Racquet Sports Industry

July 2013
Volume 41 Number 7 $5.00

www.racquetsportsindustry.com
Is Your Facility
Prepared for Medical
Emergencies?
State of Industry Report:
What You Can Learn
Ball Machines
w Why you need one
w Our annual guide
Is Your Facility
Prepared for Medical
Emergencies?
State of Industry Report:
What You Can Learn
Ball Machines
w Why you need one
w Our annual guide
. s. A.
Simply, The World's Best
All-Weather Sports Surface
Qualify for
LEEO Credits
For more Information or to locate a certified Installer in your area
please contact us at 800-USA-NOVA or info@novasports.com
www.novasports.com
2
DEPARTMENTS
R S I J U L Y 2 0 1 3
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 Group to study USTA
membership decline
7 ESPN to air US Open;
CBS out
8 USPTA conference
features new format
8 Tennis Channel loses
appeal to Comcast
8 New Head bags to
help combat AIDS
8 US Tennis Congress
slates training
8 Hall of Fame gains top
museum accreditation
10 Peoplewatch
10 Gamma offers orange
and green dot balls
12 Quarterly equipment
sales data
13 Short Sets
14 USTA partners
with medical center
14 Sport Court completes
Marine base renovation
15 Lobster offer new
Elite Liberty machine
4 Our Serve
7 Industry News
16 TIA News
18 Retailing Tip
20 Your Players: Sunscreen
42 Ask the Experts
44 Your Serve, by Mary Helen Sprecher
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY July 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
FEATURES
22 Data Analysis
The research and trends in the
State of the Industry report can help
you chart a profitable path for your
business.
27 Emergency Services
Do you and your staff know what to
do, and what equipment to have on
hand, if theres a medical emergency
at your facility?
30 Life Insurance
Whether required or not, all tennis
facilities should have an AED on hand.
32 RSI Champions of Tennis
Honor Roll
We celebrate 12 years of our
Champions of Tennis winners, and
look to your nominations for 2013
honorees.
40 Inside Job
These two facilitiesone clay, one
hardare excellent examples of
indoor tennis court construction.
2013 GUIDE TO
BALL MACHINES
Contents
Contents
34 Mechanical Advantage
A ball machine quickens the
learning curve as it helps build
muscle memory.
36 Ball Machine Selector
Our annual guide lists all the specs
and features so you can pick the unit
thats best for your business.
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
Kent Oswald
Bob Patterson
Cynthia Sherman
Mary Helen Sprecher
Tim Strawn
Contributing Photographers
Bob Kenas
David Kenas
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). July 2013, Volume 41, Number 7
2013 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 30096.
RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA
Distress Signals
4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY July 2013
I
n early June, USTA President Dave Haggerty sent out an email
that announced the formation of a Membership Innovation
Study Group. USTA membership, which as Haggerty pointed
out typically has gone up modestly every year by 2 to 3 percent,
actually declined for 2012down 1.8 percent, a loss of more
than 13,700 people.
The overall decline in 2012 is despite adding more than 45,000 new 10 and
under members. And for the first few months of 2013, USTA membership has
continued to decline, from 2 to 3 percent each month, according to Haggerty.
(Also remember, the 10 and under memberships were a free offer, for a yearlong
membership.)
Whats even more alarming is that USTA membership is declining despite the
fact that USTA and TIA research shows both total players and frequent players
increased in 2012. Overall tennis participation was up 4 percent to 28.04 million,
while frequent players went up more than 10 percent to 5.3 million.
The 15 or so members of this new study group (which includes section presi-
dents, executive directors, delegates, staff, national committee members and oth-
ers) met at the end of May to talk about membership, evaluate the current
structure, and identify membership models and opportunities for the future. As
many of you may know, membership in the USTA determines voting strength of
the sections and section funding, but the group was asked not to discuss those
sensitive and complex topics for the present time.
Clearly this Membership Innovation Study Group and the USTAs membership
department have their work cut out for them and have a lot of questions for
which to find answers. Some of the most obvious, of course, include what exactly
do members feel is a true benefit for them? What makes membership in the
USTA worth the money? From an industryand RSIperspective, is the USTA
effectively reaching out to tennis providers, so the USTA message and benefits fil-
ters out to tennis players and potential players?
Through all this, what was actually pleasing to see was the openness with
which Haggerty is sharing this challenging news about membership. Hes made
it a point to reach out frequently to keep USTA volunteers and the industry at
large informed.
The next step is for the study group to continue to gather information, feed-
back and suggestions. Haggerty has promised updates as the summer goes on,
and especially at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting held during the US Open in Sep-
tember.
Were used to saying a rising tide lifts all boats; that increased participation
will help all tennis businesses. But in the ocean of change that is todays market-
place, the USTA seems to have foundered when it comes to staying relevant for
its members. It will be interesting to see how the USTA plans to right the ship.
Peter Francesconi, Editorial Director
peter@racquettech.com
I) WWW.FACEBOOK.CDMIBABOLAT
[TI}{TI] BLAST
ca/.1 mJl.
SPIN MASTER
~
RAFAEL "EL UNICO' NADAL (SPA)
AEROPRO DRIVE RACQUET
RPM BLAST STRING
[[ffiVi] DUAL
c l l ~
LONG LASTING SPIN
[ffimTEAM
cal111112.
EASY SPIN
BABOLAT OfFICIAL BALL. RACQUET ANO STRING Of THE FRENCH OPEN
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
Grassroots
Influencers Welcome
In PHIT America
Alliance
The PHIT
America
Alliance has
created a
new category to help support the
health and fitness campaign.
Ambassadors include grassroots
influencers such as tennis teaching
pros, fitness professionals, retailers,
park & rec administrators, P.E. and
school teachers or any individual
who wants to help spread the
word about PHIT America and
healthy living.
Ever since our first News Flash
article, we have been approached
by grassroots influencers, coaches,
professional athletes and many P.E.
teachers asking how they can help
support PHIT America, says Jim
Baugh, founder of PHIT America.
So, we decided to add the
Ambassador category, to help pro-
mote our cause along with the 130
PHIT America corporate sponsors.
Ambassadors will receive PHIT
America News Flashes and are
asked to forward them to their
contacts via email, Facebook, Twit-
ter or any other efficient way. All
Ambassadors are listed on
www.PHITAmerica.org with their
professional affiliation and a link
to a website of their choice.
Interested individuals can become
an Ambassador by emailing
Ambassador@PHITAmerica.org.
Send your name, email address,
professional affiliation(s) and a
URL you would like to have linked
from your listing on
PHITAmerica.org.
R S I J U L Y 2 0 1 3
Group to Study USTA Membership Decline
I
n response to a decline in USTA membership for 2012, USTA President Dave Haggerty
announced the formation of a Membership Innovation Study Group to recommend models that
can help boost membership in the organization.
The USTA has more than 750,000 individual members, but in an email to USTA staff and volun-
teers, Haggerty said membership for 2012 had declined by 1.8%, or 13,733 members, which he
termed unprecedented.
Historically, USTA Membership has reported modest annual increases of 2 to 3 percent in mem-
ber count each year, Haggerty wrote, adding the decline for 2012 was in spite of bringing in over
45,000 new 10 and under members. He also said that so far in 2013, the member count declines
are continuing, to the tune of 2 percent to 3 percent each month.
In contrast, the latest USTA/TIA Participation Study showed that tennis participation in the U.S.
increased for 2012. Overall participation went up 4 percent to 28.04 million, while frequent players
increased 10 percent to 5.3 million.
The goal of the Membership Innovation Study Group, Haggerty wrote, is to evaluate potential
new membership models to enable us to remain relevant to consumers, while remaining sensitive
to the financial needs of the sections. USTA membership determines voting strength of the sec-
tions and section funding.
The study group met at the end of May, and Haggerty says more information about what the
group is working on will be coming over the next few months. The group, which has about 15
members, is being led by USTA Chief Executive of Community Tennis Kurt Kamperman and Mem-
bership Director Sherry Elinsky, and includes Section presidents, executive directors, delegates,
membership staff and committee members, among others.
July 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
ESPN to Air US Open, USOS Starting in 2015; CBS Out
T
he USTA has entered into an 11-year media partnership with ESPN for the television and digital
presentation of the US Open and the Emirates Airline US Open Series. The agreement will begin
in 2015 and run through the 2025 US Open
and provide more than 200 hours of live coverage
each summer, including 130 hours of US Open cov-
erage. Current domestic television agreements with
CBS, which is in about 15 million more households
than ESPN or ESPN2, conclude following the 2014
US Open. CBS has carried the US Open since 1968.
ESPN will have the right to sub-license coverage
with agreement from the USTA. The comprehensive
deal includes rights for all ESPN platforms including
cable television, digital distribution and live-stream-
ing of US Open matches.
By teaming with the worldwide leader in sports,
the USTA will continue to ensure that tennis at every level thrives in the United States, said USTA Pres-
ident Dave Haggerty.
One of the most important aspects of the new broadcast agreement is the increased coverage of
the US Open across multiple platforms, delivering tennis to more fans in the formats that todays con-
sumers demand, said Gordon Smith, USTA Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.
P
h
o
t
o

