1803 Issue Full

RACQUET STRINGING TEACHING PROFESSIONALS HEALTH & FITNESS
Eliminate USTA accreditation A unique Cardio

sharp points looks to raise tennis Tennis session
on knot tails coaching standards supersizes the fun
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The Game
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TennisIndustry
Contents March2018
DEPARTMENTS HEALTH & FITNESS JUNIOR APPAREL
4 Our Serve 16 Cardio Tennis—Supersized! 34 Advantage, Kids
7 Industry News
A unique event pulls in players and non-players Forward fashions
18 Grassroots Tennis
20 TIA News
looking to get fit, burn calories and have fun. that will make a keen
22 USTA Coaching statement on court.
Accreditation
36 Racquet Tech
38 String Playtest:
Pacific FTX 16
40 Your Serve,
by Mark Winters
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 USTA restructurers
Community Tennis division
7 K-Swiss launches high-
performance Ultrashot
7 Tennis Channel Partners
with UTR
8 USTA National Campus
celebrates first year COURT CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE 28 Time is Money
Proper and realistic
8 ASBA announces free
sports diagram app
24 After-Hour Improvements scheduling is important
8 Head launches Tennis Sensor What you do during your facility’s downtime for any tennis
facility construction or
powered by Zepp can help make your courts shine. renovation project.
10 Short Sets
11 Selkirk announces shift
in paddle manufacturing 30 Keeping Up
11 People Watch With Trends
12 Roy Barth retires as
How LED lighting, post-
Kiawah tennis director tensioned concrete and other
trends can affect your facility.
12 Industry loses Elaine Viebranz,
Sheldon Westervelt
13 Trish Faulkner joins 32 Find the Right
USPTA national board Contractor
13 USTA Midwest looks Choosing a certified court
to host second Summit builder can help ensure
14 Dunlop adds CV line of your facility is designed,
premium racquets built and maintained to
exacting standards.
PLUS
43 CEO’s Message
p.41 45 Vice President’s Message
47 USPTA—U30
48 Master Pro Corner
43 47 48 51
51 Inside Coaching
U30 Pros— Preparing Why There Unveiling
Why Are They Your Tennis Are No Key the Secrets 55 Beyond the Court
So Important Business for Points in a of Great Shot 57 USPTA Diversity & Inclusion
To This Sport? the Future Tennis Match Preparation 58 Play Tennis Month
59 Member News
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 USPTA Career Development
2 TennisIndustry March 2018 www.tennisindustrymag.com

O F F IC IA L
S U R FAC E
O F T H E U S P TA
id e in st al le rs .
ts , w it h ex pe ri en ce d na ti on w
& re pa ir pr od uc
m en t- qu al it y sp or t su rf ac in g
To ur na
sportmaster.net
TennisIndustry
OurServe PUBLISHER
JEFF WILLIAMS
EDITOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
EDITOR'S NOTE
A Shot of Enthusiasm MANAGING EDITOR

SCOTT GRAMLING
When it comes to growing CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IAN KNOWLES
this sport, we need to draw upon SENIOR EDITOR

ED McGROGAN
our greatest assets. ART DIRECTOR

CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
PRODUCTION EDITOR
SAM CHASE
T

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
he turn of the new year to wonder whether the work we’re CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
is always a time of some doing to grow the sport will ever pay off. CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
DAVID LASOTA, KENT OSWALD,
turmoil. Many of us, both But in mid-January, I along with CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
on personal and busi- many others once again received an
ness levels, reassess what infusion of enthusiasm. It came in the CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
didn’t happen the previous year, while form of the USTA New England Awards
trying to commit to making positive celebration, where junior and adult ASSOCIATE EDITOR
changes for the new year. players and grassroots tennis providers TIM McARTHUR
For me, the early part of the year is came together to celebrate the best that EDITORIAL DIRECTION
when I hear from a lot of people at the this sport has to offer—its people. 10TEN MEDIA
grassroots level—those who are truly Like similar gatherings around the
TENNIS INDUSTRY
delivering this sport. Many connect country, USTA New England honored 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
because of our “Champions of Tennis” those who play tennis for the sheer 646-381-8735
issue in January; they call to thank the joy of it, and who continue to do great info@tennisindustrymag.com
magazine for recognizing their or a col- things when it comes to growing this
league’s efforts to grow the game. sport. It was an inspiring celebration of ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Inevitably, our conversation moves the good things tennis can bring.
JOHN HANNA
770-650-1102, x125
on from there. I’d like to say everything And it made me realize we have a lot hanna@knowatlanta.com
we talk about is upbeat and positive, but we still need to achieve. For instance,
that’s just not always the case. while we’re still laying the ground- APPAREL ADVERTISING
work to roll out the youth-focused Net CYNTHIA SHERMAN
Generation, this industry has another 203-558-5911
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
opportunity for solid collaboration and
Tennis providers at all levels celebration: Play Tennis Month, in May.
tell me much of their This important initiative will have a
key adult focus, promote the health and
frustration involves the fitness aspects of tennis, and play up Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
“politics” they see as rampant. the importance of Cardio Tennis. It’s a monthly, January through August with combined
issues in September/October and November/
benefit for both consumers and for the December, by Tennis Media Company, 250 Park
health of this industry. Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical
postage paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing
In an industry with so many moving Yes, the politics we endure in this in- offices (USPS #004-354). March 2018, Volume 46,
parts, there will always be a level of dustry is unfortunate, and they can hold Number 3 © 2018 by Tennis Media Company. All rights
frustration. Tennis providers at all us back. But I’m convinced this sport’s
reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo are trademarks
of Tennis Media Company. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
levels—local, state, sectional and nati- greatest assets—our grassroots provid- advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
onal—tell me much of their frustration ers and players—can continue to power and editorial: 646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions
$25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
involves the “politics” they see as ram- through to grow tennis. address changes to Tennis Industry, 250 Park Avenue,
pant, and which they often say hampers Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Tennis Industry is the
official magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA.
their efforts to truly come together and Peter Francesconi
grow this sport at the grassroots. Editor
Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
I admit this business can be frustrat- Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
ing to navigate, especially in a time of
struggling retail sales and lackluster
participation growth. It can lead many

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IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
EQUIPMENT
USTA Restructures
Community Tennis Division
K-Swiss Launches Ultrashot
Shoe For Competitive Players
Kurt Kamperman (left) and Craig Morris
In a restructuring of the USTA’s

Community Tennis division, Kurt
Kamperman will assume the role of Chief
Executive, USTA National Campus. The
USTA says the success and potential of
the USTA National Campus necessitated
focusing Kamperman’s role to ensuring
the campus continues to grow.
In his new role, Kamperman will
K

oversee the facilities team and lead the
development of a long-term infrastruc-
-Swiss has introduced its new high-performance tennis shoe, the ture plan to sustain growth. Additionally,
Ultrashot, which the company says was developed using feedback from he will have oversight of USTA-U, the
high-level competitive young players. The Ultrashot features a new USTA’s innovative approach to raising
upper design with durawrapX technology for stability. GuideGlide coaching and educational standards.
midsole construction places lower density foam under the foot for long-lasting He also will continue as the USTA point
cushioning while putting firmer foam around the outside of the shoe for support. person with tennis industry partners and
The Ultrashot performance shoe comes with a six-month rubber outsole guarantee allied organizations.
and carries a suggested retail price of $135. Visit Kswiss.com for more details. Craig Morris will assume Kamperman’s
former role of Chief Executive, Commu-
nity Tennis. Since his arrival at the USTA in
TENNIS MEDIA November 2015, Morris was tasked with
Tennis Channel Integrates UTR creating Net Generation, the USTA’s uni-
fied youth tennis brand. Morris will now
oversee all aspects of Community Tennis,
In a partnership with Universal Tennis, you play? But it allows us to provide including adult tennis, league tennis,
the Tennis Channel recently unveiled more precise, real-time analysis.” youth tennis and USTA tournaments.
C O U RT E S Y K- S W I S S ; C O U RT E S Y U S TA
the UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) The new partnership also involves a Jeff Waters will assume the title of
Power Index as part of the channel’s group of investors that includes Major Managing Director, Community Tennis,
coverage of the 2018 season. League Baseball; the LA Dodgers invest- maintaining his current responsibilities
“Tennis Channel uses the UTR Power ment group; Tennis Channel and sports in the adult tennis area, but with the
Index to give viewers a new way to track investor Iconica Partners; Tennis Chan- addition of a substantial role in providing
player performances throughout the nel Chair & CEO Ken Solomon; Oracle more comprehensive support to the 17
season,” says Bob Whyley, Tennis Chan- CEO Mark Hurd; Jan Leschly, former USTA sections and volunteer base.
nel’s senior VP and executive producer. CEO of Smithkline Beecham and ATP “Tennis is a sport that grows upward
“It’s such a simple formula—who did Top 10; and Silver Lake Partners from its grassroots,” says USTA Chair-
you play? How did you play? When did Managing Partner/Director Ken Hao. man of the Board and President Katrina
www.tennisindustrymag.com March 2018 TennisIndustry 7

IndustryNews
Adams. “These moves will allow us to

more specifically focus on those grass-
roots to ensure a long-term health and
vitality of the sport.”
ASBA Announces Free

Sports Diagram App
The American Sports Builders
Association has a new mobile app,
available via free download on iPhone
and Android devices. “ASBA Diagram
Showcase” is on the App Store and
contains updated diagrams for facilities
that deal with tennis courts, pickleball
courts, running tracks, sports fields and
courts and recreation venues.
The diagrams illustrate not only the
facilities themselves, but also necessary
technical details to those maintaining,
building and repairing the facilities. The
new app will allow those in the office or
The USTA's giant project in the field to access information they
in Lake Nona has been a need quickly and easily, and to save it for
giant success thus far. future use. ASBA will update the informa-
HOME OF AMERICAN TENNIS
tion in the app to remain current with any
rule changes.
USTA National Campus “We see [the app] not only as a way for
builders, design professionals, manag-
Celebrates First Year ers and others in the industry to access

information easily, but also as a way to
I
promote quality design and construc-
tion of athletic facilities worldwide,” says
n January, the USTA commemo- truly exceeded our expectations and ASBA Chairman Kristoff Eldridge.
rated the one-year anniversary delivered on our vision,” Adams said.
of the USTA National Campus “The facility was built to elevate indus- Head Launches Tennis Sensor
in Lake Nona in Orlando, Fla. try standards and expand opportuni-
In its inaugural year, the new “Home of ties. We are excited to see how it will
American Tennis” had nearly 200,000 continually thrive and support the next
players and visitors, with more than 100 generation of players and providers.”
international, national and local tour- Among stats from the facility's first
naments held throughout the year. year are:
The National Campus, featuring
100 courts over 64 acres, is open to the • More than 600 current and aspiring
public and serves the entire spectrum of American professional tennis players
the tennis community, including youth have trained at the USTA National
players, recreational players, collegiate Campus.
athletes and future and current profes- Head launched its Tennis Sensor
sional tour level players. • Participants have come from more powered by Zepp in January. The tool
The Jan. 4 celebration included than 50 countries.
C O U RT E S Y U S TA ; C O U RT E S Y H E A D
fits into most Head tennis racquets

tennis icons Jim Courier and Gigi and offers four unique modes: Play,
Fernandez, City of Orlando Mayor • More than 500 children participate Train, Compete and 3D Serve. The
Buddy Dyer, Orange County Mayor each week in tennis programming. sensor comes with a free Android and
Teresa Jacobs, USTA Chairman of the iOS app that allows players to analyze
Board and President Katrina Adams, • Nearly 150,000 court hours were their every move on the court, track
USTA CEO and Executive Director reserved. performance and compare their stats
Gordon Smith and ESPN’s Chris with friends or rivals.
McKendry, who served as the emcee. • There were more than 17,000 tour- The Play mode allows users to moni-
“The USTA National Campus has nament participants. tor shots and track information on ball

IndustryNews
Short
Sets
The USTA has awarded $50,000 in Dunlop has announced that pro Retired pro player James Blake is the
Wheelchair Tennis Grassroots Grants to players Donald Young, Jamie Murray, new tournament director for the Miami
17 programs nationwide. Grants were Heather Watson, Bjorn Fratangelo, Taylor Open. This new position was created for
awarded to local organizations that Townsend and Louisa Chirico have all Blake, who will be in charge of player
promote and develop the growth of chosen Dunlop racquets. Young, Murray, relations, media, broadcast and tourna-
wheelchair tennis and use the sport to Fratangelo and Townsend will play with ment improvements and innovations.
help build stronger, healthier communi- the Dunlop CX 2.0, while Watson will
ties. Since the wheelchair grant program use the CX 2.0 LS and Chirico will use the Serena and Venus Williams are slated
began in 2008, the USTA has given more Dunlop CV F 3.0 Tour. Each racquet has to participate in the fifth tournament of
than $500,000 to wheelchair tennis Dunlop’s Srixon technology. the Tie Break Tens series, which will be
programs around the country. held at Madison Square Garden in New
York City on March 5. The contest is the
TGA programs in the USTA Southern first time a Tie Break Tens tournament
California and USTA Mid-Atlantic sections will be held in the U.S. Tie Break Tens
won multiple awards at the annual TGA tournaments are held over one session
Premier Sports Franchise Summit, held and involve eight players competing in
in December in Palm Springs, Calif. For a knock-out format, with each match con-
more information, go to playtga.com. Donald Young sisting of a super tie-break to 10 points.
iGENIE
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IndustryNews
speed, spin and sweet spot. In Train

People mode, players can improve their
Watch game using a growing database of
exercises provided by Head coaches.
In Compete mode, players can chal-
The USTA recently voted to change WTA No. 19 Ashleigh Barty of Australia, lenge up to three rivals and compare
Gordon Smith’s title from USTA Chief Op- the 2017 Newcombe Medal winner. performance. The animated 3D Serve
erating Officer and Executive Director to mode analyzes swing and sweet spot
USTA Chief Executive Officer and Execu- American player John Isner debuted his to help players improve their serves.
tive Director to better reflect his scope of new racquet, the Prince Beast 100, at the The intuitive user interface of the
responsibilities and bring his title in line Australian Open in January. Head Tennis Sensor app was devel-
with industry standards. oped in partnership Zepp, an expert
in sensor technologies and app
design. Visit head.com/sensor.
Sports icon Billie Jean King and
actor/writer/producer Aasif Mandvi will
Selkirk Announces Shift in
headline the fifth annual ABM Innovation
Pball Paddle Manufacturing
Summit, April 11-12 in San Francisco. Selkirk Sports stopped using graphite
The ABM Innovation Summit is for B2B in its high-performance Pickleball pad-
marketers looking to learn the "how" of dles. Selkirk says it will manufacture all
account-based marketing. More than its high-performance products, includ-
1,000 marketers are expected to attend. ing the new made-in-the-U.S. Amped
series, with the company’s proprietary
Fila has extended its relationship with John Isner
FiberFlex Fiberglass face and X5
PHOTOS AP

IndustryNews
Polypropylene core technology.

