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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): Footwear Tennis History Racquet Tech Match your HALL OF FAME Planning is key PLAYERS' SHOES reopens after for ATW AND to the surface major facelift BOX PATTERNS JULY 2015 / VOLUME 43/ NUMBER 7 / $5.00 2015 Guide To Ball Machines � Effective teaching tool � Our exclusive listings Nylon vs. Poly Strings Cardio Tennis Trainer Summit TennisIndustry www.tennisindustrymag.com JULY 2015 FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 22 C hampions of Tennis 7 Industry News Honor Roll 13 Letters 14 TIA News As we take nominations for Tennis Industry's 16 Racquet Tech 2015 annual awards, we look back at the 18 Footwe
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Nội Dung Gốc (Tiếng Anh)¶
Footwear Tennis History Racquet Tech
Match your HALL OF FAME Planning is key
PLAYERS' SHOES reopens after for ATW AND
to the surface major facelift BOX PATTERNS
JULY 2015 / VOLUME 43/ NUMBER 7 / $5.00
2015 Guide To
Ball Machines
� Effective teaching tool
� Our exclusive listings
Nylon vs. Poly Strings
Cardio Tennis
Trainer Summit
TennisIndustry www.tennisindustrymag.com
JULY 2015
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve 22 C hampions of Tennis
7 Industry News Honor Roll
13 Letters
14 TIA News As we take nominations for Tennis Industry's
16 Racquet Tech 2015 annual awards, we look back at the
18 Footwear impressive roster of past winners.
20 Tennis History
26 Nylon vs. Poly
p.22
24 Cardio Tennis With the advancements and new introductions
36 Ask the Experts in co-poly strings, are nylon-based strings still
37 Tips and Techniques relevant? The short answer: Very much so.
38Your Serve, by Rod Heckelman
34 Inside Game
INDUSTRY NEWS
Tennis helps round out the offerings of two
7Timothy Russell named award-winning indoor facilities.
new CEO of ITA
2015 Guide to Ball Machines
7 Tennis Magazine celebrates p.26
28 Play the Long Game
golden anniversary
A ball machine can be an incredible teaching
7 Grand Canyon University tool and a great source of revenue--and can
adds PTM program help strengthen the game.
7 Sony Smart Tennis Sensor 30 Ball Machines on the Market
launches worldwide
Our comprehensive guide lists the ball
8 USPTA to incorporate machines currently on the market, along with
Platform Tennis Association features, benefits and prices.
8 IART Symposium set
for Sept. 18-22 p.34
8I TA partners with Oracle
8 Hall of Fame rebrands
with new logo
9 PTR adds two corporate
members
9 Gael Monfils stars in new
Asics tennis campaign
11 U STA NE creates `Boston
Social Tennis League'
p.28
COVER PHOTO BY ELIZA JACOBS
2 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
Our Serve Publishers
Catching Adult David Bone Jeff Williams
Players Editorial Director
Peter Francesconi
Irecently was looking at some be right for your facility or program. peter@tennisindustrymag.com
marketing material for a prod- Play Tennis Fast was put together
uct that, while suitable for all Associate Editor
ages, was being targeted mainly to by the Tennis Industry Association Greg Raven
adults and older Americans. One of to help grow this sport, and like
the hooks is that these groups have most things the TIA does, PTF is Design/Art Director
money (lots of it). free to use. It's an option for tennis Kristine Thom
providers to help get adults engaged
Now, in tennis, I fully support our in tennis for the long term. If you're Special Projects Manager
efforts to reach younger players and a facility or teaching pro, it will help Bob Patterson
bring more kids and teens into this create tennis consumers for your
sport. It's important for the future business. Contributing Editors
of the game, and for the future of Robin Bateman
this industry. The details for PTF can be found Cynthia Cantrell
at PlayTennis.com. Briefly, it's a Kent Oswald
But, let's look at this in terms of course of six one-hour lessons Cynthia Sherman
your (and my) business. We need designed to introduce or welcome Mary Helen Sprecher
revenue--now--to survive. We need back adult players to tennis. Tim Strawn
people to buy equipment (the larger Importantly, it uses slower balls,
the margin, the better), take lessons, which helps adults achieve success Contributing Photographers
book court time, play in leagues, quickly. Bob Kenas
buy apparel and shoes, etc. In most David Kenas
instances, we have to reach adults-- PTF has a solid foundation--
they have the money, they have the based largely on the successful, TENNIS INDUSTRY
time, and with health and fitness global ITF TennisExpress program Corporate Offices
such a big issue, they should have for adults. For PTF, the TIA also PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096
the desire and motivation to get out had input from top PTR and Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171
on the court. USPTA pros. The TIA is not looking Email: TI@racquetTECH.com
for any credit (you don't even have Website: www.TennisIndustryMag.com
What they may not have, though, to use the name "Play Tennis Fast"). Office Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
is an easy and welcoming way to en- It just wants to get more adults
ter this sport, designed and targeted playing and consuming tennis. Advertising Director
especially for them. John Hanna
PTF has not been heavily pushed 770-650-1102, x.125
Many tennis facilities, teaching yet, but pilot programs at facilities hanna@knowatlanta.com
pros, and park & recs offer "adult" in South Carolina have been well
classes and clinics. But how many received (one saw 21 new adult Apparel Advertising
of those are designed specifically for players). There's also been interest Cynthia Sherman
adults, to make them feel welcome, from a few USTA sections and a 203-263-5243
make them progress, and keep them group of clubs in one state to offer cstennisindustry@gmail.com
engaged and wanting to continue in this option to facilities as their intro
the sport? to tennis adult program. Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year:
monthly January through August and combined
Here's an idea, and it will cost Check out Play Tennis Fast on issues in September/October and November/
you nothing: Check out Play Tennis PlayTennis.com. If it's right for you December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO
Fast, which is designed to bring and your business, use it to bring in Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage
adults into tennis, and see if it can long-term adult tennis consumers. paid at Duluth, GA and at additional mailing
offices (USPS #004-354). July 2015, Volume 43,
Peter Francesconi, Editorial Director Number 7 � 2015 by USRSA and Tennis Industry.
peter@tennisindustrymag.com All rights reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo
are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A.
4 TennisIndustry July 2015 Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone
circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly
subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tennis
Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096. 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
Save the Dates: TIA Tennis Forum, Aug. 31, NYC
T.O.M. Conf., March 23-25, Miami
Peter Burwash
to Enter Industry The eighth annual TIA Tennis Forum fitness and the reasons to play tennis.
Hall of Fame will be on Monday, Aug. 31, on the Ballroom Also, mark your calendars now for the
level of the Grand Hyatt third annual Tennis Owners &
Peter Burwash, the founder New York City, right before Managers (T.O.M.) Conference,
and president of Peter Burwash play begins at the 2015 US which will be held March 23-25 in
International, the largest tennis Open. Miami during the 2016 Miami Open. While
management company in the world,
will become the 10th inductee into The Forum, which is free to the venue and complete schedule are still
the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame in a attend, will present the latest news being finalized, the 2016 T.O.M. Conference
ceremony at the conclusion of the TIA about the state of the tennis industry, is expected to start in the afternoon on
Tennis Forum on Aug. 31. including participation, equipment sales Wednesday, March 23. Attendees will also
data, grassroots initiatives, Youth Tennis, have the chance to attend the Miami Open.
Burwash, a former ATP tour updates from the USTA, and more. In addition,
player, founded PBI 40 years ago Peter Burwash will become the 10th inductee "With the upcoming Tennis Forum and
and now operates in 32 countries. into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame in a T.O.M. Conference, we're continuing our
A certified sports physiologist and ceremony at the conclusion of the Forum. efforts from our meetings in Indian Wells this
nutritionist and a sought-after past march on ways to bring in more players,
speaker for Fortune 500 companies, The Forum also will outline pathways more fans, and more tennis consumers," says
Burwash wrote the popular book to increasing the number of "core" tennis TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer.
