving; and using
the right Cardio Tennis balls
the red ball is used in the warm-
up and cool down, and the
orange ball is used for games,
which keeps players moving and
hitting more
Using the orange ball is a
great equalizer, Krause says. For lower skilled players, it makes
it easier, and for advanced players, its difficult to hit a clean win-
ner, so the ball stays in play longer. The more touches an individ-
ual has on a ball, the better they get and the better the workout.
About 70 percent of a Cardio session is game-based, and 30
percent is drill-based, notes Krause. Ball-feeding skills are still
important, but not to the extent they used to be. Youre doing drills
to get participants strokes warmed up so they can play games.
Latest Enhancements
The TIA recognized the importance of placing Cardio Tennis on a
technology platform that would allow providers to connect with
players online, fill their classes and effectively manage and grow
Cardio Tennis at their facility, de Boer says. The result was the
Cardio Tennis Invitation Systemthe same successful invitation
system powered by TenCap Tennis is now powering Cardio Ten-
nis.
We also recognized the need to make sure those providers
offering Cardio Tennis stayed current with the program, which has
evolved since its inception, she adds. Starting last year, Cardio
Tennis introduced Authorized Providers, which are locations, facil-
ities or individual pros authorized/licensed to offer CT classes (visit
CardioTennis.com). Our goal is to maintain quality control so the
consumer always has a safe, healthy workout and an enjoyable
experience.
One of the major benefits of becoming an Authorized Provider
is gaining access to the Cardio Tennis Invitation System. I wish I
had this technology 20 years ago, says Krause. This automated
system takes so much of the administrative workload off of the
tennis professional. Also available to Authorized Providers is a
Cardio Tennis
By the Numbers
w There are about 1,800 Cardio Tennis sites in the U.S.
w 75 percent of facilities with an established Cardio Tennis pro-
gram have been offering it for at least three years
w 79 percent of facilities say CT has benefited them financially,
mainly through increased program revenue (72 percent) and
increased lesson revenue (65 percent). But CT has also increased
revenue for courts booked, membership sales, pro shop sales,
and food/beverage sales, too.
w Facilities offering Cardio Tennis average 4 sessions per week.
w The average number of participants per class is 7.4
w Cardio Tennis brings players to facilities: on average (over the
last two years) 24 new players and 23 returning players are com-
ing to facilities for CT, and 22 players are playing more frequent-
ly because of CT.
new Cardio Tennis Marketing Support Site
offering direct mail pieces, posters, fliers,
brochures and more.
Cardio Tennis has also partnered with
Total Health Interactive for Cardio Tennis
Interactive, a tennis wellness program
that has been in trial markets across the
country. CTI allows participants to track
their exercise, nutrition, goals and results;
participate in Cardio Tennis fitness chal-
lenges; receive customized programs
designed to enhance CT enjoyment,
weight loss and more; and gain reward
points that can be used to purchase
health-and-fitness products.
Earlier this year, TRX Cardio Tennis
debuted, combining CT with TRX Suspen-
sion Training to provide a calorie-burning,
ball-striking, aerobic workout that incor-
porates strength, muscle endurance, bal-
ance and flexibility.
And Cardio Tennis has expanded into
30 countries around the world, most
notably Tennis Australia, Tennis Canada
and the LTA in Great Britain, each of
which started national Cardio Tennis pro-
grams. In fact, in Australia and the UK,
Cardio Tennis is being used as one of two
programs in a major drive to increase ten-
nis participation.
We think Cardio Tennis is going to be
a staple for tennis teaching professionals,
says Dan Santorum, CEO of the PTR. Its
a good money-maker, and its a good way
to diversify your lessonsyou can get
another group of people who are more
interested in fitness. Its definitely here to
stay.
When you look at all that Cardio Ten-
nis has to offer consumers and every seg-
ment of this industry, its really a
no-brainer, says Krause (right). It will
make money for you, it will help create
more tennis players and more frequent
players, and it will grow our industry. And
yes, it will get you fit, healthy and make
you a better tennis player.w
To find out more about Cardio Tennis,
visit CardioTennis.com. The website
has information on how to become an
Authorized Provider, including all the
benefits available; training courses;
provider tools such as music and
heart-rate monitors; TRX Cardio Ten-
nis; Cardio Tennis Interactive and Get
Fit Challenges; and more.
Ask about our GAMMA Care
5 Year Service Plans,
available for all GAMMA
stringing machine models!
I
GAMMA 5800 El s
w/6-PT SC Suspension Mounting System
As Shown Includes:
6-Pt Self Centering
Suspension Mounting System
Qui ck Action String Clamp Bases
Multifunction Digital Control Panel
Electronic String Length Meter
For more i nformat ion on the complete line of GAMMA Professional Machines calll-800.333-0337.
APPAREL
www.racquetsportsindustry.com www.racquetsportsindustry.com
NEW
FASHIONS
SPRING TO
THE NET!
NEW
FASHIONS
SPRING TO
THE NET!
F
all Fashion week in New York previews the colors, styles and
patterns to come for spring, and tennis is no exception when
it comes to taking cues from the runway. Pink, aqua, vibrant
blue, flashes of orange, bright green, black and white combinations,
neutrals, and color-blocking make their marks in playable soft fabri-
cations that are tough on the court and kind on the body.
Cynthia Sherman
FILA
The sentimental nature of current fashion harkening back to the Art Deco
20s style shows up this spring in Fila tenniswear. The Heritage collec-
tionin particular this racer-back carwash Essenza jersey dress in a
poly/spandex blendtakes its cue from the pleated vintage style skirt. An
internal bra tank tops the flirty skirt in blue night Calypso Coral and white
combination. Retail is $90.
www.la.com/(+o-;;-ooo
TAIL
Animal prints are just as hot for spring as they
were for fall. Tail capitalizes on this trend by
featuring an alluring zebra print dress with
built-in bra in soft bloom pink with black. Strik-
ing complementary color-blocked classic fitted
separates add to Tails Animal Instinct line.
Price ranges from $49 to $85.
www.Taactvewear.com/o-68-6o
November/December 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29 www.racquetsportsindustry.com www.racquetsportsindustry.com
ELEVEN
Venus Williams launch of her EleVen line
promises to be a reflection of high fashion and
performance wear that can transition from
baseline play to off-court easy living. The popu-
lar spring color palette for the Color Bloc
poly/spandex line is emphasized in a trio of
aqua, white and beige dress. The dress, which
retails for $88, comes with a built-in bra.
www.eevenbyvenus.com/8oo-8o-66+ w
PURE LIME
Pretty in pink and yes, pink is going strong in this
yummy raspberry sorbet and white racer-back
tank/skirt outfit from Pure Lime that screams feminin-
ity, function and style in a poly/elastine blend. Skirt
and top retail for $64 and $68 respectively.
www.Pureme.com/+6-(68-+;
BOLLE
Green is back and better than ever in this sleek cut-and-sew
one-shoulder citrus color-blocked tank with built-in bra.
Paired with a citrus skirt, all in a deliciously soft poly/spandex
blend, the outfit also comes in graphite and both pieces
together retail for about $120.
www.Boetennswear.com/o+-6-o6o
ELIZA AUDLEY
Black and white is always in style and
color-blocking continues its momentum
with crisp separates from Eliza Audley.
The Over-The-Moon tank is a micro-
poly-spandex blend in an optical
design. Paired with the staple white A-
line skirt available with or without short-