“The sport of pickleball has evolved
so rapidly that paddle performance
demands are greater than ever,” says
Selkirk Sports Product Manager Rob
Barnes. “As a result, it’s imperative that
we enhance our manufacturing and shift
the focus to our FiberFlex and X5 technol-
ogy, which has been shown to increase
power and control for players at both the
pro and recreational levels.”
Industry Loses
Westervelt, Viebranz
Industry pioneer Sheldon Westervelt
of Boynton Beach, Fla., passed away
Dec. 18, 2017, at age 88. In 1964,
Westervelt was one of the founders of
the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders
Association, which later became the
American Sports Builders Association.
Barth will continue to A professional engineer who over-
help resort guests as saw the design and construction of
director emeritus.
nearly 7,000 tennis projects around
TENNIS PEOPLE the world, he was a life member of the
American Society of Civil Engineers
Roy Barth Retires as and was inducted into the Tennis
Industry Hall of Fame in 2013.
Kiawah Tennis Director Former USTA Eastern President
Elaine Viebranz died on Dec. 17 in
K
North Andover, Mass., at age 91. For-
merly of Larchmont, N.Y., Viebranz
iawah Island Golf Resort development in 1976. As director emeri- was a USTA volunteer for more than 30
in South Carolina has ann- tus, he’ll continue to help resort guests years, served on more than 20 USTA
ounced the retirement of improve their tennis skills through his national and section committees, and
tennis director Roy Barth, renowned teaching at the resort’s Roy for several years directed volunteer
who now becomes director emeritus Barth Tennis Center. operations at the US Open. Among
for the resort. After a lengthy search, A former pro tour player, Barth is her honors, she was inducted into the
the resort named Barth’s son, Jonathan the president of the PTR. He has been a USTA Eastern Section Hall of Fame and
Barth, as the new director of tennis. longtime volunteer with the USTA at all won the International Tennis Hall of
Roy Barth built the resort’s tennis levels, including serving as president of Fame’s Samuel Hardy Award.
C O U RT E S Y K I AWA H I S L A N D G O L F R E S O RT; C O U RT E S Y U S P TA
programs from the property’s initial USTA South Carolina.
Seven Coaches Earn
PTR Masters of Tennis
Seven coaches recently completed the
education requirements to earn the PTR's
highest coaching certification, the PTR
Master of Tennis (MOT).
Earning MOT–Adult Development
certifications are: Greg Fowler, Manhat-
tan Beach, Calif.; Tom Ruth, Bluffton, S.C.;
and Linda Van B. Stafford, Villa Hills, Ky.
Earning MOT–Performance certifica-
tions are: Ed Duffy, Delray Beach, Fla.;
Dr. Doug Eng, Medford, Mass.; Andy
Dowsett, Essex, England; and Karsten
Weigelt, Berlin, Germany.
The Master of Tennis program is open

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hensive club programs for all ages
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coaching skills. Visit ptrtennis.org follow lobste
t rsports on
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for more information.

For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com
Trish Faulkner Joins
USPTA National Board
Trish Faulkner
The USPTA has announced the

appointment of Trish Faulkner
to serve on the national board of
directors as vice president
during the 2018-2019 term.
She will be taking over for vice
president Alan Cutler, who
resigned at the end of 2017.
Faulkner is currently Tennis
Professional Emeritus at Ballen-
Isles Country Club in Palm Beach
Gardens, Fla.
USTA Midwest Looks

To Host Second ‘Summit’
The USTA Midwest Section Tennis
Industry & Education Committee
hosted a “Tennis Summit” last year
in conjunction with the Western &
Southern Open and is looking to
repeat its success in 2018.
The Summit’s mission was to
“sustain and grow tennis in the
Midwest” and brought together
tennis and non-tennis parties
including representatives from
Shape America, the Federation of
High School Athletics, PTR, USPTA,
TIA, USTA and Lifetime Fitness.
Featured speakers included Jim
Baugh of PHIT America; Dr. Mark
Gillinov, director of cardiology at
the Cleveland Clinic; and social
media and consumer trends consul-
tant Kim Hendrix.

IndustryNews
EQUIPMENT WTA Finals Awarded

Dunlop Adds to Shenzhen, China
The WTA has selected the city of
CV Line Shenzhen, China to host the presti-

gious WTA Finals from 2019 through
of Premium 2028. Gemdale Corp., one of China's

largest real estate developers,
Racquets
submitted the winning bid, which
includes building a state-of-the-art
venue in the city's downtown with
E

seating for 12,000 people and record
prize money of $14 million for the Top
ach frame in Dunlop’s new 8 singles players and Top 8 doubles
line of CV super premium teams, doubling the previous purse.
racquets features Srixon
engineering and Sonic Core Albert Lee Joins USRSA
technology. The six new racquets, which As Certification Tester
each carry an MSRP of $199, include
the CV 3.0 F LS played by Agnieszka
Radwanska. In addition to the CV 3.0 F
LS, the new frames include the CV 3.0
F Tour, CV 3.0 F, CV 3.0, CV 5.0 and CV CV 3.0 F LS
5.0 OS. The newest Sonic Core iteration
is VG technology, which adds a high-
damping rubber sheet to the mix, says
Dunlop. Visit dunlopsports.com.
Albert Lee
Master Racquet Technician Albert Lee

is a new USRSA Certification Tester in the
Maryland area. A veteran stringer and
racquet technician (who also has mul-
tiple degrees in electrical engineering),
Lee has been a USRSA member for 34
years. He’s strung at all four Grand Slams
(12 total Slams) and numerous other
professional tournaments.
“We are extremely pleased to have
Albert join our team as a Certification
Tester,” says USRSA Executive Director
Bob Patterson. “He’s been an MRT for
24 years and is revered by colleagues
around the world.”
USRSA Names New

MRTs and CSs
C O U RT E S Y D U N L O P ; C O U RT E S Y A L B E RT L E E
Master Racquet Technicians

• Leonidas Andrews, Houston, Texas
• Mitchell Blanchard, Jacksonville, Fla.
• Justin Garcia, Plano, Texas
• Igor Gavric, Jacksonville, Fla.
• David Igelsia, Branchford, N.J.
• Drew Lambert, Marshall, Texas
• Nils Leonard, Jacksonville, Fla.
Certified Stringers
• William Flynn, Tucson, Ariz.
• Gary Murphy, Austin, Texas
• James Waite, Bonita Springs, Fla.

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TennisIndustry
CardioTennis
HEALTH & FITNESS
Supersize It!
A unique Cardio Tennis event pulls in
players and non-players looking to get fit,
burn calories and have fun.
W
hat happens when Wichita Park and Recreation Depart- Cardio Tennis Global Education
you put 175 people ment and the Tennis Industry Associa- Director Michele Krause was integral
onto eight ten- tion/Cardio Tennis to offer this free, to the planning and execution of the
nis courts for 60 open-to-all Cardio Tennis session. event. “There were people burning up
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y G E N E S I S H E A LT H C LU B S
minutes with red “We really put on something amaz- to 1,000 calories in that hour,” she says.
balls and shorter racquets, under ing,” says Genesis National Tennis “It was wild—there was constant mo-
the direction of trained Cardio Ten- Director Mike Woody. “We’ve been tion and touches on the ball. Everyone
nis instructors? How about 102,000 relaunching Cardio Tennis here at was completely engaged and having
combined calories burned—an average Genesis, and the interest has been tre- fun, so they didn’t realize they were also
582 calories per participant!—a ton of mendous—not just from tennis players, getting a great workout.”
fun, and one of the largest single Cardio but from others interested in fitness Of the 175 participants, about 100
Tennis events in the United States. and finding fun ways to burn calories. had on heart-rate monitors, which
That’s what happened on Jan. 13 at “If we can get more adults on the were linked to large screens positioned
the Genesis Health Club in Wichita, court seeing tennis as a fun and healthy around the facility so they could see the
Kan. As part of the “Get Fit Wichita” workout alternative, it will grow our calories burned and check when they
initiative, Genesis partnered with the sport even further.” were “in the zone.”

TennisIndustry
We ran about 10 pilots of this larger format

in December and early January, and it kept blowing us away
with the amount of activity the players experienced.
Cardio Tennis has six to eight players play together and still get an amazing thing we do wherever tennis provid-
on a 78-foot court, but Woody and his workout,” adds Krause. The Wichita ers are gathering. We need to show
staff wanted to use the Cardio Ten- clinic had people who had never played providers how easy this is. Tennis is not
nis “supersize” format and be able to before, avid recreational players and a difficult game to learn.”
offer it as a group exercise, much like even the men’s and women’s teams “Hats off to Mike, Michele and the
spinning or yoga classes. With Krause’s from Kansas State University. staff at Genesis,” says Jolyn de Boer,
help, they put up to 24 people on a Woody and Genesis plan to make executive director of the TIA, which
single court by dividing the court cross- Cardio Tennis part of the group exer- manages Cardio Tennis. “This event
wise into six 36-foot (red) courts. To cise menu of activities, with multiple was phenomenal, and it again proved
get constant motion and calorie burn in classes each week that are compli- the value of a program like Cardio
that space, participants used red foam mentary to club members and at a Tennis for being an effective vehicle to
balls and 23-inch racquets. nominal charge to nonmembers. “This attract and retain players through fun
“We ran about 10 pilots of this format is an innovative, proven way to engage group exercise, along with the growth
in December and early January, and it consumers, for a very small investment potential for the industry and its
kept blowing us away with the amount by the club,” Woody says. “The benefits businesses.” •
of activity the players experienced,” will far outweigh any initial costs.
Woody says. “I did one of the pilots, and “This was unique and different,” he For more information about Cardio
burned 700 calories in an hour.” adds. “I think our industry has to have Tennis and for a schedule of upcoming
“The beauty of Cardio Tennis in this more of these types of events and Cardio Tennis Training Courses, visit
format is that players of all levels can opportunities. This should be some- CardioTennis.com.

