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Tóm tắt nội dung (trích từ tài liệu gốc): Inside this issue Changing the Game � 58 USPTA Donates $5,000 to ThanksUSA Scholarship Fund� 60 Departments: 60 Beyond the Court 64 Inside Coaching 50 CEO's Message 66 Career Development 52 Vice President's Message 67 USPTA News 56 Endorsee News 68 Member News 59 USPTA Benefits Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com On the cover: Teaching students to receive the ball properly is important in learning how to play the game. See more on Page 64. CEO's Message Miscellaneous Musings by John Embree Normally, there is one singu- at the division level. With 10 of our 17 Tennisresources.c
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Nội Dung Gốc (Tiếng Anh)¶
Inside this issue
Changing the Game � 58
USPTA Donates $5,000 to
ThanksUSA Scholarship
Fund� 60
Departments: 60 Beyond the Court
64 Inside Coaching
50 CEO's Message 66 Career Development
52 Vice President's Message 67 USPTA News
56 Endorsee News 68 Member News
59 USPTA Benefits
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
On the cover: Teaching students to receive the ball properly is important
in learning how to play the game. See more on Page 64.
CEO's Message
Miscellaneous Musings
by John Embree
Normally, there is one singu- at the division level. With 10 of our 17 Tennisresources.com � this website,
lar message that I try to get divisions hosting their annual division which is loaded with drills, videos, prac-
across in my monthly article. conferences during the first quarter, tice planners, etc., is one of the most
Absent that this go around, I I expect attendance to be up dramati- underutilized assets of the USPTA. We
decided to highlight a variety of topics cally as pros dedicate the time to ac- gave it a long overdue facelift and re-
that every USPTA member and industry complish this goal. Come on, people! wrote the outdated code so that it can be
person would want to know. Here goes...
New Board � beginning in January, our There are only 10 months left for everyone to "get 6 in 2016," which is our theme
new Board of Directors took office un- to encourage 100 percent compliance of our continuing education requirement.
der the leadership of Chuck Gill, Presi- Without question, this is the top priority both nationally and at the division level.
dent. We gathered in early January at
the site of our 2016 World Conference USPTA Indoor Championships � have accessed by everyone easily. Launched
in Indian Wells, Calif., to plan the year, now been set for March 18-20 at the at the end of January, this website
discuss new committee assignments, Racquet Club of Memphis. Under the is now available at NO CHARGE to
and tackle important issues facing our direction of new Master Professional USPTA members � what a tremendous
association for the next 12 months. Michael Chamberlain, players will be member benefit! If you struggle to think
We also welcomed two new board amassing points in order to be invited to of a new drill to use with your students,
members, Feisal Hassan (VA) and Ken the Masters Invitational at the Indian jump onto tennisresources.com and
McAllister (TX), to the group and look Wells Tennis Gardens in September find something fresh to do before you
forward to having their perspective and during our World Conference. The club walk out on the court.
leadership during the next two years. is the site of the recently held ATP Mem-
Coming out of the meeting, there was a phis Open and is a fantastic facility. National Tester � the hiring of Sid
fresh enthusiasm and optimism about Newcomb to serve as our National
where we are heading. Rally the Family � this is an industry- Tester is a major step toward improv-
wide initiative to get families more ing the consistency of the testing
Endorsement Update � I am pleased engaged with tennis as a platform. Us- experience for every applicant across
to announce the renewal for another ing short courts, transition balls and the country. Working in concert with
two years of our partnership with racquets, it is imperative that we come the Testing and Certification Commit-
NetKnacks, which continues to pro- together and do what we can to get peo- tee, Sid will be training new testers in
vide excellent customer service to our ple out to enjoy our great game in a fun those divisions where there is a need
members who need promotional items, format. You will be hearing more infor- for testing depth, helping evaluate our
trophies, and T-shirts for club events mation about this program starting with test content and procedures while con-
at terrific prices. Hop-a-Razzi has just "Tennis Night in America" at Madison necting with many of our applicants
completed a rebranding (see Page 58) Square Garden on Tuesday, March 8 and prior to their actual certification date.
and 2XU compression apparel has a new through a variety of channels. Thanks to He will play a valuable role to ensure
USPTA landing page to take your order. each of you who commit to get involved. that the first touch with our applicant
is positive. Offering exceptional cus-
Professional Development � there are Usptaplayer.com � in case you are not tomer service is going to be his mantra
only 10 months left for everyone to aware, we will be winding down our and we welcome him to our team.