"Tennis for Life," which has sold over players, ways to better define and boost the
1 million copies. In 1995, he received economic growth and impact of the tennis
the International Tennis Hall of industry, and effective ways to distribute
Fame's Educational Merit Award. clear, consistent messaging of health,
The Tennis Industry Hall of Fame Cardio Tennis
was created in 2008 and currently Debuts to Coaches
has nine inductees: Howard Head
(2008), Dennis Van der Meer (2008), in Italy
Alan Schwartz (2009), Billie Jean King
(2010), Nick Bollettieri (2011), Howard Krause demonstrates During the qualifying tennis tournament for
Gill Jr. (2013), Walter Montenegro Cardio Tennis the Italian Open in Rome in early May, the
(2013), Sheldon Westervelt (2013) and programming for Italian Tennis Federation (FIT), in cooperation
Jim Baugh (2014). Plaques of Tennis coaches in Italy.
Industry Hall of Fame inductees are with PTR Europe, invited TIA Executive
displayed at the International Tennis Director Jolyn de Boer and TIA Cardio Tennis
Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. Manager Michele Krause to speak at the
14 TennisIndustry July 2015 2nd Annual International Tennis Coaches
Symposium, which was held at the historic
Foro Italico.
The gathering of more than 3,000
tennis professionals and coaches is the world's
largest tennis symposium. Luciano Botti, president of Tennis Services
s.a.s. and a PTR board member, was instrumental in arranging a
Cardio Tennis presentation and demonstration on the Grand Stand
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org
Gets Key Tennis Participation
Upgrades Stable for 2014
The PlayTennis.com website, which is Tennis participation in the U.S.
a "central portal" for bringing people has remained stable over the
into tennis, has been upgraded with last three years, according to the
new features and functionality. latest figures compiled by the TIA
The upgrades were in place in and the Physical Activity Council.
early May, in time to further help Total tennis players numbered
to boost play during the tennis- 17.9 million in 2014, which is up
industry-wide "Try Tennis 1.3 percent over the year before.
Free" campaign.
"Core" tennis participants,
PlayTennis.com is an who are those who play 10 or
unbranded, collaborative more times a year, is at 9.91
industry website devoted million, down 1 percent.
simply to getting people to play tennis
and enjoy all the health, fitness and social "The slight decrease in
benefits of the sport. Managed by the TIA, PlayTennis. core players was balanced by an
com is a key component for the national "TryTennisFree" campaign, increase in `casual' players, who
which saw nearly 2,000 tennis providers offering a free introductory tennis play one to three times a year,"
session for new or returning players. says Jolyn de Boer, executive
director of the TIA. "The small
Upgrades to the website include an improved "Tennis Concierge" widget that quickly drop could indicate increasing
returns results on tennis locations and tennis organizers in local communities. There also is a new competition for consumers' time.
rating function so consumers can rate facilities and programs. But also, poor weather in the
first quarter of the year may have
For tennis facilities and teaching professionals, updating program and facility information on had a hand in slightly reducing
the website has been streamlined, and there's also a live chat feature for instant answers about play frequency." Related to this
the site and its functionality. In addition, providers have access to new marketing collateral so they is a slight drop in total "play
can advertise and support Try Tennis Free in their local communities. occasions," to about 440 million.
"We've received a lot of feedback over the last few months about the features that consumers "Core" players account
and tennis providers would like to see when it comes to finding and offering tennis programs, and for 80 percent of all tennis
we're happy to continue to adjust and streamline PlayTennis.com to better serve tennis players, expenditures and 94 percent of all
and those looking to get into the game," says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. play occasions. The average core
player plays tennis 42 times
a year.
Court by de Boer and Krause. The on-court Cardio
Tennis participants wore Polar Bluetooth heart-rate
transmitters and the data for each participant was �
displayed on the court's Jumbotron so the audience
could see the players' heart rates live and follow their
progress as they were put through the Cardio Tennis session, burning calories and
getting their heart rate into their training zones.
Cardio Tennis, which is managed by the TIA, already is offered in more than 30
countries, including as a key pillar for tennis participation in Australia and the United
Kingdom. In the U.S., more than 1.7 million people participate in Cardio Tennis.
Prior to the sessions at the Foro Italico, the Italian Tennis Federation hosted
a special session at the Vatican with Pope Francis, who used the encounter to
speak about sports and tennis as an "educational experience." Nearly 7,000
tennis coaches, their families and others involved in the sport were in attendance
in the Vatican's Paul VI Audience Hall on May 8, including coaching legend
Nick Bollettieri; former touring pro, longtime tennis director and current PTR
President Roy Barth; past PTR President Jorge Andrew; U.S. mental toughness
coach Lorenzo Beltrame; and well-known Italian coach Pablo Lozano, among others.
"You athletes have a mission to fulfill: To be, for those who admire you,
good role models," the Pope said. Photos by Anni Miller De Boer, with translator,
addresses coaches at
Foro Italico.
Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org July 2015 TennisIndustry 15
Racquet Tech
ATW and Box Patterns
Commonly used by advanced stringers, Around the
World or Box Patterns call for careful planning.
By Bob Patterson
The string tickets at most profes- pattern of the frame, but even then for this frame. Your goal is install the
sional tournaments provide there are several different ways to ac- majority of the cross strings from the
the basic information for the complish it. On a certain pattern, some top working down, but you also want
technician to string the racquet. Along technicians may install the top cross to minimize the runs of strings on the
with the string type and tension, there string and two bottom strings before outside of the frame. Make sure your
is usually a designation of "2 Knots" or filling in the remaining crosses, while method will be aesthetically pleasing
"4 Knots," indicating if the player has others would install two at the top and as well as functional.
requested a 1-piece or 2-piece job. If two one at the bottom. My point is there is
knots are designated and the frame's no set pattern, but there are some key 2. Plan Ahead, Part 2--Often you will
pattern has the mains ending at the points you need to employ. find that you may need to be clamped
throat, the technician will know that a on two strings on the same side of the
Box Pattern must be employed. 1. Plan Ahead--Before you start, decide racquet, so make sure you have a start-
what will be the most efficient pattern ing clamp handy to supplement your
Although many manufacturers allow machine clamp and make sure it can
for crosses to be installed from bot- be placed where needed (no machine
tom to top, you will notice that almost supports in the way, etc.).
always, the two-piece instructions show
the crosses starting at the top. This is
because top-to-bottom stringing places
less stress on the frame. At most pro
tourneys, this is standard procedure.
Around the World (ATW) patterns
are as varied as racquets and there is
certainly not enough space here to
detail them all, so I will just emphasize
some of the basic principles to consider.
Usually, the pattern used is dictated
by the pattern and skips in the original
3. Be Careful--Mis-weaves or du-
plicate weaves are the most common
errors in ATW patterns. Know how
many total crosses are in the pattern.
Even-numbered strings will all employ
the same weave and odd-number
crosses will all be the same but op-
posite of the evens. Since you won't
be installing the crosses in order, this
can cause problems that are not easily
caught until you are all but finished, so
check and double-check as you go. �
16 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
Footwear
Bottom Liners
Offer customers the opportunity
to match their shoes to their
preferred court surface for
optimum performance.
