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OUTLOOK
2016
Racquets
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TennisIndustry
www.tennisindustrymag.com
FEBRUARY 2016
DEPARTMENTS
4
Our Serve
Industry News
11 Letters
13 Racquet Service
16 Retailing Tip
18 Racquet Tech
20 Grassroots Tennis
p.24
22 Community Tennis
OUTLOOK 2016
24 R
acquets & Strings:
INDUSTRY NEWS
7
Tennis Owners & Managers
Conference attracts top experts
7
PlaySight installations
continue to increase
p.28
p.30
FEATURE
33 Threes Company
10 P
eople Watch
10 Mateflex offers modular
court surfaces
11 B
ollettieri teams with
Pivot wearable tech
11 L ongtime tennis journalist
writes Safe Tennis book
p.33
PLUS
42
CEOs Message
p.41
46 2
016 USPTA Annual
Awards Program Open
for Nominations
47 USPTA Foundation Raises
Goal for 2016
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Our Serve
Publishers
Learning Curve
4 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Design/Art Director
Kristine Thom
Special Projects Manager
Bob Patterson
Contributing Editors
Robin Bateman
Cynthia Cantrell
Peg Connor
Kent Oswald
Cynthia Sherman
Mary Helen Sprecher
Contributing Photographers
Bob Kenas
David Kenas
TENNIS INDUSTRY
Corporate Offices
PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096
Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
Email: TI@racquetTECH.com
Website: www.TennisIndustryMag.com
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Advertising Director
John Hanna
770-650-1102, x.125
hanna@knowatlanta.com
Apparel Advertising
Cynthia Sherman
203-263-5243
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
monthly January through August and combined
issues in September/October and November/
December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 310
Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, Suite 400,
Birmingham, AL 35203. Periodcal postage paid
at Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices
(USPS #004-354). Feb 2016, Volume 44, Number
2 2016 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All
rights reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo
are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.
Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone
circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tennis
Industry, 310 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North,
Suite 400, Birmingham, AL 35203. TI is the official
magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA.
Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/
Racquet Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our
website at TennisIndustrymag.com for free digital
versions back to 2004.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
IndustryNews
Information to help you run your business
he third annual Tennis Owners & Managers (T.O.M.) Conference, presented by the
Tennis Industry Association, will bring together top leaders from inside and outside the tennis industry. The event will be March 23-25 at the Downtown Miami
Hilton, during the Miami Open pro tournament.
The conference will open with the State of the Tennis Industry Forum (see box). A
major focus of the T.O.M. will be on innovation and new ideas to help tennis businesses
position themselves for growth. The T.O.M. will include a Tennis Tech Fair & Resource
Center, which will give owners, managers and their staff
an opportunity to learn more about and try out the latest
products that can engage members and players. There will
also be an interactive Idea Fair workshop, along with
problem-solving roundtables.
Among those who are planning to present at the T.O.M. Conference are Dr. Jack Groppel, co-founder of the Human Performance Institute and V.P. of Applied Science and
Performance Training at Wellness & Prevention Inc., who will address the importance
and business imperative of being a tennis wellness center along with how to implement
key strategies to to help your member base. Also speaking is Dr. Gerry Faust, a worldrenowned expert at strategic planning, executive coaching and business turn-arounds.
The T.O.M. will include expert speakers and panelists on programming, management,
court construction and renovation, facility maintenance, sustainability, legal and personnel issues. There will be a number of opportunities for networking, along with an opportunity to attend the Miami Open on Thursday evening.
A major component of the T.O.M. Conference will be how tennis will look in the future,
and understanding what drives and motivates todays consumers to get into tennis and
stay in the game. Gary Stewart, head of racquet sports at Virgin Active Health and Racquet
Clubs in the U.K., will present ideas
about successful programming, and
building and retaining members.
Ken Lindner, the president of the
Kicking off the third annual T.O.M. Conference in
U.S. POP Tennis Association, will
Miami will be the 2016 TIA State of the Industry
speak about his success rebranding
Forum, which will be March 23 from 10 to 11:45 a.m.
paddle tennis and how the sport
at the Downtown Miami Hilton. The Forum is free to
is looking to adopt 36- and 60-foot
attend, however, since space is limited, registration is
tennis courts to help bring people of
required at TheTomConference.com.
all ages into the sport.
The Forum will include industry executives preUSTA executives speaking at the
senting the latest news and data about the state of
T.O.M. will include Kurt Kamperthe tennis industry, including participation research,
man, Craig Morris and Scott Schultz.
consumer and tech trends, an update on initiatives,
Also presenting will be PTR CEO
and more. Prior to the start of the Forum, registered
Dan Santorum, USPTA CEO John
attendees are invited to the Tennis Tech Fair & ReEmbree, TIA President and Tennis
source Center, which opens at 8:30 a.m.
Media Company Managing Partner
Jeff Williams, and Sports & Fitness
Industry Association President/CEO Tom Cove. Additional speakers include Jim Baugh,
Simon Gale, Jorge Capestany, Jeff Gocke, Craig Jones, Tom Sweitzer, Greg Lappin and
Doug Cash, among other successful industry leaders and entrepreneurs.