ies, the e logo is emboldened with
Swarovski crystals. Made in the U.S.,
the top retails for $92; the skirt for $64.
www.EzaAudey.com/6-6,+-(;;o
PI ONEERS I N TENNI S
After 30 years at the helm of
the USPTA, Tim Hecklers
departure leaves some
impressive tennis shoes to fill.
BY PE T E R F RANCE S CONI
W
hen Tim Heckler leaves the U.S. Professional Ten-
nis Association at the end of December, it will bring
to a close 30 years as chief executive officer of one
of the worlds largest teaching pro organizationsan era that
has seen impressive growth for the association.
In 1982, when Heckler was offered the CEO spot, the orga-
nization had four employees and was located in about 1,000
square feet of space at the Colony Beach & Tennis Resort in
Sarasota. All the USPTA was in those days was a magazine,
which was outsourced, a yearly directory, and, its biggest claim
to fame, three shoeboxes with about 1,800 three-by-five mem-
bership cards in them, he says. That was it. That was the
USPTA.
Over the next three decades the USPTA says membership
grew to more than 15,000 members in 66 countries, operating
on an annual budget of $6.5 million. The associations equity
grew from $60,000 in 1982 to more than $4.2 million today,
including owning the income-producing 80,000-square-foot
Houston building that now houses its nearly 30 employees.
Our total income in 1982 was below half a million dollars,
Heckler says, and it eventually exceeded $7 million. We went
from a negative cash flow to a good cash flow now with a very
substantial set of assets, so the organization is safe and can
sustain any ups and downs that may happen. That is more of
a legacy than anything. But it was greatly helped by many of
our presidents.
But there are other things Heckler could well point to as
part of his legacy, starting with the membership records in the
three shoeboxes. In 1981, [board member] Mike Eikenberry
came to a meeting in Sarasota and said he had just been read-
ing about computers on the plane, Heckler says. He suggest-
ed they be applied to the USPTA, to help teaching pros with
their business, and said, Lets get Heckler to do it. So we got
in early computerizing our records.
That led to continued expansion into using technology, the
internet and email-based communications and education for
USPTA teaching pros. I credit our computer technology and
growth in that area for being our biggest asset, Heckler notes.
The USPTA started to expand its mailing list, which led to
securing endorsements. (Heckler has presided at negotiations
After 30 years at the helm of
the USPTA, Tim Hecklers
departure leaves some
impressive tennis shoes to fill.
A
DRIVING
FORCE
A
DRIVING
FORCE
that have led to more than $40 million in endorsements.) As the
organization grew, it also started to expand its conventions in
scope and attendance.
Membership started to grow by leaps and bounds. The tennis
boom had something to do with that, as did the way our board
ran the USPTA, he says.
Raising the Level
Hecklers leadership of the USPTA also helped to change the ten-
nis teaching industry.
Tim has singlehandedly raised the level of the teaching pro
in the U.S. with his work ethic, passion and dedication to the
game, says Ron
Woods, a past USPTA
president and a long-
time friend of Heck-
lers. He has really
been a force in bring-
ing the tennis pro into
the realm of being rec-
ognized as a true pro-
fessional in the
community.
Tim modernized
the teaching pro,
Woods continues. He
brought us from just
being a glorified ball
boy who feeds tennis
balls, to being looked
at as a professional.
The business aspect of
ittechnology, sharing
ideas, the divisions, the
world conferencea lot of that was through the efforts and imag-
ination of Tim, through his vision and determination.
Current USPTA President Tom Daglis also praised Hecklers
role in advancing the USPTA. As CEO, he raised the USPTA from
childhood to adulthood,
Daglis says. At the recent
USPTA World Conference on
Tennis, held in Monterey,
Calif., Daglis and the USPTA
Board of Directors presented
Heckler with an award for his
service, and the retiring CEO
also was honored by the past
presidents.
Tim was a true pioneer in
a lot of areas, and he definitely elevated and expanded the role of
the teaching professional in this country, says Kurt Kamperman,
the USTAs chief executive of Community Tennis, and a past pres-
ident of the USPTA.
Our job, Heckler says, when asked if he had any words of
advice for incoming CEO John Embree, is to try to find a better
way of life, a better income, a better working environment for
tennis teaching pros. Were a trade association, and a lot of peo-
ple think were a delivery force. But the delivery aspect cant be
more important than our pros making a living. You need to have
great empathy for the pros.
Playing on the Tour
Heckler started playing tennis at age 3, in his native South Africa;
his mother and father were avid club players. Before age 16, he
was winning tournaments for 18-year-olds, then at age 17, he
went to England and Europe and played on the tour. He had wins
over top 50 players, including the No. 10 player in the world, and
was able to enter Wimbledon and the U.S. Championships (later
called the US Open) without needing to qualify.
Soon, though, Heckler decided to go to the U.S. for college. He
ended up at Lamar Uni-
versity in Beaumont,
Texas, on a team that,
in 1960, beat UCLA,
Stanford, USC and all
the big powers, Heck-
ler says.
Heckler eventually
received a degree in
biology, with plans to
go to medical school,
but he took a job at MD
Anderson, a top cancer
research center in
Houston. I started
working in the animal
lab and became a
senior lab technician,
and for seven years did
surgery on animals. I
enjoyed it, and kept
putting off medical
school. Then, I was invited by Dr. Jonas Salk [who discovered the
first polio vaccine] to come to San Diego to work in his institute.
I had established a very powerful research lab at MD Anderson,
and Salk had gotten a grant and needed to establish a medical lab
in San Diego. I went there for
three years and established the
lab.
In 1971, Heckler ended up
back in Houston, and learned of
a tennis pro job at Westwood
Country Club. I got the job,
and fortunately for me, the ten-
nis boom started. What I had
predicted I would earn at West-
wood quadrupled overnight.
Heckler became well known in Houston, and as the area grew, he
began working as a tennis consultant, traveling the country and
helping to establish facilities. In 1973, he was the consultant and
tennis director for the Bobby Riggs vs. Billie Jean King Match of
the Century in the Houston Astrodome. One project in the Hous-
ton area eventually hired Heckler as general manager. He stayed
there for eight years and was a part owner.
During that time, he became involved in the Texas Profes-
sional Tennis Association, a division of the USPTA. He worked on
Tim Heckler with his wife, Renee, and USTA First Vice President Dave Haggerty at the
recent USPTA World Conference on Tennis in Monterey, Calif.
As passionate as he was for the
USPTA, Tim has an overriding
passion for the game of tennis,
says Schwartz.
several committees, joined the national USPTA board, and moved
through secretary-treasurer, vice president then president in 1980-
81. He applied for, and received, the CEO job in 1982.
Passionate About USPTA
Theres little doubt of Hecklers passion for improving
the lot of teaching professionals and his
devotion to the USPTA. Tim was the No. 1
ambassador in protecting the interests of
the USPTA, says Jim Baugh, former tennis
industry executive, TIA president and USTA
board member who now runs a sports consult-
ing business. He was a great business part-
ner, Baugh adds, referring to when he was
head of Wilson tennis and worked with Heckler
and the USPTA.
Tim was very passionate about USPTA, adds
Dan Santorum, CEO of the Professional Tennis Reg-
istry. Im sure hell look back on his accomplish-
ments and take great pride in the fact that the