By Bob Patterson
What's on the bottom of your be used on hard courts, but the player both surface types, the dual-purpose
shoe? It can make a world of certainly won't get the best perfor- or all-court shoe may be the best
difference in your traction, mance. Usually there is less cushioning answer, although they will sacrifice
comfort and stability during play. and the traction will suffer, but the big some performance offered in a shoe
difference will come in durability. Clay specifically designed for the playing
The outsole is something that often shoes are not set up to withstand the surface.
goes unnoticed--most players are first abrasive aspects endured on a hard
attracted to the color and design of the court. Lacing Systems
upper. Even when the shoe is on your
display shelf, players won't see the out- Hard Court Shoes The laces are another component
sole unless they pick up the shoe. Yet, that players usually don't think much
the outsole is crucial in how the shoe Most hard court shoes will incorporate about, but the lacing system, which
performs. a similar herringbone pattern, al- literally holds your foot in the shoe, is
though it will be less dense than a clay crucial to comfort and performance.
There are all sorts of outsole patterns, sole pattern and often less uniform. Of- In fact, most people may not realize
and although some may look like works ten the patterns may vary in different they don't have to use all the lacing
of art, there is a methodology to their areas of the foot. holes in the shoe; they can skip holes
design. Tread design is crucial to stabil- if it makes the shoe more comfortable
ity, traction and overall performance of One big difference that may not be or produces a better fit
any shoe. visible is the compound used in the
rubber. Generally, for hard court shoes, Companies look to strike a balance
Since the majority of tennis in the the rubber is much harder for durabil- of just enough pressure and comfort.
U.S. is played on either hard courts or ity reasons and can be thicker, espe- While there are slight variations in
synthetic clay, most shoes offered here cially in high-wear areas of the shoe, lacing systems, the two main varianc-
are designed for those two surfaces, according to the shoe design team at es are a traditional tongue style and a
or in many cases, both. (There are also Head. Most hard-court shoes are not tongue-less or uni-tongue style.
grass-court shoes designed specifically suitable for clay courts and some may
for those who play on the lawns.) Over even damage the softer clay-court The traditional style allows for
the last few decades, tennis-shoe manu- surface with their deeper grooves. more control on "how tight is too
facturers have been developing new tight," but the uni-tongue gener-
technologies to help players find the Dual Purpose ally provides a more snug fit and
best solutions for gripping the surface, is usually preferred by aggressive
or sliding, based on court type. Hunter Hines of Dunlop/Diadora says players.
it is important to know what the player
Clay Court Shoes is seeking in order to get them in the Your shoe inventory should be di-
right shoe with the right outsole. verse enough to offer your customers
For clay courts, it's important to have options so they can find the perfect
a combination of slide and grip that al- "All-court/all-surface shoes are great shoe. Having a well-trained staff that
lows players to develop defensive skills for both surfaces as they have a good not only knows their inventory but
and cover more area while conserving herringbone pattern, albeit different also are good listeners will go a long
energy. Clay court shoes usually will size and directional treads," Hines in way in keeping customers happy.
have a tight herringbone or wave pat- says. "At the end of the day, it's what
tern to provide that sliding control and the player is most comfortable with, When players can have enough
grip. but a good all-court outsole will meet choices so they can find a shoe that
the needs of just about every player." not only fits well but also will help
The overall surface of the outsole is them perform better, it's a win/win
generally flat. A true clay court shoe can If the player commonly plays on for everyone. �
18 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
Tennis History
Hall of Fame Reopens COURTESY OF INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL
After Major Renovation OF FAME / KATE WHITNEY LUCEY
By Cindy Cantrell COURTESY OF INTERNATIONAL TENNIS HALL OF FAME / ALEXANDER NESBITT
Following a six-month closure www.tennisindustrymag.com
for renovations, the museum at
the International Tennis Hall
of Fame in Newport, R.I., reopened on
May 20 with an entirely new experience
for visitors..
The $3 million project was years in
planning. Interactive exhibits include a
tennis history touch table, opportuni-
ties to "call the match" like a broad-
caster, a rotating globe highlighting
the sport's worldwide impact, and a
hologram experience featuring Roger
Federer--the first use of holographic
technology in an American sports
museum.
Redesigned galleries provide a
cohesive narrative of tennis history,
as told through the lives and careers
of the 243 Hall of Famers. In addition,
the number of artifacts on display from
the 25,000-piece collection has nearly
doubled to 1,900, including Rod Laver's
first Wimbledon trophy, gold sneakers
worn by Serena Williams, an original
Andy Warhol portrait of Chris Evert
and a display of more than 100 vintage
tennis ball cans.
The streamlined layout showcases
the original 1880 architecture and fur-
nishings of the historic Newport Casino
building, including three previously
covered fireplaces.
"Tennis history dates back to the 12th
century and it evolves with tourna-
ments around the world weekly," says
Todd Martin, CEO of the International
Tennis Hall of Fame. "There have been
extraordinary people and moments
throughout the sport's history. This new
museum will share the stories of the
sport's legends with the world in a really
exciting way, and it will hopefully serve
as an inspiration for the next genera-
tion of tennis greats and fans." For more
information, visit tennisfame.com. �
20 TennisIndustry July 2015
Awards
TI Champions of
Tennis Honor Roll
Our January 2015 issue marked the 14th year As you can see on this impressive list, many of our past
that we've named our Champions of Tennis Champions of Tennis winners are still at it--still dedicated to
winners. As we start the process for picking making this sport the best it can be, to bringing in new partici-
this year's Champions of Tennis, we'd like to pants, to supplying players with equipment and places to play,
recognize all of those past winners--people, and to making tennis businesses grow.
businesses, organizations--that have helped to make a differ-
ence in tennis, and in the business of tennis. We salute our past Champions for their continuing dedica-
tion to tennis! �
Person of the Year 2007: Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Sales Rep of the Year
2014: Bahram Akradi 2006: Midtown Tennis Center 2014: Allan Iverson
2013: Virgil Christian 2005: Brookhaven Country Club 2013: Richard Mennig
2012: Susan DiBiase 2004: Indian Creek Racquet Club 2012: Joe Habenschuss
2011: Pat Freebody 2003: New Albany Country Club 2011: Lee Sponaugle
2010: Jon Muir 2002: Woodfield Country Club 2010: Rick Walsh
2009: Eric Babolat Municipal Facility of the Year 2009: Tracy Lynch
2008: Dave Haggerty 2014: Indian Wells Tennis Garden 2008: Jim Haneklau
2007: George Napier 2013: Baseline Tennis Center (U. of Minn.) 2007: Hunter Hines
2006: Kirk Anderson 2012: Southlake Tennis Center 2006: Jim Willwerth
2005: Max Brownlee 2011: Roger Scott Tennis Club 2005: Kay Barney
2004: Arlen Kantarian 2010: Copeland-Cox Tennis Center 2004: Dustin Perry
2003: Jim Baugh & Kurt Kamperman 2009: Reffkin Tennis Center 2003: Bob Strimel
2002: Alan Schwartz 2008: Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex 2002: Bob Pfaender
Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year 2007: Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis & Education 2001: Sheri Norris & David Blakeley
2014: Your Serve Tennis 2006: Cary Tennis Park Grassroots Champion of the Year
2013: Serious Tennis 2005: John Drew Smith Tennis Center 2014: Ellen Miller
2012: Tennis Town 2004: Lexington County Tennis Complex 2013: Carla O'Connor
2011: All About Tennis 2003: Midland Community Tennis Center 2012: Danice Brown
2010: NYC Racquet Sports 2002: Cooper Tennis Complex 2011: Brenda Gilmore
2009: Tennis Express 2001: George E. Barnes Tennis Center 2010: Robert Pangrazi
2008: Tennis & Golf Co. Builder of the Year 2009: Lisa Stone & Susan Chambers
2007: Michael Lynne's Tennis Shop 2014: Trans Texas Tennis 2008: Sue Jollensten
2006: Swetka's Tennis Shop 2013: Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sport Surfaces 2007: Dan Vonk
2005: Racquet World 2012: Baseline Sports Construction 2006: Beverly Bourguet
2004: Players Choice Tennis 2011: Leslie Coatings Inc. 2005: Shirley Ruane
2003: Advantage Yours 2010: Pro-Sport Construction 2004: Gwen & Dan Ramras
2002: Chicago Tennis & Golf 2009: DeRosa Tennis Contractors 2003: Scott Biron
2001: Dale Queen 2008: Boston Tennis Court Construction 2002: Mark Platt
Private Facility of the Year 2007: Sportsline Inc. 2001: Donna Owens
2014: Army Navy Country Club 2006: Courtsmiths Junior Tennis Champion of the Year
2013: Tennisclub of the Low Country at Rose Hill 2005: Fast-Dry Companies 2014: Jack Newman
2012: Life Time Fitness 2004: Zaino Tennis Court 2013: Vesa Ponkka
2011: Western Racquet Club 2003: General Acrylics 2012: Todd Dissly
2010: The Polo Club 2002: Cape & Island Tennis and Track 2011: Jeff Rothstein
2009: Reynolds Plantation 2001: Welch Tennis Courts 2010: Butch Staples & Leah Friedman
2008: Boar's Head Sports Club 2009: Dan Faber
22 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
presents
CHAMPIONS
OF TENNIS
2014
2008: Chuck Kuhle 2006: Grant Morgan 2011: Tualatin Hills Park & Rec District
2007: Craig Jones 2005: Bob Patterson Youth Tennis Provider of the Year
2006: Bwana Chakar Simba 2004: Randy Stephenson 2014: Simon Gale
2005: Wayne St. Peter Public Park of the Year Youth Tennis Facility Developer of the Year
2004: Emma Hubbs 2014: Mercer County Park Tennis Center 2014: Signature Tennis Inc.