b
y

B
o
b

K
e
n
a
s
J U L Y 2 0 1 3
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
USPTA World Conference to Feature New Format
T
he USPTAs annual awards program will have a new
look and format this year during the World Con-
ference Sept. 23-27 at the Hyatt Regency Grand
Cypress in Orlando, Fla. The awards luncheon,
which takes place on Sept. 27, will feature keynote speak-
er Pat Williams. Williams is the co-founder and senior
VP of the Orlando Magic, a basketball Hall of Famer
and a top motivational speaker.
The luncheon will honor the recipients of the associations highest dis-
tinctions, including: USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award, Alex Gordon
Professional of the Year Award, USPTA Master Professionals and
USTA/USPTA Community Service Award.
The conference will feature numerous general sessions, seminars and
specialty courses. Each day will feature a theme focusing on a core compe-
tency including 10 and Under Tennis, club operations/business, player
development and teaching/sport science. The conference also offers a ten-
nis-only buying show, International Tennis Championships, networking
opportunities, and more.
Visit www.usptaworldconference.com or call 800-877-8248.
Tennis Channel Loses Appeal to Comcast
A
federal appeals court ruled unanimously May 28 that Comcast did not
discriminate against the Tennis Channel by placing it in a different
cable television subscription tier than Comcasts own sports networks.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit reversed
a 2012 FCC decision that Comcast unfairly placed the sports channel in
a more expensive viewing tier than its own Golf Channel and NBC Sports
Network. The FCC had voted 3-2 to require Comcast to put Tennis Chan-
nel on par with its own sports network, marking the first time a cable
network prevailed over a cable operator under the FCC's 1993 federal
anti-discrimination program carriage rules.
Comcast, however, argued that the FCC's requirement infringed upon
its freedom of editorial judgment and speech and that its placement of
the Tennis Channel was based on the financial analysis, not discrimina-
tion against a rival.
Tennis Channel said in a statement Comcast's "clear pattern of dis-
crimination ... warrants further review of the panel's decision and we
intend to seek that review."
Comcast said, Tennis Channel received exactly the carriage it bar-
gained for and agreed to. Comcast's decision to carry Tennis Channel
was the product of legitimate business considerations, not affiliation.
Head Partners with (RED)
To Combat AIDS
A
t the French Open, Head
launched a (RED) Special Edi-
tion bag collection to help in the
fight against AIDS. Head said 40
percent of the profits from each
Head Red bag will go to the Glob-
al Fund to fight AIDS. The bag
was carried by Head pros includ-
ing Novak Djokovic, Sloane
Stephens and Gilles Simon. The
bag collection includes a Red
Monstercombi ($110) with
compartments for 12
racquets and a Red
Backpack ($70). The
Global Fund provides pro-
grams to fight AIDS, tuberculo-
sis and malaria, and (RED),
co-founded by singer Bono, partners with various
brands to also combat AIDS.
USTC to Bring World-Class
Training to Recreational Players
T
he US Tennis Congress (USTC), a new initiative for
adult recreational players, will deliver world-class
training and education to adult amateurs at the orga-
nizations first gathering Oct. 11-14 in Atlanta. The
faculty includes Olympic silver medalist Emilio
Sanchez, two-time Wimbledon doubles champion
Don Johnson, and several former Top 100 profes-
sionals, in addition to top teaching pros.
Ive met hundreds of other adult players who,
like me, are deeply passionate about achieving their
personal best, says USTC founder P.J. Simmons.
We have no illusions about ever playing like a
world-ranked player, but we love the sport. We
designed the USTC to help more adults experience
the kind of comprehensive, cutting-edge training a
junior could at a tennis academy, in order to fast-
track their progress and fulfill their dreams. Think of
it as a TED-style conference meets tennis camp.
The USTC-Atlanta will be at the Dolce Atlanta
Hotel & Resort and the Peachtree City Tennis Center
and will feature more than 35 top experts on its
world-class faculty. USTC also has created a Teach-
ing Pro Observer Program for a limited number of
teaching pros and coaches to audit master classes
and workshops. Participants will be eligible for con-
tinuing education credits from PTR and USPTA and
have the opportunity to gain certifications in Cardio
Tennis and TRX Cardio Tennis. For details and regis-
tration, visit www.ustenniscongress.com.
Hall of Fame Gains Top Museum Accreditation
T
he International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum in Newport, R.I., has
achieved accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM),
which is the highest professional achievement in the museum industry.
AAM Accreditation indicates that the accredited museum is operating at the
highest level of museum professional standards and that it demonstrates a
commitment to excellence in all that it does.
Of the nation's estimated 17,500 museums, just over 1,000 are accred-
ited, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum is the first sports
hall of fame to receive the honor. It is the second sports museum (American
Museum of Fly Fishing) and the second hall of fame (Country Music Hall of
Fame) to achieve this distinction.
I N D U S T R Y N E W S
June 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 www.racquetsportsindustry.com
J U L Y 2 0 1 3
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
Novak Djokovic has a new footwear deal with Adidas. The world No. 1
debuted his Barricade 7 at the French Open.
Former USTA President David Markin passed
away at the end of May. Markin served as USTA
president from 1989-90, then chaired the US Open
site committee in the mid-1990s, which planned
and executed the revitalization of the National Tennis
Center, including the construction of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The retired tennis star Andy Roddick has been hired as one of the co-
hosts of Fox Sports Live, a three-hour news, opinion and highlights show
that will air nightly on Fox Sports 1 when the network launches Aug. 17.
Roddick said he will appear nightly Monday to Friday, working either four
or five nights depending on the week.
Dan Faber is the new executive director of USTA Serves, the national
charitable foundation of the USTA. He most recently served as executive
director of NJTL of Trenton, N.J.
The USTA Midwest Section announced its 2013 Hall of Fame inductees,
tennis legend Billie Jean King and USTA Past President Jon Vegosen. Both
will be inducted into the sections Hall of Fame on Dec. 6 in Chicago.
Andre Agassi has renewed his partnership with Nike. The deal will focus
on a shared passion for tennis, along with a commitment to help kids
become more active and realize their full potential through sports. Agassi
and Nike will advocate for change, leveraging the Designed
to Move framework for action.
Rod Laver, the only person to have won the Grand
Slam twice, will be an honored guest at the Interna-
tional Tennis Hall of Fame's Legends Ball, an annual
celebration to be held Sept. 6 in New York City during
the US Open. At the event, Laver will receive the Eugene L. Scott Award,
given to an individual who has shown a commitment to tennis and has
made a positive impact on the sport.
Tennis Channel has appointed Ross Schneiderman to senior
coordinating producer. Schneiderman, who is based in Con-
necticut, will oversee the network's television production of
the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US
Open, in addition to other top-level tournaments. The eight-
time Emmy Award winner has nearly 30 years of TV produc-
tion experience, most recently with CBS Sports.
Michael Schaeffer of the University of Oregon and Orlando Superlano of
Texas Christian University have been selected as the 2013 Wilson/ITA
National Promoter of the Year Award winners. Both will receive a paid
summer internship at Wilson's global headquarters in Chicago.
Puma appointed Andy Koehler as chief operating officer. He succeeds
former COO Klaus Bauer.
Former University of Florida All-American Mark Merklein, perhaps the
most decorated mens tennis player in UF history, is returning to
Gainesville as an assistant coach. Hell work with head coach Bryan Shel-
ton. Amer Delic, who served as the assistant coach this season, has taken
a job as the Director of Tennis at The Polo Club in Austin, Texas.
Wilson racquetball players Debbie Tisinger-Moore and Mitt Layton were
inducted into the Racquetball Hall of Fame at the recent National Single
Racquetball Championships. Tisinger-Moore holds a record 92 gold medals
with 53 of them being titles at USA National events. Layton captured six
National titles and 13 US Open titles in his age divisions from 1995 to 2004.
Head Penns Paola Longoria captured her fourth Season Championship
of her career on the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour in early May.
PEOPLEWATCH
Gamma Offers Orange
And Green Dot Balls
G
amma Sports is shipping new 60
Orange Dot and 78 Green Dot balls
for 10 & Under Tennis and ITF Tennis
10s and Tennis Xpress lessons and play.
The 60 Orange Dot ball is 50 percent
slower than a standard yellow tennis
ball, ideal for ages 10 and under on a
60-foot court and adult
beginners. The 78 Green
Dot ball is 25 percent slow-
er than a yellow tennis ball,
ideal for ages 10 and under
and 11+ and adult begin-
ners on a 78-foot court.
Visit www.gam-
masports.com or
email pm@gam-
masports.com.
Sam Chan is New USRSA Tester Down Under
T
he U.S. Racquet Stringers Association announces that Sam Chan is the newest
USRSA certification tester in Australia. Chan has been stringing racquets for 40
years and has been a member of
the official stringing team at 17
Grand Slams and Masters events,
and also at other ATP and WTA
tournaments.
Chan, who moved from Lon-
don to Australia in 2011, also was
a stringer at the Olympic games
in Athens, and in 2006 was on
the official stringing teams for all
four Grand Slams tournaments.
Hes also a certification tester for
ERSA and CRSA, and he initiated
and organized racquet stringing
courses in mainland China for a
number of years.
June 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11
Is Your Facility
Outstanding?
S
ubmit your application now
for the USTAs annual Out-
standing Facility Awards. The
awards program is designed to
encourage high standards for
construction and/or renovation of
tennis facilities. Application
deadline is June 28.
The USTA evaluates entries
based on criteria that includes
the facility itself and its tennis
programs. There is no minimum
or maximum number of facilities
selected; the number of recipi-
ents honored will depend on the
quality of the applicants. Awards
will be presented during the
USTA Semiannual Meeting in
New York City during the 2013
US Open.
For more information on the
USTA Outstanding Facility Awards
and for the application/nomina-
tion form, Visit USTA.com/About-
USTA/USTA-Awards.
Sarasota Residents Petition
to Save High School Courts
L
ocal Sarasota, Fla., residents are peti-
tioning to save the eight tennis courts at
Sarasota High School after word got out
that there was a plan to demolish them
this summer to create a new bus loop. An
online petition"Stop the demolition of
the tennis courts at Sarasota High School.
Keep the Courts"has been created with
plans to eventually present to local govern-
ment.
These courts have been a valuable
community resource for many years, pro-
viding exercise and recreation for thou-
sands of people, from the surrounding
neighborhoods and throughout the area,
reads the petition. Many Sarasota High
School tennis teams have trained and
played on them. This is the only set of
eight public courts in the county. The dem-
olition of these courts, which cost a lot to
build and have only recently been resur-
faced, is a waste of taxpayer money.
Visit signon.org/sign/keep-the-tennis-
courts.
Ashaway Named Official String
of World Squash Championships
A
shaway Racket Strings has been named the
Official String Partner for the 2013 Men's
World Squash Championships. The tournament
will be held Oct. 26-Nov. 3 in Manchester, Eng-
land, where 64 of the world's top professional
squash players will compete for a $325,000
prize.
Ashaway will also have stringing rights to the
2013 Allam British Open in Hull, England, May
20-26. Ashaway was the Official String Partner
for the British Open last year and the British
Grand Prix for the past three years.
"Ashaway is always eager to support profes-
sional and amateur squash whenever we can,"
says Ashaway Vice President Steve Crandall. "To
be associated with prestigious events like the
British Open, the World Championships, and
the Grand Prix is an honor as well as a
pleasure."
Ashaway will be represented at these events
by its longtime UK distributor Goode Sport.
According to Goode partner Paul Smith,
stringers for the events will be Liam Nolan of the
UKRSA and Nick Down of Smart Racquet. They
will use Ashaway Electronic SM7900 machines.
J U L Y 2 0 1 3
Top-Selling Tennis Strings
at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date units, Jan.-March 2013
1. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex
2. Babolat RPM Blast
3. Wilson NXT
4. Wilson Sensation
5. Luxilon Alu Power
Top-Selling Racquets
at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-March 2013
Best Sellers
1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive 2013 (MP)
2. Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 (MP)
3. Wilson BLX Juice (MP)
4. Wilson Steam 99S (MP)
5. Babolat Aero Pro Drive GT (MP)
Hot New Racquets
(introduced in the past 12 months)
1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive 2013 (MP)
2. Wilson Steam 99S (MP)
3. Wilson Steam 105S (OS)
4. Head Graphene Speed Pro (MP)
5. Babolat Aero Pro Team 2013 (MP)
Tennis Racquet Performance
Specialty Stores
January-March, 2013 vs. 2012
Units 2013 119,590
2012 138,764
% change vs. 12 -14%
Dollars 2013 $17,702,000
2012 $19,477,000
% change vs. 12 -9%
Price 2013 $148.02
2012 $140.36
% change vs. 12 5%
Top-Selling Tennis Shoes
at Specialty Stores
By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-March 2013
1. Prince T22