TennisIndustry
GrassrootsTennis
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Play It Forward!
CTAs, public parks, schools and NJTLs
are on the front lines when it comes to
growing our sport in communities.
FLORIDA
Public Park Promotes

Tennis for the Blind
R
alph Robinson doesn’t look
much different from your aver-
age tennis player. It’s only when
he slides his foot forward to feel the
raised court line that you realize you’re
about to witness something difficult to
conceive—blind and visually-impaired
players rallying and playing the sport.
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y U S TA I N T E R M O U N TA I N/ K A N E C O M M U N I T Y T E N N I S ( L E F T ) ; U S TA F L O R I D A
Art Richards runs his Blind Tennis
program out of Rotonda Community
Park in Rotonda West, Fla., located
north of Fort Myers.
“I think I’m the only public parks
INTERMOUNTAIN program—not only in this state, but
Grassroots Growth in the Utah Desert in the country—that [accommodates
blind and visually impaired players]
H
outdoors,” says Richards. “I do it
because these people are taxpayers but
ow do you begin a youth them to invite visiting teaching pros have no access to recreation on a public
tennis program in a rural and provides equipment. This has tennis court, or to play tennis with
county in the southern enabled the CTA to put racquets into their families.”
Utah desert? You start by the hands of 30 percent of the area’s Richards’ program, which has rec-
pulling out the grass by the roots on the 7,000 residents in a 4,000 sq.-mile area. eived support from the USTA Florida
40-year-old courts, collecting dona- Programming includes elementary, Section Foundation, the Cultural Guild
tions of racquets, balls and shoes, and middle and high school PE classes, of the Greater Cape Haze Peninsula
calling the kids. mostly free lessons, clinics throughout and Charlotte County, is free and pro-
In 2009, 13 youngsters in Kanab, the year and innovative food sense/ vides an introduction to blind tennis.
Utah, were introduced to tennis by a tennis clinics, which teach healthy He puts down raised lines and uses the
volunteer instructor who answered a eating habits in addition to tennis. Japanese Sound Ball, a hard-foam com-
newspaper request. Since then, Kane And in 2016, a dream finally came petition ball that costs about $16 each.
Community Tennis, a CTA with two true—two new post-tensioned con- “Their dream is to be able to play
volunteers, has grown faster than the crete courts. With no grass to pull, the tennis like everybody,” he says. “These
desert grass. Donations, grants and Kane Community Tennis program are some of the best stories of family
Utah Tennis Association support allow continues to grow. —Andi Porter tennis there is.” —Rick Vach

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Register Now for Fifth Annual TOM Conference
Register at TheTOMConference.com for the fifth annual Tennis legendary coach Nick Bollettieri; PHIT America founder Jim Baugh;
Owners & Managers (TOM) Conference, which will be April 8-11 at and Tennis Industry Health & Wellness Advisor Dr. Jack Groppel of
Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, S.C. The TOM is for tennis owners, Johnson & Johnson’s Human Performance Institute.
managers and industry decision-makers with a focus on innovation, The TOM Conference will have educational sessions (CEU credits
growth, business leadership and development. are available), a Resource Center, an “Innovation Challenge,” best
Top experts and consultants inside and outside of the tennis industry practices roundtables, leadership and facility management sessions,
will be featured, including Stephen Tharrett, co-founder of ClubIntel, presentations on equipment and technology, networking sessions,
owner/president of Club Industry Consulting and former president of future of tennis and technology applications, digital and social
IHRSA; and Doug Conant, founder and CEO of ConantLeadership, media discussions, and more. It also will feature on-court demos
chairman of the Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute at Northwestern and discussions for short-court forms of tennis such as POP Tennis,
University, and chairman of CECP—the CEO Force for Good. paddle, pickleball and padel.
Other speakers include Craig Morris, the USTA’s chief executive Tennis Industry magazine’s Champions of Tennis winners will be
of Community Tennis; sports club marketing expert Casey Conrad; recognized at the TOM, and the first day of the Conference also will
Midtown Athletic Club Vice President & General Manager Michael be the finals at the nearby Volvo Car Open women’s tournament on
Mahoney; Cardio Tennis Global Education Director Michele Krause; Daniel Island, S.C. Visit TheTOMConference.com.
CHA
For more information and to register for the
TOM Conference, visit TheTOMConference.com. or
contact 843-686-3036 or info@tennisindustry.org.
Join Tennis Industry Experts at the

CHARLESTON, SC | 2018
Leadership
Innovation Challenge Judges Announced
The third Tennis Industry Innovation Te n n i s I n d u s t r y
Challenge will showcase some of the most innovation SC 2018
brilliant new and innovative sports products CHALLENGE

and services designed to grow the sport and
Charleston, South Carolina
April 2018
April, 2018
business of tennis with players, consumers and fans.

This unique competition, which will take place April 9 during the TOM
Conference, will again be moderated by Carlos Salum, president of Salum
International Resources and a member of the SportsCouncil Silicon Valley.
The judges are:
* Rishi Bhatnagar, CEO of Syntelli Solutions;
* Walid Fattah, entrepreneur and co-founder of Kourts;
* Mac Lackey, entrepreneur, executive at SportsEngine, venture partner
of VentureSouth vc;
* Dr. Stuart Miller, ITF senior executive director;
CHA
* Royce Wolfe, principal of Thru Traffic Marketing LLC.
20 TennisIndustry March 2018 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
May is SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!
TENNIS! GET YOUR PROGRAMS READY!
PLAY HELP GET AMERICA MOVING!
M NTH suppor
ting Support PHIT America!
Sign up now at RallyTheIndustry.org
Sign U
Today! p
This May, join tennis facilities and providers across the country in a national campaign
designed to bring more people into the lifetime sport of tennis!
Research shows that 65% of players who begin Play Tennis Month Includes:
tennis in an introductory program stick with the • Introductory lessons, clinics and programs with certified
sport. When it comes to getting people hooked on teaching professionals to help get new players into the game
tennis, “trying” it is half the battle! and bring back lapsed players.
• Industry-supported messaging to get consumers to try tennis.
• Programs designed to increase player retention and plug the
Play Tennis Month will help you get consumers “leaky bucket” of participation.
onto your courts. Join your industry this May for • Support from both the PTR and USPTA for messaging the
this tremendous opportunity to grow the player Play Tennis Month promotion to their membership bases of
base and create more frequent tennis players. teaching professionals.
Go to RallyTheIndustry.org for more information

TennisIndustry
TEACHING PROFESSIONALS
COURT CONSTRUCTION
C O A C H I N G A C C R E D I TAT I O N
Scott Schultz
oversees USTA
University
(USTA-U), based
at the National
Campus in
Orlando, Fla.
I
Quality n December, the USTA ann-
ounced that it was creating a
In speaking with leaders of the PTR,
USPTA and other key industry stake-
Assurance tennis coaching accreditation
program for organizations and
holders, everyone agreed that we need
to raise certification standards to att-
The USTA’s new institutions that certify U.S.
tennis professionals. We touched base
ract new people to the profession and
to ensure that new certified pros have
coaching with Scott Schultz, managing director
of USTA-U, to discuss the program.
the resources and competencies they
need to be successful. Also, an accredi-
accreditation Why did the USTA develop a coaching
tation program will provide current
tennis pros with educational programs
program is designed accreditation program?
Schultz: The USTA believes quality
for professional development and offer
support to help grow their businesses.
to raise standards teaching professionals are critical to
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y U S TA
growing the sport, and we want to do What is the difference between

and help attract more to support them. Additionally, we
realize in the near future, there will be a
accreditation and certification?
Schultz: Both “certification” and
new people to the shortage of tennis professionals, which “accreditation” involve assessment
is a problem that needs to be addressed against standards and both provide
profession. immediately. recognition of excellence. However,

TennisIndustry
We realize that in the near future, there will be a

shortage of tennis professionals, which is a problem that needs
to be addressed immediately.
accreditation refers to an organization USOC SafePlay course—which requires Do the organizations receive anything
voluntarily complying with standards training, an education component and for being accredited? Is there any sort
set forth by an independent third party, a background check. of recognition?
whereas certification is a process by Schultz: Participating organizations
which an organization grants recogni- What is the timeline? will have their programs given the
tion of competence to an individual Schultz: In 2018, we will offer provi- label, “Accredited by the USTA.”
who has met predetermined qualifica- sional accreditation status to qualified Accreditation provides many advan-
tions specified by that organization. organizations who meet our stated tages to both participating organiza-
As the accrediting body, the USTA requirements. The USTA will work tions and their members. It will convey
will not certify tennis professionals. collaboratively with qualified organiza- assurance to the public of external
Certification will continue to be ad- tions to develop programs and on qual- evaluation, of a commitment to excel-
ministered by organizations such as the ity assurance. We plan to launch the lence, and that expectations for knowl-
PTR, USPTA and any other organiza- new certification standards in 2019. edge and safety are met. The USTA will
tions that meet the criteria established provide recruitment and promotional
by the USTA to certify professionals. By Are there things the USTA wants to activities for accredited organizations
separating the organizational roles, we see that aren’t currently being done and their members at its events.
collectively create accountability for or offered by current teaching The members of these organizations
adherence to standards. organizations? will be the real beneficiaries. They will
Schultz: It isn’t so much what the USTA be certified through a very high-quality
What will the new certification wants but rather what employers of program that will give them a competi-
standards be to become a tennis teaching pros and coaches throughout tive advantage over non-certified pros
professional? the industry are seeking. Currently, in getting a job. Current members will
Schultz: There will be two ways to educational requirements before get- also benefit from broader educational
become a USTA-accredited certified ting certified are minimal. We also want offerings and programs that will be
tennis professional: graduating from to see a mentorship culture created more accessible.
a Professional Tennis Management that will attract people to careers in
program (PTM) or by becoming an tennis and support them on their jour- What else can you tell us about the
apprentice with an accredited organi- ney. The entire industry needs to work apprentice program?
zation. Both paths will require approxi- together to make this happen. Schultz: As an industry, we need to
mately 1,500 hours of work and study create more of a mentorship culture,
under the supervision of a mentor to How might this impact what certifying where seasoned tennis professionals
become certified. organizations are currently doing? Will help to teach and bring along those just
Apprentices should easily be able they need to revamp curriculum and starting out. This program will combine
to complete the program in one year, requirements? successful elements of pre-existing
and they will receive credit toward the Schultz: This will be a major change programs with innovative pedagogical
1,500 hours for hours worked at their from what certifying organizations practices to create the most well-
respective tennis facility. This program are currently requiring. Presently, the rounded and prepared tennis profes-
is similar to the successful PGA model only mandatory educational require- sionals, which are always needed.
used to certify golf professionals, which ment for American teaching pros is an Tennis needs to replicate what col-
for decades has resulted in a consistent eight-hour online course. Going from leges and universities are doing today
supply of highly trained professionals eight hours to 1,500 hours of work and with online education. Interactive,
in the golf industry. study is significant. That said, feedback online education is less expensive
has told us that industry stakeholders and more accessible than traditional
What about current certified profes- believe we should work together to sig- face-to-face education. The technology
sionals? Will they have to go through nificantly raise the existing standards. now exists for us to have more engag-
the new program, or will they be ing courses and better quality content
grandfathered in? Which groups do you expect will go for pros than ever before. This will also
Schultz: They will be grandfathered in. through the accreditation process? allow us to tap the expertise of many
However, they will be required to meet Schultz: USTA accreditation is volun- more experienced coaches and instruc-
the certifying organizations’ continu- tary and open to any qualifying organi- tors in business, marketing and retail
ing education requirements, which zation. We have had interest from both who can pass along their knowledge
will now include first aid, CPR and the the PTR and the USPTA. and contribute to the profession. •

TennisIndustry
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
COURT CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE GUIDE
of surface and the coating will dictate

cleaning regimens. Power-washing, if
your court contractor recommends it
for your specific surface, may provide a
After-Hour Improvements great facelift for the courts.
Soft courts (clay or fast-dry) can
What you do during downtime be kept in good condition with regu-
lar sweeping, watering and rolling to
can help to make your courts shine preserve the integrity of the surface.
Remember that regular maintenance
during peak hours. will ensure a surface that has uniform
bounce and slide, and that excess loose
By Mary Helen Sprecher material tends to gather under the net,
on the perimeter and in corners. Keep
these areas free of buildup.
E
The Grass is Greener: When your courts
are surrounded by grass, it’s important
veryone wants their courts fixes you can make during downtimes to make sure edging is done routinely
to be full all the time. But that can make a big difference in the so that courts drain properly. If grass
every facility has times appearance and appeal of your courts. gets overgrown near the edges of the
when courts aren’t being fence, it can create a dam, holding
used. While not ideal, these Keep it Clean: Tackle stains on the rainwater in. In addition, keep weeds
quiet times are a great chance for you court using the gentlest means pos- in landscaping to a minimum, so they
and your staff to put in some work that sible: warm water and a soft brush. If don’t invade the edges of the court.
can easily keep your courts looking and the stains remain, call your tennis court
C O U RT E S Y S H U T T E R S T O C K
playing their best when they are full. contractor and ask for recommenda- Walk the Lines: On soft courts, keep an
First, encourage your staff to look at tions. Different problems require eye on the playing lines and secure any
all aspects of your facility with a critical different treatments. For example, a that may be lifting, which could be a
eye, and also encourage your members stain made by sap might necessitate a tripping hazard for players.
and players to tell you if something is different treatment from scuff marks
wrong or might be a potential problem. left by the player who disregarded the Net Result: Examine nets routinely,
Beyond that, here are some tips and sign requiring court shoes. The type looking for frays, holes or rips, and

ads.indd 1 4/29/16 12:43 PM
TennisIndustry
FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS
Encourage staff to look at all aspects of your facility with a critical eye,
and encourage players to tell you if something is wrong.
make sure nets don’t sag. Look at the wise repaired before a player complains not, ask your contractor about adding
headband to ensure it isn’t stained or about injuries or damaged clothing as blended lines. It’s a great opportunity
cracked, or coming away from the net a result of them. Also make sure gates to increase programming for both kids
fabric. New nets may be in order, and and hinges are in working order. and adults. Plus, USTA grants might be
you might be surprised by the positive Windscreens must be fastened available for this work.
visual difference they can make. securely to the fence. Use strong cable
ties. (Metal “hog rings” are not recom- On the Surface: When no one is playing
Post Time: Check the net posts for chips mended, since they won’t allow the on your courts, inspect them regularly.
or rust spots. Posts can be repainted windscreen to break away during a If you look at the court surface and
with a rustproof paint, just make sure major windstorm, which can cause find that it looks faded, has marks or is
to remove the net and protect the significant damage to the fence itself.) otherwise unappealing, call in a court
nearby court surface from drips and Check the bottom of the fence and contractor to give you an estimate on
spatters if you paint them in place. In clear out any buildup of leaves, grass recoating the court.
addition, cranks and winding mecha- clippings, mulch or other landscaping Don’t fool around here. Surfacing
nisms should be kept in good repair. materials that can trap water on the a court is a specialized skill and not
court when it rains, leading to court an area where you should try to save
Good Fences: Regularly inspect wind- stains and other problems. money by doing it yourself. Someone
screen and fencing and make necessary not equipped or used to working with
repairs. Look for irregularities up close, Cracking Up: If there are cracks on the surfacing materials will make the
then back away and study the facility as court, call in a court contractor to make courts look bad and play worse, and
a whole to see if the fences are leaning, a diagnosis. Cracks can have widely you’ll end up spending more money
even slightly, in any area—then make varying causes and effects, and as a in the long run getting them back into
arrangements to have them fixed. result, fixes can be easy or complex. shape. The same goes for the play-
C O U RT E S Y A S B A
Make sure there are no sharp projec- And, of course, cracks will spread. ing lines—don’t try to touch them up
tions that can injure a player. Burrs, yourself. A specialty contractor has the
rust or other irregularities should be Short Courts: Have you had your correct paint, the right tools and the
sanded down, painted over or other- courts lined for 36- or 60-foot play? If expertise to make it look sharp. •