Visit TheTomConference.com for more details and to register, or call the TIA at 843686-3036.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 7
IndustryNews
nized Court program, visit itftennis.com.
Patterson Named
USRSA E.D.;
Office Moves to
Birmingham
8 TennisIndustry
February 2016
PlaySight Installations
Continue to Increase
Since signing a key deal with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association in November,
sport video and analytics technology platform PlaySight Interactive reports that its
planning for a number of new installations
in the new year. PlaySight offers clubs, facilities, colleges, and academies an all-in-one
solutionfrom live streaming to real-time
analytics to after-action video review capabilities to professional coaching tools.
Recent PlaySight installations include
www.tennisindustrymag.com
IndustryNews
tion Solutions, Cincinnati; David Moxley,
Sportsfield Specialties, Delhi, N.Y.; and
Matt Strom, Leslie Coatings, Indianapolis.
Dan Wright (at left in photo) of Sports
Turf Co., Whitesburg, Ga., remains on the
board in the position of past chairman.
Ashaway Crossfire A
Cult Favorite for Hybrids
s part of its $4.2 million expansion, the OKC Tennis Center in Oklahoma City
recently completed a new 37,500-sq.-ft. tension fabric building housing six
regulation courts. The largest tennis facility in the state, OKC now has a total
of 36 courts. The final phase of the expansion project is planned for spring.
Designed and constructed by Legacy Building Solutions, the new structure is a
rigid, solid-steel frame with ceiling-mounted LED lighting fixtures. The building is
insulated and heating and air conditioning systems were installed to keep athletes
comfortable in all seasons. Legacy offers fabric in a variety of colors, and can also
custom print images and logos; OKC chose an exterior that features blue trim on
the roof and walls, which coordinate with the color of the outdoor courts. Visit
LegacyBuildingSolutions.com.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 9
IndustryNews
People
Watch
Alexandre Papineau is the
new promotion and marketing
manager for Tecnifibre USA.
After serving Tecnifibre for
seven years as head of the sport
marketing department in Spain,
Papineau will move to Miami to
develop and expand the companys brand image in the U.S.
10 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
IndustryNews
Letters
Fish Where the Fish Are
www.tennisindustrymag.com
At the club where I work, Birchwood Tennis Club in Clarks Summit, Pa., we have successfully run
programs targeting large groups and
brought more players into tennis.
Perhaps one of the largest groups is
high school tennis players. In Pennsylvania, we estimate, conservatively,
that over 25,000 play fall or spring
high school tennis. As we know, many
put their racquets down when the
season ends. In addition, every one of
those players has family, friends and
neighbors who watch and support
them and just might want to play
themselves if given the opportunity.
Thats a lot of fish!
During the cold winter months, in
between the boys and girls seasons,
we run a series of low-cost clinics for
high school players and we recruit
high school coaches to volunteer
as well. Instead of focusing on the
February 2016
TennisIndustry 11
IndustryNews
Short
Sets
Davis Cup title.
Peter Burwash
International has a new
partnership with Four
Seasons Resort Bora
Bora, offering daily tennis activities to resort
guests. This is the first
time the resort will offer
a full-service tennis
program. PBI is also
directing award-winning tennis programs
at eleven other Four
Seasons resorts around
the world.
PlaySight, a tennis
video and analytics
12 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Bobertz, a theatre
production veteran
graduate of Augustana
College. The audio
version is available
for $26.21 or $14.95
with an Audible.com
membership.
Tower Strategic
Group LLC is now the
official life insurance
provider of the USPTA,
providing a wide
range of value-added
services for USPTAcertified members,
including consulting
with members on their
life insurance needs.
coaches who match their candidate requirements. It was founded by WTA coach
Sven Groeneveld. For more information,
visit www.OrangeCoach.com.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Racquet Service
New Concept in Racquet Service
Babolat continues to transform tennis
from conventional to connected.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
USRSA Announces
New MRT
Drew Violette - Amelia, OH
February 2016
TennisIndustry 13
TIA
State
of the
Industry
February 2016
Members
tennis business
T.O.M.
tennis
adult
court2016
PROGRAMMING
construction
core play
MIAMI OPEN
tech fair
INCREASING
REVENUE
& Profit
pro shop
resource centerconference
MANAGERS
sports facility management
CONFERENCE
T.O.M
. CO
NFE
REN
CE
THETOMCONFERENCE.COM
NCE
FERE
CON
.M.
T.O
IDEA FAIR
FORUM
Join top industry leaders and executives, manufacturers, organizations and more in support of YOUR industry.
Latest news about the state of the tennis industry
Updates on key initiatives, including Rally the Family
USTA updates, including the USTA National Campus and NTC
Retailing 141
Specialty Stores Are
Alive and Well!
16 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Personalized Service
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Racquet Tech
Stringing 101Knots
By Bob Patterson
18 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Grassroots Tennis
Play It Forward!