"get 6 in 2016," which is our theme to affiliation with Courtside USA at year
encourage 100 percent compliance of end. We are in the process of evaluat- Space is limiting me from going into
our continuing education requirement. ing viable options that will serve as too much more detail on these "mis-
There are more than 3,400 members the replacement for this registration cellaneous musings" plus others that
in good standing who had 0 credits at software and communication vehicle. are in the works. But, I trust you get a
the beginning of the year (seriously?) All indications are that we will be able sense of all of the terrific things hap-
plus another 17 percent of those eli- to secure the services of a satisfactory pening with your association. I contin-
gible who only have a portion of what solution and roll it out to our member- ually say that it is an exciting time to be
is needed. Without question, this is ship sometime this summer. a part of the USPTA and I mean it! h
the top priority both nationally and
50 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Vice President's Message by Alan Cutler
Making Professional
Development Easier
As we approach the end of the tirement planning, diversity and nology available to us.
first three-year professional high performance. We have industry Now we have so many ways to help
development requirement, experts like Feisal Hassan, Bruce
we have exciting news to Levine, Chuck Gill, Jorge Capestany, you meet the professional develop-
ment requirement. You can partici-
share with you. USPTA uses a Web- Larry Lauer and Lane Evans ( just pate in USPTA education live in your
based platform to deliver education to name a few). It seems like there division or at a national event, online
opportunities in the form of webinars. should be a subject to interest you, through live webinars or live stream-
We are trying to provide these on a but we are always open to sugges- ing, on demand through recorded
monthly basis, and in the last year we tions. What a great way to get your sessions and webinars, or DVDs, just
have presented 12 free of charge to professional development credits out to name a few. Beyond that, college
members. We try to schedule them
early in the afternoon, but what hap-
pens if you are not available when the USPTA is committed to using new and existing technologies to help you get your
credits. You are the best in the industry! Use professional development to make
live webinars are scheduled? We are
yourself a better teacher, coach, supervisor and employee.
now offering the recorded versions
of all the webinars through the Web
so they are available to you when you
have time. It can be 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., of the way! We all have some dead classes, CPR courses, seminars, we-
and you can access the webinars and time during the day that can be filled binars and so many other events and
receive education credits. Any day, with a quick webinar to assist you in activities will earn you credits. Don't
any time, the webinars are on demand completing the professional develop- forget, there are many allied organiza-
from USPTA via YouTube, and, best of ment requirement. tion events that count for education
all, they are still free to you! Also for the first time, we live credits. Also a great way to get the 6
The webinars are approximately streamed the four general sessions credits is to watch the Coach Youth
50 minutes, and count for .5 of an from the 2015 USPTA World Confer- Tennis online courses available at
education credit. By the time this ence. Many people were able to see c oachyouthtennis.com. There are so
is published we should have 14 we- these sessions without leaving home. many opportunities that there is not
binars available on demand. These USPTA invested in a product that al- enough space to list them all. We know
can be found at the newly updated lowed us to live stream sessions that many of you are getting your profes-
TennisResources.com website just re- were being recorded at the confer- sional development, but are neglecting
launched. Click on the webinars menu ence through YouTube. For those to submit it for credit. Remember it
button to access them. Once the webi- wishing to receive credit for the live never hurts to submit an event to see if
nar finishes, the streaming, it counts!
credits will be Remember that you have until the end there was an Just remember that you have until
automatically of 2016 to complete your professional opportunity to the end of 2016 to complete your pro-
processed to development requirement. purchase the fessional development requirement. I
your account. four general don't know about you, but I can always
We will con- session pack- improve my skills, whether it is on
tinue to make age for $50. the court or in the office. There are so
other webinars available as we host This service proved to be a success, many ways to earn professional devel-
them. and we are committed to live stream- opment credits. USPTA is committed
The subject matter is very diverse ing and providing more opportunities to using new and existing technologies
and there is something for everyone. during the 2016 World Conference to help you get your credits. You are
We have webinars on equipment, in Indian Wells, Calif. We will look the best in the industry! Use profes-
time management, club program- for other opportunities in the future sional development to make yourself
ming, sports science/physiology/ to live stream presentations. We are a better teacher, coach, supervisor and
psychology, entrepreneurship, re- simply taking advantage of the tech- employee. h
52 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
drill. sweat. roll. repeat.
the only hopper designed specifically
for the way players want to drill.
Effortless ball pick up allows
players more play time
integrated wheels protect the
court surface
Ability to stack makes even the
tightest storage spaces productive
Available in 14 vibrant colors
TM OFFICIAL HOPPER OF THE USPTA Alpha 90 Series
To learn about our entire line of high performance hoppers call 800.931.1561
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Endorsee News
Prince Provides the Largest
Sweet Spot in Tennis
USPTA official racquet part- TeXtreme Premier 105 better tennis. For the play- Prince's 2016
ner, Prince� Global Sports is TeXtreme Premier 120ers looking for the most T eXtreme Premier col-
known the tennis world over help to improve their
for its revolutionary racquet game, all they need is a lection provides two
technology and design. In 1976, the Premier racquet and a options for today's
original Prince Classic changed tennis certified USPTA teach- player � the Premier
overnight with a sweet spot that was ing pro to take them
50 percent larger than any other rac- to the next level," said 120 and the Premier
quet available at the time. Now Prince Tyler H erring, Vice 105. "The Premier
is about to start a new revolution President Product & 120 is the Cadillac of
with its TeXtreme� racquets � this is our
Premier 105 and Marketing, Prince largest, lightest and
Premier 120, featuring Global Sports. longest racquet that
the largest sweet spot With the delivers the ultimate
in tennis. combination in power and com-
of TeXtreme fort," said Herring.