Join the Leader
PTR March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 1/4/18 7:59 AM Page 1
in Coach Education
4
Externally Accredited Pathways to Certification
3
Specialist Programs
3
Master of Tennis Programs
PTR Certification and Education Workshops are the most successful training courses for tennis teachers and coaches.
More than 300 PTR Workshops are conducted on five continents each year. All are led by specially trained PTR Clinicians.
10 & Under 11 to 17 Performance

March 2 Atlanta, GA March 3 Dallas, TX March 3 Reading, PA
March 3 Pinehurst, NC March 3 Folsom, CA April 7 Miami, FL
March 9 Fairhope, AL March 10 Cary, NC April 7 Virginia Beach, VA
March 24 Wheaton, IL March 31 Bannockburn, IL April 28 Philadelphia, PA
March 24 Palm Harbor, FL April 7 San Antonio, TX June 1 Weston, FL
April 13 Cayce, SC April 14 San Jose, CA June 30 Cincinnati, OH
April 14 Dedham, MA April 14 Springfield, MO
April 14 West Harrison, NY April 28 Norfolk, VA
April 21 East Hartford, CT May 5 Atlanta, GA Adult Development
April 28 Bannockburn, IL May 5 Norwalk, CT March 3 Boca Raton, FL
May 5 Littleton, CO May 5 East Hartford, CT March 17 San Jose, CA
May 19 Alexandria, VA May 5 Fargo, ND March 22 Irving, TX
June 6 San Jose, CA May 11 Lexington, SC March 24 Greenville, SC
June 16 Hilton Head Island, SC May 12 Cincinnati, OH March 31 Cincinnati, OH
May 12 Evansville, IN April 21 Safety Harbor, FL
June 2 McKinney, TX May 17 Irving, TX
June 9 Cypress, TX May 19 Waynesboro, PA
June 9 South Burlington, VT May 19 Colts Neck, NJ
June 9 Woodmere, NY May 19 Waynesboro, PA
June 16 Virginia Beach, VA June 9 Eden Prairie, MN
June 16 Boca Raton, FL June 9 Littleton, CO
June 16 Colts Neck, NJ
©Maxisport/Shutterstock
For the most up to date list of PTR workshops, call or visit

843-785-7244 • www.ptrtennis.org
TennisIndustry
TIME MANAGEMENT
Time is Money
Proper and realistic scheduling is critical for any
facility construction or renovation project.
W
hether you actual site work for the new facility or required to research and obtain neces-
are building, renovation, be aware that often need sary permits, facility owners must also
repairing or to allow time to investigate zoning and take into consideration site conditions,
remodeling a permitting requirements, and then to especially the need for excavation and/
tennis facility, allow more time to actually obtain all or fill, the size and complexity of the
it takes plan- the necessary permits. You may have to facility under construction, the spe-
ning to do it on budget and on time. have certified surveys or other man- cific type of court being installed, the
The team members assembled—owner, dated procedures, both state and local, resources and current workload of the
contractor, design professional, facility which your design consultant and/ contractor, and the weather during the
manager—must all work together to or knowledgeable contractor should period of construction.
develop detailed and accurate specifi- be able to help you with. But all of this Planning, design and permitting may
cations and schedules, suggest options takes time and must be considered in take as little as a month or as long as
and solve problems. any overall schedule for your project. several years, depending upon the size,
While much attention is given to the In addition to considering the time scope and location of the project. As a

TennisIndustry
For facility and club owners, make sure that whatever timetable
you and your construction team come up with, you stay in close and
frequent contact, so there are no surprises.
general rule, permitting may take 30 construction of an asphalt court, except For facility and club owners, make
to 90 days, while the bid process may curing time for the concrete slab will sure that whatever timetable you and
take an additional 30 to 60 days. Typi- be approximately four weeks, resulting your construction team come up with,
cally, projects should not be bid before in a total construction period of up to you stay in close and frequent contact,
permits are obtained, because revisions eight weeks. so there are no surprises—both in
required by local authorities may lead The charts above show typical terms of costs and time to build. •
to costly change orders. construction timetables for a project at
For a single soft court, you should an average site, in good weather condi- Information and charts are from “Tennis
plan on an actual construction period tions. Construction, of course, may be Courts: A Construction & Maintenance
of up to a month after permitting and delayed by bad weather and unforeseen Manual,” eighth edition, published in
bidding is completed. An asphalt court site conditions. Keep in mind that 2015 by the American Sports Builders
will take somewhat longer, perhaps all permitting and compliance issues Association and the USTA. For more
six weeks. Concrete court construc- should be resolved before these plan- information or to purchase the manual,
tion will take about the same time as ning schedules kick in. visit sportsbuilders.org.

TennisIndus-
FACILITY PLANNING
Keeping Up With Trends

Be aware of the latest developments in technology and
construction to improve your facility.
T
rends affect every Maintenance Manual.” of reasons,” says David LaSota, a court
segment of the tennis Most trends in construction take construction consultant to the USTA.
industry, and the court years to develop. But enough has been Among the reasons for choosing LED
construction business is happening in this industry to warrant a is cost savings in energy and main-
no exception. That’s why, quick look at some developments that tenance. Also, many municipalities,
every few years, the American Sports may well affect your facility or your power companies and state agencies
Builders Association and the USTA business in the future. offer cost incentives when switching
bring together a panel of construction to LED. In many instances, LED can be
industry experts to update and revise LED Lighting: “More and more facili- installed using current light poles. The
the “Tennis Courts: Construction & ties are switching to LED for a variety initial purchase of LED lights is still

TennisIndustry
One of the big stories in

sports facilities—and in
the consumer world in
general—is the increasd
use of LED lighting.
tension. As a result, courts resist crack-

ing and, if cracks form, the tensioning
helps prevent them from widening.
Wheelchair/Adaptive Tennis: More

facilities are making modifications and
adjustments for wheelchair players.
Ideally, all courts should be wheelchair
accessible, but at least one court must
be fully accessible in all facilities.
more expensive than traditional forms concrete courts are extremely durable
of sports lighting, but as the technol- and low-maintenance, and unlike Line-Calling, Player Analysis and
ogy continues to develop and improve, asphalt, relatively unaffected by Livestreaming Technologies: These
costs are coming down. temperature extremes,” LaSota says. continue to advance onto the courts.
While more expensive to install than And as prices come down, facilities are
Post-Tensioned Concrete: Another asphalt, a PT concrete slab will last lon- finding it is possible to install line-
trend is the increased use of post-ten- ger and generally requires little main- calling and video systems that can help
sioned concrete for courts, rather than tenance or repair. In PT concrete, steel players improve. Livestreaming allows
an asphalt or traditional reinforced cables run through the slab and are fans and family who can’t make it to the
concrete base. “Post-tensioned stretched and held permanently under facility to watch all the action. •
Basketball
TennisPaint.com
• Build your dream court
• Find an installer
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Pickleball Tennis

TennisIndustry
COURT BUILDERS
Find the Right Contractor

Choosing a Certified Tennis Court Builder can
help ensure your courts and facility are designed,
built and maintained to exacting standards.
T
he Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB) David Baird Colin Donovan
program was developed by the American Industrial Surface Sealer, Inc. Renner Sports Surfaces
Sports Builders Association to help raise pro- Cleveland, OH Denver, CO
fessional standards and improve the practice
of court construction and maintenance. Tom Benz G. Marshall Dye
To become a CTCB, a court builder must Oval Tennis, Inc. Court Makers, Inc.
pass a comprehensive exam on tennis court construction Somers, NY Marietta, GA
and maintenance. He or she must also fulfill prescribed
standards of experience and have demonstrated a high level Mark Brogan Mike Edgerton
of expertise in court construction. To maintain their CTCB Pro-Sport Construction, Inc. Copeland Coating Co., Inc.
designation, builders must recertify every three years, so Devon, PA Nassau, NY
they are constantly in the know on the latest construction
and maintenance techniques. David Clapp Tony Edwards
As of early January, there were 59 current CTCBs in North Baseline Sports Construction Vintage Contractors, Inc.
America. We’ve listed them here alphabetically by last name, Knoxville, TN San Francisco, CA
but keep in mind that many court builders travel and are not
bound by geographical or state lines. If you are a sports build- Jonnie Deremo John Eren
er, consider becoming a CTCB and providing your customers General Acrylics, Inc. Classic Turf Company, LLC
with that extra level of knowledge and experience. Phoenix, AZ Woodbury, CT
C O U RT E S Y U S TA
To connect with any of these CTCBs, visit the ASBA’s web-

site, sportsbuilders.org, where you can also find out about Tom DeRosa Michael Fortuna
becoming a CTCB yourself, including resources available and DeRosa Sports Construction Ace Tennis Builders
CTCB test dates and locations. —Peter Francesconi Mamaroneck, NY Woodbury, CT

TennisIndustry
Matt Graft Bruce Mahler Gordy Pierce Darrel Snyder

Match Point Tennis Boston Tennis Court Cape & Island Tennis & Track Mid American Courtworks
Woodstock, GA Construction Co., Inc. Pocasset, MA Wichita, KS
Hanover, MA
Derrick Gray Brian Renner John Sonner
Leslie Coatings, Inc. David Marsden Tennis and Track Co. Fast-Dry Courts
Indianapolis, IN Boston Tennis Court Salt Lake City, UT Pompano Beach, FL
Construction Co., Inc.
Matt Hale Hanover, MA David Rich Scott Starman
Halecon, Inc. RS Site and Sports, LLC Renner Sports Surfaces
Bridgewater, NJ Michael McGrath Seymour, CT Denver, CO
Talbot Tennis
Kevin Healion Marietta, GA Michael Robinson Matt Strom
Century Tennis, Inc. Talbot Tennis Leslie Coatings, Inc.
Deer Park, NY Mike Mehaffey Marietta, GA Indianapolis, IN
McConnell & Associates
Mike Imbornone Corp. JR Rockenfield Jacin Sutch
Signature Tennis Courts, Inc. Kansas City, MO McConnell & Associates Sutch Concrete
Woodstock, GA Corp. Spanish Fork, UT
David Moore Kansas City, MO
Brian Jorgensen Cape & Island Tennis George Todd, Jr.
Hellas Construction, Inc. & Track Todd Rudolph Welch Tennis Courts, Inc.
Austin, TX Pocasset, MA Elite Sports Builders Sun City, FL
Phoenix, AZ
Michael Kingsbury Greg Nichols Justan Vaughn
Court Crafters, Inc. Premier Surface Solutions, Troy Rudolph McConnell & Associates Corp.
Bracebridge, ON Canada Inc. Elite Sports Builders Kansas City, MO
Tallahassee, FL Phoenix, AZ
Fred Kolkmann Tom Villeneuve
Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Jeffry Nichols Timothy Sadick Vermont Recreational
Sport Surfaces American Tennis Courts, Inc. RS Site and Sports, LLC Surfacing & Fencing
Grafton, WI Mobile, AL Seymour, CT Saint Johnsbury, VT
Sean Larsen Herb Osburn Matt Savage Brian Wright

Parkin Construction Co. Tennis Courts, Inc. Vasco Sports Contractors Court One, Inc.
Woods Cross, UT Aylett, VA Massillon, OH Granite Quarry, NC
Kevin Leach Barrett Park Matt Schnitzler Gerry Wright

Sport Court of the Rockies All Sport America, Inc. Hellas Construction, Inc. Court One, Inc.
Highlands Ranch, CO Pacheco, CA Austin, TX Youngsville, NC
Linn Lower Philip Park Bill Shaughnessy Steve Wright

Lower Bros. Co., Inc. All Sport America, Inc. The Racquet Shop, Inc. Trans Texas Tennis, Ltd.
Birmingham, AL Pacheco, CA Colts Neck, NJ Houston, TX
Carla Magers Richard Phelan Pete Smith Richard Zaino

Gerald Perry Tennis Courts Court Contractors, Ltd. The CourtSMITHs Zaino Tennis Courts, Inc.
Springfield, MO Mississauga, ON, Canada Toledo, OH Orange, CA

TennisIndustry
S ETLELNI N
NGI SFWREAAMRE S
2 0 1 7J URNAICOQRU EA TP PA
S ERLEELC T O R
Kids Gain the Advantage

For junior players, these cool fashions make
a keen statement on the court.
By Cynthia Sherman
C O U RT E S Y B A B O L AT, F I L A , L I T T L E M I S S T E N N I S, LU C KY I N L OV E , S O F I B E L L A
1 /Lucky In Love 2 /Fila / fila.com / 410-773-3000 3 /Little Miss Tennis

luckyinlovekids.com / 305-638-5484 Fila has a talent for combining trendy littlemisstennis.com / 763-559-6584
Girls’ apparel from Lucky in Love mim- and traditional. Shown is the Chevron The Believe Collection features a white
ics the same fashion-forward designs of Tie Dress ($35) in bright colors with “Tennis” applique jacket ($60-$62 sug-
its adult line. The Wild At Heart collec- contrast side panels and bottom ruffle. gested retail); Everyday Club top ($30-
tion, in blends of poly/lycra, includes The ruched detail at the princess seams $32), available in pink, white, green and
the Mesh Crop Tank ($46 suggested adds flair, and the rhinestone F-box ocean; and Everyday Club border skirt
retail) and Border Skirt ($46). logo completes this signature look. ($40-$42) in pink and ocean trim.