CTAs, public parks and NJTLs are on the front lines
when it comes to growing this sport in communities.
USTA Northern
In Hastings, Tennis is for Everyone
Nine years ago, Sadie Reiners was looking for junior competition for her
daughter, Taylor, so she could qualify for the Minnesota State High School
Tournament. Not finding much help in the surrounding communities,
Reiners took it upon herself to develop players, so she started the Hastings
Tennis Association. From its two initial members, HTA now has over 160
members and was named USTA Northerns 2015 Member Organization of
the Year.
The HTAs mission is to inspire people of all ages to live an active lifestyle, instill that all members are mentors and leaders, and create a love for
the game. Initially running only competitive junior offerings, the HTA now
offers recreational programming that includes drills, lessons, leagues, clinics, Play Days, adult and junior tournaments and Junior Team Tennis.
More than 110 kids participated in 2015 and the HTA fielded eight JTT teamsthree advanced to the JTT Section Championships and Hastings Blue 14U won the Intermediate title. Team Blue represented USTA Northern at Nationals in December, where they finished 12th and claimed the Team Spirit Award. Player Colby Zak also took home the Boys Sportsmanship
Award.
The HTA has big plans for 2016, including bringing tennis to day-care programs operated by the school district and the
YMCA and the Hastings Senior Center. In addition, it will be hosting Rally the Family events starting in May.
We believe tennis is for everyone, Reiners says. We try to make tennis fun. Players are encouraged to give back by mentoring youth and beginning players. And we strive to be inclusive and affordable to all interested in playing. Lisa Mushett
Middle States
Family Fun Day Partners with 2K Run
First there was tennis. Then running, and tennis. Then much more running, followed by much more tennis. It was all part of a day that featured
two sports and multiple organizations coming together to promote something valuable to both: an active, healthy lifestyle.
USTA Middle States and its community partners in the Philadelphia
area partnered with youth running organization iRun4Life last spring at
Central Park in Doylestown, Pa., as part of the sections first-ever Free Family Fun Day, which took place throughout the day and offered free tennis to
families from all over the area. The partnership with iRun4Life connected
tennis to nearly 1,000 kids participating in a morning 2k run. Before and after the race, the kids were encouraged to try tennis
on the parks public courts, which were full of local tennis professionals who donated their time to provide one-on-one training
to the kids.
When not on the tennis courts, there were prizes, giveaways and other games available for the kids. A special emphasis was
placed on families and staying active together. While kids played on some courts, there were professionals there to work with
adults as well.
Middle States also provided the chance for kids to continue playing after they left the event. Information packets were
handed out with local play opportunities and junior programs, connecting the families to local programs.
The partnership is expected to continue in the coming years, helping to introduce the sport of tennis to thousands more.
Michael Gladysz
20 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Community Tennis
Use Crowd-Funding to Help
With Your Next Tennis Project
By George Lowe
22 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 23
New and
Improved
Racquets for spring include updates of existing
models and brand new lines, while new string
offerings are available for all types of players.
By Bob Patterson
s we start a new year, manufacturers are gearing up with new models that include tweaks of successful designs
as well as brand new racquets. They also continue to push the envelope with new string introductions to suit
players of every type.
BABOLAT
babolat.com 877-316-9435
Babolat continues to advance technology. Its Play racquets, introduced in 2013, were the first connected tennis racquets. Now, the
company introduces POP, which is a wristband that can be worn
during play using any racquet, allowing players of all ages and playing levels to discover their game performance through entertaining
features and challenges. The device pairs with any IOS or Android
device.
Babolat also introduces a new family of racquets for 2016, including a new recreational range and an evolution of its predecessor, the
E-Sense line. The Flow series includes three framesFlow Tour,
Flow Lite and Flow 105to fit the needs of all player types.
Flow Tour
DUNLOP
dunlop.com 800-768-4727
Dunlop is introducing five new tennis racquets for 2016: the Force
98, Force 98 Tour, Force 100, Force 100 Tour and Force 105. The new
Force racquets feature Dunlops new SR-X handle system, giving
them an entirely unique feel. Glass fiber rods slotted into precision
channels inside the handle help dissipate vibration, says the company, resulting in a softer feel on the hands when striking the ball. To
increase racquet control and stability, the size of the flare at the base
of the handle has been increased by 30 percent.
24 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Force 98
www.tennisindustrymag.com
GAMMA
gammasports.com 412-323-0335
Gamma launches a new string series for 2016 with the Ocho line.
The octagon-profiled strings are offered in a variety of styles to fit
most players needs. The 8-sided string profile is designed to bite
the ball for ultimate spin and control, says the company. Gamma
Ocho is a soft co-poly monofilament construction designed for
baseliners. The nylon Ocho TNT features an octagonal coating
with a solid center core and is suited for all-court players. The
Ocho XP features an octagonal coating with a multifilament core
providing more power and comfort. All three strings are available
in 16 (1.30 mm) and 17 (1.25 mm) in both sets and reels.