2. Adidas AdiPower Barricade 7
3. Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour
4. Nike Air Max Cage 2013
5. Asics Gel Resolution 5
(Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys)
July 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13
>
The USTA has announced that the annual
USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, which hap-
pens in New York City during the US Open, will
be on hiatus in 2013 and will return in 2014,
then occur every other year as what some offi-
cials say will be a bigger event.
>
Nominate for RSIs 13th annual Champions
of Tennis Awards. Email your picks to rsi@rac-
quettech.com, and put champions in the sub-
ject line. In the email, include the category,
name of the person or organization youre nom-
inating, contact info, and brief information
about the nominee. Deadline is Sept. 15. See
page 32 for more information.
>
Flex leagues T2Tennis and Ultimate Tennis
have merged, creating what they say is the
largest tennis flex league in the U.S. The com-
bined league has more than 100,000 members
and operates in seven states. The merger will
allow the new combined company to focus on
improving the players experience, new league
offerings and geographic expansion. The new
combined organization currently offers leagues
in Atlanta, Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Char-
lotte, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Austin,
Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Leagues
offered include singles, doubles and mixed
doubles.
>
Indian pro and 12-time Grand Slam doubles
champion Mahesh Bhupathi is moving forward
with his plans for the International Premier
Tennis League, an elite competition that would
feature the worlds best players participating for
six as-yet unspecified franchises throughout
Asia. The projected launch date is late 2014, and
the IPTL has already garnered support from
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Ser-
ena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Victoria
Azarenka, among other top pros.
SHORT SETS
>
Carlton USA, a subsidiary of Dunlop Sports
Group America, has renewed its sponsorship of
the National Badminton League (NBL) and the
Intercollegiate Badminton Association (IBA).
>
Tennis fans can now enjoy a daily dose of ten-
nis history on their iPhone, iPad and Android
powered devices via the new tennis app "This
Day In Tennis History," available for $4.99 in both
Apple's AppStore and the Google Play Store. The
easy-to-use app was created by Randy Walker,
the former USTA press officer and now the man-
aging partner of New Chapter Media, and devel-
oped by Miki Singh, the former ATP Tour press
officer and the founder of www.FirstServe
Apps.com.
>
World TeamTennis announced that tennis
champions Venus Williams and Andy Roddick
have become part owners of the business and of
the professional team tennis league co-founded
by Billie Jean King.
>
The University of Virginia men and the Stan-
ford women ended the season ranked No. 1 in
the final ITA College Tennis Ranking.
>
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton (S.C.) Cham-
ber of Commerce plans to spend $25,000 to
research the value of Hilton Head's tennis indus-
try. There are more than 300 tennis courts in the
area.
>
The University of Georgia captured the 2013
USTA Tennis on Campus National Championship,
defeating the University of Florida in the final,
26-24. In other ToC news, North Dakota State
Universitys Club Tennis Team has been named
2012-13 Tennis On Campus Club of the Year. Uni-
versity of Illinois senior Michael Lynch is the
USTA Tennis On Campus National Leader of the
Year for the 2012-2013.
I
N
D
U
S
T
R
Y
N
E
W
S
J U L Y 2 0 1 3
USTA Partners with Mount Sinai Medical Center
T
he Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City has been named the exclusive
medical services provider and hospital of the USTA and US Open. In addition to
providing on-site clinical care for tennis professionals competing in the US Open,
Mount Sinais team of experts will lead the development of policies around injury
prevention and will conduct educational outreach to promote the health benefits of
tennis.
In conjunction with the new partnership, Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin, will serve as
the USTAs Chief Medical Officer. Colvin is an assistant professor of sports medicine
and a specialist in the surgical treatment of sports-related injuries of the knee, shoul-
der and hip. In her new role with the USTA, Colvin will assist with initiatives across
multiple divisions, including player development, community tennis, and diversity
and inclusion. She previously served as a consultant to the USTA for the US Open.
Prince to Sponsor Meet & Greet at IART
T
he 7th annual IART Racquet Technicians Symposium is set to kick off on Sept.
21, with a new format for the first day, says IART symposium founder Tim
Strawn. The opening meet and greet will take place on the tennis courts.
Prince Sports will sponsor opening-day events beginning with Cardio Tennis,
a round-robin tournament, then time for attendees to demo new Prince racquets.
The group then moves inside for drinks and food provided by Prince. There will
also be a trivia quiz with prizes that include autographed racquets from Prince
touring pros. Prince is also offering a free hoodie to those who register before
July 15.
In addition, Wilson will give away a Baiardo stringing machine that was used
at the 2013 Australian Open. Early registration will ensure more chances to win
the machine. The IART symposium runs from Sept. 21 to 25 at Saddlebrook
Resort in Tampa and will include USRSA certification testing, the ERSA Pro Tour
Stringer exam, and a four-hour racquet customization class. Visit GrandSlam-
Stringers.com and click symposium, or contact Strawn at tim@gssalliance.com
or 540-632-1148.
Sport Court Completes Marine Base Renovation
S
port Court of Southern California recently completed a major recreation facility
renovation at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego that included
two new acrylic tennis courts, four new PowerGame modular basketball courts, the
conversion of two existing cracked hard tennis courts to synthetic grass, and a new
indoor track and training area.
Home to the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS Miramar hosts over 25,000 active
duty military, families, civilians, and guests on any given day and is home to over
400 military families.
This facility upgrade will go a long way to support our warriors from a fitness
and readiness standpoint, says Frank Guasti, Miramars capital improvements offi-
cer. The courts, along with our new indoor track and turf area, also give our
Marines families and children a place to play, stay fit, and have a lot of fun. We
couldnt be more pleased with the outcome.
Lobster Offers New Elite
Liberty Ball Machine
L
obster Sports latest addition to the Elite
Series line of portable tennis ball
machines is the Elite Liberty. Lobster says
the Elite Liberty was devel-
oped to meet the needs
of beginners to inter-
mediate players who
seek advanced control
of ball speeds and ball
spins at an affordable
price.
Ball speed can range
from 20 to 80 mph. The
machine, which has a sug-
gested retail price of $899, can hold 150
balls and produce shots from ground-
strokes to lobs, will a variety of spins. Bat-
tery life is two hours. Optional accessories
include a wireless remote control, fast
chargers, and external AC power supply.
For more information, contact 800-526-
4041.
Two Named PTR
International Master
Professionals
F
elipe Alarcon of Bradenton, Fla., and
Savina Diankova of Hastings-on-Hud-
son, N.Y., have been selected as PTR Inter-
national Master Professionals. PTR
established the International Master Pro-
fessional designation to recognize individ-
uals who have made significant
contributions to the game of tennis
throughout their careers. There are only
33 PTR International Master Professionals.
Alarcon (at left, with PTR CEO Dan
Santorum and Diankova) came to the
U.S. from Ecuador in 2011. He currently
works at Pembroke Lake Parks. Diankova
has been involved with tennis for more
than 37 years. She came to the U.S. after
coaching in her native Bulgaria, then
Turkey. She is the director of tennis at
Hudson Valley Health & Tennis Club.
MEMBER
CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE: 2 Prince
Impact m/p 4 3/8 for
sale. They are in good
shape. Please Email me
at: misawagt@gmail.com
George W. Theobald
Congratulations To the Following For
Achieving MRT Status
New MRTs
Beth McCaskill Duluth, GA
Kaitlin Flaherty Fayetteville, NC
Michael Vernon Sunnyvale, CA
Shawn Arnette Lawrenceville, GA
Tom Daglis Fayetteville, NC
Tennis Leads the Pack Among
Traditional Sports Growth
Despite f l uctuating participation trends among traditional sports, tennis continues
t o lead t he pack in long-term participation growth, which is up 31% from 2000 to
2012, according to the U.S. Sports, .Fitness, and Recreation Participation Report
recently released by the Physical Activity Council.
The study, which is the nation's largest physical activity study covering a
sample of more than 40,000 individuals, shows tennis as one of only two traditional
sports with positive participation growth over the last 12 years. Gymnastics, a
distant second, up 5%, is the only other traditional sport to show growth during this
time period. Other " traditional " sports include: badminton, basebal l, basketball.
fishing, football, golf, ice hockey, racquetball, soccer, and softball.
Importantly, the PAC
study shows tennis is the only
traditional sport with positive
linear growth in participat ion
rates for kids between ages 6
and 17 (as shown in yel low in
chart) . Among that age range,
the percent of the population
participating in tennis steadily
increases, whereas other sports
typically see a steady decrease
in parti cipation percentage rates
beginning around ages 12 and 13.
"Getting children into tennis and
keeping them in the game is a key
priority for not only growing the
2501
Partidpallon Rates by AceUnder 18s 2012
6 1 t ' w 11 u u " u a v
...
-+-8aseball2012
+ aaketboii2D12
- FootbaR (Tickle) 2012
Soccer (OUtdoor) 2012
-trVolleylloll (Court) 2012
Tennis lOU
game, but also the business of tennis," says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer.
Overall numbers in the 2012 PAC report with respect to tennis participation
showed little year-over-year movement. Similar to the 2011 study, the PAC report
indicated there were 17 mi llion total players and just over 5.2 mil lion frequent
players (those who play at least 21 times a year).
The PAC report is supported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association,
TIA, USTA and five other sports associations. For more about the 2012 study,
visit PhysicaiActivityCouncil.com. For more on tennis-specific data, contact
research@tennisindustry.org or visit tennisindustry.org/ research.
Industry Drives PlayTennis.com!
posts about
PlayTennis.com,
and help spread
the word on al l
Cardio Tennis
Participation
Tops 1.4 Million
Cardio Tennis participation grew
to over 1.4 million participants in
2012, according to the latest PAC
parti cipation report.
Since Cardio Tennis, which
is managed by the TIA, was
first measured in 2008 by the
PAC report, the program has
seen rapid growth in terms of
parti ci pation. In the five-year
period from 2008 to 2012,
participation has grown 7 4%,
from 830,000 participants to
over 1.44 million. Data shows
that more
first-time
and casual
pa rtic i pants
are taking to Cardio Tennis. The
number of casual participants,
those who play Cardio Tennis 1
to 10 times per year, is up 87%
from 2008 to 2012.
Cardio Tennis is a perfect
fit as a group fitness activity,
as more health and fitness-
conscious consumers demand
social interaction in their work-
outs. Visit CardioTennis.com.
PlayTennis.com-the single platform for all things tennis,
designed to bring people into the game and keep them
playing and connected to the sport-is up and running.
Even though some of the site's excit ing features are still
being fine-tuned, check out PlayTennis.com's redesign, as
the site continues to see increased use by both consumers
and providers.
of your social media outlets,
As part of our effort to spread the word, and to
continually increase the number of providers who are
listed with their most current information in PlayTennis.
com's free searches, we're reaching out to all segments
of this industry.
Manufacturers, tennis organizations, pro tours,
leagues, media, retailers and others should push out the
message that PlayTennis.com is THE place to get into
the game, stay in the game, have fun on the court, and
get fit and healthy! Expect to see e-blasts, tweets and
which could potentially reach nearly
100 million people.
Also available for providers are PlayTennis.com hang-
tags for racquets and apparel, inserts for shoe boxes and
messaging for ball cans. There are email templates, ads,
web banners, posters, fliers, and logos you can place
on your websites. Information and downloads are at
Tennislndustry.org/playtennis.
PlayTennis.com-which is unbranded and solely
focused on growing this sport- is a rallying point for
this industry. When you help tennis grow, you help your
business grow, too.
Join the TIA .. . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow t he Game .. . www.Tennislndustry.org
New Cardio Tennis Website is Live!
CardioTennis.com has been revamped and improved- now
with more detailed information for both tennis providers and
consumers about the expanding Cardio Tennis program. The
enhanced functionality and technology features of the new site
are crucial components to growing the base of Cardio Tennis
providers and players.
Gn FI:t.11AVE FUN
BURII MOil'tALI RIESI
lri@ffi.f.ffii
For Authorized Providers: The website has a newly developed
platform for Cardio Tennis Leaders to access Cardio Tennis
marketing materials to help make their programs successful and
profitable. Authorized Providers have instant access to the Cardio
Tennis Leader dashboard as well as other features such as Cardio
Tennis Interactive (an online fitness/tennis challenge software)
and the Cardio Tennis Marketing Asset Management site, where
marketing tools such as fliers, postcards, and more can be
customized and downloaded.
'f" Hi
on tht FUNI
I
f
""'> l(,t, l __ ,_