2003: Phyllis Greene 2013: BNA Bank Park 2013: Fast-Dry Courts Inc.
2002: LaMont Bryant 2012: Kiest Park 2012: Top-A-Court Tennis
2001: Ned Eames 2011: Cadwalader Park 2011: Hinding Tennis
Wheelchair Tennis Champion of the Year 2010: Dwight Davis Tennis Center Innovative Tennis Event of the Year
2014: Paul Walker 2009: Darling Tennis Center 2014: The Tennis Congress
2013: Nick Taylor 2008: Roswell Park & Rec USTA Section of Year
2012: Curt & Lynn Bender 2007: Fort Lauderdale Park & Rec 2014: Intermountain
2011: Jeremiah Yolkut 2006: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center 2013: Eastern
2010: Harlon Matthews 2005: Scalzi Park 2012: Northern California
2009: Dean Oba Mass Merchant/Chain of the Year 2011: Middle States
2008: Michael Mercier 2011: PGA Tour Superstores 2010: Southern
2007: Jason Harnett 2008: Sport Chalet 2009: Midwest
2006: Bruce Karr 2007: The Sports Authority 2008: Pacific Northwest
2005: Karin Korb 2006: PGA Tour Superstores 2007: Florida
2004: Julie Jilly 2005: Golfsmith 2006: Texas
2003: Dan James 2004: City Sports 2005: Florida
2002: Tina Dale 2003: Sport Chalet 2004: Pacific Northwest
2001: Nancy Olson 2002: Dick's Sporting Goods 2003: Southern
Community Tennis Association of the Year 2001: Galyan's 2002: Northern
2014: InnerCity Tennis Foundation High School Coach of the Year 2001: New England
2013: Dallas Tennis Association 2014: Laurie Martin PTR Member of the Year
2012: Tri-County CTA 2013: Ken Griffith 2014: Nigel Pugh
2011: Bucks County Tennis Association 2012: Terry Valdez 2013: Robert Carlbo
2010: Southern Crescent Tennis Association 2011: Jim Neal and Jim Solomon 2012: Roy Barth
2009: Western Wake Tennis Association 2010: Bill Wagstaff 2011: Jorge Capestany
2008: Lee County Tennis Association 2009: Rich Johns 2010: Rodney Harmon
2007: Grants Pass CTA 2008: Sue Bordainick 2009: Ken DeHart
2006: Montgomery County Tennis Association 2007: Marian DeWane 2008: Jorge Andrew
2005: Baltimore Tennis Patrons 2006: David Steinbach 2007: Luke Jensen
2004: Pikes Peak CTA Online Retailer of the Year 2006: Ajay Pant
2003: Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation 2005: Tennis Warehouse 2005: Lisa Duncan
2002: Macon Tennis Association Tennis Advocate of the Year USPTA Member of the Year
2001: Homewood-Flossmoor 2014: Shima and Joe Grover 2014: Randy Mattingley
Stringer of the Year 2013: Robert Walsh 2013: Avis Murray
2014: David Yamane 2012: Nancy McGinley 2012: David Porter
2013: Chuck Hakansson 2011: Mike Woody 2011: Feisal Hassan
2012: John Gugel 2010: Robin Jones 2010: Ron Woods
2011: Todd Mobley 2009: Ellen Doll 2009: Robert Greene Jr.
2010: Tom Parry Park & Recreation Agency of the Year 2008: Tom Sweitzer
2009: Ron Rocchi 2014: Washington, D.C. Parks & Recreation 2007: Mike Van Zutphen
2008: Nate Ferguson 2013: L exington Co. Rec. & Aging Commission 2006: Brett Hobden
2007: Tim Strawn 2012: Reston Association 2005: Bob Reed
Send Us Your TI Champions of Tennis Nominations
To nominate for Tennis Industry's 2015 Champions of Tennis, email TI@racquettech.com, and put "Champions" in the subject line.
In the email, include the category, the name of the person or organization you are nominating, contact info (phone and email) for
the nominee, and--briefly--some information about the nominee, including a website address if appropriate. All nominations will be
confidential, but we'd also like your name and contact info, in case we have questions. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 1, 2015.
www.tennisindustrymag.com July 2015 TennisIndustry 23
Cardio Tennis
Reaching Their
Cardio Summit
30 top tennis and fitness
professionals go through
intensive Cardio Tennis
training and education.