HEAD
head.com 800-289-7366
Head continues to expand the Graphene XT line with introduction of nine new tennis racquets. The GrapheneXT Radical Pro,
GrapheneXT Radical S, GrapheneXT Radical Lite, and GrapheneXT Radical MP A, which features the Head Adaptive String
Pattern (ASP), allowing the frame to be strung either as a 16x16 or
16x19 pattern by swapping out the side grommet strip. Other new
frames are the GrapheneXT Prestige Pro, GrapheneXT Prestige
Rev Pro, GrapheneXT Prestige MP, GrapheneXT Prestige S, and
the GrapheneXT PWR Prestige. All the new racquets are compatible with the Sony Smart Tennis Sensor.
Prestige MP
PACIFIC
Pacific.com 941-795-1789
BXT X force LT
PRINCE
princetennis.com 800-2TENNIS
Prince expands its Textreme technology with five new frames for
spring: the Premier 120, Premier 105, Warrior 100, Warrior 100T
and Warrior 100L. Textreme is an advanced super-thin material that allows for a tighter weave pattern, which packs more
carbon fibers per square inch, delivering greater control, says the
company.
A new string is also being introduced: the Warrior Response 16,
available in both sets and reels.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Premier 120
February 2016
TennisIndustry 25
VOLKL
volkltennis.com 866-554-7872
Volkl rolls out two new frames this year. First is an updated
version of the classic C10 Pro offering continuity for the
longtime Volkl player. The racquet features a twin absorber
handle developed specifically for tournament-level players. Also new is the Team Speed, which is a 102-square-inch
head that offers a large, forgiving sweet spot, making this the
perfect transition frame for juniors moving into the adult
performance market, says the company.
C10
WILSON
wilson.com 800-272-6060
26 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Stepping Forward
Colors continue in new shoes for 2016, along with
moves to either lighter weight or more durability.
By Kent Oswald
ADIDAS
adidas.com 971-234-2300
Elegance, comfort and response are the key benefits for the extensively named
Adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade Boost (women, $150) debuting in 2016.
Features include a Primeknit upper, Boost technology in the midsole, an ergonomically-shaped TPU heel counter, and outsole durability backed by a sixmonth guarantee. The Energy Boost (men, $175) will also be introduced as the
companys most comfortable tennis shoe in history. The lightweight shoes upper
has engineered mesh, and integrated tongue-bootie construction; Boost technology in the midsole for responsiveness; and an outsole made durable enough to
stand up to the hardest of hard courts.
BABOLAT
babolat.com 877-316-9435
Frances singular tennis company will introduce new and even special edition
colorways into its Propulse All Court line of stable and durable shoes (men, $120)
that are also available with a wide comfort fit. There will also be new colorways
for the SFX 2 All Courts (men and women, $100) that among the cushioning
features include midsole construction focused on providing an exceptional level
of long-lasting and comfortable support.
DIADORA
diadora.com 800-768-4727
Extending its flagship Star K line, Diadora introduces the Star K VII AG (men,
$140) dressed in kangaroo leather and featuring the brands proprietary technologies for maximum shock absorption, energy recovery, and interior ventilation,
as well as a six-month outsole guarantee. The Star K IV (men and women, $140)
series grows with the addition of two new colorways. Additionally, the Speed Pro
EVO II AG (men and women, $120) built to compete in the lightweight section of
the market and featuring maximum breathability and a comfortable, snug fit, will
receive three new colorways for men and two for women.
28 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
FILA
fila.com 800-845-FILA
The performance-oriented Fila Cage Delirium (men and women, $100) has been
enhanced for 2016. Designed for optimum upper support, and breathability,
comfort and stability throughout, the shoes also feature a patented four-pivot
outsole configuration to enhance acceleration. Additional benefits include a
flexible toe shield and carbon fiber midsole layers for improved foot comfort. The
shoes are available in outsole options created specifically for hard, clay and grass
courts.
HEAD
head.com 800-289-7366
Nitro Pros (men and women, $139.99; junior, $79.95) are unveiled just in time
for the first ball in Melbourne. The premium lightweight shoes designed for all
surfaces showcase a low profile and feature technologies for robust flexibility
and comfort. The Revolt Pros (men and women, $139.99) created to synthesize
equally comfort, stability, durability and energy rebound gain new colorways in
2016.
K-SWISS
kswiss.com 800-768-4727
Out of California come new colorways for the companys high-performance Hypercourt Express (men and women, $110). The lightweight, durable players shoe
features a seam-free upper, padded tongue and collar for comfort, stay-tied
laces, a superior mid-foot support chassis, durable outsole and toe guard.
NIKE
nike.com 800-344-6453
The NikeCourt Air Zoom Ultrafly (men, $220), which the company describes as
its most innovative tennis shoe, premieres in white/volt and triple black. Highlights for the ultra-lightweight shoe include maximum responsiveness, a mesh
upper, superior heel and forefoot cushioning, and an ankle cuff.