organization came a long way under his leadership.
When talking about Heckler, many industry executives choose
their words carefully. While lauded for his devotion to the USPTA
and the teaching profession, hes often been criticized for that
same characteristic, which some citeoff the recordas possibly
having a stifling effect within the industry.
Tim is one of the best wartime generals I know, and when
he was at war with the USTA, he really waged war all-out and effec-
tively, says Alan Schwartz, former USTA board
member and president.
Kamperman echoes the wartime general ref-
erence, citing Hecklers analytical approach and
the time and effort he put into preparing for all
possibilities.
Tim is so well respected in the industry,
although he may get at odds with others at
times, says Woods. But its because he speaks out for our
industry and teaching pros. When youre wearing that hat and
stand tall in the crowd, thats when people start throwing snow-
balls at the hat.
But, as passionate as he was for the USPTA, Schwartz adds,
he has an overriding passion for the game of tennis.
Tim has always been a solid rock that we could count on to
share his opinions and provide input for industry efforts, says Jolyn
de Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Association, of
Tim modernized the teaching pro.
He brought us from just being a
glorified ball boy who feeds tennis
balls, to being looked at as a
professional, says Woods.
which Heckler has been a longtime
board member. He recognized early
the importance of getting kids playing
tennis, which led to his passion and
promotion of USPTA Little Tennis since
the 1980s.
Heckler, a USPTA Master Profes-
sional, was honored in 2000 as a
grand inductee in the associations
Hall of Fame. He also received the
International Tennis Hall of Fames
Tennis Educational Merit Award in
2002 and was inducted into the Texas
Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008
he received the highest honor award-
ed by the USPTA, the George Bacso
Lifetime Achievement Award.
My future still lies in tennis; Im
not sure how much Ill actually retire,
Heckler says. While his agreement
with the USPTA includes a non-com-
pete provision for a year, I do have
some things Im considering, but Ill
definitely be in tennis.
Tim thinks differently, and he
always thinks big, says Woods. So
many tennis teaching professionals,
whether members of the USPTA or
not, have benefited from what Tim
has done.w
All Novacrylic* Sport Surfaces Have Undergone Extensive QUV Testing (Accelerated Weathering) - Earning the Highest Ratings Available!
Premium Acrylics
Sport Surfaces
contain only the fi nest blend
of premium acrylics. The
high concentration of specially
blended acrylics ensure
unmatched durabil ity,
UV resistance and flexibility.
Brilliant Pigments
Sport Surfaces con-
tain the highest concentration of
premium UV resistant pigments
to ensure brilliant long lasting
colors. Our premium pigments
provide unmatched vibrancy
and beauty, while containing
low glare properties to enhance
the surfaces playability.
Unique low Abrasive Texture
Novacrylic Sport Surfaces con-
tain a non-angular rounded silica
sand to all ow for a low abrasive
ITF classifi ed surface. Because
the sand has no sharp edges it
becomes totally encapsulated
in the acrylics. This ensures the
surface will maintain a consist ent
texture for the life of the coating.
Simply, The World's Best
All-Weather Sports Surface
For more Information or to locate a C>ertlfled Installer In your area
Quality
All of our Sport
Surfaces are manufactured in
the USA in a state of the art
facility specially designed to
manufacture acrylic coatings.
We are able to produce
unmatched quality with
industry leading efficiency.
please contact us at 800-USA-NOVA or info@novasports.com www.novasports.com
FACI LI TY MANAGEMENT
A tennis Hall-of-Famer brings her talents to bear on a new
state-of-the-art facility in Connecticut.
BY KE NT OS WAL D
I
ncredible touch, thinking quickly enough to handle every-
thing smacked her way at net or baseline, determination and
belief in herself. Those assets were key to Gigi Fernandezs
Hall of Fame tennis career.
And now, not completely coincidentally, those characteris-
tics provide the perfect foundation
as Fernandez takes on the role of
director of tennis at a new,
400,000-square-foot multi-sport
facility in Connecticut. The new
Chelsea Piers Connecticut (CPC)
opened recently in the city of Stam-
ford, a suburb of New York City,
and is a brand expansion of the
highly successful Chelsea Piers
multi-sport facility in Manhattan.
For Fernandez, the touch
comes into play as she works with kids whirling around her
summer camp, to the Cardio Tennis fans and league-playing
adults filling up the facilitys seven DecoTurf courts, to area
hopefuls brought to her for evaluation. The flexibility of mind is
tested every few minutes as challenges present themselves in
getting a world-class program up and running from its July
debut. The belief in herselfin the ability to have it allcomes
through when she talks about how she handles the role of
mom, entrepreneur and team member.
Fernandez was in Florida after retirement from tennis,
having returned to school to complete first her BA and then an
MBA. Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame with
the class of 2010, she had coaching
in her background at the college
and pro level, the former including
Rollins where she had studied and
the latter with Sam Stosur and Lisa
Raymond when they captured the
2005 US Open doubles title. In
addition to other business experi-
ence and inspired by newborn
twins Karson and Madison, she
had recently produced the video
Baby Goes Pro to introduce tod-
dlers to sport basics. All was settled. But plans change.
First, her partner, former LPGA golfer and then senior vice
president Jane Geddess, took on a new role as director of tal-
ent for the Stamford-based WWE. Fernandez figured she
would spend a few years as a suburban New York City mom
a mom who happened to have the ability to play some fairly
high-level tennis, as she did in June at Roland Garros when she
PRO
ACTIONS
PRO
ACTIONS
Were all very accomplished
and everyone is happy to be
giving back, Fernandez says
of the other Chelsea Piers
sports directors.
and longtime partner Natalie Zvereva stirred memories of their
non-calendar year doubles Grand Slam while participating in the
Perrier-Legends Trophy competition. I always planned to get back
to work when the kids (currently only age 3) went to kindergarten,
she said recently while overseeing the third day of the just opened
tennis day camp.
Concurrently, Chelsea Piers was expanding from its NYC base
and looking to establish themselves in tennis. The newcomers to
affluent Fairfield County were set up and, I liked everybody that I
met with, Fernandez remembers. I could create a program from
scratch and I wasnt going into a situation that wasnt already
established. I am an entrepreneur at heart, started a lot of compa-
nies [and] I love the start-up mode and the excitement of start-ups.
I just thought it would be a good opportunity.
She talks admiringly about the facilitys other directors, how
they are at the top of their sports as well and the mutual dedication
to making CPC succeed. Were all very accomplished and every-
one is happy to be giving back, she says. That there is an onsite
pre-school program for her kids was also a selling point. I can just
go down there and see them when I miss them.
So, on the one hand, Fernandez is just one more mom re-enter-
ing the workforce. On the other, she has a business and coaching
background, as well as being a former No. 1 and dominant tennis
force during her 14-year career, with Olympic doubles gold from
1992 and 1996, 17 doubles titles at Majors, and a singles ranking
that reached as high as No. 17. She seems well-paired with the CPC
facility and her new 65,000-square-foot tennis club.
