APRIL 2020 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

APPAREL MANAGEMENT STRING RANKINGS INDUSTRY PEOPLE
Should your players To sell tennis, build The USRSA lists its top New USTA CEO
use compression trusting relationships 50 strings based on Mike Dowse talks
socks on court? with your clients years of playtest results about his goals
April 2020 / Volume 48 / Number 4 / $5.00
PICKLEBALL
MEANS BUSINESS
From new paddles to sport-specific shoes
to expanded facilities, pickleball’s
Formerly Tennis Industry
popularity continues to reach new heights.
1
.4
A pg
SPT
U
ating
r
orpo
Inc
www.tennisindustrymag.com
Contents April 2020

DEPARTMENTS
COVER PHOTO: SIMONE JARDIM & KYLE YATES AT 2019 MINTO US OPEN PICKLEB ALL CHPS, NAPLES, FLA./PHOTO BY MICHAEL GAUTHIER; THIS PAGE: BRIGHAM CITY, UTAH/PHOTO BY BELINDA DETTMAN
4 Industry News
12 Racquet Tech
14 Your Players
16 Apparel
18 Student Athletes
40 Your Serve, by Bob Patterson
FEATURES
30 Pulling the Right Strings
The USRSA compiles its
Top 50 performers.
34 Selling for Success
Building relationships is the
key to retaining players.
38 Catching Up With . . .
New USTA CEO Mike Dowse.
INDUSTRY NEWS
4 Hundreds pay tribute
to Dennis Van der Meer
4 TIA partners with association
management firm Bostrom
4 WTT sets season schedule;
adds franchise in Chicago 2020
6 Ashaway introduces first
Guide to Pickleball
hybrid string set for squash
7 Short Sets
8 PTR names three
international master pros
9 Solinco unveils latest FACILITIES PADDLES FOOTWEAR
tennis string
Full-Court Hitting Covering
9 Diadem launches new frames
Press New Heights The Court
9 USTA New England, Wilson
partner to grow tennis Pickleball-specific shoes
Pickleball’s soaring Technological
10 Peoplewatch popularity is prompting improvements continue are taking advantage of
10 PTR honors award winners communities to to enhance the game technology to balance
at annual Symposium construct and and provide more weight, comfort
11 Tourna expands Premium expand facilities. options for players. and responsiveness.
Poly string line P. 20 P. 26 P. 28
PLUS
p.41 43 From the CEO
46 Vice President's Message
48 50 55 57 48 Master Pro Corner

The Theory Emma Doyle We'll Never Stop Team Approach 52 Caribbean Sol
of Non- and the Wowing Our to Working
Embarrassment Ripple Effect Members with Athletes 53 New Certification Pathway
56 USPTA Leadership Academy
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Career Development
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

ONE-STOP
SOURCE
FO R S P O R T S U R FAC E S ,
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Tournament-quality
sport surfacing products.
OFFICIAL
R
SURFACE
OF THE USPTA
OVER 100 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE sportmaster.net | (800) 395-7325

IndustryNews
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
MEMORIAL
Hundreds Pay Tribute

to Dennis Van der Meer
TIA Partners with Association
Management Company Bostrom
The Tennis Industry Association announced
in February that the Bostrom company of
Chicago has been named to manage the TIA.
“Bostrom was selected due to its solid yet
innovative approach to association man-
agement,” says TIA President Jeff Williams
(above). “We feel their culture, client diver-
sity, drive and understanding of where the
TIA needs to go is a great fit for our future.
Together, we look forward to continuing to
promote the growth and economic vitality of
our industry, as well as offer resources and
research for members to utilize.”
TIA will be based in Bostrom’s Chicago
office and led by Account Executive Bryan
White, named the TIA’s chief operating
officer. Key areas of focus for TIA manage-
ment will be in governance, financial man-
agement, technology infrastructure and
H
marketing, especially in the area of content
strategy, Bostrom says. The TIA’s office in
Hilton Head Island, S.C., closed in January.
undreds of friends, “We are thrilled to welcome TIA to our
teaching professionals growing client community,” says Bostrom’s
and industry execu- president, Randy Lindner. “Our work with
tives packed into a me- a wide variety of industries and professions
morial service for the brings a diversity of innovation that carries
late Dennis Van der Meer, the founder of across our client work in creative ways. We
the Professional Tennis Registry, on Feb. can’t wait to get started and see results of
9 in Hilton Head Island, S.C. The event our partnership come to light.”
took place just before the start of the The TIA can be contacted through White
PTR International Tennis Symposium. at bryanwhite@tennisindustry.org.
Tennis teaching pro and coaching
legend Van der Meer passed away on
C O U RT E S Y P T R ; C O U RT E S Y T I A
WTT Sets 2020 Season Schedule,

July 27, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Adds Franchise in Chicago
Former USTA president and PTR World TeamTennis announced its 2020
board of directors member Lucy Garvin schedule ahead of its 45th season, add-
was the moderator for the event, which The memorial for coaching
legend Dennis Van der Meer
ing the Chicago Smash to the league's
included a number of speakers, including drew a standing-room-only roster. The WTT regular-season calendar
Pat Van der Meer, Dennis’s widow and a crowd. Pat Van der Meer (at left will showcase nine teams and 63 matches
in photo above) and Lucy Garvin
member of the PTR Advisory Board, and were among those who honored from July 12 to 30. The regular-season
PTR CEO Dan Santorum. Dennis and his legacy. schedule is at WTT.com.

LET'S BUILD
LET'S BUILD
YOUR
YOUR IDEAL
YOUR IDEAL STRUCTURE
IDEALSTRUCTURE
STRUCTURE
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
SUPERIOR
INDUSTRY-LEADING
INDUSTRY-LEADING
INDUSTRY-LEADING
INDUSTRY-LEADING
ClearSpan structures are built
ClearSpan structures are built to
WARRANTIES
WARRANTIES
WARRANTIES
WARRANTIES
to
lastlast decades
decades into
into thethe future.
future.
BUILDING
BUILDING
ClearSpan
ClearSpanstructures
structures
ENERGY-EFFICIENT
ENERGY-EFFICIENT
areare
built
built
to to
lastlast
DESIGNS
DESIGNS
decades
decadesinto
into
thethe
future.
future.
BUILDING
BUILDING ENERGY-EFFICIENT
ENERGY-EFFICIENT DESIGNS
DESIGNS
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
Save
Save money
money onon a monthly
a monthly basis
basis andand maximize
maximize profitability.
profitability.
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS Save
Save
money
money
EXPERT
EXPERT
onona monthly
a monthly
CONSULTATION
CONSULTATION
basis
basis
andandmaximize
maximize profitability.
profitability.
FOROVER
FOR OVER EXPERT
EXPERT
Industry CONSULTATION
CONSULTATION
expertsareare
onon staff
to to provide invaluable advice.
FOR
FOROVER
OVER Industry experts staff provide invaluable advice. www.clearspan.com
www.clearspan.com
40
40 YEARS
40YEARS
Industry
Industry
experts
expertsareare
ononstaff
staff
to to
provide
provide invaluable
invaluable
advice.
advice.
METAL AND FABRIC BUILDINGS www.clearspan.com
www.clearspan.com
1.866.643.1010
40 YEARS
YEARS
METAL AND FABRIC BUILDINGS 1.866.643.1010
METAL
METAL
Building
Building ANDAND FABRIC
solutions
solutions FABRIC
forfor
anyany BUILDINGS
BUILDINGS
application
application in in
anyany industry.
industry. 1.866.643.1010
1.866.643.1010
Building
Building
solutions
solutionsforfor
anyanyapplication
application in in
anyany
industry.
industry.
IndustryNews
“World TeamTennis continues its STRING

positive growth in 2020 with addition-
al expansion,” says CEO Carlos Silva. Ashaway
Introduces
Chicago is WTT’s third expansion
franchise in the past year, following
First Hybrid
the additions of the Orlando Storm and
Vegas Rollers in 2019. Last season also
saw the creation of a four-team WTT
playoff, which will return in 2020 to
the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel
String Made
& Casino in Las Vegas. Home to the for Squash
A
Vegas Rollers, the Orleans Arena will
host the WTT semifinals on Aug. 1, and
the WTT final on Aug. 2. shaway has introduced the stringing in squash is the same argu-
first hybrid string set made ment used for any change in string:
New N.C. Facility to be Named specifically for squash. improved performance,” says
Swing Racquet + Paddle Incorporating Ashaway’s Ashaway’s Steve Crandall. “Hybrid
Swing Racquet + Paddle will be the PowerNick 18 red for the mains and stringing offers more variety, another
name of the state-of-the-art racquet Powerfusion white for the cross strings, way to optimize that triad of tension,
sports facility under development in Brier Oblivion hybrid strings offer a high- durability and control, and enhances
Creek, N.C. A USTA and U.S.A. Pickleball power, low-shock combination for the playability of your racquet to suit
Association-endorsed sports complex, amateur and professional players seek- your particular game.”
it is scheduled to open in 2022, and will ing a lively and durable means to gener- Oblivion is available in 18 x 18-foot
offer a 30,000-square-foot, world-class ate excellent ball speed and control, packaged sets and in special double
fitness facility, including a 10,000 square- says the company. reels containing 195 feet of each string.
foot multi-purpose gymnasium. “The biggest argument for hybrid Visit ashawayusa.com for more info.
Dis
cov
er
the
be
st s
ea
t in
the
h ou
se
LOVE LOVE
Club members and students will LOVE facing
off against the phenom. You will LOVE
offering the added advantage.
C O U RT E S Y A S H AWAY
with domestic and

®
global materials
follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more.
®
434-260-7015
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com www.umpirechair.com

IndustryNews
Short
Sets
Over 2,600 players will see action in case its business and innovations in sports Southbury, Conn., resident Matt McCon-
the 4th Annual Minto US Open Pickleball lighting. Visit frasurereps.com or email non, from longtime owner Pat Decker.
Chps., April 18-25 in Naples, Fla., which patrick@frasurereps.com to subscribe.
will feature 5,500 matches—a record In February, the Macon-Bibb County
for the sport. Organizers expect 8,000 The USTA will donate $25,000 to the Commission voted unanimously to name
spectators at the world’s largest pickleball USTA Pacific Northwest Section to help the tennis facilities at the South Bibb Rec-
complex, with 60 permanent courts. The grow tennis in the region, as part of the reation Center in Macon, Ga., the “Randy
event offers $70,000 in prize money. USTA’s Fed Cup Legacy Program. The Stephens Tennis Center,” in honor of
program is designed to leave a lasting Stephens’ contribution to the community
Universal Tennis has been honored mark in the communities that host Fed and the sport of tennis.
as PTR Partner of the Year. The PTR says Cup ties in the U.S. Everett’s Angel Of The
Universal Tennis has been committed to Winds Arena played host to the Fed Cup Game-Set-Match Inc. has opened its
supporting PTR and the growth of tennis tie in early February, when the U.S. beat fourth retail specialty racquet sports store
through a collection of coaching resources Latvia 3-2. The U.S. plays April 14-19 in the in Boulder, Colo. The new retail location
for PTR members. 2020 Fed Cup Finals in Budapest. has been the longtime home of Rocky
Mountain Racquet Specialists, owned by
Lighting consultant Frasure Reps LLC has The six-court Middlebury Racquet Club the late Steve Vorhaus, who tragically lost
created a quarterly newsletter to show- in Connecticut was recently purchased by his life last July.
www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

IndustryNews
PUBLISHER
JEFF WILLIAMS
EDITOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
MANAGING EDITOR
SCOTT GRAMLING
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
IAN KNOWLES
SENIOR EDITOR
COACHING ED McGROGAN
PTR Names Three ART DIRECTOR

CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
International Master Pros PRODUCTION EDITOR

ANDREA WOO
L
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
orenzo Beltrame, Doug Cash and Dan Santorum (above, from left) have BOB PATTERSON
been named PTR International Master Professionals. The designation CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
recognizes those who have made significant contributions to PTR and the CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
game of tennis throughout their careers. DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
Beltrame, of Windermere, Fla., is an award-winning coaching authority who has
vast experience in mental training for sports, and has worked with dozens of ATP CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
and WTA touring pros. Cash, of Seymour, Ind., is an expert in helping tennis clubs BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
thrive. Santorum, of Hilton Head Island, S.C., has been guiding the growth of PTR ASSOCIATE EDITOR
for 33 years as the organization’s CEO. TIM McARTHUR
EDITORIAL DIRECTION
10TEN MEDIA
RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
646-381-8735
info@tennisindustrymag.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
JOHN HANNA
770-650-1102, x125
hanna@knowatlanta.com
APPAREL ADVERTISING
CYNTHIA SHERMAN
203-558-5911
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per

year: monthly, January through August with combined
issues in September/October and November/
December, by Tennis Channel, Inc., 250 Park Avenue,
Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical postage paid
in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS
#004-354). April 2020, Volume 48, Number 4 © 2020
by Tennis Channel, Inc. All rights reserved. Racquet
Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks of Tennis
Channel, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising:
770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation and editorial:
646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S.,
$40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address changes
to Racquet Sports Industry, 250 Park Avenue, Suite
825, New York NY 10017. Racquet Sports Industry is
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y P T R
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.