The comments that came back fol- and fitness professionals around the 2015 TIA Cardio Tennis Trainers
lowing the Cardio Tennis Trainer country and the world, so that those
Summit in April were, in a word, pros can bring quality Cardio Tennis Dorian Adam, Bend, OR
awesome. programs to consumers and players." Lance Anderson, Boxborough, MA
Cardio Tennis is offered in more than Samantha Ardenfriend, Naples, FL
"Thank you for an incredible week- 30 countries, including as a key pillar Dan Beedle, Memphis, TN
for tennis participation in Australia and Michael Branan, Longwood, FL
end. I learned so much and am feeling the United Kingdom. In the U.S., more Marcy Bruce, McMurray, PA
than 1.7 million people participate in Enrique Casados, Bradenton, FL
inspired to grow Cardio Tennis. I feel Cardio Tennis. Gary Cimperman, Valdosta, GA
Devin Crotzer, Lebanon, TN
honored and privileged to be on your The CT Summit kicked off with a Kalindi Dinoffer, Dallas, TX
welcome from IMG Academy founder Nathaniel Fleming, Bannockburn, IL
team," said Andrew Sirota of Wayne, and tennis Hall-of-Famer Nick Bollet- Farshad Garakani, Vienna, VA
tieri. Then David Thompson of Polar Carmen Garcia, Alpharetta, GA
N.J. USA talked to the group about the use Jason Golden, Bradenton, FL
of heart-rate monitors for Cardio Ten- Michael Harper, Vienna, VA
"Amazing. I always leave with more nis participants, to make sure they're Feisal Hassan, Midlothian, VA
receiving maximum benefit from their Adam Jasick, Palm Desert, CA
knowledge and gain that much more to on-court activity. Over the course of the Michele Krause, University Park, FL
weekend, the CT Trainers were coached Bruce Levine, New Haven, CT
make me better," added Marcy Bruce of and evaluated on feeding technique, Ted Murray, Boulder, CO
delivery of Cardio Tennis games, warm- Josh Myers, Hilton Head Island, SC
McMurray, Pa. up and cool-down activities, as well as Chris Ojakian, Beverly Hills, CA
personal fitness. Besides Krause, other Malcolm Ridenour, La Quinta, CA
"What a great Cardio Tennis Summit. speakers included Cassiano Costa, the Troy Robinson, Kinston, NC
head tennis fitness trainer at IMG, and Justin Russ, Bradenton, FL
No matter how often I am with you and Jeff Smith from Rapid Force. David Schwartz, Newhall, CA
Heather Silvia Killingsworth, Milton, GA
the rest of the group, I learn so much," There also was a "Calorie Burn Chal- Andrew Sirota, Mahwah, NJ
lenge," with 28 trainers participating. Jessica Watts, New Rochelle, NY
said Bruce Levine of New Haven, Conn. Over the course of the two days, the Marley Woods, Bristol, TN
group burned a total of 140,570 calories.
The two-and-a-half-day CT Trainer The highest woman calorie-burner and IMG protocol pro training ses-
was Marley Woods of Bristol, Tenn., sions. The third day of the Summit
Summit was held at the IMG Academy with 6,298; the leader for the men was included a seven-hour Cardio Tennis
Michael Branan of Longwood, Fla., who course delivered to 45 participants
in Bradenton, Fla., April 10-12, put to- burned 10,233 calories. by multiple members of the CT
Trainer Team.
gether by Cardio Tennis National Man- Also during the weekend, 36 profes-
sionals participated in a Cardio Tennis "It was an incredible weekend of
ager Michele Krause and her core team, "Triples" tournament. The winning learning, bonding, teamwork and
team consisted of Jack Steyn of Braden- personal growth," Krause said. "The
including Dorian Adam of Bend, Ore., ton, Fla., Sirota, and Woods. In addition, members of the TIA Cardio Tennis
there were TRX Cardio Tennis workouts Team are the best in the business,
Lance Andersen of Boxborough, Mass., and their passion and energy over
the weekend was off the charts. As an
and Ted Murray of Boulder, Co. Thirty educational team, we are now that
much stronger and evolved to con-
select tennis and fitness professionals tinue providing some of the very best
education in the tennis industry." �
from across the U.S. took part, learning
the skills and knowledge required to be
a TIA Cardio Tennis Trainer.
"We trained the trainers," Krause
For more about Cardio said. "These 30
Tennis, including train- professionals
ing for tennis providers, were chosen
visit CardioTennis.com based on their
or contact Krause at tennis and fit-
michele@cardiotennis. ness experience,
com or 941-457-7880. and passion for
Cardio Tennis
and the role fitness plays in our sport.
Now, they're qualified to deliver official
Cardio Tennis education to tennis
24 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
Strings
Nylon vs. Poly
With all the advancements and new introductions in
co-poly strings, are nylon-based strings still relevant?
The short answer: Very much so.
By Bob Patterson
P oly strings seem to dominate the tennis scene an alternative that was much less expensive and much more
now--from junior tournaments, manufacturer durable. Tennis enthusiasts and better players snubbed the
advertising and even commentators at pro new string since price and durability were all it could offer in
tournaments. Now, when strings are men- comparison with natural gut.
tioned, it's generally all about the wonders
of poly. But as time went on, and players grew up using nylon, it
became more popular--especially as the game moved from
But while it may appear that we're headed to a time when country clubs to more city parks and schools. The string also
poly will be the dominant material for tennis string, most got better, as manufacturing techniques began to produce
experts don't think that will be the case. Sure, poly has many string that had better playing characteristics. Wrapped
benefits, but also has some drawbacks, especially for the rec- construction and multifilaments proved to be better received
reational player. (See "The Evolution of Poly Strings" in the than the original monofilaments. Somewhere along the way
May 2015 issue.) the better nylon strings started to be called "synthetic gut,"
which was a more palatable name to the purists of the game.
Regardless of how you feel about poly, the real loser in the
mix is nylon. It seems no one talks about nylon anymore, Still No Respect
although no other string segment has more variations and has
undergone more development than this venerable veteran. Fast-forward 50 years. Today, nylon still lacks respect, it
Even with new nylon strings being developed and introduced seems, since all the attention is on the co-poly formulations.
to the marketplace, it seems that most marketing dollars are
spent promoting what the pros are using, which is often a But can we as racquet technicians shoulder some of the
poly/gut hybrid, although the gut is also rarely mentioned. responsibility? While we certainly don't control the manufac-
turer's marketing plans, nor do we have any influence on what
Identity Crisis the commentators talk about on televised pro matches, we
should be the biggest influence when it comes to helping our
While it may seem that nylon strings have gotten lost in the customers choose the right string for them.
mix, it really could simply be an identity crisis. You will be
hard-pressed to find any marketing material using the word It is pretty well-established that co-poly strings are not the
"nylon," and you'll rarely find it even in the fine print on the best choice for average recreational players, so are we guilty
package or in the catalog. We may be able to trace the aversion of letting our customers down by not informing them that
to the label back its roots. using Nadal's string is never going to help them hit screaming
topspin winners?
Back when all racquets were wooden, natural gut was the
only string used, until technology provided us with nylon as Since poly gets all the attention these days, it's easy to just
go with the flow and give customers what they ask for, even
26 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
when it's not the best choice for their July 2015 TennisIndustry 27
games or their arms.
In a quick, informal survey from a few
dealers, most were stocking the latest in-
troductions of poly strings. However, the
vast majority offered nylon-based strings
that had been in the marketplace for two
decades or more. These are perfectly good
strings to have in the inventory, as they
are great products.
But I was amazed that many of the
newer nylon-based strings were absent
from most inventories in my survey group.
Can this be attributed to lack of marketing
from the manufacturers, unwillingness
for us to embrace new strings, or maybe
both?
Client Intervention
While we can only inform and suggest, it is
imperative that racquet technicians take
the time to educate their clients about the
best equipment choices for their particu-
lar game.
Sure, there are clients who won't listen
and will demand what they think they
need. But there also are plenty of play-
ers who are looking for anything that will
help them elevate their game. It is up to
the racquet technician to explain how the
strings are an integral part of that process.
Perhaps it is an unattainable goal to get
all recreational players into a string set-up
that will benefit their game and not simply
mimic their favorite pro's, but we should,
at least, inform and educate each and
every one.
Inventory Staple
While manufacturers have been empha-
sizing co-poly strings, many new nylon
strings have been introduced in the last
few years and really deserve a look.
Nylon offers such a wide variety of
playing characteristics because it can be
configured in so many ways and combined
with other materials. They should be
the staples of any string inventory. From
soft multifilaments to single- or double-
wrapped nylons, a technician can find
something for every player type. Creating
hybrids with a co-poly or another nylon
gives the client even more options.
The bottom line is, don't give up on ny-
lons! Embrace them. Learn about newer
introductions and look for ways to incor-
porate them in your inventory in order
to offer a complete and diverse range of
strings to your clients. �
www.tennisindustrymag.com
2015 Guide to Ball Machines
Play the
Long Game
If used and marketed properly, a ball machine can
be an incredible teaching tool and a great source of
revenue--and can help strengthen the game.