The facility has signed sponsors Sheraton and Harrow, with a
search on for sport-specific partners. Within a week of opening
there were already 1,700 campers
signed up for various programs
through the summer and family mem-
bership goals with a fall horizon had
already been met. Not only were there
kids with racquets working on basics,
but also the facility echoed with the
sounds of peers pursuing figure
skating, gymnastics, ice hockey,
lacrosse, soccer, squash, swimming
and volleyball.
While it is too early to seriously
contemplate any of her young charges
playing at the highest level, Fernandez
is not shy in promising that there will
be Division 1 players to emerge from
the program and possibly some who
can play at an even higher level. For most students, the aspirations
are not as high. I hope that we draw all the best kids in the area
and I hope to introduce lots and lots of kids to tennis. Its a great
sport, a sport for a lifetime that teaches life lessons including goal-
setting, perseverance, dedication, overcoming obstacles and gra-
ciousness in defeat and victory.
Focus shifts in the fall to adults (whose membership programs
begin at $65 a month). Fernandez, who earned her USPTA Profes-
sional 1 certification in April, will expand the offerings of morning
and evening adult clinics, build a full schedule of intra- and inter-
club matches and USTA League play as well as social activities fea-
turing the rooftop patio overlooking downtown. Its all in addition
to the private and group lessons and Cardio Tennis classes avail-
able from a well-qualified staff.
I want this to be the best program in the Northeast, says Fer-
nandez. I think the facility itself is probably the best overall sports
facility in the country. Ive never seen anything like it.w
I hope that we
draw all the best
kids in the area
and I hope to
introduce lots
and lots of kids
to tennis.
Photos by Kent Oswald
RETAI LI NG
Tennis facility pro shops are having to change with the times,
and its the consumer who is determining the direction.
BY MARY HE L E N S PRE CHE R
T
he last time every tennis facility out there could say
their pro shop was doing a booming business, sales
included cotton alligator shirts and ankle socks with col-
ored pom-poms on the back.
"The pro shop used to be the only game in town," says
Mike Lissner, senior tennis pro with the Columbia Association
in Maryland. "When I started in tennis, it was the mid-1970s,
and there really weren't all the stores where you could get the
things you needed."
These days, an internet-savvy public can use online mech-
anisms like TennisConnect to book courts, and can buy shoes,
racquets and apparel online. In addition, just about every city
has specialty tennis retail stores as well as large sporting goods
chains and big-box department stores whose sports depart-
ments include tennis equipment.
So where does that leave the tennis facility pro shop in
today's industry?
"It's still around," says Lissner, "but I think it's the shopping
habits of the buyer that are more the issue."
In much the same way the tennis industry itself has
changed through the years, the pro shop has morphed. RSI
polled industry members to find out what types of business
their facility shops do, and how they are adapting to an evolv-
ing industry.
Four different business models emerged. There is, howev-
er, one common denominator necessary for any establish-
ment to survive: a manager who can take stock of what facility
users want, need and use.
"The reality is this, the direction of any pro shop is deter-
mined by the consumer, not the pro or the manager," says
Rod Heckelman, general manager at Mt. Tam Racquet Club in
Larkspur, Calif. "The consumer will determine what you need
to carry in accordance with the facility you provide."
Business model #1:
The tennis service center
Some shops have stripped down their inventory and concen-
trate instead on services to players, such as stringing, and
some carry racquets, or will order them for customers. For
these stores, information and advice are the hot commodities.
"We have a pro shop, but we don't carry clothes," notes
Dr. Sophie Woorons-Johnston of Performance Meadows at
Brookstone Tennis in Anderson, N.C. "I carry what I know:
racquets, grips, stringthe things in my area of expertise."
According to Tim Jachymowski, owner of www.PublicIn-
doorTennis.com in Spring Park Lake, Minn., apparel is a stick-
ing point for many pro shops. They lack the space to carry a
variety of colors, styles and sizes, and like any other small
retail establishment, are unable to order the quantities neces-
sary to offer competitive pricing.
Jachymowski found stocking and selling racquets unprof-
itable. But, he notes, "People always want advice on what rac-
quet to buy, and they'll get it strung here."
Business model #2:
The variety store
Some stores, in responding to their customers' needs, have
found themselves going far outside the lines of the traditional
pro shop.
"We changed and altered our pro shop," notes Heckelman.
"We now call it the Gift Shop and we include anything and
everything a member might like: high-end facial products,
SHOPPING
CENTERS
SHOPPING
CENTERS
Tennis facility pro shops are having to change with the times,
and its the consumer who is determining the direction.
wine club, tennis equipment and shoes. For us, what has gone
the way of the dodo bird is the
apparel."
Mt. Tam has a variety of
facilities, and Heckelman says
the key is to consider what
users need. "We have two
pools, indoor and outdoor,
with a wading pool, so what
else do we sell?" he asks.
"Swimming diapers and sun-
screen for small children."
Business model #3:
The pro shop as
souvenir store
For facilities located in resorts
or in tennis destinations, says
Lissner, pro shops play by a dif-
ferent set of rules. "Those stores are
serving the vacation trade," he notes.
"People are freer with their money
when they're on vacation and they'll
make impulse purchases like a shirt with
the logo of the place they're visiting."
According to Fernando Velasco of
Circle C Tennis Club in Austin, Texas,
logo clothing can sell outside the resort
setting, if it is marketed correctly. "If you
have, for example, shirts for league play-
ers, those can be very successful
because people feel like it's a uniform
and they want to wear it. The more
sophisticated your club is, the more the
logo will sell."
Business model #4:
The traditional pro shop
Yes, it still exists, and yes, it can still
flourish. For six years, Lynda Reis has
been the pro shop manager at Midtown
Tennis Club in Chicago, and has the
additional responsibility of being
national retail manager for Tennis Cor-
poration of America. In addition to
overseeing her own 800-square-foot
shop, she supervises other club shops
in TCA's chain.
In Chicago, she says, she has enjoyed
her greatest success, with strong sales
and an ever-expanding service business.
Part of that is attributable to Midtown's
focus: It is an all-tennis club, "So I have
a captive audience."
The pro shop is centrally located, and
is the first thing people see upon enter-
ing the club. It provides apparel, shoes
and accessories, as well as racquet sales
and stringing services, and Reis offers price-matching on most
items.
She is careful in her lay-
out and purchasing choices.
Men's clothing is near the
front of the store "since men
don't want to go looking"
and the clothing for women
("who are much more dis-
criminating when they
shop") reflects Midtown's
player demographic, rather
than what an edgy 20-some-
thing touring pro is wearing.
Many pros, including
Woorons-Johnston, Velasco,
Heckelman and Reis, offer
demo racquets (see Tips
From the Front Lines at
left), and can sell or order the racquet
if a player likes it.
The Pro Presence
Most of the stores surveyed follow
one of the above business models, but
some are hybrids, combining various
elements. All, however, say the advice
of a pro is their best weapon and their
stock in trade.