The 2016 and O3, the "For the player who's
TeXtreme Premier Premier line looking for more ver-
line offers a unique offers not only satility, the Premier 105
combination of the largest sweet is like the Swiss Army
both T eXtreme and spot in tennis, but it Knife of the tennis world.
Prince's O3 port also does it in a very It offers top-of-the-line,
technology, increas- arm-friendly manner. game-improving technolo-
ing the sweet spot TeXtreme is the only gies in a super versatile 105-
up to an impressive technology currently inch head size with specs that
77 percent over other available to increase will fit a wide variety of player
standard frames with stability without adding types and playing styles. With
the same headsize. A weight or increasing stiff- the addition of the new Pre-
larger sweet spot is a great ness. As an additional benefit, mier family to our TeXtreme
benefit to all players at the Prince O3 technology in- collection, there is absolutely
virtually every level of the a Prince racquet for every
game, providing maximum creases the sweet spot and the player."
performance from their rac- aerodynamics s imultaneously. For the ultimate sweet spot
quet. Players get more power, experience, Prince recom-
more control and less vibration "The Premier racquets are mends any one of their Pre-
for better feel. The new Pre- truly the perfect marriage as mier Strings to pair with the
miers dramatically improve the the increased sweet spot com- TeXtreme Premier collection of
probability that the player will bined with the low stiffness re- racquets. With the TeXtreme Premier
realize maximum benefits by duces the negative impact that can 105 and 120, Prince rounds out its en-
striking the ball in this critical be caused by other styles of rac- tire T eXtreme line of 12 racquets. h
area of the racquet head. quets," said Tim Puttock, Manager
Hardgoods Design and Develop- For more information on how you
"The Premier racquet col- ment, Prince Global Sports. "Given can bring the Prince collection
lection is the epitome of true its ease of use and arm-friendly to your shop, contact your local
game improvement, designed nature, it makes an ideal teaching Prince Brand Manager.
to help tennis players play racquet for pros who hit a large
volume of balls every day."
The Premier racquet collection is the epitome of true game improvement, designed to help tennis players play
better tennis. For the players looking for the most help to improve their game, all they need is a Premier racquet
and a certified USPTA teaching pro to take them to the next level.
56 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Endorsee News
USPTA Extends Partnership
with NetKnacks Tennis Awards
USPTA and NetKnacks Tennis our members for the past two years," associations, leagues and events. Net-
Awards have extended their said USPTA CEO John Embree. "They Knacks is the official awards supplier
partnership through 2017 have demonstrated a strong, long-term for the USTA League Tennis Program.
with NetKnacks remaining commitment to the tennis profes-
the USPTA's official awards and promo- sional by continuing their support of the "Founded by industry veteran Marcy
tional products partner. USPTA's Retirement Gold+ Plan, giving Hirshberg, NetKnacks has been helping
USPTA-certified members an opportu- customers find the right tennis awards,
As an official USPTA endorsee, Net- nity to help build their retirement fund." apparel and promotional items to make
Knacks serves as the designated awards their events a success," said NetKnacks
supplier for the USPTA's annual awards NetKnacks, a division of Pinnacle Director Kristina "K.J." Hausman. "We
program and provides the association with Promotions, provides unique, personal- pride ourselves on being the only supplier
promotional items, custom logo products ized tennis awards and apparel in all to focus solely on the tennis industry with
and personalized awards. As part of our budget ranges for tennis tournaments, an extensive selection of tennis-specific
agreement, NetKnacks contributes 3 per- awards and merchandise. This partner-
cent of all sales into participating USPTA- ship provides us the perfect way to help
certified members' Retirement Gold+ support the USPTA members in a mean-
funds. Additionally, NetKnacks offers all ingful way while at the same time making
USPTA members a 10 percent discount on it easy and cost effective in helping them
any online order more than $500. promote and grow the sport of tennis."
"NetKnacks is the clear leader in cus- Visit www.netknacks.com for
tom awards, apparel and promotional more information. To sign up for the
items for the tennis industry and has USPTA Retirement Gold+ plan, go to
been a valued partner to the USPTA and u sptaretirement.com. h
REIMAGINE TENNISSM
PLAY ANYWHERE SM
sportcourt.com Official 36' & 60'
reimaginetennis.com Court Surface of
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 57
Endorsee News
Changing the Game
When Christi Turdo started both lightweight and durable. The new
playing tennis 30 years
ago in her hometown of Alpha 90 Series stacks for better stor-
West Palm Beach, Fla.,
tennis (and life in general) seemed much age in your club, while the Elite 65 and
simpler. There were fewer choices with
only a few big brands of the small multi- Pro Elite 125 have lock-down legs that
layered, laminated racquets; the short
shorts and the tight-fitting, all-white are ultra sturdy and prevent the un-
clothing donned by the men was the stan-
dard of the day. The intense rivalries and thinkable � an errant ball causing your
personalities of the time were something
that fans could easily choose between entire hopper to tip over.