By Stan Oley
There it is, sitting out on a far court, with a When I ask tennis club and facility members why they
tangled mess of an extension cord, filled with
balls that are no longer good enough for the think pros feed from the net, they answer: 1) Pros don't take
juniors. It hasn't been serviced since it was
bought five years ago. Now it begins to rain, the lessons seriously; 2) They want the members to leave
but it is left and forgotten because of its distance from the pro
shop. happy; 3) It is easier.
This is the typical scenario for most tennis ball machines Now, before you teaching pros out there get defensive, es-
across the country.
pecially with that No. 1 answer, here are a couple of things to
Often, the culture created at the facility by the teaching pro
is that the ball machine is strictly for beginners--and that it keep in mind. Out of the hundreds of pros that I questioned,
presents competition to their personal lesson revenue. But
this could not be any further from reality. less than 10 percent say they come to the court with a lesson
A ball machine is simply a tool for the teaching pro, not plan. Members notice this lack of a plan. When members
competition. It does not correct mistakes. It does not teach
strategy. It provides a ball so the teaching pro can effectively were questioned, they said that the pros rarely, if ever, work
coach.
on deficiencies from their last league
In reality, if used and marketed properly, the ball machine
can be an incredible teaching tool and a great source of rev- match in a team practice--hence, no For all the latest ball
enue. And, it can be an effective way to separate the teaching plan. machines and all their
pro from his or her competition close by. specifications and fea-
Further, for the last three years, I've tures, see our exclusive
The Lesson Culture traveled the country doing my FBT60 Guide to Ball Machines
(Fit By Tennis In 60 Days) clinics starting on page 30.
Let's begin with a look at the lesson culture at the club. Ever and have worked with hundreds of
since I can remember, private and group lessons have been recreational players. (FBT60 is a free,
done by the teaching pro standing near the net, feeding balls
to the student. But anyone would agree that a ball that is fed innovative tennis/fitness program
from the net is nowhere near the type of ball that a player
receives in a match. combining a series of ball machine drills with nutrition and
When I ask pros, why then, do they still feed from the net, stretching, for both members training on their own as well as
the top three answers I get are: 1) It is easier; 2) Habit; 3) It is
how they were taught. group clinics. Visit www.fbt60.com.) Something we noticed
immediately was that players did not know any of the shots
required to perform the program--for instance moonballs,
PHOTO BY ELIZA JACOBS high approach, low approach, etc. Most staggering, of 547
players in our clinics to date, 547 did not know what their
strike zone was for particular shots. Think how hard the game
must have been for those players before we taught them
about strike zones. They had no idea where they had to get the
ball for their technique to be successful.
As an industry, in 2011 and 2012, we lost a combined total of
9.7 million players, while bringing in only 8 million, accord-
28 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
ing to the Tennis Industry Association based on the annual PAC I always had a rule that the student had to hit on a ball ma-
study of tennis participation. While some may attribute this net chine twice in between lessons or the student should really not
loss of 1.7 million players to excuses such as the economy, a spike expect to improve very much at all. You have to wonder when
in other sports, industry cycles, etc., I believe it boils down to you see a golf course has 20 range slots and the tennis depart-
the teaching pro needing to be better and able to provide a more ment only has one ball machine that is rarely used.
superior customer learning experience.
Ball Machine Care
Now, the ball machine may not solve all of the tennis indus-
try's problems, but it certainly can provide a great start. Now, let's go back to where we started, with that lonely ball
machine sitting out on that far court. Ball machines get far
Using a Ball Machine more use and less abuse on a court close to the pro shop, where
people can be seen using it. In a sudden storm, it is much easier
Less than 5 percent of U.S. teaching pros use a ball machine with to put away as well. When out on court and not in use, make
private lessons. But if the pro did use a ball machine, it would al- sure the machine is covered. It should be stored in a dry place
low him or her to be beside the student to provide the necessary overnight or when not in use for long periods.
coaching, demonstration, and encouragement for a particular
shot. It also would allow the teaching pro to work on shots and Always try to keep a consistency of balls in the machine for
shot sequences they may otherwise not be able to or want to reliable throws. A ball with extra duty felt (regardless of the
feed. surface) is best because the felt is usually the first to wear out
in a well-used machine. Also, to create an effortless customer
Once the teaching pro is freed up from feeding, it also provides experience with the machine, always have the extension cord
a great opportunity for videotaping. (There are many video apps on a reel for easy set-up and take-down.
available, as well as standard video programs that now come
on smart devices.) Most importantly, when a teaching pro uses With regards to maintenance, you should use a standard leaf
a ball machine in a private lesson, the student gets better at an blower to blow clay, ball felt, and debris from the machine both
alarming rate, making the student excited and wanting more! top and bottom once a week. If the ball machine is utilized more
than 20 hours a week, it should have a preventative mainte-
Next, there is the group lesson. Most pros feel they have no nance service performed by a technician twice a year; if used
problem feeding a two-line high approach and overhead drill. less than 20 hours a week, it should be serviced once a year.
The problem is that for the feed to be correct, it needs to come
from the baseline and be fed at a frequency of when each player's To stay in the game, players have to get better and feel that
ball passes the pro, they feed another ball. In most cases, it needs they matter. If the teaching pro uses technology available to
to be about a ball every two seconds or less to be correct. If you them, and becomes more invested in the student's ability to get
think you can do this, start checking to see if your feeds are better, the game we so love will strengthen and prosper. �
timely. For players to improve, it matters! Of course, if the pro is
that focused on the feeding, is there really any serious instruc- Stan Oley, a member of the USPTA, PTR and Cardio Tennis Global
tion happening? Speakers Team, has been working with and teaching with ball
machines for 24 years. He is a product marketing specialist for
Today, we have ball machines that can do this drill without fail, Playmate Ball Machines and founder of FBT60 (Fit By Tennis in 60
allowing the pro to step in and demonstrate proper technique as Days), a tennis/fitness program combining nutrition and a series
well as work with each player privately as they exit the lines. The of ball machine drills. He is sponsored by Adidas and Babolat.
quality of instruction and encourage-
ment with the ball machine can be
staggering, compared with that of
feeding from afar. Again, the students
get much better and want to learn
more--and play more!
Now let's look at the post-lesson
curriculum. After a student takes a
golf lesson, they are told to practice
the information given in the lesson on
the range several times before taking
to the course. In tennis, the teach-
ing pro seems more concerned with
getting the student back for another
lesson, instead of what the player is
doing in between lesson visits to get
better.