"There is no doubt that we are
operating our pro shop differently than
we have in the past," says Mike
Woody, executive director of Midland
Community Tennis Center in Midland,
Mich. "We are very strategic in our pur-
chases and have chosen to keep our
inventory lower and do more direct
ordering while providing stellar service
to our customers. Our tactics have
been our pros who do much face-to-
face recommending, monthly demo
days, and weekly/monthly promo-
tions."
Choosing a business model for a
new store is a challenge. Jorge Andrew,
director of tennis operations in Lexing-
ton County, S.C., decided what the
new Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center
should do with the space set aside for
its pro shop. Ultimately, he says, it's a
question of remembering customers
are players first, and buyers second.
"We always have their best inter-
ests in mind. We don't want to just sell
them a racquet; we want to provide
excellent service and the correct equip-
ment so they continue coming back
time after time."w
Tips From the Front Lines
Have a good location: If a pro shop
isn't doing well, we ask ourselves why,
says Lynda Reis. I was just on the
phone with one club where sales aren't
good. It turns out there is construction
going on, so right now the shop is off by
itself in this little outoftheway place
where people can't see it.
Encourage internet use: We tell our
people to use the internet to find the
racquet they are looking for, says Rod
Heckelman. Once they find it, we pro
vide that same racquet and add a free
halfhour of court time with the tennis
pro to ensure it is what will work best
for them. We charge only slightly more
than the internet and kick back a little
to the pro, who often picks up lessons
from this. As they buy more products at
our shop, people collect points toward a
free string job. This also creates loyalty
and traffic. Pro shops need to under
stand, like other stores, that people use
the internet a great deal for conve
nience and not just for savings. It does
n't have to be the enemy.
Business tools: Take advantage of edu
cational opportunities offered by the
PTR, USPTA and Tennis Industry Associ
ation. Courses, webinars and presenta
tions from these organizations cover
everything from marketing and advertis
ing your shop, to dealing directly with
customers and manufacturers, and
more.
FACI LI TI ES
Thanks in large part to the vision of former USTA Pres-
ident Alan Schwartz, the NTCs Indoor Training Center
has proven to be a year-round boon for tennis.
BY MARK PRE S T ON
F
or two late-summer weeks each year, as the worlds sport-
ing spotlight shines on the US Open, the center of the ten-
nis universe is Arthur Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean
King National Tennis Center. But if Ashe Stadium, which opened
in 1997, is the centerpiece of the NTC, there is another structure
just a short stroll away that has had an equally large impact on the
US Open and the sport of tennis.
Since it opened its doors in late 2008, the NTCs Indoor Train-
ing Center (ITC) has proven to be a versatile, valuable asset to the
Open, the community, the sport, and the USTA. From producing
increased sponsorship and hospitality opportunities during the
Open to providing unprecedented access and myriad opportuni-
ties for players of all ages and ability levels to play and enjoy the
sport year-round, the ITC plays a significant role in helping to
grow the game.
Situated just inside the East Gate of the NTC, the 12-court,
245,000-square-foot ITC is three times the size of the original
indoor structure that had previously occupied the space. The old
nine-court building had already become an anachronism when
former USTA President Alan Schwartz first was called in to visit
the site and provide his opinion on what the USTA might do to
improve the facility. That was years before Schwartz was a mem-
ber of the USTA Board, but the association called him in based on
his expertise as the owner and operator of the successful Mid-
town Group of tennis clubs.
I remember writing the USTA a report, recalls Schwartz with
a laugh. I know I had some ideas in there for improvements, but
I think my best suggestion was that they tear it down and start
from scratch.
Years later, first as a USTA Board member and then as
USTA President, Schwartz was instrumental in accomplishing
just that. He spearheaded the USTAs effort to secure the
needed financing for construction of a new building that
would provide the association with more than just a place to
house courts.
The idea, says Schwartz, was that the funds would be
designated for building an indoor facility in which indoor ten-
nis would be just one component of an extremely versatile
structure that would also include areas for high-performance
training, corporate entertaining, an indoor commissary for
food concessions, retail concessions and more. I know the
Board recognized the inadequacies of the existing building
it just wasnt producing the revenues or attracting the number
of people it should and that we needed in order to grow the
sport.
From Dream to Reality
Over the course of the administrations of USTA Presidents
Schwartz, Franklin Johnson, and Jane Brown Grimes, plans
began to take shape, and the dream of a new facility eventu-
ally became a reality. Schwartz is quick to mention that there
were many volunteers and staff who had a hand in shaping
that reality, but he singles out the commitment of Danny
Zausner, the NTCs Managing Director of Facility Operations,
for meeting with various city and parks commissions and
neighborhood groups to work through issues. Schwartz also
points to the dedication of the NTCs Director of Capital Pro-
jects and Engineering, Chuck Jettmar, whose work on Arthur
THE INSIDE
STORY
THE INSIDE
STORY
Thanks in large part to the vision of former USTA
President Alan Schwartz, the NTCs Indoor Training
Center has proven to be a year-round boon for tennis.
BY MARK PRE S T ON
Ashe Stadium had familiarized him with the many engineering
issues that would go along with a project of this magnitude.
Today, the facility is a world-class structure that has gone a long
way toward increasing participa-
tion in tennis and improving the
USTAs bottom line. During the
US Open, it is an epicenter of
activity, housing the USTAs cor-
porate hospitality program on
six of the indoor courts. Numer-
ous US Open sponsors, including
Heineken, Chase and American
Express, also have taken advan-
tage of the increased and
improved space the ITC provides
during the Open. During the
tournament, the ITC also is
home to the USTA Bookstore,
International Tennis Hall of
Fame Gallery and USTA Mem-
bership Center, and it also hous-
es the staff and equipment for
the USOpen.org website.
Players can utilize the ITCs
indoor courts for practice during
inclement weather, and junior
tournament competitors can use
the ITCs locker rooms and train-
ing facilities. Retailer FMIs $16
million merchandise program is
housed in the ITC, and its
10,000-square-foot food com-
missary has allowed the USTA to
significantly upgrade the presen-
tation of the food served in the
Food Village and to serve more
fans per hour.
But for all of its many uses
during the Open, the ITCs most
important useand its greatest
successis in providing a world-
class tennis facility for players of
all ages and abilities. From 6
a.m. until midnight, 11 months
out of the year, the 12 courts are
hotbeds of tennis activity. Add
to that the classroom space,
world-class fitness facilities and
locker rooms, and its easy to
see why the number of people
playing tennis there has
increased significantly in the
years since it opened.
The numbers tell an impres-
sive story: During the old buildings last year of operation in 2008,
it brought in $1.9 million in revenue. In 2011, the new building
accounted for $3.6 millionan 88 percent increase. Adult pro-
gramming at the ITC is up 97 percent over that same period, and
junior programming has risen by 23 percent. Private lessons have