IndustryNews
Solinco Unveils Latest Elevate is Diadem’s control series, de- USTA New England, Wilson
Tennis String: Confidential signed for players who want precision, Partner to Grow Tennis
Solinco has announced the release of spin and feel. It comes in two models: USTA New England announced a new
Confidential, a co-polyester tennis string. the Elevate FS 98 and Elevate FS 98 Tour. partnership with Wilson Sporting Goods
Initially developed for top touring pros, Diadem says the Nova frames deliver that will have a deep impact on the deliv-
Confidential is now available for all play- explosive power and have been redesigned ery of tennis programming throughout
ers. The company says the string features inside and out with new cosmetic and New England.
Solinco’s blend of spin, power and con- flagship technologies. The Nova series “Wilson will be putting equipment
trol with added playability. Confidential includes the 100 FS, FS 100 Plus and FS directly into the hands of kids in public
is available in 16, 16L, 17 and 18 gauges 100 Lite. Visit www.diademsports.com. parks who otherwise might not have ac-
in both 12-meter individual sets and
200-meter reels.
“We had not originally planned to add
this co-polyester string to our product
line," says Solinco Director KT Kim.
"However, as more players heard and
tested the string, a strong interest and
demand for the product grew, and we
ultimately realized that we needed to
make this available for everyone.”
Visit solincosports.com for more info.
ATP, Tennis Europe Join

Forces for Junior School
The ATP and the European Tennis
Federation have announced plans to
collaborate on the Tennis Europe
Junior School, a pioneering educa-
tional program designed to prepare
athletes ages 13-16 for life as profes-
sional tennis players.
The school's content is available
online for all players. Interactive live
classes will also be held at 10 of the
biggest European junior tournaments
in 2020, where boys and girls can
learn about topics including: Anti-
Doping, Nutrition and Hydration,
Agents and Sponsorship, Media and
Social Media, among others.
For more, visit tenniseurope.org.
Diadem Sports Launches

New Racquets in 2020
Diadem Sports has launched new ten-
nis racquets for its Elevate and Nova
series. The company says it has incorpo-
rated new patent-pending technologies
for improved stability and comfort with-
out sacrificing feel.
The Diadem Elevate and Nova feature
Flex Stabilizing System (FS), the first
technology to utilize a patent-pending
rib structure in the interior of the rac-
quet’s frame, says the company. Strategi-
cally placed throughout the frame, FS is
combined with high-density foam and
HMT Carbon for stability and power.

IndustryNews
cess to it,” says USTA NE Executive Di-

People rector Matt Olson. “Our philosophies
align around growing tennis, and we
Watch are excited to have an enthusiastic
partner to help us achieve our goals.”
Along with being the Official Equip-
Jeanne Evert Dubin, a former world- Serena Williams will appear in adver-
ment of USTA New England, Wilson
ranked tennis player and a younger sister tisements for Secret deodorant’s “All
will be a presenting partner of Tennis
of Chris Evert, died on Feb. 20 after a Strength No Sweat” campaign. Proctor &
in the Parks. This program is currently
two-and-a-half-year struggle with cancer. Gamble, together with Williams, will also
on public courts in nine New England
She was 62. Evert Dubin had a standout launch a study to look at how gender bias towns, impacting nearly 300 children.
junior career in which she was the surfaces in sports, at all levels of play.
nation’s top-ranked player in her age USTA Awards $50,000+ in
group. She turned pro in 1973 at age Frank Froehling III, a legendary player Wheelchair Tennis Grants
15, and was ranked as high as No. 28 in in Florida tennis history, passed away on The USTA is awarding more than
singles and No. 4 in doubles (with sister Jan. 23 at the age of 77 in Stuart, Fla. He $50,000 in USTA Wheelchair Tennis
Chris). She retired from the tour in 1978. had been battling chronic lymphocytic Grassroots grants to 33 wheelchair ten-
leukemia for several years. nis programs nationwide. Grants were
The Professional Pickleball Registry awarded to local organizations that pro-
and PPR officials Dan Santorum, Nicole Lori Burdell joins USTA Florida’s Tennis mote and develop the growth of wheel-
Hobson and Sarah Ansboury were named Management Division as its new Training chair tennis and use the sport to help
GenderAvengers of the Week Jan. 10 at and Quality Assurance Manager. She build stronger, healthier communities.
genderavenger.com, for making a differ- brings more than 15 years of professional The first USTA Wheelchair Tennis
ence in gender equality in sports. tennis teaching experience. Grassroots grants were awarded in 2008.
Since then, the USTA has given more than
$650,000 to wheelchair tennis programs
across the country.
Grant amounts were based on each
program's existing budget, as well as the
future programming needs of the orga-
nization. Recipients can use the award
to support coaching, court time, equip-
ment, recruitment and events, including
tournaments and camps. For more infor-
mation, email wheelchairinfo@usta.com.
PTR Honors Award Winners

at Annual Symposium
Former pro-tour player and longtime
tennis director Roy Barth was inducted
into the PTR’s Hall of Fame in February
at the organization’s International
Tennis Symposium.
Other award winners honored dur-
ing the event included:
• Professional of the Year:
Bert Cole
• International Master Professionals:
Lorenzo Beltrame, Doug Cash,
Dan Santorum
• Wheelchair Professional of the Year:
Taylor Wingate
• Young Professional of the Year:
Alex Covington
• Touring Coach of the Year:
Corey Gauff
• College Coach of the Year:
Bruce Berque

TENNIS TOWER IO
• High School Coach of the Year: Featuring
Doug Chapmam INTERNAL OSCILLATION
• Clinician of the Year: Federico Mas
• Newcomer of the Year:
Dimtry Tursunov • Ball speed up to 85 MPH
• Humanitarian of the Year:
Adam Jasick, Future Champions
• Topspin & underspin
Foundation • Easy to use controls
• Media Excellence: Bill Riddle
• Partner of the Year: • Player Simulation Mode
UTR Powered by Oracle
• Public Facility of the Year: & shot program options
Reston Association Tennis
• Private Facility of the Year:
The Sports Club at Boar’s Head Resort CUT THE CORD
• PTR/USTA Service to the Community WITH AC/DC OPTION!
Award: Susan Klumpner
from $2,495
ITA, Sports Analytics Partner
for Tennis Locker App SPORTS
Mobile technology company Sports TUTOR
Analytics announced an agreement with The Sports Machine Company
the Intercollegiate Tennis Association www.sportstutor.com Perfect for clubs and home courts!
(ITA), the governing body of college ten- (800)448-8867
nis, to provide its flagship Tennis Locker
app to the ITA’s membership. The app,
available for both iOS and Android devic-
es, features advanced analysis of player
development and program management
in real-time, directly from courtside.
Tourna Expands Premium

Poly String Line
Tourna is expanding its German-
engineered Premium Poly line with its
new 17-gauge string, now available
in black, optic yellow, green, gold and
pearl. The string retails for $3.50 for
sets and $24 for reels.
TRU-BOUNCE
Visit uniquesports.us or call 770- TM
442-1977 for more information, to

order or to open a wholesale account.
#1 CRACK REPAIR
 Exclusive Technology Long-term Repair
 Recommended by Engineers, Architects, Park & Rec. Contractors
and TRU Tennis Players
 Add years to your cracked courts aﬀordably
 No Bubbles, No Dead Spots, No Hollow Sounds
“COURTS WILL BE 100% TOURNAMENT PLAYABLE”

TRUBOUNCE GUARANTEED
TM
C O U RT E S Y T O U R N A
CALL FOR A CERTIED CONTRACTOR IN YOUR AREA!
info@ritewaytennis.com | 1-877-5 RiteWay

www.ritewaytennis.com

Racquet Tech
but don’t make claims you can’t back up.
Let your work speak for itself. Empha-
size your services, your certifications
and your turn-around time—anything
you offer that will set you apart and
instill confidence in your services.
3. Adapt Your Business Model

To Your Market
To establish your best business prac-
tices, you first must know your market.
Who is your competition? Who are your
potential clients? What can you offer
them that they currently don’t have?
Assessing your competitors allows you
to develop a plan and offer services they
don’t provide. Faster service or more di-
verse services are a good start. Compet-
ing with a lower price will almost never
CUSTOMER SERVICE work; you need to price your work fairly
and be able to offer a valid justification
Four Scores for your prices. Some customers may
be looking for a cheap deal, but most are
No matter where you are in your looking for dependable quality. Those
shopping only by price are often more
stringing career, these factors can trouble than they are worth.
Look for untapped potential in your
help set the stage for success. market, such as school teams or parks
or clubs that don’t have a shop. Alli-
By Bob Patterson ances with non-stringing teaching pros
can be a tremendous source. Even if the
Executive Director, USRSA pro strings racquets, they may not offer
other services such as gripping and
customization.
O
In today’s market, convenience is
king. What would make your service
ne of the most frequent Depending on your situation, that more convenient for customers? Pick-
questions we get at the may mean getting more training to up and/or delivery? Easy communica-
USRSA is, “How can I improve your skills, or investing in a tion via text? Find out.
grow my business?” The better stringing machine or additional
question comes from equipment to offer your clients more 4. Use Social Media And Other Tools
stringers at all stages of business—from services. It may be as simple as promot- You can reach a broad audience through
those brand new to the industry, to ex- ing your skills and services to make social media. Create social media pages
perienced stringers looking to be out on clients aware of what you have to offer. for your business and offer incentives
their own, to established racquet tech- Becoming a USRSA Certified Stringer for new clients.
nicians faced with an evolving market. or Master Racquet Technician is a great Don’t make every post an ad. In-
There is no standard answer. But way to show customers and potential stead, educate your clientele about the
there are some key factors that hold clients that your skills have been veri- need for services, promote local tennis
true in almost every case, which can fied by an independent organization. events, and slip in some soft advertise-
always help to set the stage for success. ments along the way. If you are in a
2. Promote Your Skills, Workmanship highly competitive market, consider a
1. Be Known For Your Work and Work Ethic loyalty program to reward clients.
The best way to set yourself apart from Doing good work and being certified is This industry continues to change
SHUTTERSTOCK
the competition is to be the best you just the beginning. You need to pro- at a rapid pace. To keep customers
can be. Producing quality work and mote that at every opportunity. Don’t satisfied, you’ll need to stay tuned and
exceeding your client’s expectations be afraid to let potential clients know constantly adapt while maintaining
will always work to your advantage. about your business and your skill set, good, sound business practices. •

Your Players
Get Happy Feet: Tension kills footwork,
MENTAL GAME
making feet “stick” to the court. By stay-
Nerve Center ing on the toes and balls of the feet, a
player is more likely to take light, quick
Help your players handle match steps—and be ready to move in any
direction needed.
anxiety and stay calm on court. Use Cue Words: Thinking of words
like “easy” or “calm” can help players
remember to relax on court and keep
By Joe Tedino the mind clear. Many juniors respond
well to the phrase “have fun,” because it
takes the pressure off.
The ‘16-Second Cure’

Sports psychologist Jim Loehr devel-
oped something he calls the “16-second
cure,” which offers a sequence to deal
with anxiety. It starts with physically
moving away from the spot of the
error, stepping several feet behind
the baseline, and then shaking out the
dominant arm to relax the muscles. The
player then prepares for the next point
by walking to the baseline with strong,
confident body language, and finishes
the prep with an established ritual.
Once juniors know these strategies,
coaches can put them into practice by
setting up short games in pressure situ-
ations, such as a tiebreak that starts at
5–5, and have the player slow down and
concentrate on the game plan. Put the
emphasis on performance rather than
D
on winning.
“Focusing on performance—hitting
own 1–4 in the opening control the bad part,” says former Top your shots and doing things within
set of a Chicago Catholic 10 player Brad Gilbert. your control and ability—will actually
League match last spring, Anxiety on the tennis court leads make it more likely that you will be
a high school player came to tense muscles, reduced flexibility, victorious,” says sports psychologist
over to chat during the fatigue, lower concentration and poor Robert Weinberg, author of Winning the
changeover. “Coach, I can’t believe how decision-making—all of which affect Mental Game.
nervous I am,” he said. “I know I can performance. Studies have shown that Relaxation for some players can even
beat him, but I can’t shake the jitters.” there is an inverse relationship between start in the locker room. Coco Gauff
My player’s game was up to par, but fear and confidence. As anxiety rises, relaxes before a match by watching
his mental state clearly was not. He confidence drops. YouTube videos.
needed to relax and sharpen his focus. Knowing how to harness relaxation Not everyone is Coco, but with prac-
“Breathe deeply,” I said. “Stay fluid. techniques such as these can help your tice, your young players can use simi-
Concentrate on following through on junior players win the mental game: larly simple and proven strategies to
each shot.” He eventually recovered and beat on-court jitters in any situation. •
won in a third-set tie breaker. Breathe: Anxiety causes quick, shal-
Helping players deal with on-court low breathing. Focus on deep, smooth,
anxiety is a complex issue. Whether rhythmic breaths to counteract tension. Joe Tedino, a retired public
players are simply nervous or are in- Slow Down Between Points: Players relations executive and
PTR-certified instructor,
timidated by the situation or opponent, who race to the baseline after a lost
SHUTTERSTOCK
coaches the boys’ and

the coach must help them control their point and immediately serve risk mak- girls’ tennis teams at
anxiety to boost their level of play. ing bad decisions or overhitting. Walk- St. Ignatius College Prep
“Quality players are helped by nerves ing to the fence and bouncing the ball in Chicago.
because they use the good part and before serving can help a player relax.