www.tennisindustrymag.com July 2015 TennisIndustry 29
2015 Guide to Ball Machines
Ball Machines on the Market
Model Price Warranty Dimensions Ball Capacity
SAPirWprieoinPprgniehulsntss(giuLrobWensh.)eel
(MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) (sFeeceodinndsg)Intervals
((TEoEElMllpeaeecnSvvtauarpittaeiicle))oodnn(CCMooPnnttHrr)ooll
Lobster Sports � 800-526-4041 � www.lobstersports.com TSAoiAAbpdlbblseelespteitpotinooFnF&eFeeeUeednddLdoerbsspin
NOoscOilslcialtliaotinon
#bOO#essofccsoiitfllsllohpaarrttoeiitodoosginnr --na PpRmrrasoontggdhrraoaatmmcmaanble
Elite Freedom $799 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 150 36 X 2 -12 sec. 70 X X X
21" x 14" x 20" 150 38 X 2 -12 sec. 80 X
Elite Liberty $899 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 150 40 X 2-12 sec. 80 X X X X
150 44 X 2-12 sec. 80 X
Elite Model 1 $1,089 2 Years 150 44 X 2-12 sec. 80 X X X X
150 44 X 2 - 9 sec. 80 X
Elite Model 2 $1,349 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 150 44 X 2-9 sec. 80 X X X X
Elite Model 3 $1,599 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 150 44 X 2-9 sec. 80 X
Elite Grand IV $1,899 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 250 99 X 2-9 sec. 90 X X X X
Elite Grand V $2,199 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" 250 99 X 2-9 sec. 90 X
Elite Grand V Limited Edition $2,499 2 Years 21" x 14" x 20" X X X
70 22
80 29 X X X X6 6
250 34
250 39 X X X X6 6
250 39
Phenom $2,999 2 Years 32" x 25" x 50" 300 48 X X X
Phenom 2 $3,499 2 Years 32" x 25" x 50" 300 48
300 48 X X X X6 6
300 48
Match Mate � 800-837-1002 � www.matchmatetennis.com 300 48
300 48
Rookie $449 2 Yeara 11" x 11" x 22" 250 87 X 2-10 sec. 35XTopspin X
Quickstart $558 2 Yeara 12.5 x 12.5 x 28" 200 42 X 2-10 sec. 30X X
200 46
iSAM Value $759 2 Yeara 19" x 17.5" x 18" 200 85 X 2-8 sec. 65X XX
300 85
iSam Extend $799 2 Yeara 19" x 17.5" x 18" 300 85 X 2-8 sec. 65X XX
300 85
iSam Ultimate $999 2 Yeara 19" x 17.5" x 18" 300 85 X 2-8 sec. 65 X X X
300 110
SAM P1 Value $1,099 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" X 2-8 sec. 85X X X XX
300 124
Sam P1 Pro $1,199 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" 300 124 X 2-8 sec. 85X X X XX
Sam P1 Ultimate $1,299 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" 200 35 X 2-8 sec. 85X X X XX
200 35
Sam P 4 Trainer $1,599 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" 200 46 X 2-8 sec. 85 X X X X X X
200 46
Sam P 4 Pro Trainer $1,799 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" 300 48 X 2-8 sec. 85 X X X X X X
300 48
Sam P 4 Ultimate $1,899 2 Yeara 19.5" x 16" x 21.5" 300 48 X 2-8 sec. 85 X X X X X X
Sam Coach $3,999 3 Year 35" x 25" x 50" 200 48 X 1.5 - 8 sec. 95 X X X X X X 7 7
200 48
Playmate � 800-766-6770 � www.playmatetennis.com
220 150
Halfvolley $1,430.00 2 Years Ltd 19" x 21" x 25" X 1-10 Sec 70 X X X X
X 1-10 Sec 70 X X
Volly $1,990.00 2 Years Ltd 19" x 21" x 25" X 1-10 Sec 90 X X X X X 2
Ace $3,850.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38" X 1-10 Sec 90 X X
Smash $4,845.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38" X 1-10 Sec 90 X X X X 3
Deuce $5,730.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38" X 1-10 Sec 90 X X
Genie $6,610.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38" X 1-10 Sec 90 X X X X X 7
X 1-10 Sec 120 X X
X X X 7
X X X 7
Smash w/ iPLAYMATE TENNIS $5,940.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38" X X X 8 INFINITE
The Slam $8,260.00 3 Years Ltd 35" x 21" x 38"
X X X X 7
Robot Optimizer � 888-8BOOMER � www.playmatetennis.com
Boomer (with Camera) $14,4504 2 Year 38.5" x 31" x 21.5" X 0.8-10 100 X X X X X 30 1000
X 0.8-10 100 X X X X X 30 1000
Boomer (without Camera) $12,450e 2 Year 38.5" x 31" x 21.5"
Silent Partner � 800-662-1809 � www.sptennis.com
Lite (Edge Series) $799 2 Year 24" x 22" x 16" X 1.5-10 95 X X X X
24" x 22" x 16" X 1.5-11 95 X X X
Lite-R (Edge Series) $949 2 Year 24" x 22" x 16" X 1.5-10 95 X X X X
24" x 22" x 16" X 1.5-10 95 X X X
Sport (Edge Series) $949 2 Year X 1.5-10 95 X X X X
X 1.5-10 95 X X X
Star (Edge Series) $1,099 2 Year X 1.5-10 95 X X X X
Rival (Scoop Series) $1,399 2 Year 28" x 22" x 18" X 3
Quest (Scoop Series) $1,799 2 Year 28" x 22" x 18"
X X2 3
Smart (Scoop Series) $2,299 2 Year 28" x 22" x 18" X X 20 3
26" x 20" x 20"
Spinfire � 888-976-6532 � www.mambatennis.com
Pro 1 $1,599 2 Year X 2-15 80 X X X X
X 2-15 80 X X X X
Pro 2 $1,899 2 Year 26" x 20" x 20"
Sports Attack � 800-717-4251 � www.sportsattack.com
Ace Attack $5,999 5 Year Ltd 34" x 53" X 1.5-12 110 X X X X X 4
a1 year battery 1 - Fast Charger $99 10 - iPhone/Android Remote Control compatible
b2-4 Hours of Court Time 2 - Horizontal Oscillation 11 - Great for youth and beginners to work on dealing with topspin
c4-8 Hours of Court Time 3 - Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control 12 - Especially designed for 10 and Under tennis
dor $600/month 4 - Triple-Oscillation (Horizontal + Vertical Oscillation) 13 - Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35, 110/220 Volt AC converter $135, Wireless Remote
eor $300/month 5 - Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line Narrow, Wide
6 - 6 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill) $100. Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68
7 - 3 Position Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide). 14 - Comes standard with 2 8-amp 12-volt batteries
8 - 12 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court 15 - Lob Enhancer $30,110/220 Volt AC Converter $135, Water-Resistant Storage
Drills + 2-Line Narrow, Medium, Wide Cover $68, adjustable oscillation width
9 - 1 2 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills + 16 - Ships via LTL Freight, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground
17 - Oscillation Upgrade $225, Remote Control Upgrade $310
18 locations to choose from + 2-Line Narrow, Medium, Wide 18 - Additional Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $166.95
30 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
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IoSaaPSCBRRRCPRBRAOBOnIttrMssSCSRtSpRRSRaReocuueosaoaiecantaotretelroetceeheucavionnstctmrimttnmrmngdveuellssennomcpemeavmrlaaemmdorvosredtsidurirrnrretoooiataooorsoobaatltFceynditttytnytoterelonnrploiaeomdeigeeeeteCgCnrdLSAnadoiCtvCaPBsiSyhThtfCTCmCCanyonoBoaoCwmioeaaoetueoooloanneanWtorrptrwIsttttnwannnwphotgigee/ernrttntteSberaretsererernroluortHdrlrrlryreibooooeg-saCl-ilol-ll-yccolassonOailuBcaoaovoCOorftrsfdtnfWuorvalopydoiiiaomalrtarrlyrPriimtenOleda-odeolsianbselnlnwbsylaeeloserr
$119 X 8.5b XX $49 X 1, 2
1, 3
$119 X 8.5b X X $169 X X $49 X 1, 3
1, 4
$119 X 18c X X $169 X X $49 X 1, 5
6
X X $119 X 18c X X $169 X X $49 X 8, 10
9
X X $119 X 18c X X $169 X X $49 X 6
9
X X X X $119 X 18c X X $300 X X X $49 X
X X X XX $119 X 18c X X $300 X X X $49 X
X X X XX $119 X 18c X X $300 X X X $49 X
X X X X X X $300 X X X $99 X
X X X X X X $300 X X X $99 X
X 8X XX11
X 8X XXXX12
X 8 X X XXXX13
X 16 X X XXXX14
X 16 X X X X X X
XX 16 X X XXXX X 15