For Consumers: CardioTennis.com makes it easier to find CT
classes, as well as learn more about the program. An updated
"Frequently Asked Questions" covers highlights and details
about Cardio Tennis, and the library of overview videos and "One
Minute Clinics," courtesy of Tennis Channel, allows consumers to
see Cardio Tennis in action. The new site shows consumers the
benefits of playing Cardio Tennis, how to properly train using a
heart-rate monitor, offers success stories, and more. Still to come
(in mid-2013) will be functionality to allow consumers to search
for and sign up for Cardio Tennis classes online.
For questions, or to become a CT Authorized
Provider, contact the TIA at (843) 686-3036 or email
m ichele@ca rdiot en n is.com.
Tennis professionals from around the world came
to Hilton Head Island, S.C., in early May for the
PTR Symposium, where Cardio Tennis was on
the morning schedule for attendees. In addition,
two training courses, giving teaching pros the
opportunity to become a Licensed Cardio Tennis
Professional and Qual ified TRX Cardio Tennis
Professional, were held on the days following
the Symposium.
TIA Cardio Tennis Manager Michele Krause
and Dorian Adam, the director of Life Sports for
TRX, also gave a Symposium presentation on
TRX Cardio Tennis, which integrates the TRX
suspension training system into the Cardio Tennis
workout. "The presentation offered an excellent
opportunity for Symposium attendees to see a
program that bridges the gap between the fitness
and tennis worlds," Adam says. "Plus, it can help a facility's bottom line."
Members of the TIA Cardio Tennis Trainer team traveled to Hilton Head Island for
a Cardio Tennis Masters training program held in the days after the PTR Symposium.
The main role of a trainer is to deliver the highest quality Cardio Tennis and TRX
Cardio Tennis Training Courses. Trainer members also deliver presentations and
workouts at industry conferences and meetings.
"The Cardio Tennis program, brand, and product continues to evolve," says
Krause, "and keeping our team of trainers up to date on new developments allows
us to deliver the best, most consistent product possible anywhere in the world."
The courses saw tennis and fitness professionals learn how to deliver Cardio Tennis
and TRX Cardio Tennis as licensed professionals. Additionally, PTR members who
completed one or both courses receive MAP points for their training.
To learn more about Cardio Tennis and TRX
Cardio Tennis, and to see the training course
schedule (including at the upcoming USPTA World
Conference), visit CardioTennis.com. For other
questions, contact the TIA at info@cardiotennis.com.
II
TIA Plans
Meetings in NYC
Before, During
US Open
The TIA is at work
planning various
meetings in New York
City before and during
the US Open to help
keep the industry
informed and up to date
on the latest research,
data and key industry
"talking points."
In early August the
TIA is looking to meet
with business media
in New York to share
news about the industry,
present storylines on
initiatives, and offer
industry background
for stories on tennis
leading into and during
the Open. The TIA plans
to hold its annual board
meeting, followed by
a separate leadership
meeting, then a meeting
for tennis retailers to
discuss, among other
things, the Tennis Tune-
Up Campaign and the
TIA Retailer Division.
Stay tuned for more
information on these
meetings and topics.
Join the TIA ... Increase Your Prof its .. . Grow the Game . . . www.Tennislndust ry.org July 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17
&
Retailing 122
your store environment looks inviting and
ready for each shoppers journey,
whether thats first thing in the morning
or the last customer of the day. Going
through a recovery checklist after closing
ensures that you will be ready for the first
shoppers the next morning.
Turning right. There are volumes of
research to back up the simple fact that
shoppers will turn to the right when enter-
ing a retail environment if it is possible to
do so. If your store allows shoppers to
turn to the right after they enter and go
through the transition zone, place power
displays up front and directly in shop-
pers line of sight as they turn to the right.
Power displays. These are where you
prominently display the latest merchan-
dise or sale items that you want to feature
and make sure shoppers see. They are
typically among the largest displays in
your store, and because of their impor-
tance, they need to be kept neat, clean
and well stocked. And they also need to
be changed as frequently as your most
frequent customers visit your store; even
if the featured merchandise doesnt
change, make sure the display itself is re-
configured and re-dressed.
Once your shoppers have seen a dis-
play they tend to forget its there. You
need to keep all of your displays fresh
and new so frequent and returning
shoppers find something new and inter-
esting, even though they may have seen
the actual products before.
Aisles. Your store aisles take shoppers
on their journey, and, while it may be a
challenge for smaller stores, aisles need to
be wide enough to accommodate strollers
and allow two adults to pass without
touching. Research shows that if a
woman is put in an uncomfortable situa-
tion where she touches or is touched by
another shopper to get through an aisle,
the shopping visit is over.
Give shoppers the tools to shop. Many
specialty retailers forget completely about
making it convenient to actually shop
their stores! Providing shopping carts,
onsumers will decide in the first
three to five seconds if they are com-
fortable in your store. Making shop-
pers comfortable in your specialty tennis
retail environment as soon as possible is a
critical factor in your conversions and your
stores close rate and, of equal impor-
tance, in consumer satisfaction with your
retail brand.
Start with your main entrance. When
you or your staff opens your store each
day, make the first tasks sweeping and
cleaning the sidewalk or paved area that
leads to your main entrance. Make sure
glass doors and windows are cleaned regu-
larly. Remove and toss any old, out-of-date
signsand invest in sign-making software
or find a local sign shop. Its better to have
no signs than to have unreadable or hand-
scrawled signs. And scrape off all decals
and fliers that are taped to your entrance
door and windows. Shoppers will be more
comfortable with a clean and inviting
entrance to your store.
Create a neutral transition zone. First-
time shoppers entering a store need a bit
of neutral space, or a transition zone, to
process where they are and figure out
where they want to go, so make sure your
entrance isnt crowded or jammed with
displays. This is true even for the smallest
stores. And be aware that the vast majori-
ty of shoppers entering a store at a normal
walking speed will simply not recognize or
react to signs or merchandise displays that
immediately crowd them or get in their
face the instant they come through the
door. Its better to create a transition zone
than waste the space with a cluttered front
entrance that shoppers wont react to.
Practice recovery regularly during
the day and at close. Keeping your store
environment neat, clean and inviting
needs to be part of your daily operating
process, including sweeping, vacuuming
and mopping the floors and dusting and
polishing the counters, fixtures and dis-
plays. Folding (and re-folding) clothing on
display and putting out fresh stock needs
to be scheduled several times a day so
C
This is part of a
series of retail tips
presented by the Ten-
nis Industry Associa-
tion and written by the Gluskin Townley
Group (www.gluskintownleygroup.com).
For upcoming TIA retail webinars,
and to view previous webinars, visit
TennisIndustry.org/webinars.
How to Put Shoppers
in the Comfort Zone
bags or baskets encourage shoppers to
stay and actually shop. This is so simple
that it is too often overlooked. Even if
your store is small, make sure shoppers
have what they need to stay and shop.
Its all part of making your store
sticky.
Seating shows you care. Finding cre-
ative ways to provide seating will help
increase conversions, close rates and
average transaction value. Make sure
there is some type of seating, with mir-
rors associated with shoe displays and
also changing or fitting rooms. Women
often shop together and will spend more
time trying on shoes and clothing if
there is seating for their companion.
Seating also is important for the signifi-
cant other who comes in with the shop-
per; make them comfortable by
providing a place to at least sit while the
shoppershops! w
&
Your Players
rays can penetrate glass and clouds.
UVB is the middle-range of UV and is
responsible for burning, tanning and skin
aging, and it plays a major role in the
development of skin cancer. The most
significant amount of UVB hits the U.S.
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. April
through October.
Suffice to say, no matter what time of
year, players need continual protection
from both UVA and UVB if theyre play-
ing outside, even on cloudy days. When
considering sunscreen products, look at
those labeled broad spectrum.
Understanding SPF
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is a mea-
sure of a sunscreens ability to prevent
harsh UV from damaging the skin. How
does it work? If it takes 20 minutes for
your unprotected skin to start turning
red, then a product with an SPF of 30
should protect your skin from reddening
for about 10 hours (20 minutes x 30).
Another measurement is in terms
percentage: An SPF 15 filters out about
93% of UVB rays. Products with SPF 30
block about 97% and SPF 50 keeps out
98%.
But often, people using higher SPF-
rated products have a false sense of secu-
rity and may stay in the sun longer,
overexposing themselves to both UVA
and UVB rays.
Philippe Autier, a scientist at the Inter-
national Agency for Research on Cancer,
has conducted studies on sunbathers and
believes high SPF products spur pro-
found changes in sun behavior which
have prompted the increased melanoma
risk found in several studies. Also, the
effectiveness of sunscreen products are
decreased by longer exposure to the sun
and constant sweating.
New FDA Guidelines
Last year, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration came out with new label-
ing and testing guidelines for sunscreens.
kin cancer is the most common
form of cancer in the U.S. Accord-
ing to the Skin Cancer Foundation,
more than 2 million people are diag-
nosed with skin cancer every year, and
over the past 30 years, more people
have had skin cancer than all other can-
cers combined. One estimate says that
one in five Americans will develop skin
cancer in the course of a lifetime.
But skin cancer also might be one of
the most easily preventable forms of
cancer. Protection from the sun is essen-
tial for preventionabout 90 percent of
non-melanoma skin cancers and 65 per-
cent of melanomas are associated with
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
from the sun, according to the SCF.
Tennis players are at particular risk,
so it makes sense that you stock appro-
priate clothing and sunscreen products
in your shop and at your facility to pro-
tect players when they go outside to
play.
Shining a Light on UV
Weve all heard about UV rays. There
are actually three types: UVA, UVB and
UVC. The short-wave UVC rays arent a
concern for skin cancer since they dont
reach the Earths surfaceits the UVA
and UVB rays that cause the damage
and are responsible for skin cancers. In
fact, the National Institutes of Health
and the World Health Organization have
identified broad spectrum UV (broad
spectrum means both UVA and UVB) as
a human carcinogen.
UVA is long-wavelength ultraviolet
radiation and accounts for up to 95 per-
cent of the solar UV radiation reaching
the Earth. UVA rays are present during
all daylight hours, all year long, and they
penetrate into the deeper layers of the
skin. For years, UVA has been thought
to play a major role in skin aging and
wrinkling, and recent studies suggest it
can initiate and exacerbate the develop-
ment of skin cancers. Importantly, UVA
S
Burn Notice
It may seem like a minor item to stock, but sunscreen can play a major role
in protecting your players.
Importantly, by the end of 2013, there
will no longer be any sunscreens rated
higher than SPF 50. Products with rat-
ings higher than SPF 50 were not shown
to increase the effectiveness of the sun-
screen.
Another
important
change is that
broad spec-
trum is now an
official term and
means a sun-
screen product
meets FDA stan-
dards for both
UVB and UVA
protection.
(Before, broad
spectrum was
often used but
had no official
meaning.) If a
product only pro-
tects against
UVB, it will just
say SPF 30 (or
whatever the SPF
rating may be). If
a sunscreen pro-
tects against
both UVA and
UVB, the label
will read Broad
Spectrum SPF
30.
Additionally, the FDA ruling prohibits
claims of a sunscreen being waterproof
on a label, since a sunscreen cannot, in
fact, be waterproof. New labels will
appear with the term water resistant,
but then must specify whether they pro-
tect for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming
or sweating, based on laboratory testing.
Other terms that will no longer be
allowed on sunscreen labels are sun-
block and sweatproof.
So, protect your players, and keep
them playingall year long.w
Guidelines for
Sun Protection
w Apply sunscreen 15 to
30 minutes before
going out into the sun.
w For lotions, use 2 to 3
tablespoons to cover
your body. For spray
products, apply as
much as can be
rubbed in, then repeat
the process.
w Regardless of the SPF
rating, reapply every 2
hours and again after
sweating or swimming.
w Even when using sun
screen, limit time in
the sun and wear pro
tective clothing and a
hat.
w Always check the expi
ration date.
w Dont store sunscreen
in a car; extreme tem
peratures will degrade
its effectiveness.
BY CYNT HI A S HE RMAN
INDUSTRY RESEARCH
ANALYSIS
The research and trends in the latest 'State of the
Industry' report can help you chart a profitable path for your business.
BY RYAN MELTON AND PETER FRANCESCONI
E
very year, t he Tennis Industry Association produces
key research reports chat tennis businesses can use
to help grow their botwm lines. The recently released
2013 edi tion of the "State o f the Industry report contains
data and trends that can help teaching pros, retailers, facil i ty
managers and other tennis providers.
The State of the Industry analyzes and compil es data
from the more chan 70 annual TIA research reports to help
show where this industry has been, where it is now, and
where it's going. Presented here is j ust a small sampling of
some key findings in the most recent report and what they
may mean for your business. (The complete State of the
Industry is available for TIA members. For more information,
visit Tennislndustry.org.)
A Growing Tennis Economy
You're part of a Total Tennis Economy estimated to be
worth $5.57 bill ion in the U.S. at the end of 20 12, which is
a 3 percent increase over 2011 (compared to the 1. 5 percent
increase in the overall U.S. economy) . As you've probably
experienced, whi le t he tennis economy is not necessarily
booming, it is holding its own.
One key economic indicator the TIA uses in its analysis
is the Consumer Confidence Index. whi ch has increased
sli ghtly each of the last three years. Tradit ionally, the CCI has
been a good predictor of how tennis equipment is trending
overall-as the CCI increases, equipment shipments and
sales also appear to increase.
Total tennis participation in 2012 was up 4 percent
to 28.04 million. Even better, frequent players, who play
21 times a year or more and account for more than 70
percent of all money spent in tennis, increased 10 percent,
to 5.3 million. For all segments of the industry, this bigger
The Industry at a Glance 2012
Total Tennis Economy .. $5.57 Billion
Total Participation . .. 28.04 Million
Youth Tennis Participation
(Ages 6-11) . .. . 3.7 Million
Frequent Tennis Players
(21+ times a year) 5.31 Million
Manufacturer Year-End Wholesale
Shipment Units (M1/Iions)
Tennis Racquets
Tenni s Ball s
Red, Orange. Green Balls
.... 3.43 (up 1 Ofo)
1 26.5 (up 2.30fo)
4.55 (up 380fo)
base of frequent players could mean opportuniues to
realize additional revenue by offering more clinics, leagues,
wurnaments, Cardia Tennis, etc.
"Regular'' players-chose who play four co 20 times
a year-also increased nearly 5 percent in 2012, to 12.6
million. Tennis providers should make sure they emphasize
programming that can keep these players in the game and
transition them to "frequent" player status.
Appealing to Frequent Players
Frequent-player demographics can mean good news for your
business, too. The median household income for frequent
players is $96,000, meaning they have money to spend-on
equipment, court rime, club memberships, ere. It al so means
you might target this income demographic in your area to gee
non-players or infrequent players into the game regularl y-w
create frequent players.
On average, frequent players play tennis 68 times a
year. Retailers and stringers need to be on top of restringing,
racquet sales and customizi ng needs for these players. Make
sure you have software chat can track string specs and help
Tennis Participation by Play Frequency 2007-2012 (Millions of Players)
35
30.13
30
27.81 28.04
25
:r,1 20
..g