more than doubled over the last three years, and attendance
at summer camps is up 51
percent.
The building has provided
us with an opportunity to serve
more existing players and to get
more new players into the
game, says Zausner. Its size
and versatility have opened
doors to new opportunities that
we never could have realized
with the old facility.
The old building never
would have been able to
accommodate the number of
programs offered nowfor chil-
dren (all 12 courts are lined for
10 and Under Tennis), juniors,
adults, seniors, wheelchair and
college players. There is tourna-
ment play, USTA League play,
special events and charitable
fundraisers. Several local col-
leges and universities call these
courts home. USTA Player
Development also utilizes the
ITC and its many world-class
amenities.
We were the first Grand
Slam tournament to develop a
significant indoor presence with
the same playing surface quali-
ties as the outside courts, notes
USTA Executive Director Gor-
don Smith. With the ITC, we
now have a building that has
exceeded our expectations in
every way 365 days a year and
that is aesthetically spectacu-
lar.
In a ceremony on Sept. 6,
during the 2012 US Open, USTA
Chairman of the Board and
President Jon Vegosen dedicat-
ed a plaque to Schwartz just out-
side the main entrance to the
ITC. His vision, leadership and
expertise made this facility a
reality, the plaque reads.
This building has allowed us
to be a hub for tennis activity all
year round, says Vegosen. It
has been an invaluable addition and an incredible assetboth for
the US Open and for us to be able to make tennis more accessible
to more people.w
?
Ask the Experts
PLAYTESTER COMMENTS
WHEN READING THE comments
in your playtest reports, the for-
mat always confuses me. For
example, here are a couple of typical
comments:
This strings remarkable comfort is
matched only by its controlled power. 4.5
male all-court player using Babolat AeroPro
Drive strung at 61 pounds CP (Gamma Pro-
fessional 17)
This is a solid feeling control sting with
impressive durability. Very crisp response
on groundstrokes and volleys. The bite is
pronounced. 4.5 male all-court player
using Wilson BLX Pro Team FX strung at
64 pounds CP (Babolat RPM Blast 64)
I dont understand the string refer-
ences in parentheses at the end of each
comment. Is this the string the playtester
normally uses?
YES, THE STRING REFERENCE IN
parentheses shows what each
playtester has been using, and the gauge.
We do this to help you interpret the
results. For example, you can compare the
comments against the type of string in the
playtest, to see if only those players
already using that type of string had some-
thing positive to say, or if players using
other types of string also reacted favorably.
Also, keep in mind that we only publish
eight or nine playtester comments in the
magazine because of space constraints: All
playtester comments are available in the
on-line version of the playtest that appears
on our website.
Until February 2007 we included a line
at the bottom of the comments that read,
Strings normally used by testers are indi-
cated in parentheses. In March 2007 we
changed this line to refer readers to the full
on-line version.
YTEX PROTOUR
BLUE STRING GAUGES
YOU JUST PUBLISHED THE results
from the Ytex Pro Tour Blue 1.25
playtest. But in the USRSA string
specifications tool, the gauges given are
1.23 and 1.27. Each has a different stiff-
ness and tension loss, although not
markedly so. Since neither stiffness nor
tension loss was mentioned in the article,
which of the two Ytex Pro Tour strings
listed on the string selector tools menu
did you guys test? Or is this yet a third
version?
YTEX PROTOUR COMES IN BLUE
and orange. At the time we did the
playtest report, we did not have lab results
on Protour Blue. We did, however, have
lab measurements on Protour Orange,
which comes in two (different) gauges than
does Protour Blue. Sorry for the confusion.
WHAT THE DEVIL
IS A DIABLO?
WHAT IS A "DIABLO" attachment
on a stringing machine and what
does it do?
THE DIABLO AKA NOSECONE
is the roughly cylindrical part on
the tension head assembly just for-
ward of the tension jaws. You wrap the
string around the diablo / nosecone before
putting it through the tension jaws prior to
tensioning. Because the string does a full
wrap around the diablo / nosecone before
entering the tension jaws, there is less
stress on the string (and therefore, less
crushing or other damage), and less stress
on the tension jaws (and therefore, they
last longer and/or don't fly apart under
high tensions).
USRSA CLASSIFIED ADS
I HAD MY EYE ON A CERTAIN
stringing machine, but the manu-
facturer is back-ordered on them
so I thought I'd check out used machines
for sale. I can't seem to find that area
(classifieds?) on the USRSA site. Am I
missing something?
WE DONT POST THE CLASSIFIED
ads on-line except in the PDF ver-
sions of the full magazine. Published classi-
fieds depend, of course, on member
submissions. For up-to-date ads for used
stringing machines for sale, youre often
better off consulting other sources such as
Craigslist, Ebay, and TennisMachines.com.
SPAGHETTI STRINGING
I HAVE A FEW OLD RACQUETS
sitting around and tons of string. I
wonder if you could direct me to
someone that could spaghetti-string a rac-
quet for me. I'd like to try a racquet
strung that way mostly out of curiosity.
WE DONT KNOW OF ANYONE
off-hand, but youre missing more
than just a person to do the stringing: You
also need all the little tubes that feature in
a true spaghetti string job. Youll also need
some heavy duty trebling to tie the mains
together, but you should be able to find
some braided cord that will suffice.
Spaghetti stringing is no longer legal
because the ITF changed the Rules of Ten-
nis to specify, the hitting surface of the
racket shall be flat and consist of a pattern
of crossed strings connected to a frame
and alternately interlaced or bonded where
they cross. On a spaghetti-strung frame,
the mains are neither interlaced nor bond-
ed to the crosses.
As spaghetti stringing evolved, the
mains are tubed to reduce friction as they
Your Equipment Hotline
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
Q
A
a stringbed that creates exaggerated spin.
The photo shows what is perhaps the
ultimate expression of the spaghetti string-
ing technique, the Fischer system. Note
the dabs of glue on the mains to prevent
the tubing from moving out of position,
and the special tie-off knots that do not
need an anchor string.
Greg Raven w
We welcome your questions. Please send them to Rac-
quet Sports Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096;
fax: 760-536-1171; email: greg@racquettech.com.
slid relative to the crosses, and to mini-
mize string breakage. Each main is actu-
ally two parallel strings (the grommets
must be enlarged to accommodate
them), and there are only five or six cross
strings. Anytime the ball hits the
stringbed at an angle, all of the mains
deflect as a unit due to the trebling. This
means that all the mains try to snap back
into position at the same time. Combined
with the virtual absence of friction
between the mains and crosses because
of the parallel, tubed mains, the result is
String Playtest
EASE OF STRINGING
(compared to other strings)
Number of testers who said it was:
much easier 1
somewhat easier 1
about as easy 17
not quite as easy 12
not nearly as easy 2
OVERALL PLAYABILITY
(compared to string played most often)
much better 1
somewhat better 5
about as playable 8
not quite as playable 16
not nearly as playable 3
OVERALL DURABILITY
(compared to other strings
of similar gauge)
much better 5
somewhat better 15
about as durable 12
not quite as durable 1
not nearly as durable 0
RATING AVERAGES
From 1 to 5 (best)
Playability 3.2
Durability (13th overall) 4.4
Power 3.5
Control 3.7
Comfort 2.9
Touch/Feel 2.8
Spin Potential 3.5
Holding Tension 3.4
Resistance to Movement (8th overall) 4.2