(think Borg and McEnroe, Chrissy and
Martina, even Billie Jean and Bobby Turdo started her small company
Riggs � we all had our favorites).
out of her north Chicago club. With the
Since the '70s, a lot has changed in
the world and in tennis. The equipment, same enthusiasm she has on the prac-
the clothing, the way players train,
and the game itself has changed expo- tice court (her players say she is relent-
nentially � especially when compared
to other major sports (where the hem less � but in a good way), she focused
length of the basketball players' shorts
is the primary distinction between now on developing the hopper concept,
and then ... and, of course, the shot clock
did speed up the game). � noticed one specific area that had been working with the right manufacturers,
overlooked by the industry. Relegated to
However, with tennis, everything has just another piece of court equipment, and selling primarily to other clubs
been evolving. The industry has focused the tennis hopper had been left out of the
on anything and everything that would en- spotlight, with manufacturers not seeing while getting feedback from pros, play-
hance player performance. The racquets the need to innovate or make improve-
went from the small laminated frame to ments in the last 30 years. Turdo won- ers and industry leaders. She wanted to
today's graphite/composite frames with dered why there was a lack of innovation.
their supercharged strings. The men's She knew that for pros like herself, and for make certain she had everything right.
tight-fitting clothing loosened up quite a the player, time on the practice court is
bit. Now, not only does the clothing fit the one of the most critical factors to a player's Now, she feels like she is ready to make
physiques more respectably, the high-per- performance. Any extra time spent pick-
formance textiles allow players to move ing up 90 balls on the court is not time well her entry into the big time. Turdo has
more freely and wick away sweat quickly. spent � not to mention the younger play-
Today's rivalries are not nearly as clear- ers who can't even carry the traditional recently hired a design firm, Indigob-
cut as the "Good" versus "Evil" matches ball hopper and end up dragging it around
of the '70s. And that doesn't even begin the court and scraping the surface. loom Design out of Chicago, to rebrand
to touch on the changes in junior tennis
or how the pros' style of play has changed So why not rethink Hoparazzi and give the small startup
over the years � with the net game that's the hopper?
become a rarity for the big power hitters in and brand the look and personality that
their extended rallies. Turdo thought this lack of innovation
was absurd. "We've moved from wooden reflects the high per-
Lack of innovation racquets and short shorts to high-end
on the practice court graphite and performance-enhancing formance, premium
textile clothing. Why then are we satis-
With all of these changes and innova- fied with heavy, poorly-constructed product that she has
tions in the tennis industry, Turdo as a hoppers that tear up your very expensive
player, instructor, club director and owner court?" she asked. Turdo is very adamant developed. With
about the need for better hoppers.
this recent move,
Her solution? She started Hoparazzi,
the brand behind the brightly colored she is also the Offi-
baskets that fit the vibrant personality
of the players and pros. And the at- cial Hopper of the
tributes don't stop at color. Hoparazzi
hoppers are designed specifically for the USPTA and ATP/
players with integrated wheels that glide
across the court and telescoping handles WTA Cincinnati
that can be customized to the height of
the player. The patented technology is Tournament and
is quickly gain-
ing distribution
throughout the Alpha 90 Series in
country. h Hotter than Pink,
one of 14 colors.
58 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
USPTA Benefits
Tennis Resources to Launch Improved
Website with Unlimited Streaming
All USPTA members will have free access to thousands of instructional content
The world's premier search The search features have been im- will have On Court with USPTA epi-
engine for all things tennis is proved to help busy tennis coaches and sodes, seminars and specialty courses
now easier to use, available players find what they're looking for available for streaming with special
to stream online, and of- quicker and more easily. Users type in pricing for subscribers and USPTA
fers free membership for all USPTA a search term and then can check boxes members. Once the video is purchased,
members. to narrow down the results. For exam- it becomes a part of the user's personal
ple, a user can type in "forehand" and library and is available for unlimited
TennisResources.com recently then narrow down results by general views. On Court with USPTA episodes
launched a long overdue overhaul of its performance components (technical, are $2.99 per video ($4.99 for new re-
website with improved features and a tactical, physical, etc.), drill or lesson, leases) for USPTA members and $9.99
new, clean look. The updated website demographics, type of media, etc. for non-USPTA members. Seminars
will be home to thousands of hours of are $4.99 per video for USPTA mem-
instruction, including lessons, drills, Content is divided into three cat- bers and $12.99 for non-USPTA mem-
audio seminars, articles, high-speed egories: Free, Tennis Resources Mem- bers. Specialty courses are $14.99 per
and slow-motion film, and much more bers-only and Pay Per Video. Content video for USPTA members and $24.99
that is related to all levels and aspects marked with a green, open lock icon for non-USPTA members.