10
5
Frequeni (21+ Hmes. a!JS 6+) Regular Players (4- 20 llfres. age 6+) Casual Players (1- 3 blll!s. age 6+)
Give Reasons to Play
Get your game-matching services ramped up. For frequent
players who played more tennis in 2012, nearly 60 percent
said the reason was they found someone or someone new
to play with. The No. 2 reason was they found more t ime to
play tennis, which could speak to programs that are abl e to
lit into busy lifestyles better. The third reason was they joined
a tennis league, so consider offering or expanding leagues at
your facility ro create more play opportunit ies.
Of frequent players who played less tennis in 20 12,
the No. 1 reason mentioned by 58 percent was increased
work and school commitments, whil e close behi nd (54
percent) was that they spent t ime on other sports or fi t ness
send out restringing remi nders. Push the idea of a Tennis activit ies rather than tennis. Tennis is competi ng for limited
Tune-Up (visit PlayTennis.com for more info) . discretionary time, and
Emphasize that the more they play (both in especially on the health
terms of ri mes per year and hours), the more Total number of frequent players 5.311.000 and fitness from, tennis
they need to restring. Many frequent players Male
54
% has a compell ing story to
are league players. too, so it hel ps t he team tell. Check into the impact
Female 46%
to have their racquets pl aying their best, and Cardio Tennis can have
maybe they can convince their teammates Average Age 34 (visit CardioTennis.com
to get t hei r equipment tuned up, too Where do frequent players live? City_ 31% for more info)-it 's
The average age of frequent players Small town _
33
% generally an hour long,
is 34, which means many are working and participants are both
Suburb -21%
professionals. so it's important to ti me playing tennis and getting a
clinics, Cardio Tennis, round-robins, ere. to Rural - 15% phenomenal worl<..out at the
fit into their schedules, and to offer options. Ethnicity White -3.862M same ti me.
Flex leagues, where players set up their own Asian_ .7
6
BM If your facility is near
match ti mes. can be an important option. a college or university, and
Also. this age group is prime for appealing Black- .35
4
M especially i f players from
to healt h and fi tness, so push the heal th Hispanic- .659M the college already use your
benefits of tennis and make sure Cardio Median Household income $96,000 courts, help the students
Tennis is on the menu. And don' t forget, this Frequent Ia er play occasions
362
Million to start a USTA Tennis on
is also an age where many f requent players
68
Campus program. This
Average times played tennis
have l<..ids-get the whole family in the game impressive program now
with youth tennis programs. Estimated annual tennis expenditure/player S726 has over 35,000 players on
Sales of racquets and shoes ro frequent players may more than 600 campuses nationwide. It can fi ll your courts,
have had thei r challenges in recent years, but apparel sales help your retai l sales and provide lesson income.
are a bright spot. While frequent players may hesi tate to
spend on bigger ticket items. t hey sti ll want something new Get Kids In the Game
for tennis, and research has shown that apparel sales to this
group increased in 20 1 2.
Total yout h tennis partici pation increased 12 percent in 201 2,
to more than 3. 7 mill ion kids aged 6 to 11 . Youth tennis
equipment also showed strong growth i n 2012. Two-thirds
of retai lers surveyed said they've bmh noticed a significant
spike in consumer interest in youth tennis equipment in
2012, and that they feel interest will continue to grow.
Facilities and retailers should clearly rake advantage
of this focus by offering programs and equipment for kids,
including Red, Orange and Green balls. which also are used
for adult programming and Cardio Tennis. (Also, new USTA
and ITF rules are mandating the use of new ROG balls for
all youth tennis tournaments.)
Over two-thirds of facilities in the TIA's Court Activity
Monitor reported an increase in 10 and Under Tennis play
in the second half of 2012. Helping to drive these play
opportunities were Kids' Tennis Clubs and Play Days-in
fact, Play Days average 30 kids per event, which can help
build a base for your future consumers. (Visit YouthTennis.
com for more info on bringing IOU events to your facility.)
Also, the lining and construction of 36- and 60-foot
courts surged in 2012, with more than 4,600 courts in the
U.S. For court builders, while there may not be a ton of
profit in adding I 0 and Under Tennis lines to an existing
78-foot court, many report that it helps provide an entree to
clubs and facilities and build business down the road.
Retail, Teaching Pro Confidence
TIA research shows that overall retailer confidence in
future racquet sales is increasing, however tennis specialty
dealers are still concerned about competition from onli ne,
enforcement of Minimum Advertised Price policies and
"showrooming" (where consumers look in the score. chen
buy online).
When competing with online, local retail ers should
continue to monicor prices and sales on internet si tes so
they know what they' re up against. Whi le brick-and-mortar
shops may not be able co march price discounts, the service
you can provide can go a long way to keeping customers.
Also, tO help combat showrooming, flgure OUt
ways to keep people in your score longer. Retail
research has shown that the longer someone
is in your score, the better the chances that
they'l l make a purchase.
Surveys of reaching pros show that 53
percent expect their business co increase in
2013. compared co 2012, and 44 percent
expect it to at least remain the same. This is a
huge opportunity co increase lesson revenue
and to get people i nco the game and keep
them there. In fact, 65 percent of people who
stare tennis in a beginning program continue
into follow-up programs. Make sure you have
clear pathways for consumers after those
initial lessons and clinics.
Like any business, you need rouse all the
cools you have to get ahead. Research is an
i mportant cool ro have in your cool box. To learn
more about industry research and reports
avai lable, visi t Tennislndustry.org/Research
or email research@tenni si ndustry.org.
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
OOt
Dealer Trends Study
Have you noticed a significant spike in
consumer interest in 10 and Under Tennis equipment
over the past 12 months?
Yes: 66%
In the next 6-12 months, do you think consumer interest
in 10 & Under Tennis equipment will :
10%
21% Don't Know
Stay the Same
Fade Away
Be Genuine & Gain Traclion
Teaching Pros-Projected Business
(Next 12 months compared to previous 12 months)
Decreased Stayed the same Increased
ES 2010 LS 2010 2011 2012
FACI LI TY MANAGEMENT
BY CI NDY CANT RE L L
T
his past March, Tom Dunn of Winchester, Mass. joined
three friends for their weekly game of doubles at the Win-
chester Indoor Lawn Tennis Club.
After battling to 8 games all in an extended first set, 68-year-
old Dunn staggered as he went for a ball, causing partner Kerry
Bergin to call out, Tom, are you OK?
Dunn weakly replied that he wasnt, then fell to the ground.
He awoke three days later at a local hospital.
Dunn doesnt remember anything about that evening, but
Bergin and everyone else who witnessed the incident will never
forget it. Instantly recalling a similar occurrence when Dunn col-
lapsed on the towns outdoor clay courts nearly two years ago,
Bergin frantically yelled for a doctor and ran to his friend. Find-
ing no pulse, he told their worried opponents, Brad Steele and
former Boston Celtic Steve Kuberski, to call 911 and began
administering CPR, which he had learned by watching TV and
movies.
I just reacted. I didnt have formal training, but Tom started
making some noises which was a lot better than what he was
doing two minutes before, recalled Bergin, who relinquished
compression duty to Kuberski so he could perform mouth-to-
mouth resuscitation when Dunn appeared to worsen. Dr. Paul
McKeough, a radiation oncologist who revived Dunn two years
ago and happened to be playing on another court, also ran to
assist until a team of emergency medical technicians (EMT)
arrived with an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Dunn, past president of the Winchester Tennis Association,
underwent the bypass surgery, which he had elected to delay
two years prior with the hope of reversing his ventricular condi-
tion with dietary changes. A computer programmer, Dunn is
working from home while he regains strength through physical
therapy. He hopes to resume his weekly tennis sessions this fall.
Im so grateful, he said, and very lucky.
TRAIN YOUR STAFF
However, not everyone who suffers from a cardiac episode or
other serious injury can rely on the kindness of friends and good
fortune. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Pre-
vention, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death for men and
women in the U.S., claiming nearly 600,000 lives each year.
Off the court, danger also lurks in fitness facilities. The Con-
sumer Product Safety Commission revealed that in 2009, there
were 1,500 emergency room visits due to mishaps related to
gym equipment, with treadmills, weight machines and free
weights as the biggest culprits. Injuries are commonly attributed
to underlying health conditions; inattention due to cell phones,
iPods, watching TV and reading; using equipment incorrectly;
and working out too aggressively following a period of inactivity.
For these reasons and more, Jeffrey L. Pellegrino, Ph.D., a
member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council,
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
Do you and your staff know what to do, and what equipment to
have on hand, if theres a medical emergency at your facility?
Do you and your staff know what to do, and what equipment to
have on hand, if theres a medical emergency at your facility?
said it is imperative that sports and fitness clubs,
coaches and other staff members have access to all
the training and equipment necessary to keep partici-
pants saferegardless of whether it is required by
law.
Its a partnership, Pellegrino said, based on his
firefighter/EMT and instructor experience, as well as
his work in developing and facilitating emergency pre-
vention, preparedness and response curricula at Kent
State University in Ohio.
When people walk into a club, its commitment to
safety should be noticeable, whether by stocking first
aid kits, making sure an AED is in a prominent posi-
tion, training staff to respond to an emergency or post-
ing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack in the
locker room, he added. If we can create that culture
of awareness, then when an actual event happens,
more people will be willing and able to respond.
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
For those wondering where to start, the Red Cross
Ready Rating (www.readyrating.org) is a free, online
program that assists businesses, schools and organiza-
tions in evaluating and improving their preparedness
for medical emergencies and disasters. The American
Red Cross and the American Heart Association also
have other resources available (see box at far right).
While a number of private entities also work with
companies to train skilled responders and develop
comprehensive response plans, common sense goes a
long way as well. Club employees and members alike
should visually inspect court surfaces and equipment,
lighting, the placement of medical equipment and the
location of nearby telephones and doors large enough
to accommodate stretchers and other emergency
gear. In turn, clubs should commit to regular safety
audits and careful record-keeping of injuries to pre-
vent reoccurrences.
While no program is perfect, Pellegrino said the
key is empowering employees and members alike to
learn, practice and ultimately employ the skills
required in an emergency until EMTs arrive. People
shouldnt be afraid to exercise, Pellegrino said, but
its important to provide training so as many people as
possible have the competencies to help someone in
need.
Ironically, Dunn said he carried a portable AED he
was given after his first cardiac episode in his car trunk
for months, until the local recreation department
installed one at the outdoor courts at which he played.
While club owners may benefit from mitigated risk
and lower insurance rates resulting from emergency
training and equipment, Dunnwhom Bergin now
affectionately calls the comeback kidhas a more
grounded appreciation for the quick response that
saved him.
Im just glad to be here, he said. Ill certainly be
grateful to my friends for the rest of my life.w
Keeping Your Players Safe
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity
rates have skyrocketed over the past 20 years, with 35.7 percent of
adults now at a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. As a result,
Americans are suffering from a myriad of obesity-related health issues,
including coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, Type 2 dia-
betes, high cholesterol, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and
respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, infertility, mental health condi-
tions and colon, breast and endometrial cancers.
While millions are flocking to tennis courts, health clubs and other
facilities to reverse previously sedentary lifestyles, it is the fitness
industrys collective responsibility to ensure they will remain safe
while doing so.
Stephen Tharrett, president of Club Industry Consulting in Texas,
outlines the steps required for health and fitness establishments to
provide high-quality programs and services in a safe environment as a
senior editor of the American College of Sports Medicines Health and
Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines.
The fourth edition, which was published in February 2012, includes
new standards including pre-activity screening, orientation, education
and supervision; risk management and emergency procedures; profes-
sional staff and independent contractors; facility design and construc-
tion; facility equipment; operational practices; and signage.
One example reflecting the evolving business model is the public
access defibrillation (PAD) program, which is designed to increase
sudden cardiac arrest survival rates by advocating the use of CPR and
AEDs within five minutes of collapse. The book also provides sample
preventive maintenance schedules, checklists and templates of ques-
tionnaires, informed consent forms and evaluations.
Tharrett, a former officer and senior vice president at Dallas-based
ClubCorp, said much of the text also served as the foundation for NSF
Internationals work in developing its Health/Fitness Facilities Stan-
dards, as well as a voluntary health and fitness facility certification
process which could be introduced in 2014. According to Tharrett, this
combined expertise of academic, medical, health and fitness profes-
sionals provides a blueprint for facilities to use in enhancing the mem-
ber experience.
Tharrett, deputy chair of the NSF International joint committee on
health and fitness facility standards, said public access to AEDs as part
of an emergency response plan has been an industry standard for the
past six years. But once an AED is installed, he noted, the facility is
required to comply with state regulations governing its maintenance.
In fact, Tharrett estimates the cost of purchasing an AED, certifying
10 staff members to use it and conducting biannual drills to be a few
thousand dollars, or the cost of a piece of new gym equipment. It is a
particularly good investment for racquet sports facilities, he noted,
because research indicates that moderately strenuous physical exer-
tion may trigger ischemic cardiac events, particularly among those not
accustomed to regular exercise.
Youre going to save on insurance rates, and you might also save
a life while showing your members you care about them, Tharrett
said. Its a win all around.
Other Lifesaving Strategies
The American Red Cross and the American Heart Associa-
tion offer many resources that can help save lives. Some
are listed below.
From the American Red Cross:
w Hands-Only CPR: Involving no mouth-to-mouth contact,
this technique is best utilized when an adult suddenly
collapses.
w Full CPR: This option, which combines rescue breaths
with chest compressions, is best for emergencies involv-
ing infants and children, drowning victims and people
who collapse due to breathing problems.
w Blended First Aid, AED and CPR training: There are certi-
fied- and non-certified training options for workplace
responders, with full-service training provided onsite by
Red Cross instructors.
w First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches: Developed with
the National Federation of State High School Associa-
tions, the program provides an overview of first aid and
best practices for common athletic injuries, such as eval-
uating an unconscious athlete; asthma management;
heat-related illness; injuries to the head, neck and spine;
skin conditions and infections; and mental health issues.
w First Aid Emergency Drills: This program is designed to
test and strengthen a companys emergency planning,
training and response.
w First Aid App: Available for iPhone and Android devices,
the official American Red Cross First Aid app provides
videos, interactive quizzes, step-by-step instructions and
one-touch 911 access for first aid emergencies including
cuts and sprains, choking, seizures and strokes.
From the American Heart
Association:
w Heartsaver CPR AED: This classroom course teaches
adult CPR and AED use, as well as how to relieve chok-
ing on an adult.
w Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED: This classroom course
covers critical skills needed to respond to sudden cardiac
arrest, choking and treating bleeding, sprains, broken
bones, shock and other first aid emergencies.
w Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid: This course meets regula-
tory and credentialed training requirements for coaches
and others who work with children in all 50 states.
w Family & Friends CPR: This course teaches Hands-Only
CPR, child CPR with breaths, adult and child AED use,
infant CPR and relief of choking in all ages.
w Pocket First Aid & CPR Smartphone App: Available for
iPhone and Android devices, it provides quick, concise
and clear instructions with supporting videos and illus-
trations.
What Should You Have
In Your First Aid Kit?
It seems logical that wherever people are physically active, a first aid
kit should be accessible. But what should be in it?
First aid kits of varying complexities and prices are widely avail-
able. Consider these recommendations from the American Red Cross,
which offers kits online, when purchasing or assembling one for your
workplace, car or home. (Add emergency phone numbers and check
the kit regularly for missing or out-of-date contents.)
w 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
w 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
w 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
w 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
w 5 antiseptic wipe packets
w 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
w 1 blanket (space blanket)
w 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
w 1 instant cold compress
w 2 pairs of non-latex gloves (size large)
w 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
w scissors
w 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
w 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
w 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
w 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
w oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
w 2 triangular bandages
w tweezers
w first aid instruction booklet
Dunn (left) with Bergin.
P
h
o
t
o