XX 16 X X X XXX X
X X16 X X X XXX X
X X X 16 X X X X X X X 15
X X X 16 X X X X X X X X X
X X X 16 X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X 16
X 17 X X X X $94 X 17, 18
18
X 17 X X X X X $94 X
19, 20, 22
X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 20, 21, 22
19, 21, 22
X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
19, 21, 22
X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
X X X X X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X
XX X X X X X X X X $3,895 X X 23
XX X X X X X X X X $3,895 X X 24
X 9 X $40 X
9
X 18 X X X X $40 X 25
18
X 18 X X $40 X
18 X
$249 X 18 X X X X X $40 X 25
$100 X X X X X X $40 X 26
X X X $249 $100 X X X X X X $40 X 27
X X X XX $249 $100 X X X X X X $40 X 28
X 22 XX X X X
X 22 XX
X X X X X X
X $300 X X $200 X
19 - Deuce Conversion Box $1185 25 - 2-button remote
20 - Genie Conversion Box $2025 26 - 16-button remote
21 - Smash Conversion Box $345 27 - 20-button remote
22 - iPlaymate Tennis $995.00 28 - 22-button remote
23 - Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone
System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Printer for Analysis ($2000 or $100/
month). Radar gun. iPod input with speakers, Allows user to modify level, height,
frequency and speed during the drill
24 - Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), iPod input
with speakers, Allows user to modify level, height, frequency and speed during
the drill
www.tennisindustrymag.com July 2015 TennisIndustry 31
2015 Guide to Ball Machines
Ball Machines on the Market
Model Price Warranty Dimensions Ball Capacity
SAPirWprieoinPprgniehulsntss(giuLrobWensh.)eel
(MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) (sFeeceodinndsg)Intervals
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Sports Tutor � 800-448-8867 � www.sportstutor.com TSAoiAAbpdlbblseelespteitpotinooFnF&eFeeeUeednddLdoerbsspin
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Tennis Twist $269 3 Years 10" x 11" x23" 28 11 5 15 X X
Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $699 3 Years 12" x 19.5" x 18" 125 22 X 1.5-10 60 X X X
Tennis Tutor ProLite $799 3 Years 12" x 19.5" x 18" 125 29 X 1.5-10 60 X X X
Tennis Tutor $1,099 3 Years 12" x 19.5" x 20" 150 42 X 1.5-12 85 X X X $200 4
Tennis Tutor - Plus $1,299 3 Years 20" x 19.5" x 20" 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 X X X X
Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $1,749 3 Years 20" x 19.5" x 20" 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 X X X X 5
Tennis Tower - Competitor Classic $1,375 3 Years 36" x 23" x 22" 225 60 X 1.5 - 8 85 X X $270 X
Tennis Tower - Competitor $1,625 3 years 44" x 23" x 22" 225 60 X 1.5 - 8 85 X X $270 X
Tennis Tower - Professional Player $2,195 3 Years 44" x 23" x 22" 225 60 X 1.5 - 8 85 X X X X 5
Shot Maker - Standard $3,200 3 Years 38.5" x 31" x 21.5" 300 96 X 1-6 95 X X X X X 3
Shot Maker - Deluxe $4,200 3 Years 38.5" x 31" x 21.5" 300 96 X 1-6 95 X X X X X 6
Wilson Portable $1,095 3 Years 22" x 14" x 20" 110 38 X 1.5-10 75 X X X X $200 2
Tennis Cube $569 3 Years 15" x 12" x 13" 70 24 X2-10 50 X X X
Tennis Cube - Oscillation Model $649 3 Years 15" x 12" x 13" 70 24 X 2-10 50 X X X
ProLite Plus - Basic $849 3 22" x 14" x 20" 110 36 X 1.5-10 60 X X X
ProLite Plus $949 3 22" x 14" x 20" 110 36 X 1.5-10 60 X X X
29 - External Battery Pack$130, External AC Power Supply $125 33 - Player Simulation Included
30 - Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $45 34 - Multi-Function Remote $300
31 - Player Simulation $200 35 - 2 line oscillation $200
32 - Multi-Function Remote $200 36 - AC/DC option $200
32 TennisIndustry July 2015 www.tennisindustrymag.com
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X 6 D Cells
X X 9 X X $70 X $35
X X 9 X X $70 X $35 29
$50 X 18 X X $200 X X $35 X 29, 30, 35
$50 X 18 X X $200 X X $35 X 29, 30, 31
X X X $50 X 18 X X $200 X X X $35 X 29, 30, 31, 32, 36
X X X
X $200 X X X X
X X X X X X X X X 32, 33
X $200 X X X X
X X X X X X X X 34
$50 X 12 X X $200 X X $35 X 29
X 6 X X29
X 6 X X 29
X X 9 X X $70 X $35 X 29
X X 9 X X $70 X $35 X 29
www.tennisindustrymag.com July 2015 TennisIndustry 33
Inside Game
Tennis helps round out the offerings of these
two award-winning indoor facilities.
Distinguished Indoor Multipurpose Field House Fo
Fuhrer Field House at Doane College of
Crete, NE 86
(Nominated by Kiefer U.S.A.) or
Specialty Contractor: Kiefer U.S.A.
Multipurpose Surface & Track: Mondo America Inc. www.tennisindustrymag.com
34 TennisIndustry July 2015
Distinguished Facility-of-the-Year Awards
As we know, tennis courts--whether 78-foot, 60-foot or 36-foot--can be laid
out just about anywhere, indoors or outside. Lines for different size tennis
courts not only get blended into themselves, but when it comes to many
indoor multipurpose buildings, tennis court lines often are blended with
lines for other sports, too.
In February, we honored the Montgomery TennisPlex in Boyds, Md., as the Outstand-
ing Indoor Tennis Facility for 2014 in the Tennis Industry/America Sports Builders
Association Facility-of-the-Year Awards. But two other indoor facilities, while not solely
for tennis, also come in for "Distinguished" honors.
The 54,000-square-foot Fuhrer Field House at Doane College in Crete, Neb.,
won the ASBA's award for Distinguished Indoor Multipurpose Field House. The project
was both a renovation with an addition, which meant the contractor had to deal with an
existing slab next to a new slab, so care had to be taken with the expansion joint between
the two slabs. A special flexible expansion strip made of urethane was used to fill the
gap, so there was no "bump" that might affect play on the surface. Another challenge
came with the existing subfloor: The original floor was poured urethane covered with a
vulcanized sheet good. But the urethane contained heavy metals, which required hiring
a hazardous waste removal contractor. Once the urethane and sheet good surface were
removed, the existing concrete substrate had to be shot-blasted to remove residual adhe-
sives. But the result of all this is a Field House ready for action for many sports, activities
and events, including tennis.
The new gym at Compadre Academy in Tempe, Ariz., won the ASBA's Distin-
guished Indoor Multipurpose Gym Award. The school is a special magnet school for the
Tempe Union High School District and is dedicated to providing learning opportunities
to kids who were having a difficult time in school. Although the 7,176-square-foot facility
was primarily built for volleyball and basketball, tennis, including Youth Tennis play, can
also be laid out on the new, resilient athletic flooring. --Peter Francesconi �
or details on the 2015 Outstanding Facility- Distinguished Indoor Multipurpose Gym
f-the-Year Awards, contact the ASBA at Compadre Academy
66-501-ASBA or info@sportsbuilders.org, Tempe, Ariz.
r visit www.sportsbuilders.org. (Nominated by Robert Cohen Co. LLC)
Specialty Contractor: Robert Cohen Co. LLC
www.tennisindustrymag.com Flooring: Mondo America Inc.
July 2015 TennisIndustry 35