of the game of tennis. The site is the denotes the content is free and acces-
ultimate educational and instructional sible to anyone; a red lock icon desig- Subscriptions for non-USPTA
resource for tennis coaches and play- nates the content is available to USPTA members can be purchased quarterly
ers with new content continually being members and subscribers only; and a ($29.99 per quarter) or on an annual
added to the collection. It's easy to use shopping cart icon lets the user know basis ($69.99 per year). Subscribers will
because of its YouTube-like function- the content is available to purchase. be able to purchase pay-per-video con-
ing, and it appeals to everyone because tent at USPTA member pricing. h
of the simplicity of its interface. For the first time, Tennis Resources
Many new features have been
added to the site to make it more
user-friendly and enhance the overall
value. Subscribers now have access to
unlimited streaming of video content
and can build their own personal librar-
ies by saving content to their favorites
to watch as many times as they wish.
Additionally, the site is now mobile
c ompatible with smartphones and
tablets but can also be accessed via
desktop.
In an effort to make continuing
education more accessible, USPTA
members can now earn continuing edu-
cation credits on certain videos they
watch on Tennis Resources. Videos that
are eligible for credit will be marked
with how many credits they are worth.
As long as USPTA members are logged
in, they can watch video and then au-
tomatically be credited for viewing
instructional content.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 59
Beyond the Court
USPTA Donates $5,000 to
ThanksUSA Scholarship Fund
In an effort to continue its sup- USPTA Pro Bunny Bruning and Wakonda Tennis Club celebrated our freedom with a Fourth of July event
port of the Tennis Thanks The to support military families.
Troops campaign, USPTA donated
$5,000 in January to ThanksUSA's wounded. USPTA and ThanksUSA ously No. 1-ranked doubles player
scholarship fund. Since partnering teamed up to encourage USPTA Pro- and US Open Doubles Champion Lisa
with ThanksUSA in 2013, USPTA has fessionals to fund scholarships for the Raymond as spokespersons.
donated $11,000 to the organization, families of military men and women
and its divisions and members have do- since 2013. Over the past year, 12 USPTA divi-
nated more than $65,000 to the general sions and several individual members
scholarship fund in the last three years. The nationwide campaign, which increased their support from 2014 by
launched in 2012, has the support of holding 18 events across the country
"The USPTA's contribution is a ter- men's doubles champions and No. and submitting donations to raise
rific way to start off 2016. Their gener- 1-ranked doubles team Bob and Mike $29,962, the highest amount in the
ous action reinforces the organization's Bryan and the WTA Tour's previ- three years USPTA has partnered with
continuing support for ThanksUSA by
its club pros, special tournaments and
fundraisers throughout the tennis sea-
son and beyond," said ThanksUSA CEO
and chair Bob Okun. "It also challenges
the athletes and their fans to increase
the momentum during the rest of the
year to create new ways for all USPTA
members and their families to say thank
you to our military families. Their con-
tributions help ensure that the children
and spouses of our service members
reach their career potential through the
gift of education."
ThanksUSA provides need-based,
post-secondary scholarships to the
children and spouses of active-duty
personnel across all the Armed Forces,
the National Guard and Reserves, as
well as to families of the fallen and
USPTA Pros at the USPTA Southern U30 Conference showed their support for ThanksUSA. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 47
60 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
USPTA Pro Frank Swope and BallenIsles Country Club hosted an event on Veteran's Day. A round-robin tournament and member donations
resulted in a generous contribution to support ThanksUSA scholarships.
the charitable organization. In 2014, USPTA Pro Tanda Bianco and Port Royal Racquet Club hosted a Fast Action Drill Clinic followed by a Doubles
five divisions held 10 events and raised Exhibition featuring top Hilton Head Island tennis professionals to raise funds for Tennis Thanks the Troops.
$22,086, and in 2013 total donations
amounted to $13,327. Above: USPTA Pro Mani Barajas-Alexander and TopNotch Tennis teamed up with USTA Mid-Atlantic to host
an entry-level tennis tournament at Tuckahoe Recreation Club in McLean, Va., with entry fees donated
Since the partnership began in 2013, to TTTT. Above, right: ThanksUSA scholar Jinah Kim
USPTA has 15 $3,000 scholarships in and her family joined TTTT at the CopperWynd Pro
its name. Other clubs and associations Challenge on Veteran's Appreciation Day, which is
have a combined total of 14 named under the direction of USPTA Pro Scott McCulloch,
$3,000 scholarships thanks to the fun- Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Right: Karla Orozco and step-
draising efforts of USPTA members at father Reuben are recognized by members of the San
Berkeley Hills Country Club, San Diego Diego District Tennis Association's Military Outreach
Tennis Association, JTCC-College Park Committee for her educational scholarship made
Tennis Club and the Chartwell Tennis possible through funds raised during the District's
Classic. annual Tennis Fest. Photo includes members of SD-
DTA Military Outreach Committee, including USPTA
USPTA members can help by donat- Pros Steve Kappes, Josh Jorgensen and Geoff Griffin.
ing a portion of their lessons or clinic
fees taught during the year, especially
on military holidays such as Memorial
Day and Veteran's Day. TTTT events
can also combine with existing USPTA
programs such as Lessons for LifeTM.