COMFORT
MEETS PERFORMANCE.
MIRAGE300
Features a
3-month wear guarantee.
STEP-IN COMFORT • TOUR-LEVEL PERFORMANCE
lotto.sportlife.us | 484-261-2100
Sport Life USA, the Official Distributor of Lotto in the USA.
Apparel
In the last few years, training, recovery and injury According to the International Sports Sciences Association
prevention have become more prevalent in sports, with (ISSA), compression gear can help prevent injuries and pain.
tennis no exception. Serena Williams vividly illustrated that It does this by increasing pressure on particular muscles
when she made her comeback in the 2018 French Open, and re-routing excess fluids, which in turn increases blood
donning a full-body catsuit. While it was undoubtedly a flow and reduces swelling. Sports compression socks, as an
fashion statement, there were other factors behind the outfit example, can relieve shin splints and calf cramps, prevent
choice. Williams’ catsuit and compression tights offered a injury and speed recovery. With moisture-wicking and anti-
number of wellness benefits, including better blood microbial properties, this type of footwear can be the best
circulation, increased overall energy and reduced stress. preventive medicine for your legs and feet.
PERFORMANCE GEAR
A Feet-First Approach
Promoting better blood circulation,
compression socks can help prevent injury,
speed recovery and increase overall energy.
By Cynthia Sherman
SockWell Bauerfeind Zensah Bombas

sockwellusa.com bauerfeind.com zensah.com bombas.com
C O U RT E S Y S O C KW E L L , B A U E R F E I N D, Z E N S A H , B O M B A S
423-643-0821 800-423-3405 305-935-4619 800-314-0980
SockWell’s Run/Fitness Long a standard of medical- Zensah’s Tech+Compression With years of research and
merino wool compression grade support wear, Bauer- Socks feature graduated development behind their
socks offer anti-odor pro- feind has expanded into compression. Lightweight, products, Bombas socks of-
perties, ankle support and compression sports socks, moisture-wicking, anti-odor fer medical-grade compres-
arch support. Breathability providing targeted support and thermal regulating, the sion thanks to a honeycomb
and ventilated flex zones to stimulate muscles. The seamless construction and support system for added
boost moisture control. “Figure-8 Taping Zone” and ultra-zone ribbing wards off arch support and which
Seamless toe closures ease padding in key areas provide blisters and provides arch continues through the toe
discomfort for players prone stability, support and absorb support and ankle stabiliza- area, also aiding in comfort.
to toe-jamming. SockWell shock and vibration. The tion. They’re specifically Made of 100 percent cotton,
features a variety of colors knee-length sock comes in designed for each foot, avail- the compression sock
and lengths, and retails from four colors and a range of able in five colors and retail comes in four colors and
$16.99 to $26.99. sizes, and retails for $49.99. for $49.99. retails for $18.

Student Athletes
SCHOOL TENNIS
often based on financial need. The
A College Examination National Athletic Intercollegiate Asso-

ciation (NAIA), a group of small colleges
and universities, bestow their own form
Tennis providers can play an of scholarships.
important role in helping young players It’s essential for men’s scholarship
candidates to carefully analyze the
continue in this sport. financial bottom line, because dollar
specifics vary. And keep in mind, a “full
ride” is a misconception; most often
By Mark Winters scholarships are yearly renewable
grants—not four-year guarantees.
The NCAA mandates that D-I men
have a limit of 4.5 scholarships divided
among team members. This means that
if the annual cost of attending a school
is $80,000, the coach has 4.5 x $80,000,
or $360,000, to allot. The difference
in tuition from school to school, along
with the fact that top players will likely
receive greater support than those at
the bottom of the lineup, makes it hard
to compute exact amounts.
D-I women usually have eight full
scholarships, which means these eight
players each receive the same amount.
Financial support for D-II programs
fluctuates from school to school, based
on the athletic departments’ budget and
available school aid.
The D-I Power 5 conferences—the
Atlantic Coast, Big 10, Big 12, Pac-12 and
Southeastern—now offer multi-year
T
scholarships. While this may sound
great, it means coaches are now scruti-
ennis providers can be U.S. that have tennis as a part of their nizing recruits much more closely.
valuable resources in athletic offerings. In 2017-2018, the
helping their young play- breakdown of tennis programs was: Academics vs. Tennis
ers find the right college • D-I: Men 255, Women 315 For college-bound players, finding
for them, and even helping • D-II: Men 166, Women 227 schools that balance academic and ten-
them to find tennis scholarships. • D-III: Men 329, Women 366 nis needs is key. This means looking at a
Students searching for scholarships • NAIA: Men 110, Women 114 coach, a team and, most important, aca-
need a reliable and trusted mentor. And • In addition, community colleges demics. In addition, the location should
as a tennis provider with years of ex- also have men’s and women’s tennis offer a community environment that
perience in this industry, you can help programs. leads to growth on and off the court.
guide your players in finding a place Students need to be aware that there For players who want to stay in tennis
to both continue their education and are many differences when it comes to but don’t plan to play professionally,
prepare for their future. college scholarships. Generally, NCAA suggest they seek a degree in Profes-
In my decades-long experience of- Division I and II colleges provide ath- sional Tennis Management. There are
fering seminars to high school players letic scholarships of varying types and at least seven schools across the coun-
and their parents about playing college amounts. For instance, the Ivy League try offering undergraduate programs
tennis and finding scholarships, one of and eight other schools that compete on and three with PTM graduate programs.
the most important things a tennis pro- the D-I level do not offer athletic subsi- Recommend that students develop a
SHUTTERSTOCK
vider can do is remind student-athletes dies. Some D-II schools offer financial “must haves” list in regard to a school. It
to stay true to their needs and not be assistance, yet others don’t. Athletic would also be wise for young players to
swayed by others’ choices and desires. grants aren’t available at D-III schools, contact college and university coaches.
There are nearly 1,900 schools in the but they provide academic scholarships, Make sure the student is the one to

reach out to the coach—the idea is for register. High school guidance counsel- you can gain more information by chat-
him or her to build a relationship with a ors should be able to make sure those ting with a No. 4 or 5 player, rather than
coach and later, the team. requirements are being met. those who were No. 1 or 2. It’s impor-
The potential recruit should ask Many coaches know that competitive tant to determine that the college has a
questions, including: singles records tell part of a player’s suitable academic-athletic balance.
• What are the performance expecta- story, but doubles can also strengthen a In the end, see if your young player
tions? résumé. Being a good teammate and would choose a particular college even
• Will I be able to move up the player team player is another important com- if it did not have a tennis program. If so,
ladder and if so, will I receive more ponent of being a desirable recruit. that’s their right school!
scholarship support? In recent years, intercollegiate tennis
• If I walk-on, will there be an opportu- has implemented “showcase” events. Mark Winters established the first
nity to receive a scholarship? Before attending a showcase, players College & University Scholarship
• Will an official school visit be offered? should make sure that a representative Seminar Program in the U.S. Drawing
Keep in mind, the tennis world is from their school of interest plans to be on his diverse tennis background, he
interconnected; there is always some- there. Besides playing opportunities, provided free spring and fall seminars for
one who knows someone who can offer these events should also offer a chance potential scholarship candidates, parents
pertinent insight about a program. to speak with coaches. and coaches for over 35 years, offering
Make sure your young players are seek- It’s also a good idea to visit the cam- information essential to understanding
ing input from valid sources. pus and watch practice. Look for the the complexity of intercollegiate tennis
coach’s ability to relate to players and and how to navigate the requirements of
Strengthening the Résumé for how players relate to him or her. the NCAA. (Special thanks to Dan Gold-
Recruits need to meet NCAA Core Suggest to your students that they berg, UCLA Assistant Athletic Director,
Class requirements. Your players also talk with former players who at- Compliance, for his recruiting rules
should go to eligibilitycenter.org and tended their school of interest. Often, insight for this story.)
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.
iGENIE Ball Machine
FREE
iGenie
DEMO
TM
playmatetennis.com
(800) 776-6770
Stan Oley, Product Marketing Specialist
HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

PICKLEBALL
GUIDE
2020
COMMUNITY FACILITIES Brigham City, Utah, which
Full-Court
has hosted the Tournament
of Champions since 2015 at
Rees Pioneer Park, recently
broke ground for six more city-
owned pickleball courts.
Press
Pickleball’s soaring popularity is nomical,” says Dan Santorum, CEO of
the Professional Pickleball Registry
prompting communities to construct and Professional Tennis Registry.
“Anyone and everyone can play.
and expand facilities. Unlike tennis, the most popular aspect
of pickleball is doubles because you
can play with friends and in large
By Judy Leand groups. It’s like life-size ping pong.”
The USAPA sanctioned approxi-
mately 200 pickleball tournaments
in the United States last year, and
reported that known places to play
As numerous communities across “There is plenty of sustainable pickleball totaled 6,885 at the end of
the U.S. are discovering, pickleball growth because of its many positive 2018, representing approximately 85
courts—whether at private clubs, qualities—pickleball is social, healthy new locations per month.
resorts, or public parks and venues— and fun. This societal impact provides The organization says the number
are becoming magnets for players a lot of room to grow. It’s an activity of courts for pickleball play has tripled
of all ages and ability levels. In part, that can transcend sport and benefit in five years, through 2019.
this is because the game is bringing people positively in society.” All of this means that there is now
vibrancy and fun to the areas in which Friends and relatives, Bauernfeind more demand than supply for pickle-
the courts are located. adds, are key to introducing new ball courts—and many communities
Pickleball’s many proponents players to the sport, and indoor facili- are eagerly responding.
point out that the game can be played ties are providing another avenue of
indoors or outdoors, is easy for begin- growth, particularly in cold northern Multi-Generational Appeal
ners to learn—yet can be fast-paced climates during winter. At Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
and competitive for experienced play- About 3.3 million Americans played in Hilton Head Island, S.C., pickleball
ers—and has developed a passionate pickleball in 2019, according to data has become a major focus because it
following due to its social nature and from the Sports & Fitness Industry draws a multi-generational group of
multi-generational appeal. Addition- Association, and the number is enthusiasts. Over the past four-and-
ally, the equipment is inexpensive and expected to climb in coming years. a-half years, the venue has converted
easily transportable. The USAPA reported that it had some of its tennis courts into pick-
On a larger scale, pickleball’s grow- 40,000 members at the end of 2019, leball courts, and currently boasts
ing participation and the resulting representing a tenfold spike over a 24 lighted pickleball courts as well
increase in court construction are six-year period. The 50-plus crowd as 19 clay tennis courts. The resort
helping to revitalize the racquet sports comprises about 60 percent of play- also runs an 1,800-square-foot pro
industry. ers, and the under-50 age group is shop that carries paddles, shoes and
“I don’t think pickleball’s growth also growing, with males ages 35 to 49 pickleball apparel. Besides serving a
is a fad or a boom,” believes George being the fastest-growing segment. By large number of visitors, the resort
Bauernfeind, USA Pickleball Associa- gender, 60 percent of players are male, counts about 300 local members in its
tion’s managing director of marketing and 40 percent are female. pickleball club and offers league play,
and communications. “The growth of pickleball is astro- lessons and clinics.

I don’t think pickleball’s growth is a fad or a boom. There is plenty of sustainable growth
because of its many positive qualities—pickleball is social, healthy and fun.
“We have a very active vibe here,” home to the Hilton Head Pickleball next five years, we’ll have 12 total pick-
says John Kerr, Palmetto Dunes’ Open, a four-day national event run by leball courts, plus two movable Mapei
director of tennis and pickleball APP (Association of Pickleball Profes- courts that can be put over paddle
operations. “League play is growing in sionals) that is part of a 14-city series or tennis courts, or even located in a
the area and is helping to fuel growth. of events that includes pros and age- parking lot next to the tennis courts.”
We run daily round robins and have group divisions. The tournament, held Founded in 1898, Baltimore Coun-
had as many as 100 people sign up to in March, attracts about 200 players try Club has hosted many national and
play in one day. and offers a $25,000 purse for the pros. international golf and racquet sports
“People who used to play tennis tournaments over the decades, and in
are coming out to play pickleball, and Pickleball on Clay 2017 added the National Clay Court
PHOTO BY BELIINDA DETTMAN
we’re also seeing a good number of The sport is also thriving at Baltimore Pickleball Championships to the
golfers taking up the sport because it Country Club in Maryland, one of roster. This year, the event will be held
allows spouses to do something active just 36 clubs around the country that in September and is expected to draw
and social.” offers clay pickleball courts. about 250 players.
Kerr reports that the resort is con- “Clay is soft on the body but plays While facility design is key, Chirico
stantly looking to add programming, the same as a hardcourt and is the believes it is crucial for all clubs to
and has hired pickleball touring pro future of pickleball—especially as the focus on having the right staff to grow
Sarah Ansboury, who serves as direc- game breaks into country clubs,” says the entire racquet program.
tor of instruction and certifies pros to Jarrett Chirico, Baltimore Country “Pickleball is a good transition
teach pickleball. Palmetto Dunes is also Club’s director of racquets. “In the sport for kids who want to get into

PICKLEBALL
GUIDE
2020
tennis, and it also gives older players expects to have all 24 lighted courts The 122-year-old Baltimore
Country Club in Maryland is
another way to remain active in the up and running in time for the 2020 one of just 36 clubs around
community and at your club,” he says. Tournament of Champions in August. the country to offer pickleball
play on clay courts.
“In this industry, if you don’t innovate, This year’s event, part of the 14-city
you’ll die. For pros getting into the APP Tour, has been extended from
game, PPR certifications are key; it’s four days to five, is expected to draw
important to invest in staff and get about 700 competitors, will include a ational appeal is driving its growth.
them certified.” new Super Senior division for players “We’ve never had an easier time
ages 65 and up, and will offer $75,000 convincing the city council of the need
PHOTO COURTESY JARRETT CHIRICO
Adding More Public Courts in prize money. for more money to invest in pickleball!
Meanwhile, Brigham City, Utah, has “All demographics and all walks of Our mayor has fully bought into the
also become a pickleball hotbed. Since life meet and interact at the pickleball importance of what the sport does for
2015, it has hosted the Tournament of courts,” says Kristy Wolford, com- the community,” Wolford notes.
Champions, a city-owned, USAPA Tier munity activity & services director In addition to the Tournament
One event. The main pickleball venue at Brigham City Corp. “We have a of Champions, Brigham City holds
is Rees Pioneer Park, which provides vibrant senior community with 150 specialized tournaments every month,
17 courts, plus Utah’s first standalone regular players, but the dynamics of including the regional Brigham City
championship court. who plays is expanding.” Memorial, the PTSD Pro-Am, and the
Brigham City recently broke ground Wolford points out that unlike other Brigham City Community Hospital
for six more courts, including another sports, pickleball grew backwards Tournament that supports Meals on
standalone championship court, and from seniors. The game’s multi-gener- Wheels (and contributes $5,000 to