PRINCE
princetennis.com 800-2TENNIS
2016 will see Prince continue to explore the color spectrum for its premium
performance Warrior lines (men and women, $109). Two new colorways will be
introduced in January for both men and women in this line of shoes featuring
support and stability, and backed with a six-month durability guarantee. As for
the companys best-selling T22s (men and women, $99), colorway introductions
will be rolled out for the cushioned, breathable and durable shoes in March, June
and again later in the year.
WILSON
wilson.com 773-714-6400
The lightweight and flexible Kaos (men and women, $125) shoes arrive in market
with attention-demanding colorways, and with an extra attention to arch support, comfort and outsole durability. The recently introduced Glide series (men
and women, $199) is designed with patented Glide Plate technology in recognition of the increasing need for players to control their slides across hard surfaces.
The shoes also feature rubber reinforced toe and internal drag pads, and an
enhanced outsole durability.
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 29
Springing
Ahead
It may be frosty outside in the
northern tier, but that only means
its time to start stocking up on
Spring tennis gear, and courtside
never looked so good. Soft
sophisticated tones and shapes
are coming back, leaving the neon
brights behind. (Prices are suggested retail.)
By Cynthia Sherman
BOLLE
bolletenniswear.com 301-362-0360
ADIDAS
adidas.com/us 800-982-9337
The Adidas by Stella McCartney Barricade collection forecasts the first comings of Spring in this Climacool dress
and matching shorties ($100) in peaches
and corals. This breathable, moisturewicking 3D fabrication with its ventilated channels and mesh inserts allow
air to circulate close to the skin. Its sure
to be a winner on the hot courts of the
Australian Open.
30 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
ELEVEN BY VENUS
elevenbyvenuswilliams.com 855-880-7777
French Open fans will ooh-la-la over this soft, lightweight, breathable Geo
Swirl print dress from Eleven by Venus. The muted geometric pattern sports a
contrast waistband, which provides tummy support. With a bonus of UV protection, a built-in shelf bra and a sleek modified racer back ensure comfort ($96).
FILA
fila.com 800-845-3452
www.tennisindustrymag.com
LUCKY IN LOVE
shopluckyinlove.com
305-638-5484
February 2016
TennisIndustry 31
Threes Company
Tennis Industry and the ASBA bring you the best
in tennis court construction and design.
February 2016
TennisIndustry 33
In addition to the Bell Recreation Center in Sun City, Ariz., the James Goldstein Residence in Los Angeles, and the Tuscaloosa
Tennis Center in Alabama, these nine locations were chosen by the 2015 panel of judges for the ASBA as excellent examples
of court construction, receiving Distinguished Facility-of-the-Year Awards. This year, the ASBA also awarded Silver and
Bronze awards in various categories. Youll read more about these winners in upcoming issues of TI. (The nominating company is in parentheses.)
Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, Tenn. (Welch Ten- Xavier University Brockhoff Family Tennis Facility, Cincinnis Courts Inc.)Silver Award, Outdoor Facility
nati, Ohio (Sportworks Field Design)
Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, Reno, Nev. (Ten- Nelson Residence, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. (Munson Inc.)
nis and Track Co.)Bronze Award, Outdoor Facility
Silver Award, Residential Facility
Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club, Palm City, Fla.
Miami Beach Residence, Miami Beach, Fla. (Fast-Dry Courts
(Welch Tennis Courts Inc.)
Inc.)Bronze Award, Residential Facility
Life Time Fitness Center, Centennial, Colo. (L.E.R. Inc., Alsop Residential Court at Haven Hill, Beverly Farms, Mass.
dba Renner Sports Surfaces)
(Boston Tennis Court Construction Co. Inc.)
Sundial Resort, Sanibel Island, Fla. (Welch Tennis Courts Inc.)
For details on the 2016 Outstanding Facility-of-the-Year Awards, contact the ASBA at 866-501-ASBA or info@sportsbuilders.org, or
visit www.sportsbuilders.org.
34 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 35
Counting calories
Digest notes
We welcome your questions. Please send them to Tennis Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096; fax: 760-536-1171; email: greg@racquettech.com.
36 TennisIndustry
February 2016
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Tie-off tangle
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 37
String Playtest
By Greg Raven
On the Court
We tested the 16-gauge Big Red. The coil measured 41 feet 10 inches. The diameter
measured 1.27 mm prior to stringing, and 1.26 mm after stringing. We recorded a
string bed stiffness of 74 RDC units immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a
Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull machine.
After 24 hours (no playing), string-bed stiffness measured 69 RDC units, representing a 6.8 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original
Gold 16, measured 84 RDC units immediately after stringing and 77 RDC units
after 24 hours, representing an 8.3 percent tension loss. In lab testing, Prince Synthetic Gut Original has a stiffness of 217 and a tension loss of 11.67 pounds, while
Tourna Big Red 16 has a stiffness of 194 and a tension loss of 16.32 pounds. Big Red
16 added 16.3 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame.