USPTA Professionals can provide the
opportunity for their students and club
members to donate $5 for the cause
or they can run a simple round robin,
tournament or other event with all or a
portion of the proceeds being donated
to ThanksUSA.
As an extra incentive to support
the ThanksUSA cause, the club or indi-
vidual raising the most money for the
ThanksUSA charity will receive two
tickets to the US Open and the opportu-
nity to send their pro and a guest to New
York, including airlines and hotel. h
For more information or to get
involved with ThanksUSA and the
Tennis Thanks the Troops campaign,
visit www.thanksusa.org.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 61
Inside Coaching
Receiving the Ball
By Jack Foster, USPTA
Receiving the ball is as impor- Before one can hit a ball over the net
tant in tennis as sending the effectively, he must learn to receive it.
ball. Many times coaches
tend to stress sending the ball partner and see how many times they dent is ready, and then to tennis balls.
through hand or racquet feeds. The ball can do this before she makes an error. The student then learns to receive the
is sent to the student at the same pace This also helps in ball tracking. ball from different areas of the court
and height so the student is successful with different heights, spins and pace.
nearly every time. The problem with Next, repeat this task by having the We can do this by tossing balls at vari-
this is when the student tries to play student "receive" /catch the ball by ous distances and heights within the
with his friends, they spend more time having him move to catch it. The in- court so the beginner can catch the
chasing balls than playing. The reason structor stands across the net and toss- ball on one bounce and toss it over the
being is the student has not learned to es the ball at slightly different areas of net back to the sender. When the ball
properly receive balls. the service boxes and have the student bounces to the coach, toss another
move to "receive" /catch the ball. All making the student move to catch the
Before one can hit (send) a ball over of these exercises require the student ball on one bounce. Do this until the
the net effectively, he must learn to to receive the ball while in a stationary student is comfortable with this drill.
receive it. How many times have we ex- position or with very little movement. The coach has the option to let the
perienced a child or beginner swing the Use larger foam balls if it is applicable student use his racquet at any time he
racquet and completely miss the ball for the student's ability, progress to thinks the student is ready.
even when it is dropped for them? Why? low-compression balls when the stu-
The child or beginner has not learned
to receive the ball yet and is lacking
in striking skills. How do we teach the
child to receive the ball as it pertains to
tennis?
We can teach the student to receive
the ball by allowing her to attempt to
catch it. This can be done by having
the student stand while we drop a ball
in front of her and ask her to catch it.
The next progression after she can ac-
complish this task is to have the student
stand several feet from the coach, Mom,
Dad or fellow student. The coach or
partner will gently toss the ball where
it bounces for the student to attempt to
catch it (see below). When the student is
successful in catching the ball have her
gently toss the ball back to the coach or
We can teach the student to receive the ball by allowing her to attempt to catch it.
64 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
Exercises for ball tracking. Receiving the ball with the racquet.
The next step or progression you student to learn to receive and send � throw in a moon ball or two and see
can use is a drill I learned from David T. balls using a racquet (see above, right). how he reacts. Show him how to back
Porter, Ed.D., tennis coach at BYU/Ha- Explain the grip or grips to be used and up to hit the ball and then how to take it
waii. This drill will keep students from demonstrate the stroke from ready posi- in the air. Hit a few high mid-court balls
reaching for the ball with their arm and tion, unit turn and pivot with back swing, he must strike at shoulder level then
make them reach the ball with their then forward toward the contact point, push him back for deep balls and short
feet. The student places his wrist bones follow through and recovery. It is now ones. Send balls to him with different
on his hip bones with the palms up (see time for the student to receive the ball heights, spins, pace and direction to give
above). The arms are not to move dur- with the racquet. Drop the ball at the him a live game ball experience. Move
ing the drill � he must get to the ball proper contact point for him to strike the him back, up, and side to side. Throw in
with his feet. Toss or racquet feed balls ball. When the student is comfortable a moon ball, hit a rally ball, a short low
to the student. He must move to the ball with this step, have him move to behind slice, etc. Build up to these skills and the
so the outside foot is behind the ball and the service line about one to two feet. students will learn to receive balls at dif-
be in place so the ball falls into his palm, Demonstrate the stroke you are working ferent heights, pace, spin and from dif-
which should not have moved. The next on again. Feed or rally with the student ferent directions.