2020
PICKLEBALL
GUIDE
C
COURTESY PALMETTO DUNES OCEANFRONT RESORT; PIKES PEAK PICKLEBALL ASS OCIATION; STEVE TROLANDER/PPPA
that charity annually). Players in the located in Bear Creek Regional Park, In Colorado Springs (top two
photos) and Palmetto Dunes
community can take advantage of les- southwest of Colorado Springs in the (bottom photos), pickleball
sons, drop-in clinics, city leagues and foothills of Pikes Peak. The existing play draws players and
spectators to the courts.
summer youth offerings. tennis courts are being converted to
A new statewide junior pickleball pickleball courts. There will be other
initiative kicked off in March and improvements as well, such as a new
features a tournament in each of four main park restroom facility, new fenc- waiting list to use the pickleball courts
state regions, with the winners quali- ing and upgraded parking lots. during the summer and on seasonally
fying for the Tournament of Champi- “Currently, our destination hosts nice days, so the new complex will be a
ons. TOC has $12,000 in scholarship the annual Great Plains Regional much needed and welcome addition.
money held by the American Dream Pickleball Tournament at Monument “Our pickleball community is
Foundation. John A. Gullo, a major Valley Park, which offer 13 courts,” strong and growing,” she says.
investor in the Brigham City pickle- says Cheryl McCullough, director of Clearly, pickleball is red hot around
ball facility, runs the foundation. sports and special events at Visit the country, and on track to inflame
Colorado Springs. “The new facility at the passions of an ever-increasing
More Courts, More Tournaments Bear Creek Park will enable us to host pool of participants.
Colorado Springs, Colo., is also making additional, larger tournaments and “This is the golden age of rac-
a big name for itself on the pickle- these new courts will also accommo- quets,” says Baltimore Country Club’s
ball scene. A new 12-court pickleball date our very active pickleball com- Chirico. “There is now an opportunity
complex is currently in the works and munity of over 1,000 members.” to expand growth across all racquet
slated to open this June. The venue is McCullough notes that there is a categories, fueled by pickleball.”

COLD No.18
Low–Temperature
Cold Weather Products
• Extend your season
• Shorten drying time
• Cure below 0˚ C / 32˚ F
A single trusted source

for all your court needs!
The art of #SpecAcrytech Mix, Select & Order

Acrylic Technology.™ TennisPaint.com
2 4
PADDLES 1 /GAMMA
Hitting New Heights

gammasports.com
412-323-0335
This year sees the debut of the

Technological improvements 7.75-ounce Jester ($109.99 retail) and
7.2-ounce Compass LH ($139.99).
continue to enhance pickleball and Both have textured graphite faces
and 5/8-inch-thick Neucore polyester
provide more options for players. cores, with a 20 percent larger cell
opening in the honeycomb than previ-
By Kent Oswald ous paddles. Welcoming current or
former tennis players to the game, the
Compass LH handle is 6.25 inches long
and is better able to accommodate a
two-handed backhand.
The arms race is on. Some may increased use of carbon fibers—and 2 /VULCAN
mourn the quirkiness of pickleball quality across the industry. Manu- vulcansportinggoods.com
paddles from yesteryear that emerged facturers are building thicker cores, 800-826-6373
after being jigsawed from plywood in many with polymer honeycombs, for
a garage or basement, but they can’t their competition paddles. There is The 5-year-old company presents its
deny how today’s technological en- more consistency every time the ball V700 series performance racquets that
hancements improve the pleasures of rebounds from the paddle, greater are all priced at $149.99 and support
P H O T O S F R O M T H E M A N U FA CT U R E R S
this game, created 55 years ago. durability, and an increased number of a range of games with their tapered,
These improvements owe some- options for players who want to make rectangular heads, polycarbonate cores
thing to the natural evolution of the sure the paddle fits their game. and fiber-reinforced polymer faces. The
sport of pickleball, but it is also true For the foreseeable future, the hits 7.9-ounce V710 balances power and
they are coming ever faster as manu- will just keep coming as the larger control, which are also the key features
facturers compete for the attention manufacturers are entering the field of the lighter 7.4-ounce V710L. The
and dollars of a growing mainstream and the smaller companies are forced 7.9-ounce V720 is designed for control
audience. Trends include improve- to push the envelope to keep and ex- and feel. The 7.9-ounce V730 maximiz-
ments in materials—a reduction of pand their current influence. Here are es power, and also has a lighter version,
lightweight fibers and aluminum, and some of today’s top innovators. the 7.4-ounce V730L.

PICKLEBALL
GUIDE
2020
6 8
5 7
3 /ONIX 5 /PICKLEBALL CENTRAL 7 /SELKIRK

onixpickleball.com pickleballcentral.com selkirk.com
866-467-8973 888-854-0163 800-759-4326
The newest Onix highlight is the Evoke The online retailer has its own brand The 2020 Amped Invikta ($150),
Premier ($149.99), a paddle balancing of paddles, including the lightweight, inspired by Tyson McGuffin, is a
power and swing speed on which Matt teardrop-shaped Champion Graphite midweight paddle with an elongated
Wright and Lucy Kovalova collabo- Elite ($84.99), designed for maneuver- handle. The premier paddle in the
rated. It’s available in three weights and ability. The Champion Graphite XL Amped series features a fiberglass face
features a honeycombed polypropylene ($84.99), in four colors, provides extra catering to those who rely on touch,
core and a minimally coated composite reach and a vibration-reducing core. while the honeycombed polypropylene
face. For enhanced control, the Voy- The Champion Graphite X ($84.99) is a core delivers exceptional power and
ager Pro ($109.99) is a wide-body also wide-body, focused on control through stability. Paddle graphics and color
available in three weights, and all with a robust sweetspot. All have a 1/2-inch stories are also bolder and more
a premium-coated graphite face and honeycombed polypropylene core and dynamic thanks to enhanced printing
honeycombed polypropylene core. a textured graphite face. capabilities.
4 /PADDLETEK 6 /HEAD 8 /WILSON

paddletek.com head.com wilson.com
866-972-3353 800-289-7366 800-401-7967
Featuring a textured graphite face and Head, which is a sponsor of the Profes- Putting power into the hands of every
honeycombed graphite polymer core, sional Pickleball Registry, is timing the player, the wide-body Juice ($109) and
the Tempest Wave Pro ($159.99), in five launch of two new paddles to the Minto long-body and slightly lighter Juice XL
colors, is designed for those seeking US Open Pickleball Championships ($99) have fiberglass composite faces
accuracy, consistency and touch. The in April. The Gravity ($149.95) at 8.1 that are textured to provide a control
newest Bantam paddle, the EX-L Pro ounces and the 7.5-ounce Gravity Lite element for aggressive hitters, and
($149.99), is available for customization both feature 3/5-inch low-density cores vibration dampening honeycombed
via the website, with a textured, poly- with larger sweetspots for greater play- polypropylene cores. The Juice is a
carbonate surface and a honeycombed ability and consistency. Available in dif- solid fit for doubles players who can
polymer composite core. The Phoe- ferent color versions, the faces of each rely on its larger sweetspot for touch
nix series, including the Genesis Pro are a hybrid of graphite and composite around the net, while the Juice XL lets
($119.99), provides a balance of power fibers, to enhance power, comfort and experienced players maximize their
and control. control, says the company. hitting potential.

PICKLEBALL
GUIDE
2020
1 /FILA
fila.com
800-845-3452
1
• Moving aggressively into

the category, Fila created a
line of sport-specific clothes
and brings bespoke shoes to
market in multiple col-
orways and tagged with a
custom pickleball logo. The
Volley Zone ($100 suggested
retail) for men and women
incorporates a unique pivot-
point system addressing
the game’s need for quick
footwork, as well as features
from the lightweight, flex-
ible, performance Axilus 2
Engineered shoe, while the
Double Bounce ($65) offers
comfort, style and support
for men and women newer
to pickleball.
FOOTWEAR
Covering the
Pickleball demands less 2 /WILSON
court coverage than tennis, wilson.com
but it necessitates no less 800-401-7967
quality in its shoes. While
Court many pickleball players may

find that tennis footwear
works well enough, as their
interest develops, they find a
• “The Pickler” ($99), for
both men and women,
optimizes responsiveness
Pickleball-specific shoes need for even quicker starts
and stops as they deal with
and court coverage. This
pickleball-specific version C O U RT E S Y F I L A , W I L S O N, K- S W I S S, B A B O L AT, YO N E X , H E A D
are taking advantage of reduced response times.

Footwear built with pick-
of the Rush Pro 2.5 meshes
up lightweight materials
technology to balance light leball in mind will result in a
balance of the least weight,
with technologies such as
Sensifeel and Pro Torque to
weight, match-built comfort the most comfort and tech-
nology that abets responsive-
enhance stability, comfort
and support.
and quick responsiveness. ness. Recognizing that pick-
leball puts different demands
By Kent Oswald on feet, manufacturers are
developing specialized shoes
for a sport that sometimes,
no matter the heat of the
game, requires players to
stay out of the kitchen.

2
5
4
6
3 /K-SWISS 4 /BABOLAT 5 /YONEX 6 /HEAD

kswiss.com babolat.us yonexusa.com head.com
323-675-2700 877-319-9435 800-449-6639 800-289-7366
• The five-stripes brand has • The black-on-black Jet • When the game goes • Head is the “official
just dropped its Express Tere ($100) for men and indoors, recommended footwear sponsor” of the
Light Pickleball shoe ($100) women features a breathable shoes are the 65Z2 ($130) Minto US Open Pickleball
in two colorways each for mesh upper and high-den- with its seamless design, Championships. The Sprint
both men and women. This sity foam inside. Providing mesh ventilation and SF ($159.95) for men is a
lightweight, breathable shoe support and performance, improved stability through premier lightweight, durable
arrives with comfort fea- the lightweight shoe also the midsole, and the 65X2 shoe providing superior en-
tures such as an enhanced delivers superior durability ($120) with extra space for ergy return. The Revolt Evo
cushioning midsole and a confronting hard surfaces the big toe, mesh ventilation ($99.95) for men and women
sock liner with wicking and thanks to its Michelin-de- and additional heel support. is favored for its wider fit,
anti-microbial properties, signed rubber outsole. When outdoors, consider the comfortable features like a
as well as a focus on perfor- lightweight, comfortable and memory foam collar, syn-
mance and durability. stable Sonicage2 ($120) with thetic-leather/lightweight-
enhanced shock absorption. mesh upper, and a vent that
opens under the removable
insole for keeping cool.

String Playtests
USRSA RANKINGS to look at the strings that have scored
Pulling the Right

the highest in overall average, as well
as in each of the nine playing catego-
ries, since USRSA playtesting began.
Strings In the USRSA’s Overall Average Rank-

ings chart, we’ve listed the strings
in the top 50 spots (note, there are a
number of ties in the rankings).
With playtests on more than We’ve also provided the top 20
strings in each of the nine playing
200 strings in its database, the USRSA categories that are averaged to deter-
mine the Overall Ranking: Playability,
compiles its Top 50 performers. Durability, Power, Control, Touch/
Feel, Comfort, Spin Potential, Holding
By David Bone, President, USRSA Tension and Resistance to Movement.
Keep in mind that these nine
ratings are just a small part of the
review for each string. The Overall
Average Rankings chart also lists the
gauge of the string tested and the
month and year the original playtest
was published.
The U.S. Racquet Stringers Asso- at the time they were introduced to (Note: When the USRSA first start-
ciation has been conducting blind the market. ed playtesting tennis strings, we rated
playtests of select tennis strings since When manufacturers ask the them in only six playing categories.
late 1992. In 28 years of playtesting, USRSA to playtest a new string, they You’ll note that some of the strings in
we’ve published reviews of more than send us 50 unmarked samples of the our Overall Average Rankings chart do
200 strings in the official publication string in unmarked packaging, which not have ratings in Feel, Comfort and/
of the USRSA (first The Stringer’s we then distribute to our team of or Spin Potential, which were added to
Assistant magazine and now Racquet playtesters. Our dozens of USRSA the playtester questionnaires in 1998.)
Sports Industry). playtesters then string their frames If you’d like to see the rest of the
When you consider that the USRSA according to the manufacturer’s story for any of these strings, you
String Selector tool includes lab test instructions and play with the string can look through back issues of RSI,
data for about 1,100 strings currently for five to six weeks before complet- Tennis Industry, RacquetTech and The
available on the market, and that the ing a comprehensive questionnaire, Stringer’s Assistant. But if you’re a
USRSA String Specifications tool which includes ratings for the string in USRSA member, you can find links to
includes test data for well over 2,000 nine different playing categories. The all the published playtest reviews on
strings, the 200 strings we’ve play- results of those playtester question- one page, at www.racquettech.com/
tested and reviewed may not seem like naires are tabulated by the USRSA members/playtests/tennis.php.
SHUTTERSTOCK
a large number. But these 200 strings and published in RSI. The most recent We’re sure you’ll find some old
are, arguably, the cream of the crop— USRSA string playtest published was favorites on these lists, and we hope
they were specifically selected for the Prince Diablo Prism 17 in the you’ll find these rankings helpful as
testing by their manufacturers as the January 2020 issue. you look to stock your shop with the
strings they were most excited about We thought it would be interesting best strings for your customer base.