b
y

C
y
n
t
h
i
a

C
a
n
t
r
e
l
l
FACI LI TY MANAGEMENT
R
egardless of whether
having an automated
external defibrillator
(AED) or public access defibrilla-
tion (PAD) in your health facility
is required by law, doing every-
thing possible to prevent a fatal
episode of sudden cardiac arrest
is the right thing to do. In fact,
the American Red Cross advo-
cates that improved training and
access to AEDs and PADs could
save 50,000 lives each year.
However, time is of the
essence. According to the U.S.
Department of Labor Occupa-
tional Safety and Health Admin-
istration, defibrillation is most effective when it is administered
within 3 to 5 minutes after onset of sudden cardiac arrest. For
each minute defibrillation is delayed, the chance of survival drops
by up to 10 percent.
Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, at any time. Consider
some of these options in order to make the difference between life
and death. Prices vary (call for individual pricing), but plan on
spending at least $1,000. Cindy Cantrell
The Powerheart AED G3 Plus is
the flagship Cardiac Science
AED (www.cardiacscience
.com), complete with Rescue-
Coach and CPR metronome
to pace chest compressions.
The G3s Rescue Ready tech-
nology self-checks all main
AED components (battery,
hardware, software and pads)
daily. The unit calculates elec-
trical impedance and if a sec-
ond shock is necessary, the
proprietary technology
adjusts the energy to deliver
an appropriate, higher level
shock. The G3 has a seven-year warranty and a four-year, full-bat-
tery operational replacement guarantee. Contact: care@cardiac-
science.com, 262-953-3500, 800-426-0337
Defibtech Lifeline AEDs (www.defibtech.com) are well-suited to the
fitness center environment, where both trained staff and
untrained bystanders may find themselves in a lifesaving scenario.
The original Defibtech AED, the Lifeline, guides a rescuer with
LIFE
INSURANCE
LIFE
INSURANCE
Whether required or not, all tennis facilities should have an
AED on hand.
Whether required or not, all tennis facilities should have an
AED on hand.
step-by-step audio instructions. The Lifeline View is the only AED on the market that sup-
plements audio instructions with color video, showing where to place the defibrillating
pads and how to perform CPR and rescue breathing. Recognized with awards for inno-
vative design, Defibtech AEDs are simple to use. The AEDs highly visible yellow color,
easy maintenance and durability make it easy to locate in an emergency. Contact:
sales@defibtech.com, 866-333-4248
The Heartsine Samaritan PAD 300P (www.heartsine.com) was designed especially for use
in public areas by providing a sophisticated defibrillator for adult or pediatric use, inside
a lightweight (2.4 lbs.) and easy-to-operate system. It features easy-to-understand visual
and voice prompts that coach the rescuer through the process. Only two buttons
on/off and shockare required, providing straightforward operation. An indicator
flashes to show the system is operational and ready for use, and the device automatically
runs a self-check each week. The portable, durable unit utilizes propriety technology to
assess rhythm and recommend defibrillation, if necessary. The PAD 300P, which has a
10-year warranty, combines battery and electrode pads in one cartridge, so theres only
one expiration date to monitor. Contact: info@heartsine.com, 866-478-7463
Featuring the same advanced technology that emergency medical professionals use, yet
simple to operate, the fully-automatic PhysioControl LifePak CR Plus AED (www.physio-
control.com) is designed specifically for the first person to respond to a victim of sudden
cardiac arrest. The unit combines an easy two-step operation (turn it on, then apply the
electrode pads, no need to push a shock button), the right level of guidance, and the
capability to escalate to 360 joules when needed. The LifePak offers a dual layer of secu-
rity as the internal battery is kept to its optimal power level via the charger system. The
unit comes with an eight-year warranty. Contact: 800-442-1142, 425-867-4000
The Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator (www.healthcare.philips.com) is designed to be
easy to set up and use, in a sturdy, durable package. It is virtually ready to use; the device
is pre-installed in the carrying case, and the battery and pads are pre-installed in the unit.
Clear voice instructions guide the user through each step of defibrillation, including CPR
coaching. The user can insert the Infant/Child key into the FRx when appropriate. When
placed on the victims bare skin, the pads sense and adapt the defibrillators instructions
to the users actions. The Quick Shock feature delivers therapy in less than 8 seconds
after chest compressions. Powered by a four-year battery, the device is charged and
ready. Contact: 800-225-0230
The Zoll AED Plus (www.zoll.com), and the new fully automatic version of the AED Plus,
guide rescuers through the complete chain of survival and help all sudden cardiac arrest
victims, not just those who need a shock. The AED Plus is the only AED to use easily
replaceable Duracell consumer lithium batteries that can last as long as five years in
stand-by mode. Zolls AED Plus features a CPR feedback tool that recognizes what you
are doing and provides feedback. Audio and visual prompts provide real-time feedback
for both the proper depth (2 inches) and rate of CPR chest compressions (100 per
minute), as recommended in the 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines. Contact:
info@zoll.com, 978-421-9655 w
Person of the Year
2012: Susan DiBiase
2011: Pat Freebody
2010: Jon Muir
2009: Eric Babolat
2008: Dave Haggerty
2007: George Napier
2006: Kirk Anderson
2005: Max Brownlee
2004: Arlen Kantarian
2003: Jim Baugh &
Kurt Kamperman
2002: Alan Schwartz
Pro/Specialty
Retailer of the Year
2012: Tennis Town
2011: All About Tennis
2010: NYC Racquet Sports
2009: Tennis Express
2008: Tennis & Golf Co.
2007: Michael Lynnes Tennis Shop
2006: Swetkas Tennis Shop
2005: Racquet World
2004: Players Choice Tennis
2003: Advantage Yours
2002: Chicago Tennis & Golf
2001: Dale Queen
Park & Recreation
Agency of the Year
2012: Reston Association
2011: Tualatin Hills Park & Rec
Private Facility
of the Year
2012: Life Time Fitness
2011: Western Racquet Club
2010: The Polo Club
2009: Reynolds Plantation
2008: Boars Head Sports Club
2007: Meadow Creek Tennis
2006: Midtown Tennis Center
2005: Brookhaven Country Club
2004: Indian Creek Racquet Club
2003: New Albany Country Club
2002: Woodfield Country Club
Municipal Facility
of the Year
2012: Southlake Tennis Center
2011: Roger Scott Tennis Club
2010: Copeland-Cox T.C.
2009: Reffkin Tennis Center
2008: Surprise Tennis & R.C.
2007: Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis
2006: Cary Tennis Park
2005: John Drew Smith T.C.
2004: Lexington County T.C.
2003: Midland Community T.C.
2002: Cooper Tennis Complex
2001: George E. Barnes T.C.
Builder of the Year
2012: Baseline Sports Construction
2011: Leslie Coatings Inc.
2010: Pro-Sport Construction
2009: DeRosa Tennis Contractors
2008: Boston Tennis Court Constr.
2007: Sportsline Inc.
2006: Courtsmiths
2005: Fast-Dry Companies
2004: Zaino Tennis Court
2003: General Acrylics
2002: Cape & Island Tennis & Track
2001: Welch Tennis Courts
Sales Rep of the Year
2012: Joe Habenschuss
2011: Lee Sponaugle
2010: Rick Walsh
2009: Tracy Lynch
2008: Jim Haneklau
2007: Hunter Hines
2006: Jim Willwerth
2005: Kay Barney
2004: Dustin Perry
2003: Bob Strimel
2002: Bob Pfaender
2001: Sheri Norris & David Blakeley
Grassroots
Champion
of the Year
2012: Danice Brown
2011: Brenda Gilmore
2010: Robert Pangrazi
2009: Lisa Stone & Susan Chambers
2008: Sue Jollensten
2007: Dan Vonk
2006: Beverly Bourguet
2005: Shirley Ruane
2004: Gwen & Dan Ramras
2003: Scott Biron
2002: Mark Platt
2001: Donna Owens
10 and Under Tennis
Facility Developer of
the Year
2012: Top-A-Court Tennis
2011: Hinding Tennis
Junior Tennis
Champion of the Year
2012: Todd Dissly
2011: Jeff Rothstein
2010: Butch Staples &
Leah Friedman
2009: Dan Faber
2008: Chuck Kuhle
RSI Champions of
O
ur January 2013 issue marked the 12th year that
RSI has named its Champions of Tennis winners. As
we start the process for picking this years Champi-
ons of Tennis, wed like to recognize all of those past win-
nerspeople, businesses, organizationsthat have helped
to make a difference in tennis, and the business of tennis.
One of the striking things about this impressive list is how
many of these Champions of Tennis are still at itstill dedi-
cated to making this sport the best it can be, to bringing in
new participants, to supplying players with equipment and
places to play, and to making tennis businesses grow. You
can also see how interdependent all of us are in this indus-
trynone of these winners accomplished their goals all by
themselves. w
RSI Champions of
f Tennis Honor Roll
2007: Craig Jones
2006: Bwana Chakar Simba
2005: Wayne St. Peter
2004: Emma Hubbs
2003: Phyllis Greene
2002: LaMont Bryant
2001: Ned Eames
Wheelchair
Tennis Champion
of the Year
2012: Curt & Lynn Bender
2011: Jeremiah Yolkut
2010: Harlon Matthews
2009: Dean Oba
2008: Michael Mercier
2007: Jason Harnett
2006: Bruce Karr
2005: Karin Korb
2004: Julie Jilly
2003: Dan James
2002: Tina Dale
2001: Nancy Olson
Community Tennis
Association of the
Year
2012: Tri-County CTA
2011: Bucks County T.A.
2010: Southern Crescent T.A.
2009: Western Wake T.A.
2008: Lee County T.A
2007: Grants Pass CTA
2006: Montgomery County T.A.
2005: Baltimore Tennis Patrons
2004: Pikes Peak CTA
2003: Milwaukee Tennis & Ed.
2002: Macon Tennis Assn.
2001: Homewood-Flossmoor
Stringer of the Year
2012: John Gugel
2011: Todd Mobley
2010: Tom Parry
f Tennis Honor Roll
2009: Ron Rocchi
2008: Nate Ferguson
2007: Tim Strawn
2006: Grant Morgan
2005: Bob Patterson
2004: Randy Stephenson
Public Park
of the Year
2012: Kiest Park
2011: Cadwalader Park
2010: Dwight Davis T.C.
2009: Darling Tennis Center
2008: Roswell Park & Rec
2007: Fort Lauderdale Park & Rec
2006: USTA Billie Jean King Natl
2005: Scalzi Park
Tennis Advocate
of the Year
2012: Nancy McGinley
2011: Mike Woody
2010: Robin Jones
2009: Ellen Doll
Online Retailer
of the Year
2005: Tennis Warehouse
High School
Coach of the Year
2012: Terry Valdez
2011: Jim Neal and Jim Solomon
2010: Bill Wagstaff
2009: Rich Johns
2008: Sue Bordainick
2007: Marian DeWane
2006: David Steinbach
USTA Section of Year
2012: Northern California
2011: Middle States
2010: Southern
2009: Midwest
2008: Pacific Northwest
2007: Florida
2006: Texas
2005: Florida
2004: Pacific Northwest
2003: Southern
2002: Northern
2001: New England
Mass Merchant/
Chain of the Year
2011: PGA Tour Superstores
2008: Sport Chalet
2007: The Sports Authority
2006: PGA Tour Superstores
2005: Golfsmith
2004: City Sports
2003: Sport Chalet
2002: Dicks Sporting Goods
2001: Galyans
PTR Member
of the Year
2012: Roy Barth
2011: Jorge Capestany
2010: Rodney Harmon
2009: Ken DeHart
2008: Jorge Andrew
2007: Luke Jensen
2006: Ajay Pant
2005: Lisa Duncan
USPTA Member
of the Year
2012: David Porter
2011: Feisal Hassan
2010: Ron Woods
2009: Robert Greene Jr.
2008: Tom Sweitzer
2007: Mike Van Zutphen
2006: Brett Hobden
2005: Bob Reed
Send Us Your RSI Champions of Tennis Nominations
To nominate for RSIs 2013 Champions of Tennis, email rsi@racquettech.com, and put Champions in the subject line. In the email, include
the category, the name of the person or organization you are nominating, contact info (phone and email) for the nominee, andbriefly
some information about the nominee, including a website address if appropriate. All nominations will be confidential, but wed also like
your name and contact info, in case we have questions. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 15, 2013.
2013 GUI DE TO BALL MACHI NES
MECHANICAL
ADVANTAGE
MECHANICAL
ADVANTAGE
BY KE NT OS WAL D
A ball machine quickens the learning curve as it
helps build muscle memory.
A
t its most basic, learning to play tennis is a two-step
process. First, learn how to hit a shot correctly. Next,
adapt the ability to a game situation.
That the steps are basic, however, doesnt mean there is no
controversy over how best they can be learned.
Stan Oley, one of the more passionate proponents of adapt-
ing new technologies, claims to have been on the soapbox 25
years for teaching with ball machines. His complaint: Most ten-
nis lessons are too depressingly similar to those of 1972, the
teaching pro on one side of the net, feeding an easy ball hit to
students, micromanaging tech-
nique, yelling stereotypical jar-
gonwhen technology allows
you to present a ball with a ball
machine just like it would come
across the net in a game.
Oley, a top-rated USPTA pro
with a long-established relation-
ship with Playmate, is adamant
that science supports a change
in instruction. He argues that current research into acquiring
new skills explains that first we learn visually, then apply the
kinesthetic experience and only then add in the auditory cues.
He cites two sports that are far ahead of tennis in adapting tech-
nology to training: In football, punt returners practice fielding
from ball machines, not wearing out a kickers leg, and in base-
ball, a pinch hitter may be sent to take swings against a pitching
machine innings before being called to the plate.
Too many students, Oley insists, have their pro standing
yards in front, giving them a ball to hit theyll never see in an
actual match, and talking at them about what to do rather than
standing next to them and helping them feel the right way to
strike the ball. In addition, even as each ball a player hits in this
way varies slightly, the basics of the process and how the ball is
fed are the same whether the pro is instructing the beginning
student or one rated 3.0, 3.5, etc., and too often even at the
games highest levels where pros practice walloping a ball they
will never, ever experience in match play.
Similarly, Jacksonville, Fla., pro Jon Solow describes tennis
as, a series of biomechanical motions in sequence. How does
one get proficient? By repetition. The more balls you hit in a
short period of time, the better you get.
Solows practice and argument is to have a machine take
care of the mechanics of setting up the ball in the right place for
a student to strike it, freeing the teaching pro for the more
important, non-mechanical, more highly technical part of
instructionassessing and communicating how to improve the
stroke.
For all the latest ball
machines and all their
specifications and features,
see our exclusive Guide to
Ball Machines starting on
page 36.
A ball machine quickens the learning curve as it
helps build muscle memory.
Building Muscle Memory
Current thinking is that 10,000 hours of repetitions is the
benchmark for mastery of a task. Neither a pro feeding from
across the net nor a backboard can repeatedly and tirelessly
provide a student the exact same experience as he or she
builds that muscle memory. Proponents also point out that
machines ranging in price from the high hundreds into the
thousands offer advanced technology proffering one ball or
shot patterns hit with pre-determined spins and speeds, freeing
the teaching pro to stand on the same side of the court as the
student, commenting and correcting.
Incorporating the proliferating opportunities for remote
control of the experience, smart phone apps to move instruc-
tion off the court, and increased video accessibility into the les-
son provides a near-limitless array of visual, kinesthetic, and
auditory experiences that can be proportioned to fit a particular
students learning strengths.
Despite the impassioned advocacy of some teaching pros
(and, of course, the ball machine manufacturers), any quick
overview of instruction shows far from universal adoption of
ball machines as an integral part of tennis instruction. Con-
cerns abound over the price of machines and whether the
investment can be recaptured by the freelance teaching pro or
one at work for a club or resort; as well as whether or not ball
machine availability may threaten revenues from hands-on
instruction.
Resistance also includes fears that using a ball machine
makes the lesson too impersonal for the studentand there
are certainly a fair number of used ball machines on auction
sites that failed to deliver an enjoyable tennis experience. The
head of instruction at an upscale facility even expressed con-
cern that having them on the court could lead to a degree of
laziness among her staff, as it would be too easy to watch as
the machines took over the hour.
Learning Something New
Gordon Uelhing is one who is not persuaded by those or other
objections. His CourtSense in New Jersey serves as a USTA
regional training center and he has worked with Novak
Djokovic and Christina McHale, among others.
Uelhing uses pre-programmed drills and progressions for
both individual and group lessons, and he is adamant that the
most effective use of ball machines requires professional devel-
opment. He believes the lack of adoption of advanced technol-
ogy is because teaching pros are not being forced to adapt to
changing times. Most coaches dont use it because they dont
want to go through the pain to learn something new, he says.
Responding to advocates who assert that the issues cited
are part and parcel of letting too many pros live in the past,
without knowledge (or with fear) about the potential of the
automatic feeders, Steve Keller, the PTRs director of develop-
ment, explains the organizations emphasis in training and cer-
tification is based on how a coach interacts with students, not
technology. The PTR includes ball machine tips in every issue
of TennisPro magazine and advocates for appropriate inclusion
of the machines in the teaching process. The problem is that
the ball machine is not capable of giving feedback to the stu-
dents, Keller says. We dont have a lot of coach feeding in our
certification. We have students feeding students in order to
promote freedom for coaches to move around and give
instruction.
The philosophy is that to more aggressively promote the use
of ball machines could lead to coaches becoming more static,
less dynamic in their instruction. I cant think of any organiza-
tion or federation that uses ball machines as part of certifica-
tion, Keller adds. Things evolve. Things change. I think it is
an integral part of any program or any facility to have that
offering. The machine can be set up to do so many different
things, but I dont personally see that as part of our actual cer-
tification process. The human element could be lost.
A Teaching Tool
If there is middle ground, it is likely to be found by agreeing
that the robotic pro is a tool, not a replacement. For example,
Bob Dallis, Dartmouth Colleges head womens tennis coach
and not previously a fan of using ball machines, found that
while the old machines didnt provide too many options, they
can use their new Sports Tutor machines to help the players get
through their station work and to set up very different scenar-
ios for individual players and even doubles teams.
For womens tennis weve probably created about 20
[basic] drills, some for singles, some for doubles, he says,
explaining that being able to save the drills in a machines
memory creates flexibility in practice schedules and helps
make sure each player can get her reps in no matter her acad-
emic demands .
A number of the players have found it very helpful, notes
Dallis. In the near future he expects to also incorporate the data
analysis applications. For us at Dartmouth, were kind of
scratching the surface of what it can do.
The metaphor Solow uses to explain his philosophy on
learning to play tennis is instrumental, as in learning to hit a
shot should be like practicing scales on a musical instrument.
One isnt expected to be part of a symphony orchestra before
having spent hours practicing scales, and a tennis player wont
be able to perfect a mechanical motion without repetitive work
on that motion.
The recommended process is to get the player to an accept-
able level of mastery first at the stage of dropping the ball and
hitting, then replying to a ball machine, followed by points and
then games controlled by the pro. (For the serious student, all
the on-court practice will be complemented by off-court review
of video and statistical analysis.)
The point is that a ball machine can never be a replacement
for hitting with a person on the other side of the net because
that is, ultimately, how the game is played. However, the
machines are here and should be utilized for what they do well:
replicating patterns, building kinesthetic connections with
proper arm motions and footwork, advancingnot diminish-
ingpersonal interaction.
As Uehling says, when properly administered, the ball
machine provides a very dynamic experience that quickens
the learning curve. However, You can also overuse the ball
machine. Its a tool. A tool [that should be] in your toolchest.w
Match Mate
MatchMateTennis.com
800-837-1002
Playmate
playmatetennis.com
800-766-6770
Lobster Sports
lobstersports.com
800-526-4041
Robot Optimizer
tennisrobot.com
888-8BOOMER
Silent Partner
sptennis.com
800-662-1809
Price Warranty Dimensions
Brand Model (MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) B
a
l
l

C
a
p
a
c
i
t
y
W
e
i
g
h
t

(
L
b
s
.
)
S
p
i
n
.

W
h
e
e
l

P
r
o
p
u
l
s
i
o
n
F
e
e
d
i
n
g

I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l
s

(
s
e
c
.
)
T
o
p

S
p
e
e
d

(
M
P
H
)
E
l
e
v
a
t
i
o
n

C
o
n
t
r
o
l

-

E
l
e
c
.
E
l
e
v
a
t
i
o
n

C
o
n
t
r
o
l

-

M
a
n
.
A
b
l
e

t
o

f
e
e
d

l
o
b
s
F
e
e
d
s

T
o
p
s
p
.