step is for the pro to yell "freeze" when so he does not have to move, then make
the ball bounces and the player should him move short distances then longer During this period, teach the stu-
be in position for the ball to land in his ones. Move him back to the base line dent how to prepare and receive differ-
palm. These exercises are great for ball and repeat the exercise. He may have ent types of serves. The student can use
tracking. Racquet feeds can be used some difficulty, so demonstrate how to a ball machine if available to improve
with this drill if the student is able to move quickly for short distances and receiving the ball. Many clubs have
handle the feeds. longer ones. Begin feeding balls or using them for rent. The ball machine can
live ball rallies out of his "wheelhouse" be set to a variety of spins, heights, and
The next progression is for the paces for the student's improvement.
You are now beginning to build a game-
A coach needs to teach both receiving the ball and sending the ball from the ready player. A player who knows how
very beginning. The student must understand that moving to the ball, getting to receive a variety of balls will be able
set up and in the proper position to send the ball is the name of the game. to send the ball with better control, di-
rection, spin, and pace, recover better,
and win more matches than a player
who is taught primarily to send balls.
In conclusion, a coach needs to
teach both receiving the ball and send-
ing the ball from the very beginning.
The student must understand that
moving to the ball, getting set up and in
the proper position to send the ball is
the name of the game. If a student can't
accomplish this task he is not learning
how to play the game. He is just learning
how to hit the ball. h
John J. "Jack" Foster is the director
of tennis for the First Colony Com-
munity Association in Sugar Land,
Texas. He coaches all levels of play-
ers and received the USPTA Texas
Division's Tester of The Year Award for 2009
and 2012. He also received the 2013 George
Basco USPTPAhoNtoabtyioBnraialnTWesatleterros Pf hthoteogYreaaprhy
award and the USPTA Star award in 2005.
www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 65
Career Development
Exams, Upgrades Coach Youth Division Activities
& PTCA I Tennis Workshop
(6 credits)
(2 credits)
April 24-25 USPTA Eastern Convention
(4 credits for PTCA I segment) Chatham, N.Y.
April 9-10 Aurora, Ill. April 2 Gainesville, Fla. May 1-2 USPTA New England Convention
April 9-10 Orlando, Fla. May 1 Pensacola, Fla.
April 10-11 Lakewood, Calif. May 14 Palmetto Bay, Fla. Norwich, Conn.
April 11-12 San Francisco May 21 Port Orange, Fla.
April 11-12 May 22 Albuquerque, N.M. May 12-14 USPTA Southern Convention
April 13 Atlanta
April 14-15 Hilton Head Island, S.C. Atlanta
April 17
April 17-18 Mt. Kisco, N.Y. May 15 USPTA Hawaii Convention
April 19 Midlothian, Va.
April 20-21 Honolulu
April 23 Las Vegas
April 23-24 Tuscaloosa, Ala. For more workshops, visit coachyouthtennis.com. Webinars
April 23-24
Tyler, Texas Cardio Tennis (.5 credits)
Des Moines, Iowa
Albuquerque, N.M. March 18 Cardio Tennis Training Course April 13
Fairfield, Conn. Crooked Creek Tennis Club, TBD
Alpharetta, Ga. Emilio Sanchez
April 9 Cardio Tennis Training Course
Maines Pines Racquet & Fitness Club,
* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters. Brunswick, Maine Watch all 2015 recorded webinars at youtube.com/
user/TheUSPTA. For more information visit uspta.com/
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days Please visit www.cardiotennistraining.com to register. Education>Education Calendar.
prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam,
upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations
must be received no later than 14 days before the
exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly.
Applicant: late cancellation fee � $95; failure to cancel
� application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late
cancellation fee � $25; failure to cancel � $25 plus the
upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam
will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.
Accredited
Professional
Coach
Register your Accredited Professional Coach (APC) Education requirements
and specialty course credits earned with the USPTA
SmartCode Education System. This uses your All USPTA-certified Professionals must earn 6 education credits in a three-year period
smartphone to instantly register your attendance to remain current. Go to USPTA.com/Education for a partial list of eligible activi-
ties. Please send verification (email, letter, certificate, receipt, etc.) that shows you
to all seminars and specialty attended the event/activity and submit it along with the date and agenda to educa-
courses earning APC. tion@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
To use the system at a or call 800-877-8248, ext. 147.
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 else's. Forms are available upon request.