38 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Playtester Ratings
Ease of Stringing
(compared to other strings)
much easier
somewhat easier
about as easy
not quite as easy
not nearly as easy
1
1
16
12
1
Overall Playability
(compared to the string played most often)
much better
somewhat better
about as playable
not quite as playable
not nearly as playable
1
3
5
15
6
Overall Durability
(compared to other strings of similar gauge)
much better
somewhat better
about as durable
not quite as durable
not nearly as durable
7
14
7
2
0
Rating Averages
From 1 to 5 (best)
Playability
Durability
Power
Control
Comfort
Touch/Feel
Spin Potential
Holding Tension
Resistance to Movement
3.2
4.1
3.4
3.5
2.7
2.7
3.3
3.3
3.8
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Playtester
Comments
"String has great control and resistance to movement. Plays fairly stiff
with average power, but very good
for putting spin on the ball. Has a firm
feel on volleys and is great for hitting
aggressive serves. Easy to keep the
ball in the court.
4.5 male all-court player using Wilson
Steam Spin strung at 64 pounds CP (Head
Reflex MLT 16)
Very good power from the baseline.
Good spin production. Slight loss of
control probably due to lower tension. Very good tension retention.
3.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using
Prince O3 White strung at 51 pounds CP
(Ytex Square X/Ytex Touch 16)
This string hit well! Recommended
for anyone looking for a more durable
string either in a full poly setup or in a
hybrid. The hybrid would provide the
durability and control of a polyester
with a softer feel and power of a multifilament.
3.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using
Babolat Pure Drive Roddick strung at 60
pounds LO (Solinco Tour Bite 16L)
While it still had a poly feel, the playability was better than expected. This
is one of the few strings that I would
be willing to switch from a hybrid for.
4.5 male all-court player using Prince
Textreme Tour strung at 49 pounds CP
(Prince Tour XC/Prince Premier Control
16L/16)
(Strings normally used by testers are
indicated in parentheses. For the rest of
the tester comments, visit www.tennisindustrymag.com.)
Conclusion
www.tennisindustrymag.com
February 2016
TennisIndustry 39
Your Serve
Getting Ahead of the Class
Do Your Homework
40 TennisIndustry
February 2016
Generating Income
CEOs Message
Game Changing!
42 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
by John Embree
These, along with many other quesUSPTA would be foolhardy not to make
tions, were all part of the due diligence
another leap of faith as was done more
that the Board undertook to develop a
than two decades ago.
game plan that was finally presented to I readily applaud the bold thinking
the Executive Committee for consider- and the strategic vision of the USPTA
ation last September during our World
Board of Directors and Executive ComConference in New Orleans. Months of
mittee for this decision. It is gamenumber crunching, financial analysis,
changing for the USPTA. Without a
doubt, we have to do everything that we
evaluation of various real estate options, design and schematic preparacan to manage the downside risk and
tion, construction
budgets preparaThe leadership of the USPTA desires to always be
tion, etc., all played
on the front lines of innovation for our sport, and the
a huge part in defulcrum for that innovation will clearly be at this new
termining a proper
Home of American Tennis for decades to come.
course of action.
After considerminimize any financial concern that
able deliberation, the Executive Committee overwhelmingly voted to sell our comes with making this commitment.
But, we will dedicate every resource
existing building in Houston and move
to Lake Nona. Turn the clock back to
possible to ensure that the USPTA will
the early 90s when the then-Executive
come out of this stronger and more relevant than before.
Committee decided that it would be
Now, the heavy lifting begins. We
best for the association at that time
will be selling our building shortly,
to move from Florida to Texas and to
purchasing the land from Tavispurchase a building in a commercial
tock, constructing a state-of-the-art,
real estate area in Houston. It was a
10,000-square-foot building right at the
game-changing decision at that time.
The senior leadership of the association base of the USTA National Campus and
then handling a relocation of staff and
knew that it was a bit of a leap of faith
operations sometime in early 2017, asto make that commitment because no
suming everything works according to
one could look into a crystal ball and
plan. But, you know how construction
know how everything would play out.
Without question, it proved to be a pru- timelines typically go.
dent decision.
Naturally, we will attempt to do so
We are all aware of the incredibly
without any interruption of services
rapid pace of change happening in the
provided during the transition. It is not
world today. Technology and innovation going to be easy to manage through this
are driving businesses and changing
scenario, but the staff is professional
organizations quickly, some in a good
and understands its obligation to first
way, some in a not-so-good way. One
serve our membership in the best possible fashion. I cannot promise that
thing is clear: those entities that do not
there wont be some hiccups along the
embrace change and proactively look
way, but we hope to keep them to the
to prosper in the new world will fall behind and eventually become irrelevant.
bare minimum.
The leadership of the USPTA desires to
The Board and I would be happy
always be on the front lines of innovato answer any questions that you may
tion for our sport and the fulcrum for
have. You can look forward to getting
that innovation will clearly be at this
regular updates from me as we progress
new Home of American Tennis for
through this game-changing time in the
decades to come. With that in mind, the
history of our association. h
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n 1990, the USPTA Board of Directors had the foresight to move the
national headquarters from Florida to Houston and buy our existing
building. A great deal of hard work by
the staff during these subsequent years
has given us an opportunity to make
this exciting move back to Florida.