4 /Sofibella / sofibellawear.com / 954-917-3544 5 /Babolat / babolat.us / 720-542-6290
Sofibella makes a splash with its first girls’ collection. The Babolat shows off its fashion IQ with new outfits for boys
Tokyo assortment features candy colors and prints in neon and girls. The boys’ pieces shown above are a mod
pink, electric and turquoise. The collection, including the yellow 50/50 poly crew neck tee ($35 suggested retail) and
Candy dress ($54 suggested retail), features 50 UPF in a complementary shorts in an 87/13 poly-elastane blend
stay-dry fabric with memory stretch. ($32). The tee features Babolat’s “37.5 technology,” which
maintains an ideal body core temperature no matter what
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TennisIndustry
RacquetTech
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Touch-Sensitive
Eliminate sharp points on knots with
stiff poly string with this tip from a
Master Racquet Technician.
A
t the USRSA World Con- 1
ference, Master Racquet
Technician Brad Cranford
of Greer, S.C., introduced us
to the “Cranford Tail Tuck Procedure,”
which eliminates the chance of a player
puncturing or cutting a finger from a
sharp tail on a stiff poly knot.
As most stringers can attest, the stiff
nature of poly strings can easily prick
a finger and draw blood. This may be a
job hazard that we racquet technicians
have to live with, but we should take
every precaution to ensure that our
clients don’t have to deal with this.
While careful attention to make sure
2
knot tails are trimmed squarely rather
than to a point is helpful, Cranford’s
technique is easy to execute and pro-
vides another layer of protection for the
player, who may accidently encounter
the knot tail during a match.
Cranford Tail Tuck Procedure
1 / Tie off the knot as you usually

would.
2 / Once the knot is secure, feed the tail

below the adjacent grommet and tug
lightly to reposition the knot tail.
3
3 / Now trim the knot tail, which is in
a more horizontal position rather than
pointing up, where it is less likely to be
encountered by the player. •
MRT Brad Cranford has been a USRSA

member for 40 years. He owns and oper-
ates Bradley’s String Service in Greer, S.C.
C O U RT E S Y U S R S A
Are you a Certified Stringer or

Master Racquet Technician and have
a “Racquet Tech” tip to share? Email it
to bob@racquettech.com.

monogut-zx-third-advert-image-update.pdf 1 06/07/2016 22:23
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TennisIndustry
StringPlaytest
Playtester Ratings:
Ease of Stringing
(compared to other strings)
Much easier: 3
Somewhat easier: 12
About as easy: 12
Not quite as easy: 1
Not nearly as easy: 0
Overall Playability
(compared to the string played most often)
Much better: 1
Somewhat better: 8
About as playable: 9
Not quite as playable: 7
Not nearly as playable: 3
Overall Durability
(compared to other strings of similar gauge)
Much better: 0
Somewhat better: 8
About as durable: 12
Not quite as durable: 7
Not nearly as durable: 1
Rating Averages
From 1 to 5 (best)
EQUIPMENT Playability: 3.7
Durability: 3.3
Pacific FTX 16 Power: 3.3

Control: 3.6
Comfort: 3.7
By Greg Raven Touch/Feel: 3.4

Spin Potential: 2.9
Holding Tension: 3.4
P
Resistance to Movement: 3.1
acific FTX is a hybrid or to order, contact Pacific at 941-795- to the weight of our unstrung frame.
multi-core/multi-wrap 1789, or order at usaorder@pacific.com, The string was tested for five
string constructed of or visit pacific.com for information. weeks by 28 USRSA playtesters, with
two unique precision- NTRP ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These are
engineered co-polymer In the Lab blind tests, with playtesters receiving
filaments, strategically We tested the 16-gauge FTX. The unmarked strings in unmarked pack-
wrapped around 272 highly resilient coil measured 41 feet, 5 inches. The ages. The average number of hours
nylon microfibers. Pacific says FTX is diameter measured 1.34 mm prior to playtested was 20.2.
the updated version of the popular stringing, and 1.31 mm after stringing. On taking FTX out of the package,
Pacific Futura FTX string, enhanced We recorded a string-bed stiffness of 73 there are few clues that this is anything
with new resins to add performance, RDC units immediately after stringing but a multifilament nylon string, even
giving FTX excellent durability with at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 with the co-polymer wraps. It is very
superior tension maintenance. 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull easy to handle and presented no prob-
According to Pacific, FTX is a crisp- machine. lems during installation or knotting.
feeling multifiber that delivers all the After 24 hours (no playing), string- No playtester broke his sample
benefits you expect, including comfort, bed stiffness measured 67 RDC units, during stringing, none reported prob-
and enhanced shock and vibration representing an 8 percent tension loss. lems with coil memory, none reported
dampening. Pacific says FTX is popular Our control string, Prince Synthetic problems tying knots, none reported
with top junior players and is a great Gut Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC friction burn and none reported any
option for use in hybrid combinations units immediately after stringing and other problems.
due to its durable outer coating. 71 RDC units after 24 hours, represent-
FTX is available in 16 (1.33 mm) and ing a 9 percent tension loss. In lab test- On the Court
C O U RT E S Y PA C I F I C
16L (1.28 mm) in natural color. The ing, Prince Synthetic Gut Original has Our playtest team really appreci-
minimum advertised prices are $10.95 a stiffness of 217 and a tension loss of ated Pacific FXT 16’s Playability and
for 40-foot sets, and $149.95 for 660- 11.67 pounds, while Pacific FTX 16 has Comfort, rating it excellent in each of
foot reels, with dealer quantity dis- a stiffness of 160 and a tension loss of these categories. The ratings also show
counts available. For more information 13.96 pounds. FTX 16 added 14.7 grams that our playtesters found Pacific FXT

TennisIndustry
16’s Control and Touch/Feel to be well tial. I’m definitely looking forward male all-court player using Drive 115
above average. to finding out what it is!” 5.0 male all- strung at 50/50 pounds CP (Gamma
Two playtesters reported prema- court player using Volkl C-10 Pro strung Professional 18)
ture fraying or peeling, none reported at 59/59 pounds CP (Babolat VS Team/
buzzing, and six reported notching. Six Tecnifibre Black Code 16/17) “Extremely easy to string. No coil
players broke the sample during the memory. Very easy on the arm.
test period, one each at 4, 11, 17, 20, 24 “It was a softer, better-feeling string Holds tension well. Overall a very
and 37 hours. than my usual poly. It bit the ball good string. I would like to try it in
well. For the all-court player who a thinner gauge.” 5.0 male all-court
Conclusion doesn’t grind on the baseline, it is a player using Babolat Pure Drive strung
Even though our playtesters gener- good choice.” 5.0 male all-court player at 54.5/54.5 pounds CP (Babolat RPM
ally rated Pacific FXT 16’s durability as using Babolat Pure Drive + strung at Rough 17)
having a slight edge over its playability, 44/44 pounds LO (Luxilon ALU 16)
the category scores tell a different story. “This string played well and I would
Scores in the Playability, Comfort and “The strings are very comfortable consider using it for customers de-
Touch/Feel categories are the highest with good power and control.” 4.0 pending on the price point.” 4.5 male
of all the Pacific strings we’ve playtested male all-court player using Gamma serve-and-volley player using Yonex
to date. The bottom line: in updating RZR 98 strung at 59/59 pounds CP Dual G 330g strung at 59/59 pounds
Futura FTX, Pacific has created in FTX (Gamma Moto Soft/Gamma TNT2 (Tecnifibre NRG2 18)
a string that players should consider 17/17)
when choosing a multifilament. “A very comfortable string. Every-
“My overhead improved with more thing else about it was adequate,
Playtester Comments power and control. I experienced bet- no outstanding quality.” 4.0 male
“I was pleasantly surprised by this ter consistency with groundstrokes baseliner with moderate spin using
string. It felt like a co-poly but with with fewer long balls. I would enjoy Wilson Steam strung at 52/52 pounds
exceptional feel, pop and spin poten- this string in a 17 or 18 gauge.” 4.0 CP (Tourna Big Hitter Black 17) •

TennisIndustry
YourServe
COMMUNITY SERVICE
burned-out areas on the first weekend
Rallying Back of the New Year. Because the land was

barren, the flooding and debris bull-
dozed through homes and neighbor-
Even in the worst of times, the hoods that were not destroyed in the
initial fires, and took at least 20 lives.
tennis community steps up to make But even in the worst of times, tennis
can show people at their best.
a meaningful difference. The moment tennis facilities
recovered, they opened their doors and
By Mark Winters offered a respite from the devastation.
There were showers, electricity, run-
ning water and access to the internet.
More importantly, they offered an
opportunity for people to get on the
court and think about other things.
As an example, Las Posas Country
Club in Camarillo provided a com-
plimentary membership to a student
whose family lost everything. Pierpont
Racquet Club in Ventura did the same
for members who lost it all. The Span-
ish Hills Country Club, along with oth-
ers, opened their courts and facilities to
displaced families. Manufacturers such
as Babolat and Wilson provided free
product to those affected by the fires.
In mere weeks, fire and rain have
made a dramatic change, as homes
and whole neighborhoods have been
devastated. The 101 Freeway, a vital
thoroughfare and a key route in my
tennis history, is unusable. A recovery
timeline has yet to be developed.
I
But even in these appalling condi-
tions, the tennis community can make
grew up in Southern Califor- Club, where tournament matches also a meaningful difference. I’ve seen it
nia. As a youngster, I played all were played. happen over and over, not just in my
sports, but tennis was the last Crossing the 101 and heading toward state, but throughout the country.
one to captivate me. I’m still the Pacific, the scenery was lush. Southern California has a storied
consumed by the game—it has Through the years, much has changed tennis tradition, and because it does,
led to my career as a tennis journalist, in this area, which has grown exponen- the game and its people will continue to
and a life of memorable experiences. tially, with expansion up the hillsides. help put lives, families and homes back
The sport also has shown me, in so But this past December, the area was together. This is the spirit of Southern
many ways, how it can help make a dif- devastated by fires that consumed dry California tennis. •
ference in people’s lives. groundcover in Ventura and nearby
I basically taught myself to play the communities, including Montecito, Mark Winters is a
game on the public courts in the San Santa Barbara, Ojai and Santa Paula. former player and
Fernando Valley. I had virtually no Fires also raced through parts of Los U.S. national team
groundstrokes, but my baseball back- Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and
C O U RT E S Y M A R K W I N T E R S
coach. He's been a

ground made volleying my best shot. San Diego counties. All in all, Southern tennis journalist for
My first competitive tournament was California lost 300,000 acres. From a 50 years, writing
the Santa Barbara Junior Christmas tennis perspective, virtually the entire nationally and
Championships. The main tournament section was affected in some way by the internationally.
site was the public courts just off the fires, ash or smoke.
101 Freeway. Behind the main location The situation became even more We welcome your opinions. Please email
was the spectacular Montecito Country complex when rain pummeled the comments to info@tennisindustrymag.com.

MARCH 2018
USPTA Elite Professional Jason Gilbert

with U30 Pros Brittany Hill (left) and
Adelaide Wood (right).
41 - USPTA ADDvantage Magazine
ADDvantageMarch2018GUS.indd 41 1/25/2018 2:24:26 PM

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FROM THE CEO
Why are U30’s so important?

John R. Embree, USPTA Chief Executive Officer
I t is no secret that the tennis industry is getting older.