USRSA Overall Average Rankings Resistance Overall
Touch/ Spin Holding to Average
Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Playability Durability Power Control Feel Comfort Potential Tension Movement Ranking
1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.33 3.25 3.99 4.05 4.29 4.25 4.03 3.75 3.43 3.93
2 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 3.51 4.36 3.69 3.85 3.03 3.21 4.28 3.82 4.23 3.78
3 Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 Feb-13 3.58 4.36 3.58 3.97 3.31 3.33 4.11 3.61 4.03 3.76
T4 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 Sep-19 3.53 4.47 3.43 3.90 3.27 3.37 4.27 3.40 4.13 3.75
T4 Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 Feb-11 3.65 4.15 3.59 3.88 3.12 3.26 4.15 3.68 4.24 3.75
6 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.99 3.40 3.97 3.87 3.89 3.89 3.46 3.60 3.49 3.73
T7 Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 Sep-14 4.01 3.29 3.70 3.75 3.87 4.12 3.36 3.63 3.59 3.70
T7 Klip X-Plosive (gut mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.81 3.71 3.98 3.81 3.74 3.66 3.48 3.48 3.64 3.70
T9 Genesis Black Magic 17 Aug-11 3.53 4.42 3.45 3.79 3.11 3.29 3.87 3.61 4.11 3.69
T9 Victory Acelon Seven 16L Mar-14 3.57 4.10 3.53 3.70 3.10 3.23 4.27 3.57 4.10 3.69
T11 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 17 Mar-93 4.00 3.80 3.50 3.80 -- -- -- 3.80 3.20 3.68
T11 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 4.05 3.05 3.67 3.97 4.03 3.97 3.64 3.51 3.21 3.68
T13 Tourna Hybrid Poly Gut (poly mains) 16/16 Jul-05 3.81 4.10 3.62 3.82 3.21 3.43 3.46 3.54 4.04 3.67
T13 Wilson NXT OS 16 Jun-04 4.08 3.76 3.58 3.81 3.54 3.65 3.46 3.51 3.60 3.67
T15 Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 17 May-12 3.58 3.85 3.58 3.67 3.24 3.24 4.36 3.45 3.97 3.66
T15 Dunlop Max Comfort 16 Feb-97 3.60 3.90 3.40 3.60 3.70 -- -- 3.70 3.70 3.66
T15 Head Sonic Pro/Natural Gut 16/17 Aug-09 3.86 3.81 3.81 3.86 3.44 3.56 3.50 3.39 3.67 3.66
18 Klip X-Plosive (poly mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.82 3.94 3.89 3.67 3.47 3.48 3.47 3.32 3.77 3.65
T19 Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 Apr-13 3.41 4.38 3.53 3.94 2.97 3.13 3.47 3.66 4.28 3.64
T19 Gamma Zo Verve 17 Sep-11 3.49 4.40 3.58 3.88 2.95 2.98 3.86 3.60 4.00 3.64
T19 Prince Diablo Prism 17 Feb-20 3.59 4.31 3.41 3.78 3.16 3.25 3.50 3.53 4.19 3.64
22 Luxilon M2 Pro 1.25 May-09 3.49 4.49 3.57 3.78 2.92 3.03 3.76 3.59 4.00 3.63
T23 Luxilon M2 Plus 1.3 Jan-10 3.59 4.26 3.72 3.69 3.15 3.21 3.49 3.58 3.92 3.62
T23 Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17 Jul-04 3.94 3.38 3.84 3.79 3.65 4.03 3.50 3.21 3.26 3.62
25 Solinco Tour Bite 18 Jul-10 3.51 4.21 3.56 3.54 3.03 3.21 3.72 3.66 4.03 3.61
T26 Tourna Big Hitter Blue 17 Jan-08 3.49 4.45 3.47 3.57 3.00 3.18 3.66 3.55 4.05 3.60
T26 Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Jun-10 3.82 3.50 3.67 3.72 3.64 3.83 3.53 3.47 3.22 3.60
T26 Gosen Polylon SP 17 Sep-05 3.54 4.20 3.53 3.61 3.16 3.24 3.29 3.81 4.01 3.60
T29 Tecnifibre Black Code 16 Jul-09 3.50 4.28 3.39 3.75 2.89 3.19 3.61 3.42 4.28 3.59
T29 Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough 1.25 Jul-16 3.38 4.21 3.15 3.82 3.06 3.26 4.09 3.50 3.82 3.59
T29 Tecnifibre TGV 16 Jul-08 3.68 3.62 3.38 3.84 3.54 3.92 3.43 3.57 3.30 3.59
USRSA STRING RANKINGS ARE B ASED ON RATINGS FROM MORE THAN 200 STRING PLAYTESTS SINCE 1992.
T29 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Apr-10 3.94 3.39 3.67 3.64 3.75 3.83 3.39 3.44 3.22 3.59
T33 Klip Screamer (nylon mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.88 2.82 3.68 3.76 3.67 3.83 3.65 3.59 3.36 3.58
T33 Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16 Apr-12 3.24 4.35 3.53 3.74 2.94 2.94 3.85 3.59 4.06 3.58
T33 Gamma RZR Rx 16 Aug-13 3.61 4.03 3.48 3.82 3.21 3.42 3.67 3.52 3.42 3.58
T36 Tourna Quasi Gut Armor 16 Nov-13 3.86 3.26 3.71 3.71 3.94 4.17 3.06 3.40 3.06 3.57
T36 Solinco Tour Bite 17 Jul-10 3.42 4.19 3.64 3.67 2.92 2.75 4.11 3.44 4.00 3.57
T36 Pacific Power Hybrid (poly mains) 16L/16L Nov-08 3.37 4.17 3.40 3.83 3.09 3.14 3.60 3.66 3.86 3.57
T39 Wilson K Gut 16 Mar-08 3.68 3.53 3.43 3.65 3.59 3.78 3.19 3.51 3.68 3.56
T39 Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 1.23 Apr-08 3.43 4.51 3.31 3.77 2.83 2.91 3.37 3.74 4.17 3.56
T39 Tecnifibre X-Code 16 Jan-11 3.58 3.86 3.39 3.67 3.42 3.53 3.22 3.64 3.72 3.56
T39 Isospeed Black Fire 17 Sep-13 3.50 4.07 3.50 3.73 2.93 3.27 3.43 3.50 4.10 3.56
T39 Ashaway Gutfire 16 Feb-95 3.20 4.00 3.30 3.80 3.10 -- -- 3.60 3.90 3.56
T39 Prince Synthetic Gut Soft 16 Mar-96 3.70 3.30 3.50 3.90 3.50 -- -- 3.70 3.30 3.56
T39 Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Jan-07 3.79 3.67 3.34 3.85 3.48 3.67 3.30 3.45 3.45 3.56
T46 Gamma Zo Sweet 17 Nov-05 3.50 4.27 3.45 3.61 3.12 3.18 3.55 3.61 3.70 3.55
T46 Isospeed Professional 17 Jun-07 3.61 3.72 3.50 3.75 3.33 3.61 3.50 3.36 3.58 3.55
T46 Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Mar-10 3.33 4.51 3.44 3.70 2.69 2.86 3.41 3.70 4.31 3.55
T46 Gamma Moto 16 May-13 3.38 4.16 3.22 3.70 2.78 3.11 4.08 3.38 4.14 3.55
T50 Wilson Sensation NXT 16 Feb-98 3.70 3.40 3.50 3.70 3.60 3.70 3.40 3.50 3.40 3.54
T50 Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 Jul-11 3.78 3.42 3.58 3.58 3.78 3.83 3.25 3.22 3.44 3.54
T50 Head Gravity 17/18 Feb-15 3.38 3.85 3.46 3.54 3.15 3.09 3.96 3.55 3.84 3.54
USRSA Playability Rankings USRSA Durability Rankings

Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Playability Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Durability
1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.33 1 Ashaway Crossfire Vectran 16 Dec-99 4.60

2 Wilson NXT OS 16 Jun-04 4.08 2 Tourna Poly Big Hitter 16 May-04 4.56
3 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 4.05 T3 Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 1.23 Apr-08 4.51
4 Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 Sep-14 4.01 T3 Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Mar-10 4.51
5 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 17 Mar-93 4.00 5 Luxilon M2 Pro 1.25 May-09 4.49
6 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.99 6 Signum Pro Yellow Jacket 16 Feb-19 4.48
7 Tecnifibre XR3 17 Apr-15 3.95 T7 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 Sep-19 4.47
8 Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17 Jul-04 3.94 T7 Toalson Cyber Blade Tour Thermaxe 1.23 Mar-05 4.47
9 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Apr-10 3.94 T9 Tourna Big Hitter Blue 17 Jan-08 4.45
10 Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 Mar-16 3.89 T9 Volkl V-Rex 16L Apr-05 4.45
11 Klip Screamer (nylon mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.88 11 Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 Mar-13 4.44
T12 Head Sonic Pro/Natural Gut 16/17 Aug-09 3.86 12 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.22 Apr-07 4.43
T12 Tourna Quasi Gut Armor 16 Nov-13 3.86 13 Genesis Black Magic 17 Aug-11 4.42
T14 Klip X-Plosive (poly mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.82 T14 Gamma Zo Verve 17 Sep-11 4.40
T14 Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Jun-10 3.82 T14 Luxilon Alu Power 1.25 Jul-03 4.40
T16 Klip X-Plosive (gut mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.81 16 Gamma Zo Dart 17 Nov-12 4.39
T16 Tourna Hybrid Poly Gut (poly mains) 16/16 Jul-05 3.81 17 Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 Apr-13 4.38
T18 Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Jan-07 3.79 T18 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 4.36
T18 Head FXP Power/FXP 17/17 Feb-10 3.79 T18 Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 Feb-13 4.36
20 Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 Jul-11 3.78 20 Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16 Apr-12 4.35

USRSA Power Rankings USRSA Control Rankings
Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Power Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Control
1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 3.99 1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.05
2 Klip X-Plosive (gut mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.98 T2 Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 Feb-13 3.97
3 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.97 T2 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 3.97
4 Klip X-Plosive (poly mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.89 4 Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 Apr-13 3.94
5 Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17 Jul-04 3.84 T5 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 Sep-19 3.90
6 Head Sonic Pro/Natural Gut 16/17 Aug-09 3.81 T5 Prince Synthetic Gut Soft 16 Mar-96 3.90
7 Tecnifibre 315 16L Mar-95 3.80 T7 Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 Feb-11 3.88
8 Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro 17 Mar-13 3.75 T7 Gamma Zo Verve 17 Sep-11 3.88
9 Luxilon M2 Plus 1.3 Jan-10 3.72 T9 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.87
10 Tourna Quasi Gut Armor 16 Nov-13 3.71 T9 Volkl V-Rex 16L Apr-05 3.87
11 Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 Sep-14 3.70 11 Head Sonic Pro/Natural Gut 16/17 Aug-09 3.86
12 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 3.69 T12 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 3.85
13 Klip Screamer (nylon mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.68 T12 Prince Synthetic Gut Multifilament 16 Jan-07 3.85
T14 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 3.67 14 Tecnifibre TGV 16 Jul-08 3.84
T14 Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Jun-10 3.67 15 Pacific Power Hybrid (poly mains) 16L/16L Nov-08 3.83
T14 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Apr-10 3.67 T16 Tourna Hybrid Poly Gut (poly mains) 16/16 Jul-05 3.82
T17 Solinco Tour Bite 17 Jul-10 3.64 T16 Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough 1.25 Jul-16 3.82
T17 Luxilon Adrenaline 1.25 Aug-10 3.64 T16 Gamma RZR Rx 16 Aug-13 3.82
T17 Babolat M7 17 Nov-15 3.64 T19 Klip X-Plosive (gut mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.81
T20 Tecnifibre XR3 17 Apr-15 3.63 T19 Wilson NXT OS 16 Jun-04 3.81
T20 Klip Lightning (nylon mains) 16/16 Jan-06 3.63 T19 Pacific X-Force 18 Aug-06 3.81
USRSA Touch/Feel Rankings USRSA Comfort Rankings

Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Touch/Feel Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Comfort
1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.29 1 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.25
2 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 4.03 2 Babolat M7 17 Nov-15 4.18
3 Tourna Quasi Gut Armor 16 Nov-13 3.94 T3 Tourna Quasi Gut Armor 16 Nov-13 4.17
4 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.89 T3 Tecnifibre XR3 17 Apr-15 4.17
5 Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 Sep-14 3.87 5 Tecnifibre HDX Tour 17 Sep-14 4.12
6 Tecnifibre XR3 17 Apr-15 3.84 6 Gamma Solace 16 Jan-16 4.06
7 Tecnifibre NRG2 SPL 17 Sep-97 3.80 T7 Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17 Jul-04 4.03
8 Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 Jul-11 3.78 T7 Wilson NXT Control 16 Jan-12 4.03
9 Gamma Solace 16 Jan-16 3.77 9 Wilson Optimus 16 Jun-14 4.00
10 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Apr-10 3.75 T10 Prince Premier LT 17 Mar-09 3.97
USRSA STRING RANKINGS ARE B ASED ON RATINGS FROM MORE THAN 200 STRING PLAYTESTS SINCE 1992.
11 Klip X-Plosive (gut mains) 17/17 Nov-04 3.74 T10 Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16 Sep-10 3.97
12 Wilson Optimus 16 Jun-14 3.73 12 Tecnifibre TGV 16 Jul-08 3.92
T13 Dunlop Max Comfort 16 Feb-97 3.70 13 Diadem Evolution 1.3 Jan-18 3.91
T13 Kirschbaum Touch Multi-Fibre 1.25 Sep-00 3.70 T14 Klip Screamer (gut mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.89
15 Mantis Comfort Synthetic 16 Sep-10 3.68 T14 Tecnifibre Xr3 16 May-08 3.89
16 Klip Screamer (nylon mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.67 16 Tecnifibre Multifeel 16 Mar-16 3.86
T17 Tecnifibre X-One Biphase 17 Jul-04 3.65 T17 Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Jun-10 3.83
T17 Wilson NXT Control 16 Jan-12 3.65 T17 Tourna Quasi Gut 16 Apr-10 3.83
19 Gamma TNT2 Touch 16 Jun-10 3.64 T17 Klip Screamer (nylon mains) 17/17 Jun-05 3.83
20 Tecnifibre Xr3 16 May-08 3.63 T17 Tecnifibre Duramix HD 16 Jul-11 3.83
T17 Gamma ESP 16 Mar-03 3.83
USRSA Spin Potential Rankings

Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date
Spin
Potential
USRSA Holding Tension Rankings
Holding
Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Tension
1 Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 17 May-12 4.36
2 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 4.28 1 Gosen Polylon SP 16 Sep-05 3.87
T3 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 Sep-19 4.27 2 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 3.82
T3 Victory Acelon Seven 16L Mar-14 4.27 3 Gosen Polylon SP 17 Sep-05 3.81
5 Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 Feb-11 4.15 T4 Prince Synthetic Gut w/Duraflex 17 Mar-93 3.80
T6 Head Sonic Pro Edge 16 Feb-13 4.11 T4 Wilson Polylast 16 Jan-01 3.80
T6 Solinco Tour Bite 17 Jul-10 4.11 T4 Head RIP Blend 17 Mar-00 3.80
8 Kirschbaum Pro Line II Rough 1.25 Jul-16 4.09 7 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 3.75
9 Gamma Moto 16 May-13 4.08 8 Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 1.23 Apr-08 3.74
10 Wilson Natural 16 Jun-06 4.03 9 Pro Supex Big Ace 1.22 Apr-07 3.73
11 Head Gravity 17/18 Feb-15 3.96 T10 Dunlop Max Comfort 16 Feb-97 3.70
12 Tecnifibre Black Code 4S 17 Jun-15 3.94 T10 Prince Synthetic Gut Soft 16 Mar-96 3.70
13 Babolat RPM Blast Rough 16 Jan-17 3.92 T10 Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Mar-10 3.70
14 Genesis Black Magic 17 Aug-11 3.87 T10 Prince Recoil 16 Aug-08 3.70
15 Gamma Zo Verve 17 Sep-11 3.86 14 Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 Feb-11 3.68
16 Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16 Apr-12 3.85 T15 Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 Apr-13 3.66
17 Gosen Sidewinder 17 Sep-12 3.84 T15 Solinco Tour Bite 18 Jul-10 3.66
18 Wilson Super Spin 16 May-07 3.83 T15 Pacific Power Hybrid (poly mains) 16L/16L Nov-08 3.66
19 Wilson Champions Choice (poly mains) 16L/16 Feb-08 3.77 18 Pacific Xcite 16L Mar-12 3.65
20 Luxilon M2 Pro 1.25 May-09 3.76 T19 Tecnifibre X-Code 16 Jan-11 3.64
T19 Prince Beast XP 16 Mar-11 3.64
USRSA Resistance to Movement Rankings Resistance

to
Resistance
to
Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Movement Rank Make Model Gauge Pub Date Movement
1 Pacific Poly Power Pro 16 Mar-10 4.31 11 Gamma Moto 16 May-13 4.14
T2 Tecnifibre Razor Code 16 Apr-13 4.28 T12 Tourna Big Hitter Silver 7 Tour 17 Sep-19 4.13
T2 Tecnifibre Black Code 16 Jul-09 4.28 T12 Gosen Polylon SP 16 Sep-05 4.13
4 Tourna Big Hitter Blue Rough 17 Feb-11 4.24 14 Prince Hybrid Power EXP 17/16 Sep-09 4.12
5 Ytex Quadro Twist 16L Feb-12 4.23 T15 Genesis Black Magic 17 Aug-11 4.11
6 Prince Diablo Prism 17 Feb-20 4.19 T15 Prince Beast XP 16 Mar-11 4.11
T7 Luxilon Alu Power Fluoro 1.23 Apr-08 4.17 T17 Victory Acelon Seven 16L Mar-14 4.10
T7 Tourna Poly Big Hitter 16 May-04 4.17 T17 Isospeed Black Fire 17 Sep-13 4.10
9 Pacific Xcite 16L Mar-12 4.16 T17 Wilson Polylast 16 Jan-01 4.10
10 Gamma Zo Dart 17 Nov-12 4.15 20 Tecnifibre Ruff Code 16 Apr-12 4.06

Now featuring Textreme X Twaron technology,
the new Phantom racquets pair improved
stability and power with the line‘s signature feel.
Selling for Success
process! You have nothing to feel
uncomfortable about if you conduct
yourself in a professional manner.
View yourself in the customer-service
business. You are assisting players to
make healthier choices. You are im-
pacting lifestyles in a positive way. You
are providing a worthwhile benefit.
Keys to Sales Success

There are three key elements needed to
be successful at sales and player reten-
tion, and a successful tennis pro needs
to be effective in all three:
1. Product Knowledge. A successful
tennis pro must thoroughly under-
stand every aspect of the product they
are selling. Obviously, there are many
aspects to understand about teaching
tennis. Because of this, we won’t be
discussing tennis teaching theory. Take
an honest assessment of your strengths
and where you can build new skills.
Related to this, you should develop
FACILITY MANAGEMENT your own style. In my teaching experi-
Seller’s Market ence, I tried to create a fun, learning

experience. For instance, I taught my
doubles players the “service return
Building comfortable relationships is a strut,” the “lethal lob,” “deep to deep &
key to retaining players in this sport. close to close,” the “hate drill” and how
“doubles is a vertical game.”
2. Selling Skills. There are definite
By Greg Lappin skills to understand and master that
have a dramatic impact on creating a
greater number of successful players,
which we’ll talk about.
3. Your Personal Enthusiasm. If you
sincerely believe in the product and can
I
project that sincerity and confidence to
the buyer, there is obviously a greater
n our first installment of the experience, which helps make being a chance to retain the player. The best
“Selling for Success” series, in tennis pro a fun and meaningful career. way to project this is to be yourself.
the March issue, we clarified
a few key points about this In this and subsequent articles, we’ll Selling Skills
industry and the tennis profes- explain what is needed—in concrete A sale is all about creating a relation-
sional’s role in it, mainly: actions—for a tennis professional to be ship, and all relationships begin with
a successful sales person and improve creating trust. Trust is created through
• Tennis pros must understand they are player retention. a series of interactions. For a tennis pro,
not in the tennis business—they are in The first concept to understand is trust is created when you are on time
the positive lifestyle change business. that there is no magic involved. In any for the lesson, teach what was adver-
industry, sales are successful when tised, are affirming with your students,
• The biggest make-or-break factor for proven techniques are applied . Know have a well-planned lesson, build
successful selling is to understand that that the tennis player would not make capability and demonstrate credibility.
you are not selling tennis, you’re selling the effort to be with you if they did Analyze other elements that go into
the benefits of tennis. not have some interest. Whether they building trust and implement them, in-
become more involved will depend a lot cluding asking trust-building questions.
• Matching the benefits of tennis to the on the skills of the lesson giver. Let’s emphasize this one more time:
player will create a positive and lasting You need to relax and enjoy the We are not in the athletic club business.

Hy
Goodbye sprinklers.
Hello savings.
Now you can maintain court water levels with a self-
regulating, fully-adjustable sub-surface irrigation
system. No more sprinklers, no more guessing.
The HyQ Court features a completely redesigned

digital control center that lets you see real-time court
conditions at a glance. From the control panel, you
can quickly scan the entire irrigation system and make
responsive adjustments—within 1/10”—to increase
both the speed and precision of watering your court.
The HyQ Court is an irrigation system with smarts.

Made by the pioneers of sub-surface irrigation,
the all-new HyQ Court optimizes installation and
operation—saving time, water, and maintenance costs.
• saves water and time • touch pad controls

• simplifies operations • adjusts within 1/10”
• improves court • self-regulating
performance • fills faster, adjusts
• digital control center quickly
To bring your court irrigation into the future, call today.
877-4-HAR-TRU | hartru.com
hartru@hartru.com | 22OO Old Ivy Road, Suite 1OO, Charlottesville, VA 229O3
We are in the positive lifestyle change
business. Your players are there for a
reason known to them. It is your job to
gain knowledge of what that reason is
and match your talents and expertise to
benefit them.
For some people, they’re at your
facility because they just want to have
fun and compete—purely for pleasure.
Others may be new to town and are
using tennis to make connections and
friendships. Or maybe advanced play-
ers are at your courts to learn how to
sharpen their mental skills to overcome
their apprehensiveness on key points.
Players could be at your facility for
some very personal reasons—maybe
they just lost a loved one and are
searching for ways to help cope with
the situation. A parent could be looking
for a physical activity and new friends
for his or her shy child.
Most of us underestimate how much
we can help our customers. I met a
former student standing in line at a deli
recently. We had not seen each other playing tennis a long time?” “Have you language. Get a feel for their openness.
for 25 years. She shared with me, “Greg, been a member here very long?” “So, Ascertain their social style.
when I was in your tennis program, my what’s the best part of your game?”
husband was very ill. My mother and Make this relationship discovery
brother passed away. I do not know how Create a Relationship phase a comfortable part of an ongoing
I would have survived all of that if it had Every buying decision is made to fulfill conversation, in which you are collect-
not been for the group of tennis friends a need. Most buying decisions have an ing insights into why your students are
and the fun of the tennis programs.” emotional base. This initial period is there, and are interacting and respond-
Tennis is a great tool to increase the used to focus on your players’ needs. ing to what they’re telling you. If you
pleasure or minimize the pain of our The conversation should be at least 70 can tap into an area of personal interest,
customers. percent listening on your part. At this a relationship can form more quickly.
Every tennis director should ask stage, you are not trying to improve a The more effective you are at draw-
their professionals, “Why is so-and- forehand, you are trying to learn more ing out your students in a comfortable,
so in your class? What is the primary about the player by asking questions. nonthreatening way, the more suc-
benefit they are seeking?” The success- You are conducting a needs analysis. cessful the interaction will be, and the
ful pro should be able tell the director better the chance of retaining them in
exactly why each person is there. • Ask nonthreatening, closed- and the sport—and in your business.
open-ended questions to identify your
The Personal Introduction students’ needs and state of mind. Future articles in this series will contin-
What should your first interaction with Closed-ended questions elicit a specific ue to provide a clear and comprehensive
students look like? answer: “Have you ever had a private selling program for you and your staff.
First, greet the students by sticking lesson before?” Open-ended questions
out your hand to welcome them. Confi- open up the response. “So tell me, why
dently introduce yourself. did you come here today?” “What is Greg Lappin is a
“I’m Paul. I’m one of the tennis pro- your opinion of where your game is at?” highly respected
fessionals. How can I help you today?” tennis and athletic
Be simple and direct, and take charge. • Listen. Always give an affirmative, club developer, man-
In any interaction with a new person, empathetic response after each answer. ager and owner. He
introduce an icebreaker. Ask a few “I see,” “very good,” “that’s interesting,” has won many awards
simple questions to begin to create a “yes, I don’t like that either.” It may be for tennis program-
relationship and gain knowledge of worthwhile to summarize and paraphrase ming, club operations
why they chose to come onto the tennis back. “So what you’re telling me is …” and design. Greg has been a presenter
court at this time. at multiple IHRSA, USPTA, PTR, ATP,
“How’s your game?” “Have you been • Observe. Read the players’ body WTA, TIA and USTA conferences.

THE FUTURE OF
TENNIS STARTS HERE
Get free tools & resources when you sign up:
Comprehensive curricula developed to help deliver the highest-quality instruction
Access to the Net Generation Mobile App where you can build custom
lesson plans and connect to players in order to provide assessments and
reward them with digital badges
Free customizable marketing materials and templates
Free listings in Net Generation’s searchable directory of local providers
A Net Generation welcome pack including coaching manuals
*Access to different features may vary based on your provider type.
JOIN TODAY AT NETGENERATION.COM

OFFICIAL YOUTH TENNIS OF THE USTA © 2019 USTA. All rights reserved.
Industry People
RSI: What do you feel are the most
important issues facing community
and recreational tennis right now?
Dowse: The most significant issue we
face is the macro issue of inactivity and
the sedentary culture so prevalent in
this country. Our primary challenge is
getting people to trade couch time for
court time.
All of tennis’ constituents need to
help support the broader challenges
of inactivity. To that end, we need to
address getting physical education back
into schools and focus on other targeted
initiatives to get kids active. Specific
to parks and recreational tennis, doing
that would be a real key to creating a
robust pipeline of future core players.
I believe parks are the top of the fun-
nel for getting players of all ages into
tennis, so we need to work diligently
with all stakeholders to attract people
to parks, and then engage them with a
fun and positive experience that leads
to long-term retention.
USTA LEADERSHIP RSI: How do you plan to address these

issues?
Catching Up With... Dowse: The long-term health and
growth of Parks & Recreation tennis
Mike Dowse must be led at the grassroots level. The
USTA should act as a partial funder,
Getting people off the couch and onto facilitator and service entity to the
grassroots network of providers.
courts, and promoting tennis in parks, But we’re going to get away from just
throwing money at an issue. If we’re
are objectives for the new USTA CEO. going to invest significant funds in
this—or any—initiative, we’re going to
I
do so informed by hard metrics that
validate if what we’re investing in is
indeed driving new participation and
n January, Michael Dowse Dowse, who will be based at the USTA retention. If validated, then we will
took over as Chief Executive National Campus in Orlando, Fla., grew accelerate and continue to support
Officer and Executive Director up playing tennis and was part of a fam- the program. If participation in that
of the USTA, replacing Gordon ily committed to community tennis. He area continues to decline, then we will
Smith, who retired after 12 joins the USTA from Wilson Sporting recalibrate and work to find the correct
years in the role. Goods, where he was president since formula for that community.
In his new position, Dowse is tasked 2013 and responsible for the company’s
with leading the USTA’s overall vision global strategy, corporate opera- RSI: Overall U.S. tennis participation
and its strategy for the growth of tennis tions and manufacturing across 160 has been relatively flat over the last
participation, while ensuring diversity countries. Prior to his role as Wilson decade. How can we fix that?
throughout the sport. He’ll collaborate president, he held positions with Amer Dowse: As mentioned earlier, we need
with USTA sections, districts, CTAs and Sports, and before that, with Nike as its to get people active and have robust
C O U RT E S Y U S TA
national committees for all of the USTA’s director of tennis footwear. entry-level programs at the grassroots
grassroots efforts, and will set the RSI recently caught up with Dowse level, with Parks & Rec as the first point
strategic direction and lead the USTA’s and asked about his plans for tennis, as of contact and engagement. Then we
involvement in professional tennis. well as the USTA. need to develop a clear pathway to core