G
amma Zo Dart looks to be a
monofilament string, but in
fact is really comprised of a
soft co-polyester base string into
which are embedded six stiffer
monofilaments.
The Zo high-energy polyester core
is softer for greater feel and comfort.
The six embedded monofilaments are
ultra high molecular weight polyester,
which are stiffer than the core poly for
greater control and durability.
Zo Dart is designed for poly users
who want something that is softer and
easier on the arm and offers more feel
but still provides plenty of spin and
control.
Zo Dart is available in 16 and 17 in
black or white. It is priced from
$13.50 for sets of 40 feet, $121.50 for
360-foot reels. For more information
or to order, contact Gamma at 800-
333-0337, or visit gammasports.com.
Be sure to read the conclusion for
more information about getting a free
set to try for yourself.
IN THE LAB
We tested the 17-gauge Zo Dart. The
coil measured 40 feet. The diameter
measured 1.25-1.26 mm prior to
stringing, and 1.20-1.22 mm after
stringing. We recorded a stringbed
stiffness of 75 RDC units immediately
after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wil-
son Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern)
on a constant-pull machine.
After 24 hours (no playing),
stringbed stiffness measured 69 RDC
units, representing an 8 percent ten-
sion loss. Our control string, Prince
Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, mea-
sured 78 RDC units immediately after
stringing and 71 RDC units after 24
hours, representing a 9 percent ten-
sion loss. Zo Dart added 16 grams to
the weight of our unstrung frame.
The string was tested for five
weeks by 33 USRSA playtesters, with
NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These
are blind tests, with playtesters
receiving unmarked strings in
unmarked packages. Average
number of hours playtested
was 27.
The sample felt thicker
than a 17-gauge string out of
the package, but we had no
problems installing it.
No playtester broke his
sample during stringing,
one reported problems
with coil memory, none
reported problems tying
knots, and none reported fric-
tion burn.
ON THE COURT
Gamma Zo Dart scored well with our
playtesters, claiming the eighth-best
ranking for Resistance to Movement
and the 13th-best ranking for Durabil-
ity of the 167 strings weve playtested
for publication. Our playtest team
also adjudged Zo Dart excellent in
Control and Spin Potential, and well
above average in Power. Overall,
Gamma Zo Darts ranking is well
above average.
Two testers broke the sample dur-
ing play, one at five hours and one at
17 hours.
CONCLUSION
Dont be mislead into thinking this
softer offering by Gamma isnt wor-
thy of consideration by those seeking
traditional poly experience. Zo Dart
scored highest in Resistance to Move-
ment, Durability, Control, and Spin,
four of the main characteristics play-
ers seek in a polyester string. Add to
this Zo Darts high score in the Power
category, and youve got yourself one
potent poly.
If you think that Gamma Zo Dart
might be for you, fill out the coupon
to get a free set to try.
Gamma Zo Dart 17
Greg Raven
FREE PLAYTEST
STRING PROGRAM
Gamma will send a free set of Zo Dart to USRSA
members who cut out (or copy) this coupon and send it to:
Offer expires 15 November 2012 Offer only available to USRSA members in the US.
Name:
USRSA Member number:
Phone:
Email:
If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent.
USRSA, Attn: Gamma String Offer
PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096
or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to stringsample@racquettech.com
(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in paren-
theses.) For the rest of the tester comments, visit
www.racquetsportsindustry.com.
prefer more touch and comfort..
4.5 female
all-court player using Head Six Star strung at 58
pounds CP (Head Sonic Pro 17)
Not enough feel, power, touch, or spin. This