From manufacturer’s reps to USTA Adult League players,
to members of our association, the numbers continue to be
almost every division has launched
a U30 Committee. If you are reading
this article and are a millennial that
deeply concerning. The average age of a USPTA member is has resisted getting involved with
bordering on 50 and the trend continues to head north. What is the USPTA locally, do yourself a
going to happen over the next 5-10 years as we age out? Who is favor. Reach out to your fellow U30
going to fill the roles of the jobs that are going to come open? colleagues and make yourself available
Young people today do not aspire to be tennis-teaching for any number of U30 activities that
professionals even if they have a passion for our sport. For are going on throughout the country.
some reason, a career in the tennis industry or specifically in Every one of our new committee chairs has been encouraged
teaching tennis does not seem to invite a U30 member to
to engender much enthusiasm volunteer for their newly
amongst high school players or appointed respective national
collegians. I cannot figure out committee. We need the
why that is… perspective that only a
Therefore, it is incumbent on millennial can bring to those
all of us to recruit, encourage, committee discussions.
and lead those young players As General Dunwoody so
into our profession. The eloquently stated during
problem, however, is that the her general session here
millennials don’t want to be in Orlando at the Next
mentored by old fuddy- duddys Generation: A Tennis
like me (who would be eager Innovation Workshop last
to guide and provide direction USPTA Elite Professional Jason Gilbert speaking with U30 Pros. October, “diversity is just
to their students or even not ticking off the boxes. It is
assistants). No, they would rather listen to someone of their about diversity of thought.” That is a dimension that U30’s can
own vintage who has some experience in the industry to offer bring to our committee work.
insight and advice as to how to navigate the incredible maze In addition, our multimedia department has just produced
that is our tennis marketplace. I don’t blame them. a dynamic 30 second TV spot that will be aired on the Tennis
While this is not the only reason why our U30 program is Channel that focuses on our U30 professionals. Finally, we
so vital to our long-term health, it is clearly one of them. The will be working hand in hand with the USTA on all of the PTM
U30’s (who are already actively engaged with the USPTA) will programs that are hatching across the country. The latest
play a critical role in representing our industry to those who count of PTM programs is 8-10 that are now underway. The
are now on the outside looking in. Building a strong base of students who come out of those programs will have extensive
U30’s cannot only help restock our association with quality knowledge about the tennis industry, will have been mentored
like-minded professionals, but they will serve as our leaders of by USPTA professionals at some of the finest club facilities in
the future. the country, and will have learned first-hand what it is like to
People often ask me, “what keeps you up at night?” Without work as tennis-teaching professionals. Not only that, each will
giving it much thought, this is it. I worry terribly about our be USPTA certified before they graduate from college.
industry and the current participation trends (which you know I implore every USPTA professional to reach out and
are not good), but I am very nervous about the lack of a youth identify one promising young tennis enthusiast and help them
movement within the USPTA. For that reason, our efforts to understand the benefits of working in our industry and why
increase the visibility of our U30’s have to be a priority, both they should aspire to join our wonderful industry.
nationally and at the division/local levels. U30’s are the lifeblood of the USPTA going forward. They are
Thanks to Jason Gilbert, the new president of USPTA the future. We cannot wait to take the right steps to bring new
Florida who is credited with starting the U30 program in 2013, people in. It is now or never...*

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Vice President Message
#Givingback
Cari Buck, USPTA Vice President
S o here I am, fresh off the national board meeting of 2018. It

is going to be a big year for the USPTA and as members, you
can be assured that this team will be working hard for you and
US Promotions Director for Wilson
Racquet Sports, Tim Buwick once told
me, we are all so lucky, “we work in
working to make the USPTA the best organization it can be. the toy department of life.” For me as
When I was asked to write this article, I thought what should I I’m sure for many of you, tennis has
write about? After thinking about it a few days, it became clear. given me so much. I have met so many
Write about something I’m passionate about; you can’t go wrong amazing people, I’ve had fantastic
that way, right? experiences, I’ve been places I never
Many of you who know me know I am passionate about thought I would go, I’ve learned so much and I’ve had so much
wheelchair tennis. As I think back throughout my career, as fun…all because of tennis. And now it is my passion to do my best
well as my childhood…it is not just about wheelchair tennis; it is to give those experiences to others. It is interesting to look back
actually about giving back. My parents were very big on giving and realize that so many of these great memories are directly
back, my father especially. When I was only about 14, he already related to my work with wheelchair athletes. Being able to bring
had me out on the courts working with the little kids. It wasn’t tennis to a population that never thought they could play a sport,
just me; it was all the kids in the program. As soon as our lessons let alone excel at it, is incredibly rewarding.
were done, the older kids went out and helped teach the younger Sit back and think for a minute about all tennis has given you.
ones. Giving back, paying it forward…call it what you want, but it Wouldn’t it be great if you could help someone else have those
was a way of life in the Buck household. same experiences? As coaches, we give back to our students
When I first started every day, but having been there
working with wheelchair myself, I know the daily grind can
players, I was just a year become monotonous at times
out of college; teaching at and we can lose perspective. So
the Royal Lahaina Tennis step out of your comfort zone
Ranch in Maui. While I and try something new, take on
had years of experience a new challenge and mix things
teaching at our family club; up. There are so many great
when it came to wheelchair organizations to get involved
tennis I did not have a clue with…Special Olympics, ACEing
and I had no idea what to Autism, Wounded Warriors, not
expect. Talk about being to mention an abundance of local
out of your comfort zone. organizations. If you get the
I was totally intimidated opportunity to spend time working
as the players came rolling Cari Buck with Thomas Bourassa (left ) and Chris Herman (right). with one of these organizations,
out on the court. What jump at it…you won’t be sorry.
was I going to do with a bunch of guys in wheelchairs, how The USPTA Foundation is another way to give back. Our
were they going to play tennis? I was in for a surprise…these Foundation has awarded over 70 grants to qualified programs
guys could play, these guy were athletes! I learned so much across the country, as well as giving back to pros that needed
about wheelchair tennis from them… they helped me learn to help recovering from natural disasters. We also recently linked
play in a chair, which really helped me understand the game up with AmazonSmile …when you shop on Amazon use the
so much better and they taught me how to best coach them. I link https://smile.amazon.com/ and choose United States
soon realized that while they were learning topsin and strategy Professional Tennis Association Foundation as your charity.
from me I was learning way more from them…I learned about You can also make a tax deductible donation via paypal at uspta.
appreciating what I had, staying positive and focusing on what I com. So whether you give back on court or off, you can and will
could do and not what I couldn’t do. Those Saturday afternoon make a difference. “Think big and always give back to the game,
sessions soon became my favorite part of the week, and to this in every way you can” - Jim Buck. My dad, my coach and my
day I still appreciate the amazing impact it had on me. favorite mixed doubles partner on the planet.*

17-2583_ADDvantage_USPTA_IAMPowerful_FNL.pdf 1 12/20/17 2:35 PM
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Pros often customize the rackets they use, including string patterns. Consumer racket specifications may vary from models customized by Pros for match-play.
© 2017 Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Trademarks advertised other than those of Wilson Sporting Goods Co. are properties of their respective owners. 17-0232

USPTA - U30
Preparing for the Future

DeVonte’ Martin, USPTA Public Relations Coordinator
F ive years ago, a group of tennis-teaching professionals

walked into the 2013 USPTA World Conference at
the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Florida
wearing orange shirts. Vibrant and young, the group made
their presence known and many began to take notice of
the USPTA U30. To shed a light on young professionals,
members were brought together to film the “USPTA U30”
commercial.
The U30 is a team of tennis-teaching professionals under
the age of 30 working to create opportunities for young
professionals. Their primary goal is to develop a voice for
their generation that will magnify the impact they can have
in their careers, community and culture of tennis. “It’s so exciting to see U30 professionals get together,
The U30 Initiative is led by Director of Competitive network, and get mentors with experienced tennis-teaching
Tennis at USTA Florida and USPTA Florida Division professionals within our organization,” Gilbert said. “It
President, Jason Gilbert. He saw the USPTA’s aging has been an amazing initiative that we are very excited to
demographic and knew he needed to find a group of continue to grow.”
young professionals that would help the USPTA. Since The initial process for applicants under 30 to join the
its inception, 15 out of the 17 USPTA divisions have U30 Initiative is becoming a USPTA member. After passing
implemented the U30 initiative and it continues to increase the on-court certification exam, young tennis-teaching
in members. professionals are invited to join the USPTA U30 Initiative
by members like Kyle LaCroix. LaCroix, a Florida Tester
and U30 member, was brought into the initiative after
speaking with Gilbert and has been dedicated to growing
the next wave of young tennis-teaching professionals ever
since.
“My role in the USPTA U30 as the Florida Tester, is
that I get all the U30’s coming into the USPTA during the
application process and I educate them about the U30
Initiative,” LaCroix said. “From there, I make sure the
applicants know they will receive a call from either Jason or
Gregory Heartt who oversees recruitment.”
Heartt, a USPTA Elite Professional, and U30 Recruitment
Chair said one of the strategies he utilizes to get young
tennis-teaching professionals into the U30 Initiative
is sending an email congratulating them on joining the
association and inviting them to be a part of the U30
meeting.
“I remember the first conference I attended, I felt lost
because I was younger and in a world where everyone
knows everyone in the tennis industry,” Heartt said. “You’re
a fly on the wall and one of the great things about the U30
Initiative is that when you’re at a conference, immediately
you’re recognized by U30 members and we all attend the
USPTA Pro Jason Gilbert with U30 Pros Adelaide Wood (left) & sessions and then hang out afterward. It’s a great feeling to
Brittany Hill (right). be a part of the U30 family.”*

MASTER PRO corner
Why there are no key points in tennis

by Ron Woods, Ph.D. USPTA Master Professional
S ome tennis coaches and players believe that winning certain key points in a match are the
difference between winning and losing. Conventional wisdom has typically held that if you win
certain points during a match, your odds of a victory are greatly enhanced. Some coaches insist the first
point of a game, the 15-30 point or the ad- in or ad-out points are critical. Similarly, the first game of a
set, the 7th game and winning your own serve consistently are judged to be crucial. Of course, playing
a tiebreak magnifies the importance of each point especially when used to decide a match instead of
playing a third set.
The fact is each point
in tennis counts as one
point won or lost. 99
percent of matches
are won by the player
who wins the most total
points no matter when
they occur. Adding more
value or importance
to any one point over
another is simply a trick
of your mind that often
leads to failure. If you
believe certain points
are critical to the match
outcome, that just
amplifies the pressure
and tension that you
feel which often leads
to poor execution. The
result is self-induced
tension, nervousness,
and anxiety rather
than self-confidence
and self-esteem.
Notable psychologist
Dr. Albert Ellis who was a founder
of cognitive behavior therapy has
labeled the behavior described above
as “musterbation.” He describes it as
an irrational belief that certain “musts”
formed in your mind are self-defeating.
If you can learn to change your thoughts, you can
change your behavior to result in more positive outcomes.
You may recall the 2010 Wimbledon match between American
John Isner and Nicolas Mahut of France that was dubbed the
“longest match in history” in which Isner prevailed by scores of
6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68! The complete match was played over three
days and lasted a total of 11 hours and five minutes. Of the 980

total points played, which points do you think were the most Inexperienced players often tend to rush during and between
important, other than the last point? points seemingly just to end their misery sooner.
When you come right down to it, people only play pressure The good news is that we can help all players develop a
points, games or matches because they think they do. The strategy and the psychological skill to deal with choking no
difference between a friendly game, a practice match or “the matter their age, experience, or level of play. The first step
MATCH” is in the mind. Nothing changes in the game except is to shift emphasis to the process and performance rather
in the mind and emotions of the players and their exaggerated than worrying about the match outcome. Teach them to focus
belief in the importance of the outcome. Don’t let players fall exclusively on the current point rather than points from the
into the trap of focusing on the “outcome” of a point rather past or coming up in the future. Encourage them to expend
than the “process” of executing to the best of their ability. energy instead into playing each point with intensity and
Here’s the bad news about magnifying the importance of any effort. Be sure to have them employ the best strategy or tactic
that they can execute with confidence.
Resist the allure of high risk shots
and rely instead on shot and pattern
sequences with lower risk that they
virtually own. Suggest that they play
their way into every point by allowing
a safe margin for error on serves and
returns to begin the point.
Help players learn to keep their
emotional level steady throughout
a match and use time-tested
psychological skills to adjust
negative emotions if they threaten to
interfere. Use breathing regulation
and progressive relaxation skills to
relax along with positive self-talk to
boost confidence. Focus full attention
on the present point and block out
distracting thoughts or events. Ignore
When players choke during a match, they may become passive or defensive and afraid to the elements like the sun or wind,
make a mistake . lucky shots from the opponent, bad
bounces, and bad line calls.
one point. Your emotional arousal level will likely skyrocket Although it may seem counterintuitive, learning to play
to a level that is too high and thereby increase your anxiety with pressure begins in practice. Embrace situations in
level and feeling of nervousness. The consequences will be drills and modified games that heighten the pressure by
both physical (tight muscles, freezing in place, and shallow varying opponents, using handicap situations, and agreeing
breathing) and mental (loss of focus, confusion, and poor shot to consequences for success or failure. Invite significant
selection.) Virtually all tennis players have experienced this spectators to watch and critique play to add pressure. Practice
perplexing and frightening feeling that we typically describe the psychological skills suggested elsewhere in this article.
as “choking.” When players choke during a match, they may When match day rolls around, you and your players don’t
become passive or defensive and afraid to make a mistake need to worry about the key points, they really don’t even exist.
while others choose high risk shots and become impatient. The real challenge is simply in the mind. *
Ronald B. Woods, Ph.D. has been a USPTA member for over 40 years which includes serving as president of
USPTA Middle States division, member of the national executive committee, and frequent speaker at both
national and division conventions. He was honored as national USPTA Coach of the Year in 1982 and as a
Master Professional in 1984. Ron is the husband of Kathy Woods, former national president of USPTA, who
is now the director of tennis at the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida. He is currently an adjunct
professor at the University of Tampa in exercise science and human performance and lives with Kathy in
nearby St. Petersburg, Florida.