We need to thank all of the past board
members and staff for their efforts. It
was not easy to move to Houston, and it
will not be easy to move to Lake Nona.
I believe that we are going to surge
ahead as an association, our brand
will be recognized and we will grow
throughout the industry.
As I take the chair of the Finance
Committee in the coming months,
there are many things that we can all
do to help the USPTA make this move
and surge ahead.
by Gary Trost
ONLINE COURSES
ON-COURT RESULTS
Learn more at
CoachYouthTennis.com
44 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
The Master Pro program has evolved a great deal over the years in a very positive
direction, and any Master Professional today is highly deserving of the honor. The basic
concepts of honesty, service, devotion, and passion for tennis that the early Master
Professional possessed are still exemplified by the Master Professionals of today.
In 1983, the USPTA
publications and
Current Master Pros
announced a new class
research, service to
in divisions:
of membership Master
industry, coaching and
5 California
Professional. The problem
competing and service
7 Eastern
was that the requireto USPTA. For each item
29 Florida
ments were a bit vague.
he indicated the type
2 Hawaii
The general fields were
of support material the
6 Intermountain
service to tennis, service
Master Pro Committee
3 International
to the USPTA, demonwould require for veri12 Mid-Atlantic
strated coaching and playfication. Items included
4 Middle States
ing skills, education and
articles published in
17 Midwest
training, contributions
local newspapers or
8 Missouri Valley
to professional developmagazines, radio and TV
8 New England
ment, and publications.
tips, graduate research
1 Northern
At the convention in
projects, theses, and
4 Northern California
Saddlebrook, Bob Love
doctoral dissertations. A
2 Pacific Northwest
went to George Bacso, naperson needed to score
4 San Diego
tional awards and testing
450 points with a mini25 Southern
mum of 75 in each area
chairman, and expressed
7 Southwest
for acceptance. Love was
concerns about the lack
14 Texas
asked to be the commitof specificity in the requirements. For example
tee chairman, a position
there were no apparent places for the
he held for the next six years.
officiating, or articles written for news The Master Pro program has evolved
papers and magazines. His response was a great deal over the years in a very posi-
The first USPTA Master Professional class, 1983. Front Row: Tim Heckler, Bill Tym. Middle Row: Dick King, John
Verde, Nick Bollettieri, Newton Cox, Gary Wilensky, Bob Love, Ted Withall. Back Row: George Bacso, Les Longshore, Paul Gagon, Jack Justice, Don Henson , Gardnar Mulloy, Don Leary. (Not pictured: Peter Burwash, Fred Earle.)
tive direction, and any Master Professional today is highly deserving of the
honor. The basic concepts of honesty,
service, devotion, and passion for tennis
that the early Master Professional possessed are still exemplified by the Master Professionals of today.
Our newest Master Professionals, honored in 2015, are Michael
Chamberlain, Christopher Chopra, Stan
Oley, James Shaughnessy and John
Trinity. This group exhibits a continued
desire to help others and contribute to
both USPTA and the tennis profession.
Many of the Master Professionals
have submitted materials for the Business Essentials section on the USPTA
website. This is a collection of documents and information in several categories, from interviews to operations.
The group also presents at the World
Conference, and will continue to share
at the division level. All it takes is a call,
and most (if not all) of these professionals are ready to help. Please keep that
in mind whenever you have a chance to
chat with a Master Professional. While
it is a great honor to become a Master
Professional, you will rarely find a group
more willing to help and share. h
Pat Whitworth, left, is the tennis professional for the River Club in Suwanee,
Ga. He is a past president of the USPTA
Southern Division. Bob Love, right, has
been a national clinician for the USTA
and at USPTA conferences. He has made
presentations in Spain and Egypt and
has been a tennis teacher for 48 years.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 45
USPTA News
46 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
USPTA Stars
USPTA Industry Excellence Award
Steve Wilkinson College Coach of
the Year
High School Coach of the Year
Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the
Year
George Bacso Tester of the Year
USPTA Lessons for Life Award
USPTA News
USPTA Foundation
Gift Recognition Ladder
l
l
l
l
l
1-0
2-0
3-0
4-0
5-0
6-0
800.374.6153 | netknacks.com
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 47
Endorsee News
For more information on the many Prince-USPTA benefits, contact your local Prince Brand Manager or visit the
USPTA Prince page on the USPTA website at uspta.com/Prince.
48 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Inside Coaching
50 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
I tell my kids on rainy days that they are the only ones playing tennis today anywhere in the county because we are the only club with racquetball courts. If you
have access to indoor racquetball courts, there are no rained-out tennis days.
I have seen such immediate improvements with my kids speed and reaction
times from the racquetball courts to the tennis courts that I have considered
going to the racquetball courts once or twice a week on nice days and/or if I
have extra kids or adults.
injuries with three to eight juniors
running around. The question of safety
has come up often over the years and
I recommend the racquetball safety
glasses to concerned players; however,
I do believe a unique self-preservation
kicks in on close quarters of the racquetball court. I have had many more
accidental injuries on the tennis court
with colliding doubles partners, players misgauging incoming lobs, or getting hit by overheads than hitting one
another on the racquetball court.