players and clubs. It’s a process, and it’s US Open, which generates millions of was through public parks and I followed
not one the USTA will go at alone. We dollars for us to put toward that growth. a pathway to becoming a “core” player
need to involve all the various entities We just need always to ensure that at a commercial club. So, I have an ap-
with a stake in the growth of this game when we invest, that we do it smartly, preciation of how the journey can be for
and map out a real and practical [plan]. and we do it for the good of the sport. new players, and how rewarding it can
be at all levels. I know what it took to get
RSI: What are the key assets that the RSI: What do you feel needs to change me in the sport and keep me there, and
USTA can bring to increasing tennis in the way tennis is delivered in the I will be preaching those things as we
participation? U.S.? develop all of our initiatives.
Dowse: The USTA is unique in that Dowse: There is not a one-size-fits-all
we’ve got a network of resources approach. But there are some universal RSI: How do you expect your experi-
throughout our 17 sections; we’ve got truths. We need to assure that players ences working for Wilson (and Nike
passionate people in each of those have fun, are part of a community and before that) help in your new job?
sections who understand the issues have a positive experience the first time Dowse: I was fortunate to learn at two
and challenges to player growth and they sample tennis. It’s all about ease of the best brands in sports. They both
retention in their own communities. of access and enjoyment of experience. followed a model of an aligned team,
That’s important, because many times There are too many other exercise and a clear shared strategy, and a focused
those issues and challenges are differ- activity options available, so if we want effort toward executing the strategy and
ent in different places. more people playing tennis, the experi- driving accountability against it. I plan
But we need to be smart about our ence must be a great one—from the start. to take that same approach to my role
approach and we need to be unified— at the USTA. Teamwork and account-
not just within the USTA but with our RSI: You come from a tennis back- ability are essential ingredients in the
various partners in growth. Of course, ground—how will that help you? writing of any and all success stories.
we own and operate a real gem in the Dowse: My first experience in tennis That will be my mantra at the USTA.
1.27
mm
1.22
mm
40 ft 360 ft 720 ft
[ 16 gauge ] [ 17 gauge ]
set reel reel

YourServe
make a living stringing racquets, nor did I

give much thought to how the profession
would evolve for me and how technology
would change over the decades.
Today’s electronic machines are a
marvel compared to the machines of
1975, yet one thing has not changed
that much in the last 45 years—they
still require a stringer (now referred to
INDUSTRY SERVICE as a “racquet technician”) who has the
knowledge and skill to use the machine to
Serving for 45 Years get the job done properly.
Today, much of our USRSA benefits
Born during the tennis boom to catalog are driven through the RacquetTech.com
website, providing our members with
racquet stringing patterns, the USRSA tools and information to help them in
their business like the Racquet Selector,
Racquet Customizer and String Selec-
continues to move this sport forward. tor. The handful of stringing patterns
first gathered and published by the
By Bob Patterson USRSA now total well over 11,000 in our
extensive database, which now includes
S

detailed specifications of racquets as well
as the stringing instructions.
Through the years, the USRSA raised
tarting this new decade put That same summer in 1975, Carol the professional bar for racquet techni-
me in a reflective state of Anderson and her husband, Rick Pray, cians by creating certifications for Certi-
mind. I learned to string looked at this onslaught of diverse rac- fied Stringer (CS), Master Racquet Tech-
racquets 45 years ago, in the quets and saw a need and an opportunity. nician (MRT) and Professional Racquet
middle of the tennis boom. If They set out to gather all the stringing Advisor (PRA). A couple of years ago we
you had asked me in that summer of 1975 instructions for the racquets from the brought back “The Stringer’s Assistant,”
what stringing racquets in 2020 would be various manufacturers—and the U.S. in the form of an e-newsletter.
like, I would have had no clue. Racquet Stringers Association was born. We continue to explore ways to set the
In the mid-1970s, most top-end pro Carol took the helm as executive standards in an ever-evolving indus-
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y B O B PAT T E R S O N/ U S R S A
shops had a Serrano stringing machine. director while Rick headed the retail try and strive to help our thousands of
The pedal-operated, drop-weight Ser- arm of Associated Tennis Suppliers members provide their clients with the
rano (shown above) was a beast, but it got (ATS). ATS sold a variety of strings, tools best advice and service possible. No one
the job done. Wood racquets still domi- and supplies, and the USRSA provided knows what the next 45 years may bring,
nated and all had pretty much the same patterns and instructions, including the but we plan to be here to help through
pattern, but steel and aluminum racquets book, Stringing Racquets for Profit. “The whatever comes our way.
were coming onto the market. The Stringer’s Assistant” was the monthly
Prince oversized racquet was introduced, newsletter mailed to USRSA members. Longtime stringer and MRT Bob Patterson is
and it required special adapters to fit on Over the coming decades, the racquet the executive director of the USRSA.
most machines. That was soon followed industry and USRSA would grow at a rap-
by many new composite racquets with a id pace. When I learned to string in that We welcome your opinions and comments.
never-ending array of patterns. summer of ’75, I had no idea one could Email info@tennisindustrymag.com.

April 2020
Add Value to Your Membership!

CEO John Embree P. 43
The Theory of Non-Embarrassment

Why hitting through the ball isn’t always the best advice P. 48
The Ripple Effect

Emma Doyle gets creative to make a difference P. 50
022120_Addvantage_April_LASTFINAL.indd 41 2/25/2020 5:44:55 PM

NIKECOURT AIR ZOOM
VAPOR CAGE 4
EXCEPTIONALLY RUGGED RIDICULOUSLY RESPONSIVE SERIOUSLY SUPPORTIVE
Summer Colors Arriving for Men and Women.
The Official Distributor of Nike Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA.

uspta.fromuthtennis.com
Shop online at uspta.fromuthtennis.com for all your Nike Footwear

with Preferred USPTA MEMBER Pricing.

From the CEO USPTA
Add Value to Your

USPTA Membership!
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
A s I travel the country meeting our

members or chatting with them on
the phone, I am consistently amazed
One such benefit I want to emphasize
is our AIM Program (Advocate,
Inspire, Mentor). It’s no secret
The process is simple enough. Any
applicant who submits their online
application just needs to include the
at how passionate people are about our that you, the member, are the most name of the member in good standing
Association. They speak enthusiastically effective recruiter of future USPTA that encouraged them to become
about how much it means to them to tennis professionals. You are best certified.
be a part of our organization – from the positioned to inspire your fellow AIM has been in place for several
credibility USPTA certification has in the tennis professionals to become USPTA years now. In the last two years, over 700
marketplace to the value of networking members. members have recruited a new tennis
opportunities at our conferences. These Think about your own path into professional and thereby earned reduced
cannot be found anywhere else. coaching. How many coaches helped dues. I would love nothing more than to
But to get a better analysis of our you through the ranks? reward 1,000 members for working to
membership’s feelings, the USPTA Sustaining a steady pool of highly grow and improve our Association.
recently commissioned two separate qualified professionals to teach our But AIM is just one of the programs
surveys to ask about the benefits of sport will ensure the success of the and benefits of USPTA membership. We
USPTA membership. The results were USPTA for future generations. We also offer our members a Supplemental
very positive. also understand that our members Savings Program, which contributes
Still, I hear from members that are want to maximize the value of their a percentage of their purchases from
concerned about the financial cost of membership. That’s why we created USPTA endorsees to a personal savings
their membership. They worry about the AIM Program. For each new account. Our members receive 30%
the cost of their dues and what tangible member you bring in, you will earn a discounts on Avis car rentals and can
benefits they receive. These concerns $50 discount in the next year’s annual reserve hotel rooms below wholesale
are completely understandable, and they dues. Think about that: if you bring in rates on BookingCommunity.com. There
are why we do everything we can to add six new members, your next year’s dues are so many more!
value to your membership. are FREE! Our National Staff and division
Executive Directors do everything they
can to increase the value of USPTA
membership, but so few of our members
take advantage of all that is available
to them. You are leaving money on the
table! As they say, you can lead a horse to
water, but you can’t make it drink.
So do yourself a favor: visit
uspta.com/benefits to see all the
financial perks and benefits of your
membership with the USPTA. You won’t
be disappointed.*
April 2020 — ADDvantage Magazine - 43

20-0146_US_ADDvantage_Magazine_March_Print_Ad_1625x10875_TE_FNL.indd 1
1/21/20 11:08 AM
USPTA Vice President’s Message
E
E
It’s Time to Elevate

Jason Gilbert, USPTA Vice President
L et’s get ready to rumble! is the
Photo credit: Gustavo Reyes / USPTA

famous expression that MC
Michael Buffer yells out before a boxing
match to fire up the crowd. In 2020,
the USPTA will launch a very exciting
membership initiative that will be sure
to get our new and existing members
fired up. The initiative is called Elevate.
Elevate is a membership growth
and retention initiative that will focus
on members who have been in the
organization for five years or fewer.
The specific goal is to connect, involve
and engage new and existing members.
Elevate will grow and retain
membership by supporting our
new and existing members at both
the national and division level with
consistent touch points and viable Jason Gilbert ( left), Florida Division Executive Director Pat Anderson (middle)
and Florida Division President Joe D’Aleo (right) pose with the 2018 Large
resources that specifically give our Division of the Year Award at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas.
members what they’re looking for.
The U30 Initiative will strategically the originators of the U30 Initiative, I and all the individuals who have
transition into Elevate, which will couldn’t be prouder of the impact that worked tirelessly with this game-
give us the ability as an organization this volunteer initiative has made. A changing initiative.
to provide resources and assistance big thank you to Mike Baugh and his With big changes happening in 2020
to all age demographics while still team for leading our U30 efforts. and beyond, the USPTA will continue F
capturing the important needs of The Career and Leader Mentoring to adapt and evolve to meet the
both the younger or more seasoned Program will fall under the everchanging needs of our members.
professional. The U30 Initiative did membership committee as a sub- Since taking office in January, USPTA
a tremendous job focusing on 45% of committee, becoming more important President Feisal Hassan has challenged
our new members, but with a broader than ever, especially as it relates to us all to think more broadly and
and more inclusive initiative like engaging and educating new and holistically, and Elevate is one of the
Elevate, we will be able to assist the existing members as mentors and ways that we will do just that. I’m
additional 55%. mentees. The Career and Leader confident that we can rally behind
Bringing in younger professionals Mentoring Program will also play a big an initiative that inspires, engages
continues to be a big priority for the role with identifying and cultivating and unites us, so we all can play a
USPTA. Our organization will continue future leaders of our organization. I part in the long-term success of an
to ride on the momentum that our would like to thank Southern Division organization that is so near and dear to
U30 Initiative has captured. As one of President Kevin Theos, Mitch White us.*
46 - ADDvantage Magazine —April 2020

ELEVATED
ESSENTIALS
SUMMER 2020 NIKECOURT
Fashion meets function. Make mobility a priority in soft, stretchy designs.
The Official Distributor of Nike Footwear & Apparel to the USPTA.

USPTA Members Receive Preferred MEMBER Pricing.
uspta.fromuthtennis.com

USPTA Master Professional Corner
The Theory of
Non-Embarrassment
James Shaughnessy, MSS, CSCS, USPTA Master Professional
I f you had friends watching you play

tennis for the first time, would you
rather miss a shot into the bottom
Why “hit through the ball” isn’t
always good advice
Research shows that none of the top
definition of “hitting through the
ball” is the action of meeting the ball
with the stringbed of the racquet
of the net or miss the same shot 60 ten pro players hits “through the perpendicular to the path of the ball
miles per hour over the fence? People ball” (Tennis Industry, Sept/Oct 2018: AND moving directly along the path
almost always answer the latter even 48-49). And yet, we consistently hear of the ball’s center of gravity. A player
though the net is a lot closer to being coaches instructing players to “hit cannot swing directly and indirectly at
in play. Why? Because being weak is up and through the ball.” This advice the same time. The coach is asking the
embarrassing. ignores the essential requirement for player to do the impossible.
Hitting a ball 60 miles per hour an upward ball trajectory to clear the The solidness of a groundstroke is
over the fence may lose the point, net. the result of the ball impacting with
but shows strength. Humans strive The coach understandably wants the sweet spot of the stringbed on an
to be viewed as strong rather than topspin and a solid racquet-to-ball indirect trajectory to the ball’s path.
weak. When asking students for their impact. To create topspin, a player Typically, the racquet swing path of a
style preference as “a soft hitter who must cause friction on the ball by successfully aggressive groundstroke
gets a lot of balls in play” or “a hard swinging upward from lower than has an upward trajectory of 25 to 39
hitter,” I have never once had a player impact, on an oblique (indirect) path degrees when measured horizontally
choose to be coached in a soft-hitting, to the ball’s center of gravity. The or from the ground. Data show that the
pusher style. It’s perceived as weak –
Photo credit: Adam Vilimek / Shutterstock

embarrassing.
The Theory of Non-Embarrassment
states that a player swinging with
insufficient upward racquet trajectory
and insufficient upward racquet
velocity will instinctively open the
racquet face. This is because in the
last few hundredths of a second
before impact, the player’s brain
subconsciously realizes the ball is
going to go into the net and they
instinctively adjust, opening the
racquet face to avoid embarrassment,
even though this emergency
adjustment can send the ball
screaming toward the fence. Thus,
the higher the skill level, the less the
player hits through the ball.