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thy inside coaching
n.
Unveiling the Secrets of Great Preparation

by Rod Heckelman, USPTA Elite Professional
A server pulls the returner off the court with a wide

serve and then knifes a perfect crosscourt volley…
points over right? Wrong, the player returning that serve
The action takes place
and they respond with
instincts that yield
is already there covering that would-be winner and firing a positive response.
a down-the-line passing shot. How did he prepare and This is more than
cover that shot so quickly? As it turns out, it’s more than anticipation, this is
just anticipation and speed of foot, it is the culmination of rehearsed and learned
several factors that have contributed to this player’s ability expectations. Classic
to excel in coverage and preparation. case of, been there,
#1
done that.
The dilemma Top players achieve
of evaluation that skill from prac-
tice, but more than
rt The Problem that, they get there
Without realizing it, possibly from that instilled trait of as a result of success- Solution #1
mance
looking before we leap, we lose valuable time evaluating what ful practice. They
s.
is taking place. We don’t want to make an error, so we try to rehearse playing point after point in order to achieve that
collect as much information as we can before making any successful reaction. The key here is that they practice play-
commitment. For example, examine how many people type ing points, not just rallying. Players at all levels tend not to
on their keyboards. Anytime they have to hit a number or an practice outside their comfort zone. To overcome evaluating,
exclamation mark or any uncommon key, they stop and look you need to experiment with new ways to approach situations
at the keyboard, then commit. Without realizing it, they have under realistic conditions.
trained themselves to hesitate and look. Because this action
is not automatic, they still have a fear of making a mistake.
Hitting certain shots on the court is no different, we hesitate,
then evaluate before we commit. We want to feel secure that
#2Balanced movement
that is committed
we have all the information possible in hopes that we can The Problem
avoid failure. All of this results in an unnecessary waste of Yes, footwork is all important but it goes beyond just being fast
time trying to evaluate the situation. on your feet. Many players learn to first run fast, instead of
We also have developed a ready position that is better first learning how to run efficiently. This is especially true in
suited for collecting information than a reaction to the ball. regards to their starts and recovery. That first step towards the
This is especially true when the situation is new or different. ball is all important. Too often players scoot to the side, or need
Take for instance the player that is uncomfortable coming to take a preparation step to create a running position. Tennis
to the net. The position they assume for readiness for a is a game that is directed forwards but most often needs to be
challenging volley is more suited for gathering information performed sideways. The fact that we are facing the opponent
than it is for reacting quickly. They take on a “Prairie Dog” in our ready position, is only for the option of being able to
like ready position with their head popping up, trying to find go in any direction. If we knew every ball was going to be a
out if they are about to become the prey or the hunter. We forehand or backhand, we would start sideways, like a baseball
come from a long history of being either one or the other and batter or golfer. Because of this conflict, the first step is all too
sometimes we just aren’t sure which character we are about often a step that begins the process of running or finding the
to be during these unfamiliar competitive moments. balance and weight transfer needed to create a strong start
towards the ball. The end result is a slow inefficient start.
The Solution
Top pro players with great preparation and movement have The Solution
no fear. They have been down that road many times before, First, players need to practice hitting forehands and back-
over and over. No need to evaluate and no need to hesitate. hands in a full sideways, racquet prepared position. Providing

inside coaching
this opportunity positioned close enough to the ball. The end result is that
to experience the they compensate by altering their stroke in order to make
sensation of what contact with the ball. This forces the mechanics of the
it is like to be fully stroke to constantly change, instead of what really should
prepared, will give be taking place, which is improving the positioning so that
them an opportunity the stroke mechanics can be maintained.
to experience the
successful feeling of The Solution
being prepared. This The reason that most
type of practice will top movers seem to
also give them an op- always be positioned
portunity to improve and balanced, is
their judgement of because they first
Solution #2 the flight of the ball mastered their
from this sideways position and not from the old familiar face stroke production.
forward position. This will also help them achieve a proper They have learned
balance that is required for an optimum start. For most, this exactly where to
has their feet positioned much like that of a sprinter posi- be positioned in
tioned in their starting blocks. The upper body is slightly order to maintain
leaning in the direction they are about to run. and execute their
Second, good players with good movement not only well-defined strokes.
start properly, but they also have a built-in expectation that So in a sense, their
they can cover the court for any shot. Top movers combine stroke mechanics Solution #3
expectations and anticipation that help develop quick and are disciplining their
decisive actions towards running down any ball. We see this positioning for the ball. Because of that, what they have
on let-cord shots, the lesser experienced might think that the developed is the ability to judge the oncoming ball with
ball is going into the net, so they never get going, not the case both their eyes and their stroke production, not just their
with the top movers. They start their movement right off the eyes.
opposing player’s stroke so even if the ball were to hit the top It is important that a player working on great
of the net, they are already on their way. positioning have a good understanding of the difference
Another observation about movement can be seen if you between compensating and adapting when altering their
watch two children playing tag in a defined space. Notice that stroke. Compensation means you could have performed
the pursuer is more forward and proactive. The one trying well, but for poor movement and poor judgement, did
to avoid being tagged is more upright and defensive. We as not. Adaptation is the option that is unavoidable and
tennis players need to be the hunter as much as possible. As demonstrates great survival instincts.
the hunter we are always physically ready to move. This is Hopefully over time a player learns to master the
also what will help us recover for the next shot…we expect a space of a tennis court. To see if your students have
return, not wait to see if there is a return. that skill, have a little fun and take this test. Start at the
baseline, have them close their eyes and walk forward.
#3Mastering and owning the

space of a tennis court
Have them mark the spot when they think they are at the
service line and then again when they reach the net. The
experienced player has that down, but the learning player IN
The Problem will be off by a few feet in most cases. Have that new A
INST
Players get too close or too far away from the ball for a simple player take that test again about six months later and
reason... they either overrun the ball or they don’t get watch the improvement.*
Rod Heckelman’s career started in 1966 when he began his five-year role as a teacher at John Gardiner’s Tennis
Ranch in Carmel Valley, California. Later he opened as the resident pro for Gardiner’s Tennis Ranch on Camelback
in Scottsdale, Arizona. In 1976, he took over as general manager/tennis director at the Mt. Tam Racquet Club in
Larkspur, California. He produced both the “Facility Manager’s Manual” and the “Business Handbook for Tennis
Pros,” that is published with the T.I.A. He recently came out with two more instructional books, a book for senior
players called, “Playing Into the Sunset,” and a new book for practicing called, “250 Ways to Play Tennis.”

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Beyond the court
leaving our footprint

Making an impact in our tennis careers
by Kyle LaCroix, USPTA Elite Professional
I n this day and age, when we hear the

word “footprint,” it’s usually preceded
by the word “carbon.” This carbon
even thousands. Like it or not, we have
influence on fans both young and
old, multiplied by the
footprint is about our environmental huge factor of our
or ecological impact on Earth and its racquet skills, where it has hurt and professionally
natural resources. And although our on-court endangered many because of an
carbon footprint is important, I would presence, and offensive tweet, a tasteless picture on
argue that for a tennis professional, it our extroverted Facebook, or an ill-timed rant on their
may not be our most important footprint demeanor on the blog.
that we will leave on this planet. What job. But what if there is
the word “footprint” means is the If you’ve been in this information on
impressions and images left behind industry for a while, you social media
by people. Simply put, in our career have had a profound and life- we project
as tennis professionals it is inevitable changing impact on somebody. that may not
that we will have an impact on others Maybe it was a sensitive membership be malicious, criminal, or has harmful
and ourselves both personally and issue which you resolved, or a club crisis intent? It’s important to remember that
professionally. and management sought your advice. although many of us may be involved in
Remember that adult that was looking this pastime to stay in touch with family
Role Model Footprint to get in better shape and you made that and friends, some in our industry use it
A role model is someone who serves happen with lessons? You are more than for hiring, recruitment and networking.
as an example and whose behavior is a role model, you are a superhero sans You never know who may be tracking
emulated by others and provides a great the cape. The Barna Group, a research your progress. Fair or unfair, perception
source of personal motivation. Chances group specializing in faith and culture, can be everything in this industry. Just
are your membership and your students conducted a nationwide study, sampling a minimal social media presence still
admire you. Sure, maybe not all of them, teenagers ages 13-17. More than 11 showcases to the outside world how
but I bet you have more fans than you percent stated their biggest role models you promote and market yourself as
think. were teachers or coaches. a person. An article by Sam Fiorella
Our careers and the actions we take Students believe that their teacher/ sources a recent Jobvite.com social
daily leave an impact on a personal, coach is a fountain-head of all recruiting survey that reported that 89
professional and psychological level. knowledge. This belief of the student percent of U.S. companies plan to use
We are leaving our footprint on our must be kept alive by us, which is social media in their employee searches.
staff, membership, students, and possible, only if we continue to learn, Companies are using social networking
community. Like it or not, we are at educate and push ourselves. sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter
least one person’s role model or idol. I Be aware of your impact on your staff, and LinkedIn to screen job candidates. It
often joke with my fellow professionals membership and your students. It’s up also found that 50 percent of employers
that our jobs are like that of rock stars… to you to determine if it’s positive or decided not to offer a job to a candidate
without the perks. Off the court, whether negative. based on the content uncovered on a
you are at the supermarket picking up social networking site.
lunch or at a restaurant with friends, Social Media Footprint Employers are increasingly finding
members always recognize you. Our Did you know that the USPTA has a reasons to terminate employees because
visibility within our clubs, amongst our Social Media Policy? Anyone can view of their social media interactions. Social
staff, and our membership obliges us this policy by visiting the association’s Media entrepreneur Adam Ostrow
to behave with at least awareness that website at uspta.com. points to a study assessed by Proofpoint,
we are being watched by hundreds and We’ve seen far too many instances found that 8 percent of American

Beyond the court
companies had hello to him and ask if he leaders always seem to be
terminated a could use an extra hand or at USPTA meetings and
worker due to even a bottle of water. He conferences, and it almost
a social media always declined but I always seems to me like they have
verbal post offered and exchanged the very important Santa
or picture, pleasantries. Towards the Claus trait. They know if
and 17 percent end of my stay as an intern, you’ve been bad or good so
of companies I noticed a large increase be good for goodness sakes.
report disciplining in my lessons. I found out Working with charities
employees for violating my students happened to may sound intimidating to
social networking hear from a particular golf some tennis professionals,
policies. cart attendant that I gave but it is one of the best
an amazing tennis lesson ways to promote yourself,
Community and it would be in their best the sport of tennis, and
Footprint interest to immediately gain numerous advocates
A successful tennis pro- get a lesson. I learned the throughout the community.
fessional may only be as significance of my role Involving yourself with
strong as his community’s and how a simple act can a charity can be done by
support for him. Ask your- provide incredible divi- hosting a fundraising event
self, how are you viewed dends both professionally at your club, volunteering
by your staff and other and personally. It’s nice to just an hour or two during
USPTA professionals be important, but it’s more your off days, or by simply
in your city? When important to be nice. promoting and marketing
not devoting your Working with your local a cause that you are
time to tennis, USPTA professionals passionate about. Many
how else are also gives you a chance people assume they need to
you impacting to enhance and polish give up their hard-earned
the com- your footprint. Whether money, but in reality, many
munity in it’s during a division charities deeply appreciate
a positive conference, district meeting and won’t decline the power
way? At 19, I or even a round robin, of word of mouth.
was a tennis your presence makes Although we are all
professional other pros aware you are teachers, sometimes it’s
interning at working hard and striving not how much we know, it’s
a very prom- to improve. Although we about how much we care.
inent tennis may not always remember Our footprints can make
resort in Florida. a name, we can always an enormous impact both
During my time there, remember a face of a positive and negative.
I met a golf cart attendant professional we often see at Let’s do our best to leave a
who seemed to work at the our meetings, conferences footprint our students, staff,
resort just as many hours or special events. Our best industry and community
as I did., I made sure I said professionals and industry can be proud of. *
A member of the USPTA since 2004, Kyle is the assistant director of tennis at The Oaks At Boca Raton in Boca
Raton, Florida. He is a proud graduate of the Ferris State University’s Professional Tennis Management
(PTM) program and holds a degree in Marketing. Kyle is a member of the Ferris State University/PTM
Advisory Committee. He has earned an MBA in Marketing from the University of Michigan. Kyle has been a
USPTA Florida Division Tester for the past 10 years as well as a member of Florida’s U30 Initiative.