&

U
n
d
e
r
s
p
.
A
b
l
e

t
o

f
e
e
d

S
i
d
e
s
p
i
n
Elite Freedom $799 2 21x14x20 150 36 X 2-12 70 X X X $
Elite Model 1 $1,089 2 21x14x20 150 42 X 2-12 80 X X X X $
Elite Model 2 $1,349 2 21x14x20 150 44 X 2-12 80 X X X X X X $
Elite Model 3 $1,599 2 21x14x20 150 44 X 2-12 80 X X X X X X $
Elite Grand IV $1,899 2 21x14x20 150 44 X 2-9 80 X X X X X X X X $
Elite Grand V $2,199 2 21x14x20 150 44 x 2-9 80 X X X X X 6 6 X X X X X $
Elite Grand V Limited Edition $2,499 2 21x14x20 150 44 x 2-9 80 X X X X X 6 6 X X X X X $
Phenom $2,999 2 32x25x50 250 99 x 2-9 90 X X X X X X X X X X $
Phenom 2 $3,499 2 32x25x50 250 99 x 2-9 90 X X X X X 6 6 X X X X X X $
Rookie $449 2* 11x11x22 70 22 X 2-10 35 X Topspin
Quickstart $558 2* 12.5x12.5x28 80 29 X 2-10 30 X
iSAM Value $759 2* 19x17.5x18 250 34 X 2-8 65 X X X X 8 X X X X X X 9
iSam Extend $799 2* 19x17.5x18 250 39 X 2-8 65 X X X X 1
iSam Ultimate $999 2* 19x17.5x18 250 39 X 2-8 65 X X X X 1
SAM P1 Value $1,099 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 2-8 85 X X X X X X X 1
Sam P1 Pro $1,199 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 2-8 85 X X X X X X X 1
Sam P1 Ultimate $1,299 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 2-8 85 X X X X X X X 1
Sam P 4 Trainer $1,599 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 2-8 85 X X X X X X X X X 1
Sam P 4 Pro Trainer $1,799 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 2-8 85 X X X X X X X X X 1
Sam P 4 Ultimate $1,899 2* 19.5x16x21.5 300 48 X 85 X X X X X X X X X 1
Sam Coach $3,999 3 35x25x50 250 87 X 1.5-8 95 X X X X X X 7 7 X X X X X X X X 1
HALF VOLLEY $1,360 2L 19x21x25 200 42 X 1-10 70 X X X X X 1
VOLLEY $1,895 2L 19x21x25 200 46 X 1-10 70 X X X X X 2 X 1
ACE $3,670 3L 35x21x38 200 85 X 1-10 90 X X X X 3 X X X X X X $
SMASH $4,615 3L 35x21x38 300 85 X 1-10 90 X X X X X 7 X X X X X X $
DEUCE $5,455 3L 35x21x38 300 85 X 1-10 90 X X X X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $
GENIE $6,295 3L 35x21x38 300 85 X 1-10 90 X X X X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $
SMASH w/ iPLAYMATE TENNIS $5,610 3L 35x21x38 300 85 X 1-10 90 X X X X X 8 I
THE SLAM $7,870 3L 35x21x38 300 110 X 1-10 120 X X X X X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $
iPLAYMATE TENNIS UPGRADE** $995 3L X 1-10 90 X X X X X 8 I
Boomer (with Camera)$14,450 or $600/mo 2 38.5x31x21.5 300 124 X 0.8-10 100 X X X X X 3
Boomer (w/o Camera)$12,450 or $300/mo 2 38.5x31x21.5 300 124 X 0.8-10 100 X X X X X 3
Lite (Edge Series) $799 2 24x22x16 200 35 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X X 9 X $
Lite-R (Edge Series) $949 2 24x22x16 200 35 X 1.5-11 95 X X X X X 9 X X X X $
Sport (Edge Series) $949 2 24x22x16 200 46 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X X 2
Star (Edge Series) $1,099 2 24x22x16 200 46 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X X 2
Rival (Scoop Series) $1,399 2 28x22x18 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X 3 $
Quest (Scoop Series) $1,799 2 28x22x18 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X X 2 3 X X X $
Smart (Scoop Series) $2,299 2 28x22x18 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 X X X X X 2
*1 year battery
**Ball Machine not included
1 - Fast Charger $99
2a - Horizontal Oscillation, 2b - Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control,
2c - Triple-Oscillation (Horizontal/Vertical),
2d - Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line narrow, Wide
3a - 6 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill) , 3b - 12
Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills
4 - 3 Position Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide).
5 - iPhone/Android Remote Control compatible.
6 - 18 locations to choose from
7 - Great for youth and beginners to work on
dealing with topspin
8 - Especially designed for 10 and Under tennis
9 - Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35
10 - 110/220 Volt AC converter $135
11 - Wireless Remote $100
12 - Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68
13 - Comes standard with 2 8-amp 12-volt batteries
14 - Lob Enhancer $30
15 - adjustable oscillation width
16 - Ships via LTL freight, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground
17 - Oscillation Upgrade $225, Remote Control Upgrade $310
18 - Additional Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $166.95
19 - Deuce Conversion Box $1185
Ball Machine Selector
PROPULSION
A
i
r

P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

P
r
o
p
u
l
s
i
o
n
N
o

O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n

-

R
a
n
d
o
m
O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n

-

P
r
o
g
.
#

o
f

s
h
o
t
s

i
n

p
r
o
g
r
a
m
#

o
f

p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s

s
t
o
r
e
d
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

D
e
p
t
h

A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

S
p
i
n
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

H
e
i
g
h
t
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l
P
l
a
y
e
r

S
i
m
u
l
a
t
i
o
n

M
o
d
e
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

o
r

P
o
w
e
r

C
o
r
d
P
o
w
e
r

C
o
r
d

O
n
l
y
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

O
n
l
y
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

A
m
p
/
H
o
u
r
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

L
i
f
e

I
n
d
i
c
a
t
o
r
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

S
w
a
p
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
S
m
a
r
t

C
h
a
r
g
e
r

s
t
d
.
S
m
a
r
t

C
h
a
r
g
e
r

o
p
t
.
R
C

S
t
a
n
d
a
r
d
R
C

a
v
a
i
l
a
b
l
e

a
s

o
p
t
i
o
n
R
C

-

C
o
r
d
R
C

-

W
i
r
e
l
e
s
s
R
C

o
f

O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
R
C

o
f

P
r
o
g
.

S
e
t
t
i
n
g
s
S
e
r
v
.

T
o
w
e
r

-

b
/
i

o
r

i
n
c
l
S
e
r
v

T
o
w
e
r

-

O
p
t
i
o
n
a
l

C
o
v
e
r

c
o
m
e
s

s
t
d
.
C
o
v
e
r

i
s

a
n

o
p
t
i
o
n
I
n
c
l
u
d
e
s

W
h
e
e
l
s
O
t
h
e
r

F
e
a
t
u
r
e
s
X $119 X 8.5 Amp/2-4h X X $49 X 1, 2a
X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $169 X X $49 X 1, 2b
X X X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $169 X X $49 X 1, 2c
X X X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $169 X X $49 X 1, 2d
X X X X X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $300 X X X $49 X 3a, 4, 5
X X 6 6 X X X X X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $300 X X X $49 X 3b, 4, 5
X X 6 6 X X X X X $119 X 18 Amp/4-8h X X $300 X X X $49 X 3b, 4, 6
X X X X X X X $300 X X X $99 X 3a, 4, 5
X X 6 6 X X X X X X $300 X X X $99 X 3b, 4, 6
X X 8 X X X 7
Q X X 8 X X X X X 8
i X X 8 X X X X X X 9, 10, 11, 12
X X 16 X X X X X X 13
X X 16 X X X X X X
S X X X 16 X X X X X X X 10, 12, 14, 15
X X X 16 X X X X X X X
S X X X 16 X X X X X X X
S X X X X X 16 X X X X X X X 10, 12, 14, 15
X X X X X 16 X X X X X X X X X
S X X X X X 16 X X X X X X X X
S X X 7 7 X X X X X X X X 16
X X 17 X X X X $94 X 17, 18
X X 2 X 17 X X X X X $94 X 18
X 3 X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
X X 7 X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 19, 20, 21
X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 21, 21, 22
X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 19, 21, 22
X X 8 INF X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
X X 7 X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 19, 21, 22
X X 8 INF X X X X X X X X X $94
X X 30 1000 X X X X X X X X X X $3,895 X X 23
X X 30 1000 X X X X X X X X X X $3,895 X X 24
X X 9 X $40 X
X X 9 X X X X $40 X 26a
X X 21 X $40 X
X X 21 X X X X $40 X 26a
X 3 $249 $100 X 21 X X X X X X $40 X 26b
X X 2 3 X X X $249 $100 X 21 X X X X X X $40 X 26c
X X 20 3 X X X X X $249 $100 X 21 X X X X X X $40 X 26d
20 - Genie Conversion Box $2025
21 - iPLAYMATE TENNIS $995
22 - Smash Conversion Box $345
23 - Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, Cord-
less Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Printer for
Analysis ($2000 or $100/month). Radar gun. iPod input with speak-
ers, Allows user to modify level, height, frequency and speed during
the drill
24 - Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone System
($500 or $50/month), iPod input with speakers,
Allows user to modify level, height, frequency
and speed during the drill
26a - 2-button remote, 26b - 16-button remote, 26c
- 20-button remote, 26d - 22-button remote
27 - External Battery Pack $130, External AC Power
Supply $125
28 - Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $45
29a - Player Simulation $200,
29b - Player Simulation included, Multi-Function Remote $200
30 - Multi-Function Remote $300
OSCILLATION POWER REMOTE CONTROL MISC.
*1 year battery
**no hassle parts and labor
1 - Fast Charger $99
2a - Horizontal Oscillation, 2b - Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control, 2c -
Triple-Oscillation (Horizontal/Vertical), 2d - Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line
narrow, Wide
3a - 3 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill) , 3b - 6
Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills
4 - 3 Positionl Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide).
5 - iPhone Remote Control compatible.
6 - 18 locations to choose from
7 - Great for youth and beginners to work on
dealing with topspin
8 - Especially designed for 10 and Under tennis
9 - Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35
10 - 110/220 Volt AC converter $135
11 - Wireless Remote $100
12 - Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68
Price Warranty Dimensions
Brand Model (MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) B
a
l
l

C
a
p
a
c
i
t
y
W
e
i
g
h
t

(
L
b
s
.
)
S
p
i
n
.

W
h
e
e
l

P
r
o
p
u
l
s
i
o
n
F
e
e
d
i
n
g

I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l
s

(
s
e
c
.
)
T
o
p

S
p
e
e
d

(
M
P
H
)
E
l
e
v
a
t
i
o
n

C
o
n
t
r
o
l

-

E
l
e
c
.
E
l
e
v
a
t
i
o
n

C
o
n
t
r
o
l

-

M
a
n
.
A
b
l
e

t
o

f
e
e
d

l
o
b
s
F
e
e
d
s

T
o
p
s
p
.

&

U
n
d
e
r
s
p
.
A
b
l
e

t
o

f
e
e
d

S
i
d
e
s
p
i
n
Sports Tutor
sportstutor.com
800-448-8867
Sports Attack
sportsattack.com
800-717-4251
Ace Attack $5,999 1 34x53 220 150 X 1.5-12 110 X X X X X 4 X $
Tennis Twist $229 2 10x11x23 28 11 5 15 X
Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $699 2 12x19.5x18 125 22 X 1.5-10 60 X X X X X 9 X X $
Tennis Tutor ProLite $799 2 12x19.5x18 125 29 X 1.5-10 60 X X X X X 9 X X $
Tennis Tutor $1,099 2 12x19.5x20 150 42 X 1.5-12 85 X X X $
Tennis Tutor - Plus $1,299 2 20x19.5x20 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 X X X X $
Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $1,749 2 20x19.5x20 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 X X X X 5 X X X $
Tennis Tower $1,345 2 44x23x22 225 60 X 1.5-8 85 X X $270
Tennis Tower - Prof. Player $2,195 2 44x23x22 225 60 X 1.5-8 85 X X X X 5 X X X X X X X X X 2
Shot Maker - Standard $3,100 2 38.5x31x21.5 300 96 X 1-6 95 X X X X X 3 X $
Shot Maker - Deluxe $4,200 2 38.5x31x21.5 300 96 X 1-6 95 X X X X X 6 X X X X X X X X 3
Wilson Portable $1,095 2 22x14x20 110 38 X 1.5-10 75 X X X X $
Tennis Cube $549 2 15x12x13 70 24 X 2-10 50 X X X X 6 X X 2
Tennis Cube - Oscillation Model $629 2 15x12x13 70 24 X 2-10 50 X X X X 6 X X 2
ProLite Plus - Basic $849 2 22x14x20 110 36 X 1.5-10 60 X X X X X 9 X X $
ProLite Plus $949 2 22x14x20 110 36 X 1.5-10 60 X X X X X 9 X X $
Ball Machine Selector
PROPULSION
A
i
r

P
r
e
s
s
u
r
e

P
r
o
p
u
l
s
i
o
n
13 - Comes standard with 2 8-amp 12-volt batteries
14 - Lob Enhancer $30
15 - adjustable oscillation width
16 - Ships via LTL freight, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground
17 - Oscillation Upgrade $225, Remote Control Upgrade $310
18 - Additional Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $166.95
19 - Deuce Conversion Box $1185
N
o

O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n

-

R
a
n
d
o
m
O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n

-

P
r
o
g
.
#

o
f

s
h
o
t
s

i
n

p
r
o
g
r
a
m
#

o
f

p
r
o
g
r
a
m
s

s
t
o
r
e
d
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

D
e
p
t
h

w
/
i

p
r
o
g
.

A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

S
p
i
n

w
/
i

p
r
o
g
.
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

H
e
i
g
h
t

w
/
i

p
r
o
g
.
A
d
j
u
s
t
a
b
l
e

I
n
t
e
r
v
a
l

w
/
i

p
r
o
g
.
P
l
a
y
e
r

S
i
m
u
l
a
t
i
o
n

M
o
d
e
R
u
n
s

o
n

B
a
t
t
e
r
y

o
r

P
o
w
e
r

C
o
r
d
R
u
n
s

o
n

P
o
w
e
r

C
o
r
d

O
n
l
y
r
u
n
s

o
n

B
a
t
t
e
r
y

O
n
l
y
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

A
m
p
/
H
o
u
r
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

L
i
f
e

I
n
d
i
c
a
t
o
r
B
a
t
t
e
r
y

S
w
a
p
a
b
i
l
i
t
y
S
m
a
r
t

C
h
a
r
g
e
r

s
t
d
.
S
m
a
r
t

C
h
a
r
g
e
r

o
p
t
.
R
C

S
t
a
n
d
a
r
d
R
C

a
v
a
i
l
a
b
l
e

a
s

o
p
t
i
o
n
R
C

-

C
o
r
d
R
C

-

W
i
r
e
l
e
s
s
R
C

o
f

O
s
c
i
l
l
a
t
i
o
n
R
C

o
f

P
r
o
g
.

S
e
t
t
i
n
g
s
S
e
r
v
.