string doesnt distinguish itself from the ever-
growing crop of polys.
4.0 male baseliner

with moderate spin using Prince OZone Tour
MP strung at 56 pounds CP (Polyester 17)
TESTERS
TALK
This is a very soft poly. Players who

want the feel of a hybrid will love this.
5.0 male serve-and-volley player using

Volkl Organix 8 strung at 60 pounds CP
(Tecnifibre Black Code 18)
This is a very good poly. Great bite.

The comfort is quite high.

4.5 male
all-court player using Wilson K Blade
strung at 57 pounds LO (Wilson Enduro
Pro 17)
Nice combination of power, spin and

control. Excellent touch for a poly.
4.0
male baseliner with heavy spin using
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick strung at 60
pounds LO (Solinco Tour Bite 16)
Excellent playability, spin, control and

feel in the beginning. After the tension
drops, so too do the playability and con-
trol.
6.0 male all-court player using

Wilson BLX Juice strung at 55 pounds CP
(Luxilon Alu Power 16)
Great tension maintenance. Very mini-

mal string movement. This would add nice
spin and control to a hybrid.
4.0 male baseliner with moderate spin

using Prince O3 Speedport Black (hole
inserts) strung at 48 pounds CP (MSV
Focus Hex 17L)
This is a comfortable poly with a nice

balance between control and power. There
is a little pinging, even with a dampener.
Excellent spin..
4.0 male all-court play-

er using Wilson BLX Pro Open strung at 45
pounds CP (WeissCannon Black 5 Edge
16L)
Quite firm. For non-poly players, this is

probably best used in a hybrid or at the
low end of the tension range. Control is
good.
4.0 male serve-and-volley player

using Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 strung at 54
pounds LO (Wilson NXT 16)
While this has all the standard poly

attributes of control, spin, and durability, I
T
heres no other sport quite like
tennis. It sharpens the mind as it
shapes the body. Every time a
ball is hit, you need to respond quickly.
All the while, you have to be thinking,
calculating and planning, as you map
out a strategy to be successful against
your opponent. The interaction of these
mental processes helps keep your mind
agile and alertwhich is precisely why
tennis and education make such fitting
partners.
In recent years, the USTA has been
taking this synergy to the next level, rea-
soning that by being the sport that pro-
motes not only fitness and fun but also
education, we can attract many more
people to tennis. By being the sport of
opportunityand spreading the word
about the opportunities we offerwe
not only can fulfill our mission to pro-
mote and develop the growth of tennis,
but also we can do our part to enhance
the lives of those who get involved in
our great game.
In championing one of the true
mind-body sports, the USTA now has in
place a tremendous infrastructure that
can support and promote higher educa-
tion among Americas youth. It has a
rich array of delivery systems, programs
and allied partners that reaches kids of
all ages and is committed to diversity
and inclusion, including USTA Serves,
USTA National Junior Tennis and Learn-
ing (NJTL), USTA School Tennis, USTA Jr.
Team Tennis, USTA Tennis On Campus,
USTA Player Development and Tennis
in the Parks.
NJTL provides a wide range of free
tennis and education programming
across the country that helps better pre-
pare kids for college and beyond. Schol-
arship and assistance opportunities
encourage parents to choose tennis for
their kids, based on the tremendous
opportunitiesespecially in education
that tennis can provide. Chaired by David
Benjamin, Executive Director of the Inter-
collegiate Tennis Association, and with
former NYC Mayor David Dinkins serving
as the Honorary Chair, the task force has
been determining how the USTA can best
promote the importance and value of
every American youngster obtaining a
college educationand to convey the
message that tennis is the sport of oppor-
tunity for achieving this goal.
The USTAs commitment to support-
ing and promoting higher education is in
lockstep with the nations priority to
expand the promise of education. Once
the worlds leader in the percentage of
young people with college degrees, the
U.S. has fallen to 12th among the 36
nations tracked by the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Develop-
ment. With more than a million kids
dropping out of high school every year,
Americas ability to compete in a global
economy has been severely tested.
Restoring Americas leadership in higher
education clearly requires a myriad of
strategies and solutions.
Serving up tennis as the sport of
opportunity is among them. By helping to
open the doors of higher education to
more of Americas students, the USTA is
working to make a difference in commu-
nities across the countrynot only by
growing the game but also by enhancing
the lives of those who play it.w
Your Serve
Scan this QR code, or visit
USTA.com/education.
The Sport of Opportunity
The USTAs president says tennis is ideally suited
to promote higher education among youth.
We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to RSI@racquetTECH.com.
BY J ON VE GOS E N
US T A CHAI RMAN OF T HE BOARD AND PRE S I DE NT
Jon Vegosen has been USTA
Chairman of the Board and
President for the 2011-2012
term. He leaves office Dec. 31,
2012.
made possible through USTA Serves help
make college accessible to youngsters of
all abilities. And once theyre on campus,
students not only can be on a varsity team
or play club tennis (through USTA Tennis
On Campus), they also can get involved
with bringing tennis to other kids through
such initiatives as Kids Tennis Clubs, Play
Days, Campus Kids Days, Campus Show-
downs and Campus QuickStart.
This year alone, USTA Serves will help
to enhance health and educational oppor-
tunities for approximately 300,000 young
people and individuals with disabilities.
90% of high school seniors in USTA Serves
after-school funded programs are graduat-
ing from high school, and 91% of scholar-
ship recipients are attending college for
four years. These are numbers of which
we are particularly proud.
Indeed, through these innovative pro-
grams, we have made some real inroads
in growing our sport and enhancing peo-
ples lives. But there still is work to be
done. Thats why I made it a priority last
year to assemble a Tennis and Higher Edu-
cation Task Force to look into ways to
In championing one of
the true mind-body
sports, the USTA now
has in place a
tremendous infrastruc-
ture that can support
and promote higher
education among
Americas youth.
BLACKRACQUET
LABS
~
DECLASSIHEO
Autt'.vrltv _ ~ <> 'r Z 11
. ---- -- -
L Y -\ e_ BRL Date
'

Racquet Sports Industry

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Racquet Sports Industry

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

November/December 2012

Volume 40 Number 10 $5.00

Not enough feel, power, touch, or spin. This

4.0 male baseliner

This is a very soft poly. Players who

5.0 male serve-and-volley player using

This is a very good poly. Great bite.

Nice combination of power, spin and

Excellent playability, spin, control and

6.0 male all-court player using

Great tension maintenance. Very mini-

4.0 male baseliner with moderate spin

This is a comfortable poly with a nice

4.0 male all-court play-

Quite firm. For non-poly players, this is

4.0 male serve-and-volley player

While this has all the standard poly

Anda mungkin juga menyukai