USPTA Diversity and inclusion
USPTA For All

DeVonte’ Martin, USPTA Public Relations Coordinator
U SPTA brought together tennis-

teaching professionals of
different backgrounds to produce the
recognize the
importance
minority
both brothers played
collegiate tennis at
NCAA Division I
“USPTA For All” commercial, the first tennis-teaching universities and now
ever commercial aimed at USPTA’s professionals operate two facilities
Diversity and Inclusion program. have on in Orlando, Florida
“Take a look at the United States. students, and are looking to
Individuals from all kinds of racial clubs, and the open a third.
and ethnic backgrounds are a part of tennis industry. John Gerard (left) and Rico Edwards (right). “A diverse
our country and that is exactly what “I think it’s group of tennis-
we should want from our association,” important for all sports to diversify teaching professionals provide
USPTA First Vice President Feisal and with us being the gold standard a more creative and innovative
Hassan said. “It is imperative that we in professional tennis-teaching, we environment,” John said. “We’re
reach out to minority tennis-teaching feel that more minorities would be not just tennis instructors, tennis
professionals and coaches to inform interested in the opportunities that teachers, or facility managers, we
them of the opportunities that await the USPTA provides,” Edwards said. are students ourselves. Assembling
them here at the USPTA. We want Members such as John Richards a diverse group of professionals
them to become a part of our family.” III and his brother Albert Richards helps us to better understand one
The commercial, shot by Jr., both define what it means another, respect one another, and
Videographer/Video Editor Rico to be successful tennis-teaching ultimately create initiatives that can
Edwards and Video Production professionals of color. Originally help everyone. That’s our main job;
Manager John Gerard was filmed to from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, to grow the game of tennis.’’ *
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PLAY TENNIS MONTH
Play Tennis Month Rallies the Tennis Industry!

USPTA Aims to Burn 10 Million Calories Alongside Industry Partners
T he USPTA and industry partners are working together to

promote May as “Play Tennis Month” to help showcase
the sport of tennis and it’s associated health benefits.
The lead-up to “Play Tennis Month” will include a
massive Cardio Tennis session on April 20 at the USTA
National Campus in Orlando, Florida, where the goal is
Thousands of tennis programs and events will be held for participants to burn a combined 1 million calories. The
around the country, with a goal of USTA National Campus, which has
helping to get people moving and 100 tennis courts, is billed as the
playing tennis, the No. 1 sport for a “Home of American Tennis.”
long and healthy life. Also, “Play Tennis Month”
At least 1,500 tennis facilities provider webinars are scheduled
around the U.S. are expected for Feb. 21, March 21 and April
to participate in “Play Tennis 24, in which attendees will hear
Month”. We encourage all important information and
USPTA professionals to register updates on formats, programming,
their facility and take part in this promotions, follow-up and
industry wide event. The goal for more.
the entire month of May is for May 5 also will be National
Americans to burn a combined Cardio Tennis Day, with
10 million calories on the tennis participating facilities offering
court during “Play Tennis Cardio Tennis challenges, sessions
Month” activities. “Play Tennis and programming.
Month” also helps to support the “Play Tennis Month” events
USPTA Foundation and PHIT will include many fundraisers to
America. benefit PHIT America GO! Grants,
To support “Play Tennis which provide funds for physical
Month”, USPTA professionals education in schools, including
should register their facility as a supporting Net Generation
participating site, so consumers equipment and curriculum. PHIT
can find you and your programs. America, which was founded by
To register your location and former TIA President Jim Baugh,
programs for free, show your is also looking to pass the PHIT
support for the tennis industry Act (visit phitamerica.org for more
and for a healthy America; visit information), which is designed to
RallyTheIndustry.org. get more people active and moving,
“The website RallyTheIndustry.org also has suggested including through tennis.
program formats that emphasize not only the fitness “Play Tennis Month” ties in with PHIT America Month,
aspect of tennis, but also how fun and social it is,” says TIA also slated for May, which reaches out to the entire
Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “Among suggested formats sports and fitness industry to encourage Americans to
are Cardio Tennis sessions, Try Tennis Free, PlayTennisFast get active. “The support has been wide and deep,” Baugh
programming, and POP Tennis on 60-foot courts. But says. “Companies in the sports and fitness industry know
providers can offer any programs they’d like as part of “Play we just can’t sit back and wait for people to start a life
Tennis Month.” of physical activity. And, they know that we must work
“We’re excited to participate in this industry-wide together.” PHIT America Month has more than 30 sponsor
promotion of tennis and fitness,” says USPTA CEO John companies and organizations, including the USTA, USPTA
Embree. “This is a rallying cry for our industry to fight the and TIA.
inactivity pandemic that is pervasive throughout the USA. Let’s For more information on “Play Tennis Month,” visit
get people off the couch and on the court!” RallyTheIndustry.org.*

Member News
USPTA Member News

Adam Bottorff was named the tennis Ted Withall was featured in the Sun
instructor of Valley Athletic Club Sentinel feature story Boca man recalls
Tennis. He has over 30 years of coaching life of tennis and friendship with Bobby
and teaching experience. He has Riggs. After serving in the Army Air Corps
coached many USTA teams, and enjoys from 1942 to 1946, Withall moved to
both the team practice and private Beverly Hills where he taught tennis and
lesson settings. He has coached at the became friends with some of the sport’s
sectional and national junior levels all-time great players, including Budge,
and was Michigan High School Regional Coach of Jack Kramer, Pancho Segura, Richard Gonzales and
the Year. Adam played at Kalamazoo College under Bobby Riggs. Withall was the president of the USPTA
NCAA Hall of Fame coach George Acker. in 1972.
Tom Kelly helped recruit 10 tennis- Umang Chadda was featured in the
teaching professionals to introduce Chicago Tribune news story titled Tennis
tennis to students across nine elementary prodigy eyes ‘return of racquet sports’ to
schools in the Daytona Beach area. Kelly Southland. He is the racquet sports manager
is the tennis manager of the Florida at Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness
Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. He Club overseeing a team of professionals
began teaching tennis while on a tennis with 10 indoor and 30 outdoor tennis
scholarship at Tulsa University in the courts. Chadda has been a certified Elite
mid-`70s, and he worked various part-time summer Professional since 2004 and is the vice president of USPTA
teaching jobs before becoming the director and Illinois. With his master’s in sports management and
head tennis professional at City Island Tennis expertise in club business operations, Umang has been
Center in 1993. recognized nationally and has helped revitalize private and
public sports facilities across the world.
John Sanders was named the head tennis Jill Bachochin was selected to serve on
professional at the Racquet Club of Cocoa the Junior Recreation Committee for the
Beach. Sanders brings with him more than United States Tennis Association’s Midwest
10 years of professional tennis teaching Section. She previously worked for the
experience and an eye for innovation. He USTA Missouri Valley Section overseeing
most recently served as director of 10 & Youth Tennis and Junior Competition,
Under Tennis and a high-performance along with being the staff liaison for the
coach at Sanlando Park in Seminole County, Junior Recreation, Junior Competition,
and is a founding member of XGLOsive Blacklight Umpire, and Grievance Committees.
Tennis, which has brought a unique format of play to
tennis facilities across the state.
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE Ph: 407-634-3050 • Email: magazine@uspta.org •

www.uspta.org
Managing Editor ...........................................................John Cornell ADDvantage is published monthly by the USPTA
President.....................................................................Gary Trost
Editor......................................................................DeVonte’ Martin The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
First Vice President................................................Feisal Hassan those of the authors and not necessarily those
Layout/Design........................................................... Gustavo Reyes
Vice Presidents................Cari Buck, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner of ADDvantage or the United States Professional
Editorial Assistance....Amy Buchanan, Risa Epstein, Sid Newcomb, Tennis Association.
Bill Mountford, Richard Slivocka Trevor Trudelle, Ashley Walker, Ellen Weatherford
Immediate Past President...........................................Chuck Gill Circulation................................................................ Trevor Trudelle Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
CEO.........................................................................John Embree Association, Inc. 2018. All rights reserved.
USPTA World Headquarters
Legal Counsel......................................................George Parnell Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is
11961 Performance Dr.
Orlando, FL 32827 not permitted without written permission from
USPTA.

USPTA CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Exams, Upgrades & PTCA Wheelchair Certification 2018 USPTA Division

4 Credits for PTCA I Segment Exams,
Upgrades & PTCA Conference Schedule
March 11................................... Rome, GA
USPTA Certification in conjunction with
USTA “Train the Trainer” Division Conferences - 6 Credits
Mar. 2 – 3.......................................Boise, ID March 1-4...............................Mid-Atlantic
Mar. 3 – 4 ....................................Rome, GA May 5-6................................New York, NY Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA
USPTA Eastern/ New England Conference
Mar. 5 ........................................La Jolla, CA March 4..................................... San Diego
Mar. 9 – 10 ...............................Camden, SC June 28...................................... Salem, OR La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, La Jolla, CA
Mar. 10 ..............................Nichols Hills, OK USPTA Certification in conjunction with
USTA “Train the Trainer” May 5-6.......................Southern California
Mar. 10 – 11 ........................... Portland, OR SeaCliff Country Club, Huntington Beach, CA
August 22.................................Lincoln, NE
Mar. 10 – 11 .............Huntington Beach, CA May 5-6................... Eastern/New England
USPTA Certification in conjunction with
Mar. 10 – 11 ........................ Boca Raton, FL National Tennis Center, Flushing, NY
USTA “Train the Trainer”
Mar. 15 ............................ Minneapolis, MN May 17-19...................................Southern
October 20............................. Lakeland, FL Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA
Mar. 16 – 17 .......................... Charlotte, NC USPTA Certification in conjunction with
Mar. 18 ................................Columbus, OH USTA “Train the Trainer” May 18-20................................ Southwest
Mar. 23 - 24 ............................Burbank, CA L a Camarilla Racquet, Swim & Fitness Club, Phoenix, AZ
November 7......................Indianapolis, IN
Mar. 26 - 27 ....................San Francisco, CA USPTA Certification in conjunction with May 30-June 3................................ Florida
USTA “Train the Trainer” Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress , Orlando, FL
Apr. 7 - 8 ..................................... Aurora, IL
Apr. 7 – 8 ....................................Azusa, CA June 1-2..........................Pacific Northwest
Apr. 9 - 10.................................. Orlando, FL
Apr. 14 – 15 .............................. Atlanta, GA
Platform Tennis
Mar. 19-20...................................... Golf, IL

Yakima Tennis Club, Yakima, WA
August 24-27...... USPTA World Conference

Apr. 18 - 19..................................... Tyler, TX Glenview Club Grand Hyatt, New York, NY
Apr. 20 .....................................Harrison, NY
Apr. 22 .................................Midlothian, VA
Apr. 27 - 28 ......................................Laie, HI Online education Spanish Tennis
Apr. 28 – 29 .......................... Columbus, GA Teaching System
At Academia Sanchez-Casal
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days
prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an USPTA professionals can earn 10 Education
exam, upgrade. PTCA I is included in the two day Credits by participating in the Level 1
exam. Exam cancellations must be received no lat- or Level 2 course of the Spanish Tennis
er than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation Teaching System hosted by the International
fee will be charged accordingly.
Coaches Institute.
Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; failure to
cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified May. 25 – 27.............................. Naples, FL
members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to
Watch webinars, seminars, On Court with
Competitive Coaching Course - Level 1
cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. USPTA episodes, specialty courses and
Registration for another exam will not be accepted much more on TennisResources.com to May. 27 – 29.............................. Naples, FL
until cancellation fees are paid. earn your education credits. Pro Coaching Course Level 2
USPTA
Oct. 24 – 26............................... Naples, FL
requires all certified members to earn 6 credits of Competitive Coaching Course Level 1
continuing education in a three-year period. (International
Oct. 26 – 28............................... Naples, FL
members, recreational coaches and those 65 or older are exempt.) The time period coincides Pro Coaching Course Level 2
with the date you completed the certification exam or reinstated your membership. Please
login to My USPTA to check your Professional Development Program end date.
If the requirement is not met, you will have your membership suspended. To help you
meet that goal, USPTA provides hundreds of hours of education every year in the form of Cardio Tennis
Apr. 5 ............Cardio Tennis Training Course
conferences, workshops, webinars, DVDs and more. TennisResources.com is an excellent
Level 1 - Burke, VA
resource for free education opportunities. In addition, the Coach Youth Tennis website offers
Apr. 8 ............Cardio Tennis Training Course
six free online courses that earn a 1/2 education credit each.
Level 1 - Isle of Palms, SC
Upon completion of the sixth course, you will receive 3 bonus credits (one-time only), Apr. 15 ..........Cardio Tennis Training Course
bringing the total to 6 credits and completing the continuing education requirement. (you Level 1 - Marlborough, MA
do not need to complete the online workshop unless you are completing your USPTA Apr. 20 ...................... Cardio Tennis Session
certification) Go to coachyouthtennis.com for more information. Orlando, FL

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