T
o
w
e
r

-

b
/
i

o
r

i
n
c
l
S
e
r
v

T
o
w
e
r

-

O
p
t
i
o
n
a
l

C
o
v
e
r

c
o
m
e
s

s
t
d
.
C
o
v
e
r

i
s

a
n

o
p
t
i
o
n
I
n
c
l
u
d
e
s

W
h
e
e
l
s
O
t
h
e
r

F
e
a
t
u
r
e
s
X 4 X $300 X X $200 X
X X 6 D Cells
X X X 9 X X $70 X $35
X X X 9 X X $70 X $35 27
X $200 4 $50 X 18 X X $200 X X $35 X 27, 28
X $50 X 18 X X $200 X X $35 X 27, 28, 29a
X 5 X X X $50 X 18 X X $200 X X X $35 X 27, 28, 29b
X 4 X $200 X X X X
T X 5 X X X X X X X X X 29b
X X 3 X $200 X X X X
S X X 6 X X X X X X X X 30
X $200 2 $50 X 12 X X $200 X X $35 X 27
X X 6 X X 27
X X 6 X X 27
X X X 9 X X $70 X $35 X 27
X X X 9 X X $70 X $35 X 27
OSCILLATION POWER REMOTE CONTROL MISC.
20 - Genie Conversion Box $2025
21 - iPLAYMATE TENNIS $995
22 - Smash Conversion Box $345
23 - Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, Cord-
less Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Printer for
Analysis ($2000 or $100/month). Radar gun. iPod input with speak-
ers, Allows user to modify level, height, frequency and speed during
the drill
24 - Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone System
($500 or $50/month), iPod input with speakers,
Allows user to modify level, height, frequency
and speed during the drill
26a - 2-button remote, 26b - 16-button remote, 26c
- 20-button remote, 26d - 22-button remote
27 - External Battery Pack $130, External AC Power
Supply $125
28 - Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $45
29a - Player Simulation $200,
29b - Player Simulation included, Multi-Function Remote $200
30 - Multi-Function Remote $300
DI STI NGUI SHED FACI LI TY- OF- THE- YEAR AWARDS
T
hree facilities received honors in the 2012 Racquet
Sports Industry/American Sports Builders Association
Facility-of-the-Year Awards, and one of thosethe
Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility at the Univer-
sity of Alabama in Tuscaloosawas honored as an Out-
standing winner in our February issue. The other two, both
new construction, were picked to receive Distinguished
honors: One is an indoor soft court facility, also in Alabama,
and the other is a massive hard-court center in Virginia
Beach.
The Gulf Coast Tennis Club has four red ClayTech courts
inside a steel building in Gulf Shores, Ala. The specialty con-
tractor needed to spend an extra week fine-patching the
poorly installed foundation slab because the slab contractor
didnt laser-screed, but even with that delay, the entire facil-
ity was built in four months. The owner wasnt happy with
conventionally available irrigation methods, so a custom-
fabricated boom-mounted hose system was designed and
built for the project. The building has four HVAC units, and
there are garage-door openings for natural ventilation.
These two facilitiesone clay, one hardare
excellent examples of indoor court construction.
INSIDE JOB
INSIDE JOB
Gulf Coast Tennis Club
Gulf Shores, Ala.
(Nominated by Fast-Dry Courts Inc.)
Architect/Engineer: Casa Designs
General Contractor: Casa Designs
Specialty Contractor: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Number of Courts: 4
Surface: ClayTech & Har-Tru Italian Red Clay
Fencing: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
Court Accessories: Fast-Dry Courts Inc. & 10-S Tennis Supply
Virginia Beach Tennis & Country Club
Virginia Beach, Va.
(Nominated by Tennis Courts Inc.)
Specialty Contractor: Tennis Courts Inc.
Number of Courts: 10
Surface: DecoTurf II
Nets: Har-Tru Sports
Posts: Edwards
Curtains, Divider Nets: Putterman Athletics
For details on the 2013 Outstand-
ing Facility-of-the-Year Awards,
contact the ASBA at 866-501-
ASBA or info@sportsbuilders.org,
or visit www.sportsbuilders.org.
Theres also a 360-degree elevated viewing platform in the
middle the courts, and the facility features an on-site
restaurant with bar for dinner and drinks, and a beautifully
landscaped outdoor patio with flat-screen TV and fire pit, in
addition to a fully stocked pro-shop.
The Virginia Beach Tennis & Country Clubs 10 new
hard courts are arranged in a straight line inside a long
bay building of nearly 82,500 square feet. The project,
which also was completed in four months, included space
for a pro shop, office, club room, workout area and locker
rooms, kitchen, baby-sitting room and activity room. The
construction challenge was that the immense building only
has one construction access door through which to trans-
port materials and equipment. All material had to be car-
ried by hand or wheelbarrow throughout the 120- by
513-foot building. And since the air conditioning wasnt
operational at the beginning of the job, the crew had to cre-
ate areas to bring in portable fans. Peter Francesconi w
?
Ask the Experts
INCREASING NYLON
LONGEVITY
I BREAK MY STRINGS frequently: I
play about 6 hours a week, and
my strings pop at least once a
week. I currently play with a multifila-
ment, and really like the feel; for this rea-
son, Id rather not switch to polyester,
which people tell me feels stiffer. Still,
restringing all the time is getting expen-
sive. What can I do to increase durability
without completely sacrificing the feel Ive
come to love?
IT DEPENDS ON WHY YOUR mul-
tifilament is breaking. If grit is get-
ting into the intersections between
the mains and crosses, the string is being
abraded to death. Cleaning between plays
might be all you need. Players have used
various products over the years to do this,
including pure carnauba wax, which is
available inexpensively in bulk at most
auto parts stores.
String savers might also keep your
strings alive enough additional time to justi-
fy the time and expense of using them.
If cleaning and/or string savers dont
work, or if you are just blowing through
your strings because of the power youre
generating, you are going to have to exper-
iment with different nylon strings, whether
or not they are multifilaments, to see how
much feel you can retain from your current
string choice, while increasing longevity.
Everything else being equal, thicker strings
are going to last longer than thinner
strings. A 15L string has a lot more to it
than a 17, so if your current string is avail-
able in a heavier gauge, thats the place to
start.
Next up you can try solid-core multifila-
ments, which typically offer better durabili-
ty than pure multifilaments. There are also
some interesting nylon monofilaments
now available that claim high comfort
along with low shock, as well as nylons
that are aimed more toward durability.
You could also try natural gut. Depend-
ing on your game, natural gut may last
longer, and if you clean it between ses-
sions you might see enough longevity to
offset the initial price penalty.
If you have exhausted all the thick
nylon durability strings you can find and
youre still breaking strings, your next
stop will be some kind of hybrid. You can
try what might be called an internal
hybrid that features polyester filaments
or strands alongside nylon filaments in
one string, or a hybrid string job that uses
nylon only in the mains or crosses, with a
more durable string such as a polyester in
the crosses or mains, respectively. The
goal with the hybrid string job is to match
the mains and crosses so that either one
might be the first to break, regardless of
string material. By mixing and matching
various strings, gauges, and tensions, you
will definitely be able to find something
with better durability. The tough part will
be matching the feel and playability of
your existing multifilament.
EQUIPMENT CHANGES
FOR THE CLAY
AFTER A LIFETIME SPENT ON
hard courts, I just started playing
regularly on green clay. Should I
consider making any adjustments to my
equipment?
BOTH GREEN AND RED CLAY
are tough on strings, so consider
polyester strings for better dura-
bility. You can switch to a racquet with a
denser string pattern to improve durabili-
ty, as well. If you find that most of the
time youre banging away from the base-
line, you could lower your tension for
more power and added depth to your
shots. Lower tensions will also help when
the ball gets heavier from picking up dirt
and moisture from the court.
POLY STRING BREAKAGE
I NOTICE A LOT OF POLY string
breakage right next to the frame
at the top. Any ideas why that
happens so much?
THERE ARE TWO COMMON rea-
sons for this: Mis-hits and contact
damage outside the frame. Poly
is not as forgiving as nylon to shanked
shots, so it shears more easily on mis-hits.
When this happens, you may see that
one of the broken ends is much shorter
than the other, indicating which main
broke on the inside. The adjacent string
will be longer by virtue of having gone
around the outside of the frame.
If the two ends of the broken string
are nearly equal in length, you may be
seeing contact damage. Contact damage
often happens when the player scrapes
the court slightly when picking up the ball
using his racquet and his foot. If the
breakage is off center but still at the top,
it may be that either the player has
scraped that section of the bumper guard
repeatedly while going for shots, exposing
the string to damage on subsequent
attempts. Replacing the bumper guard
will restore the protective channel for the
string.
In extreme cases where there are no
available replacement bumper guards or
the player aggressively scrapes his rac-
quet on the court, you may have to resort
to head tape. Check with your customer
before doing this, though, because head
tape adds weight to the racquet, which
means you are also changing the balance
and swing weight of the racquet.
Unfortunately, there also are racquets
that do not provide an adequate channel
to protect the string on two-piece string
jobs even when the bumper guard is new.
For these racquets, use a one-piece pat-
tern when possible. If the customer uses a
hybrid string, explain the situation to him
right away. Otherwise, youll find yourself
having to convince your customer that
you dont owe him a free string job after
his brand new strings break the first time
his racquet touches the ground.
Q
A
Q
A
Q
Your Equipment Hotline
A
REPLACEMENT STRING
CLAMPS
THE LEVERS ON THE string
clamps on my Babolat Star
II have worn out to the point
that neither Babolat nor TennisMa-
chines.com can rebuild them. Is
there another clamp that will fit?
YOUR BEST BET IS TO
replace the entire clamp.
Even if cost were no object,
though, there are no new Babolat
replacement string clamps, but for-
tunately Gamma clamps use the
same diameter posts.
Gamma has two
clamps from which
to choose. The first is
its standard 4-tooth
Thin Profile Comp
Metal clamp (model
MCFCT-00), which
has a metal stem and
composition body.
The second is its new
5-tooth model
MDCSC-13 clamp,
with metal stem,
metal body, and
padded handle. The composite
clamp retails for $65, and the metal
clamp retails for $70.
The stem on the Gamma clamp
is a bit longer than that on the Babo-
lat clamp youre replacing. Its not
so long that it cant be used as-is,
but if it bugs you, you can have it
cut down to match the length of
your Babolat clamps.
Greg Raven w
We welcome your questions. Please send them
to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box 3392,
Duluth, GA 30096; fax: 760-536-1171; email:
greg@racquettech.com.
A
Q
T
ennis wants to grow. Tennis
wants more visibility. So why is
tennis not trying to raise its profile
in the only booming market that com-
bines sports and leisure: the sports travel
industry?
I recently attended the annual sym-
posium of the National Association of
Sports Commissions. NASC is the organi-
zation that serves the sports tourism
industry. Its members include host orga-
nizationssports commissions as well
as convention & visitors bureaus and
chambers of commercethe people
whose job it is to attract sports events
like state, regional and national tourna-
ments to their area.
Another segment of the sports mar-
ket, and of the membership of NASC, is
events rights holders. These are organi-
zations like national governing bodies,
tournament directors and others who
make the location decisions for their
events.
The networking aspect of the NASC
symposium works almost like speed dat-
ing. Events rights holders have booths at
the trade show. Host organizations can
arrange various 15-minute meetings
with whichever NGBs, tournament orga-
nizers or event owners theyre interested
in. The host organizations then spend
that time letting the event owners know
about the great things their area has to
offer. This might include information on
their current facilities, plans for expand-
ing or building facilities, and more.
For example, say you're in charge of
a youth basketball tournament. There's
simply no better way for you to find out
about the various cities with great bas-
ketball facilities than to sit at your booth
and get visit after visit from representa-
tives of various locations who all want to
host your next event. It's just as great for
the host organizations because it helps
them keep tabs on what the various
sports are going to be doing nationwide in
the next few years, and how they can be
part of the action.
It's a great confluence of sports and
the people who want to host those sports.
So why wasn't there a booth with anyone
representing the sport of tennis?
That's right. Tennis was M.I.A.
Not like anyone noticed, though, given
the competition. USA Lacrosse was there.
Remember lacrosse? It's growing by leaps
and bounds, and tennis coaches are com-
plaining it's pulling away a lot of the kids
who might otherwise be hitting the courts
in the spring.
Want to know who else was there?
Two other great racquet sports, USA Bad-
minton and USA Racquetball. Obstacle
racing organizations, a form of exercise
making explosive surges in popularity,
were also present, as were organizations
representing bowling, fishing, synchro-
nized swimming, soccer, softball, base-
ball, martial arts, senior games, volleyball,
bicycling and a whole lot more. Lots of
things people enjoy were there.
But no tennis. At a great place to be,
and at a time when there are new player
initiatives for kids, and grant programs to
improve tennis facilities, and even build
new ones, tennis was nowhere to be
seen. As a member of the racquet sports
industry, I was actually embarrassed.
So the question becomes: Why the
absence? My biggest worry is that tennis
thinks it already knows where all the facil-
ities are, and what the events are, and
doesn't feel the need to make any addi-
tional outreach.
I hope that's not the case. Because if it
is, wow. That would be a pretty elitist, not
to mention self-defeating, attitude. Espe-
cially at a time when tennis currently has
Your Serve
Taking a Wrong Turn?
The sports travel market is booming, so why doesnt
tennis appear to be pursuing this avenue for growth?
BY MARY HE L E N S PRE CHE R
RSI Contributing Editor Mary
Helen Sprecher also is the editor
of Sports Destination Manage
ment magazine.
so many great programs that host organi-
zations would love to learn about (and
just as important, given the number of
other sports that were there, ready to do
business).
The sports travel market, as I men-
tioned, is burgeoning. It's being called
the recession-proof industry. At a time
when people are cutting back their bud-
gets and denying themselves little luxu-
ries, they're still willing to spend money
to send their kids to tournaments in other
states, or to travel to participate in events
themselves. (In fact, the term, destina-
tion marathon is a product of the sports
travel industry.)
Sports tourism is good for the econo-
my. It brings groups of athletes and their
families into cities. Those groups stay at
hotels, eat in restaurants and shop in
local stores. They often get media atten-
tion, they're fantastic ambassadors for
their sports, and the cities welcome their
business. In fact, according to a New
York Times report, in 2010, American
families spent an estimated $7 billion
traveling with their children to youth
sports tournaments.
So, againwhy doesn't tennis appear
to be pursuing this one avenue for
growth? It seems at a time when tennis
runs the risk of being supplanted by other
sports, that this would be a right-
place/right-time scenario to build
business.
Unless, of course, tennis still expects
the business to come to it. w
We welcome your opinions. Please email
comments to RSI@racquetTECH.com.
IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING,
SET IT FREE. IF IT COMES
BACK, SET T FREE HARDER.
WfJ hurl lhe ones we to .. e The J.Jioo s C'es1gnoo 10
punish the tJalf The more you love tl"-9 better :;oo get at
punlshiW:J tl'>e bal . Show yo11r lo\e wl1t"l the J\.uce.

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

July 2013

Volume 41 Number 7 $5.00

Anda mungkin juga menyukai