I also utilize the racquetball courts
for individual shot improvement on
serving, the serve and volley routine,
groundstrokes, volleys, overheads,
half-volleys, swing volleys, and drop
shots. Even Bucharest Backfires and
tweeners can be practiced on the racquetball court. Each shot can be honed
individually then used in different
sequences and combinations to reflect
those same shot patterns on the tennis
court.
Another point to consider is the type
tennis ball to take on the racquetball
court. It is here that I select almost
dead tennis balls for beginners and
advanced beginners and new balls for
the fastest game with my intermedi-
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 51
Tennis Thanks
the Troops provides
a trip of a lifetime
that she and I will
always remember.
the highlight would
have to be the suite
we e
njoyed on the
mezzanine level of
Arthur Ashe Stadium
54 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
All Rezilient Direct policies pay cash directly to you, even if you are covered under another plan.
These policies will cover expenses not paid under your major medical plan such as
daily living expenses, rent, or the loss of income from being out of work.
Monthly policies cost as little as $25.00 for accident, $40.00 for critical illness and $87.00 for hospitalization.
Career Development
Exams, Upgrades Webinars
& PTCA I
Division Activities
(6 credits)
(.5 credits)
Feb. 10
Present challenges in
TBD
Craig OShannessy
Cardio Tennis
Feb. 21
Feb. 18
Accredited
Professional
Coach
Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC)
and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA
SmartCode Education System. This uses your
smartphone to instantly register your attendance
to all seminars and specialty
courses earning APC.
To use the system at a
seminar, general session or
specialty course, you must
scan two QR codes. One QR
code is on your conference badge. The second
QR code will be in your conference notebook and
cannot be scanned until the end of the session or
the beginning of the next session.
If you do not have a smartphone, you may use
someone elses. Forms are available upon request.
58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Education requirements
All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period
to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activities. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you
attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to education@uspta.org to receive your credit. (International members, Recreational Coaches
and those over the age of 65 are exempt.) Questions? Write to education@uspta.org
or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.
Member News
On Aug. 22, a Pro/Am Tournament was held on Williams Island, North Miami, Fla., to assist a
fellow USPTA member, Antony Emerson. Emerson, the son of legendary Roy
Emerson, was diagnosed with brain, lung and liver cancer in 2015. His friends
led a team of volunteers to organize and facilitate the event. A record number
of pros and amateurs were on hand for an exciting competition, all sporting
Go Emmo T-shirts and wristbands.
Those who did not play were still
included in the days festivities as participants partook of a benefit lunch and silent auction,
all making for a very successful fundraiser. Emerson
is receiving treatment at home in California with his
family and friends. If you would like to contribute to his
ongoing battle, a site has been set up for him: www.
gofundme.com/AntonyEmerson
Lane Evans, Director of Tennis & Wellness at Champion Hills Club in Hendersonville, N.C., had a
busy November giving and helping others. After receiving the 2015 USPTA Industry Excellence
Award, which came
with a $1,000 grant
and a new Tennis
Tutor ball machine
package valued
at around $3,000,
Evans decided to
go on a little giving
spree. He first gave
the $1,000 grant to
the tennis program
at West Henderson High School where the money will go toward court resurfacing or other team
needs. Evans then went to the Methodist University Professional Tennis Management program in
Fayetteville, N.C., for his next phase of giving. They had an old broken down ball machine that was
being held together with spit and scotch tape so I decided the next gift should go to them, Evans
said. Finally, he had one more item of giving business to attend to. Annually, he spearheads a food
drive to help the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Through the tennis and fitness programs as well
as Champion Hills Club member generosity, many hundreds of pounds of food have been collected
and donated over the years for the mission.
Four USPTA members
were named 2014-15
Wilson/ITA Coaches of
the Year at the awards
banquet during the ITA
Coaches Convention in
Naples, Fla., in December: Mark Goldin, NAIA
Womens Coach of the
Year, Cardinal Stritch
University; Hendrick
Bode, NCAA Division II Mens Coach of the Year, Hawaii Pacific University; David T. Porter,
NCAA Division II Womens Coach of the Year, BYU-Hawaii; and Kelly Stahlhuth, NCAA Division
III Womens Coach of the Year, Washington University in St. Louis.
ADDvantage magazine editorial offices
USPTA World Headquarters
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202
Houston, TX 77042
Phone 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U
Fax 713-358-7794
email magazine@uspta.org
60 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Managing editor
Circulation
Kimberly Forrester
Kathy Buchanan
Chuck Gill
Gary Trost
Vice Presidents
Past President
CEO
Legal Counsel
Alan Cutler
Feisal Hassan
Ken McAllister
Jack Michalko
Diane Selke
TM
Tom McGraw
John Embree
George Parnell