66 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com
USPTA News
2016 USPTA Surface Championships
Begin in Memphis with Indoors
Once again, Memphis, Tenn., As an added convenience for tour- and win prize money. Members who
will play host to the USPTA nament players and guests, the official play in the surface championships
Indoor Championships to tournament hotel � the Doubletree by have the opportunity to play their way
start the 2016 calendar year Hilton on Sanderlin Avenue in Mem- into the USPTA Masters Invitational,
for the USPTA Surface Championships. phis � is located 50 yards from the which will be held in September at
This three-day tournament takes place tournament site. The rate is $109/night, the 2016 USPTA World Conference
March 18-20 at the Racquet Club of and the hotel offers free transportation in Indian Wells, Calif. This tourna-
Memphis and is open for registration to from the airport to the hotel. ment, which replaces the International
USPTA-certified Professionals through Championships, gives USPTA-certified
March 11. To register for the 2016 Participating players are eligible Professionals an added opportunity to
USPTA Indoor Championships, contact to receive tournament favors such as showcase their skills and earn a por-
the Racquet Club of Memphis at tennis. bags, badges, T-shirts and towels. On tion of the $7,500 prize money, which
office@racquetclubofmemphis.com. S aturday night, March 19, players will is the largest amount awarded of all the
be treated to a catered player party in USPTA tournaments.
Total prize money for the tourna- the ballroom of the facility beginning
ment is $4,700 and will feature events at 7 p.m. The USPTA Surface Champion-
in the following categories: men's and ships are open to all USPTA-certified
women's open singles and doubles com- As a benefit to certified members, Professionals in good standing. For
petition, men's 35 singles, and men's 45 the surface championships provide more information, go to uspta.com/
singles and doubles. an opportunity to play against other tournaments. h
U SPTA Professionals, showcase skills,
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www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 67
Member News
� On Nov. 21, 2015, Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club in Orange County, Calif., held their 13th Annual � The Riviera Country Club recently an-
Charity Pro-Am benefiting Boys Town of Orange County. USPTA Professionals, David Page (director nounced that USPTA Professional Austin
of tennis) and Michael Olds (head professional) along with the Coto For a Cure Committee presented Soliz has been promoted
a check for $32,000 to Boys to director of junior
Town Executive Director tennis. Soliz has been
L awren Ramos and Develop- employed at The Riviera
ment Director Christina Tennis Club as a tennis
Garkovich just in time for professional and fitness
the holidays. Coto member coach since 2014. Prior
Val Lagutan and Former to joining The Riviera, Soliz was the direc-
ATP Professional Rick Leach tor of tennis at the Bay Area Racquet Club
won the event. Picture: Chat in Clearlake, Texas, and later the director
Leonard, Bob Morris, Michael of fitness/tennis professional at Ojakian
Olds, David Page, Christina Tennis in Marina Del Rey, Calif. He holds
Garkovich, Jay Carballo, Crossfit L1 and Crossfit Endurance Certifi-
Lawren Ramos, Bob Lazaro & cations as well as a National Gym Associa-
Randy Riley. tion Athletic Performance Certification.
His promotion to director of junior tennis
� USPTA Professional Kim Dillard, director of tennis at the Colonial Country Club in Thomasville, at the Rivera Tennis Club will give him the
N.C., conducted a doubles workshop at the East Coburg Tennis Club in Melbourne, Australia. opportunity to combine his fitness and
Dillard focused on drills that athletic training experience with tennis
helped players improve their fundamentals for juniors of all ages and
skills to become better doubles abilities.
partners, including positioning,
communication and giving a � USPTA Professional Tom Daglis (center)
high five after every point. Help- attended the JPTA
ing Dillard with the clinic was conference in
Australian tennis professional Tokyo in
Lynton Joseph, director of tennis November 2015
at the East Coburg Tennis Club. and made a pre-
sentation. Pictured
� Arizona Special Olympians took to the courts at Troon Country Club in the 6th annual Tennis with Mohammed
Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 23. USPTA Professional Mark Pachtner, director of tennis at Troon Jannif (left), Davis
Country Club, coordinated the event that attracted more than 200 participants. Prior to his Cup Player, PBI
tenure at Troon Country Club, Pachtner has developed Fun Day events with the local chapters Tennis Professional
of the Special Olympics in Georgia, Florida and California since 1999. The Tennis Fun Day is also and USPTA
a well-established fundraiser for the Special Olympics Arizona, raising nearly $14,000 at this Ambassador.
year's event. Since inception, a total amount of over $100,000 has been donated so far with
800 athletes and 2,000 volunteers participating. NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Chuck Gill
Gary Trost
First Vice
President
Vice Presidents Alan Cutler
Feisal Hassan
Ken McAllister
Jack Michalko
Diane Selke
TM
Past President Tom McGraw
CEO John Embree
Legal Counsel George Parnell
ADDvantage magazine editorial offices Managing editor Kimberly Forrester The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the
Circulation Kathy Buchanan authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the
USPTA World Headquarters USPTA.
3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 202 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time
Houston, TX 77042 Copyright� United States Professional Tennis
Phone � 713-978-7782 / 800-USPTA-4U ADDvantage is published monthly by the Association, Inc. 2016. All rights reserved.
Fax � 713-358-7794 United States Professional Tennis Association. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not
email � magazine@uspta.org permitted without written permission from USPTA.
68 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com