Master Professional Corner USPTA
To address this, here are some

Photo credit: Adam Vilimek / Shutterstock
simple coaching take-aways:
1. Be mindful that the lower the

racquet is below the impact,
the greater the available
distance to build upward
racquet velocity and to create
the friction necessary for
topspin and ball elevation over
the net.
2. Data show the best pro players

begin their stroke an average of
16 inches below impact, which
is about one and a half racquet
head widths. A coach can
focus on this point just before
contact to ascertain that the
racquet comes from 16 inches
below the ball. Feedback is
important, as the student often
times will not feel this without
practice and guidance.
3. High-level players must hit

Data show a direct correllation between the upward trajectory of a stroke and the sufficiently hard to succeed,
skill level of the player. The steeper the stroke, generally, the better the player.
but coaches must avoid trying
to add forward ball speed by
closer the trajectory is to 25 degrees, merely telling a player to hit through advising players to level their
the lower the skill level of the player. the ball is dangerously flawed advice, swing and hit through the ball.
The closer the trajectory is to 39 unwittingly forcing the player into the This advice causes otherwise
degrees, the higher the level of the embarrassment zone. great players to fall subject
player. Coaches must understand that to the inevitable net-baseline
Coaches often object to upward racquet speed is a combination problem and the Theory of
trajectory with statements like “there’s of forward, upward and sideward Non-Embarrassment.
nothing on the ball,” or “it’s all spin,” components. The forward racquet
or “the ball doesn’t get through the velocity component causes the ball Unaddressed, this natural human
court.” But the problem of getting the to have greater speed, but the net and instinct to avoid embarrassment
ball through the court with something gravity preclude a level swing path. A can result in major problems when
on it has to do with the forward coach’s advice to have a level swing will coaching a player’s forehand.
velocity of the player’s racquet, while cause a player to instinctively open the However, understanding it can solve
the problem of getting the ball over racquet face and miss long. important forehand issues. *
the net and down in-bounds has to do
with upward velocity. Coaches think James R. Shaughnessy MSS, CSCS, is a USPTA Master Professional specializing
that by taking the upward trajectory in the application of sports biomechanics to elite tennis players training at Tucker
off the racquet, the ball will go faster. Tennis Academy, a USTA Regional Training, Racquet and Health Center located
It will because it has less spin, but this in Tulsa, Okla. He is an award-winning professional with 30 years of experience as
ignores the additional problem that the a speaker, researcher, analyst and consultant in tennis biomechanics, 3D motion
ball must rise above the net and drop analysis and computerized exercise prescriptions. He is the founder of SCiO 3D
down inside the baseline. Therefore, Sports. Special thanks to Hank and Molly Pelegrini, who make this work possible.

USPTA
Emma Doyle Finds Unique

Ways to Make an Impact
Lucas Casás, USPTA Communications
E mma Doyle answers the phone on a empowerment. And it stuck with her
Photo credit: Alisha Lovrich / Tennis New Zealand

wintry afternoon in a small town an even when she thought of leaving the
hour north of Oslo, Norway. She and her game.
partner Tina are in town to speak at an There was a time when Doyle
upcoming tennis teachers conference. started getting burned out from life
“We’re heading up on Monday to try on the court. She started studying
to catch the northern lights before the anything she could on emotional
conference,” Doyle said. “Heading right intelligence, neurolinguistic
up to the top.” programming and life coaching, all in
It’s hard to catch Doyle in one preparation for a career change.
place for too long. She splits time Instead, it “catapulted me back into
between her native Melbourne, tennis.”
Australia; Scotland and her adopted “Once I realized I had to have
home of Denver, Colo., using tennis more coaching tools in my toolkit
to offer motivational and educational and more strategies on how to
presentations to coaches, players and adapt my language, that’s why I got in Scotland in two weeks and show me
corporations around the globe. back into coaching coaches how to what you’re doing?’” she said. “That was
Doyle, a USPTA Elite Professional, coach,” she said. “Whether you are the birth of the Girl Power camps.”
finds unique ways to incorporate tennis coaching an athlete or someone in the They’ve since grown from just Girl
into other people’s lives, too. corporate world, the core principles Power camps to include numerous
Years ago, back home in Melbourne, are very similar and lend well towards presentations and coach education
Doyle started a dating service, Doubles unleashing human potential.” sessions. Before the camp begins,
for Singles, where people would gather the coaches learn about the research
for tennis at clubs and table tennis in The ripple effect behind why girls drop out of sport and
pubs. The only rule was they weren’t It was in 2016 when Doyle felt the fundamental principles of the camp.
allowed to ask two questions: where compelled to fight the dropout rate Then the teenage girls arrive so that the
the person lived, and what they did among teenage girls in sports. coaches can learn on the job, experience
for a living. The idea was to develop “Corporate leadership is linked to first-hand what it feels like and see how
interesting questioning skills, like playing sport when you’re growing up,” to bring a Girl Power camp to life.
what they like to eat for breakfast on she said. “I felt that was important, She incorporates three main
Sunday morning. to keep girls connected with sport, principles: engage the students by
“I’m not saying they’re unique because female empowerment is one of listening to their values, develop
questions, but they shed more light the greatest underutilized resources in their tennis knowledge and skills and
about who a person is,” Doyle said. the world.” empower them through encouraging
“That was the secret sauce, if you will, So Doyle decided to host a Girl Power language “to strengthen their inner
to the program, which was super fun.” camp. To warm up, she incorporated voice.”
And it gave Doyle two marriages – the dances from Miss-Hits, a program Though she’s only been putting on
“one is still together, so 50/50 odds is started by Judy Murray, the mother of camps for about three years, they’ve
pretty good,” she laughed. Jamie and Andy Murray, in which each had a big impact.
But what tennis has really given character has a specific tennis shot and Since she hosted a camp at the
Doyle is an outlet – a means of dance to get them excited about tennis Victorian Tennis Academy in
communicating her passion for while building their confidence. Melbourne in 2017, Tina Keown, the
player development and female “Judy said, ‘This is grand! Can you be director of the academy, has hosted four

USPTA
Girl Power camps and will host a fifth
Photo courtesy of Emma Doyle

this Easter.
“The ripple effect is the fact that
it’s become an integrated part of their
player pathway,” she said. “They’ve
adopted it as being important and have
seen a dramatic shift in the retention
of female players in their business.”
The ultimate goal, she says, is to
keep girls connected with sports, “in a
way that’s important to them, listening
to their values and providing an
environment where they feel like they
belong.” Doyle ( left) was the captain of the 2018 Australia Junior Fed Cup team.
“I can go to her with anything” speaker, as she showed at the 2019 Doyle has mentored Zervakis ever
It was almost by accident that Doyle World Conference in Las Vegas, where since.
fell into coaching. she gave an on-court presentation “I can go to her with anything,”
She was 14 and the kick-serve had called “Game of Zones – Unlocking the Zervakis said.
just come out. There was only one ROGY Pathway.” Zervakis said Doyle’s knowledge of
coach around who could teach it, but And she’s also proven herself an neurolinguistic programming has been
her parents couldn’t afford another inspiring mentor. especially helpful, and not just on the
private lesson, so Doyle traded a lesson Neely Zervakis, a USPTA Elite court, but in life.
as a student for one as a coach. Professional and the associate director “It’s about how our thinking affects
“I remember walking off the court of tennis at the McCormack-Nagelsen how we feel and how our feelings
after my first lesson, which I realize Tennis Center in Virginia, first met affect how we behave,” she said. “She
is very rare, but thinking this is the Doyle at the USPTA Mid-Atlantic taught me to try to never tell a player
greatest job in the world,” she said. Conference in 2019. what they are doing wrong, but to use
“How can I be the best coach that I “I loved her presentation on Aussie powerful key phrases, like ‘imagine if’
can be? doubles tactics,” Zervakis said. or ‘next time what we can do is,’ which
Doyle has asked herself that “Afterwards I went up to express how allows them to problem solve on their
question nearly every day since. For amazing and helpful her presentation own and build their mental strength.”
her, it’s by reaching other coaches. was. We instantly connected and Not long ago, Doyle ran a Girl Power
She is a motivating, energetic public bonded, sharing our passions.” camp for disadvantaged girls in New
Jersey. She said that the next day, a
Photo credit: Gustavo Reyes / USPTA
young girl “fired off her anchor and her

affirmation” before a track meet and
ran a personal best.
“They’re the little things that still
give me a tremendous buzz because
that is why I coach,” Doyle said. “You
have to be passionate about wanting
to see the growth of another human.
We’re all in the character-building
game, because how many of those
kids actually go on to have a day
like [Sofia] Kenin did at the Aussie
Open? Not many. It’s about how you
take those skills and apply them to
Doyle offering corrections during her presentation, Game of Zones - Unlocking the the greater good so that we can all
ROGY Pathway, at the 2019 World Conference in Las Vegas. unleash our potential.”*

Chemicals Found Sunscreen are harming our Environment & Entering
the human Bloodstream?!
Chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone used in
most common brands of sunscreen have been linked to detrimental damage to our marine eco-system.
[MARINE LIFE] [HUMAN BLOODSTREAM]
These chemicals impair growth and Oxybenzone has been linked to an increase risk
photosynthesis in Green Algae – A food source of skin cancer – Oxybenzone is the most used
for much of our marine life SPF ingredient found in sunscreen
Octocrylene has been studied and found to

Sea Urchins’ immune and reproductive systems
cause DNA damage in various aquatic animals
are being damaged – Sea Urchins are a food
like dolphins – Dolphins and humans are both
source for sea otters, starfish and humans
mammals
Chemicals found in sunscreen decrease fertility Avobenzone can turn toxic when exposed to
and reproduction in fish – Fish contribute more radiation which can potentially lead to kidney
nutrients to their local ecosystems than any and liver dysfunction – the sun’s rays consist
other source of Ultraviolet Radiation
Sunscreen chemicals accumulate in Coral tissue Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Homosalate

that cause bleaching, damage to DNA, and have been linked to hormonal dysfunction in
death – Coral provide shelter and spawning females – Females producing less estrogen and
grounds for ocean life as well as protect sea life progesterone have been noted in various studies
from strong ocean currents and high waves
All formulas produced by Caribbean Sol are completely natural and do not use any chemicals. All
Caribbean Sol products are environmentally safe and people safe. Visit CSolUSPTA.com and use your
USPTA login for exclusive savings!

USPTA
ng
n
m.
Tennis Instructors and the New
Certification Pathway
Sid Newcomb, USPTA National Head Tester
sk
d
T his is such an exciting time in
the world of professional tennis
coaching in our country. We are taking
Dec. 31, 2020, deadline. To make this
change, Recreational Coaches must
complete the Tennis Essentials 1
applicants will need to complete 300
hours of online and/or face-to-face
education, as well as complete Safe
a monumental leap in our certification workshop, Safe Play training and pass Play training and pass a background
process – perhaps the biggest shift in a background check before the end screen every two years.
the history of our Association. of the year. Those that choose not These new certification
The USPTA recently unveiled a to convert to Tennis Instructors will requirements will take effect for all
new certified membership category, become Tennis Instructor Applicant applications started on or after Nov.
s Tennis Instructor, that will replace Members on Jan. 1, 2021. 1, 2020.
h the non-certified Recreational Coach To facilitate this paradigm shift, All certified Professional
category on Jan. 1, 2021. Tennis the USPTA is also implementing a level applicants that start their
Instructors will receive coverage new certification pathway. Starting applications on or before Oct.
under the USPTA’s $6 million liability in 2021, all new applicants who wish 31, 2020, will follow the current
insurance policy for annual dues of to become certified professionals will certification pathway and must
o just $199. need to work under the watchful eye complete all tested components by
y We would like to encourage our of a designated USPTA mentor for six Dec. 31, 2020.
current Recreational Coaches to to nine months of hands-on learning All USPTA divisions are increasing
t
convert to Tennis Instructors by the at a club or facility. Additionally, new testing dates by a minimum of 15%
in the fourth quarter of
Photo credit: Lucas Casás / USPTA
2020 to accommodate
those seeking certification
by the year’s end. Cities
of Orlando, New York,
n Los Angeles, Dallas, and
nd Houston will feature
ies weekly testing in November
and December of 2020,
excluding holiday weeks,
if needed.
Should you have any
further questions about
ur the new certification
pathway or about the new
Tennis Instructor category,
please feel free to contact
the Membership team at
membership@uspta.org. *

OFFICIAL COURT EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIER OF THE
Spring Catalogs
NOW AVAILABLE!
REQUEST YOUR COPY TODAY!
Tennis Nets | Windscreens | Benches

Clay court equipment | Water Removers & Squeegees
Divider Netting | Court Organizers | Net posts
Shoe cleaners | AND so much more!
SHOP ONLINE OR GIVE US A CALL!

10S.COM 800  247  3907

USPTA
We’ll Never Stop Wowing

Our Members
John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
W hen we were designing our

state-of-the-art headquarters
in Lake Nona, Fla., our goal was to
lived up to all three of our core values
with the quality and depth of the
education presented. The bar was
cheerful phone comportment. I’ve
heard from so many people that
they enjoyed their experience when
create a home of which our National raised to a superior level. dealing with our customer service
Staff and our entire membership can Wowing our members isn’t team. I can’t tell you how much that
be proud. I take great joy in welcoming just a goal of the national office; means to me.
our members, introducing them to our it permeates throughout the However, at the time of this writing,
staff and showing them around our Association. The fact that we hosted we are going through significant
beautiful building. 132 education events that were turnover on our staff in two important
One of the first things members attended by over 4,300 people in departments, which has resulted
notice when they walk in is our 2019 reflects on the incredible work in not doing the job of promptly
mission statement – I’m sure you all that our divisions do each and every answering the phones or following
know it: “to elevate the standards year to engage our members and up on correspondence that required
of tennis-teaching professionals” make them better professionals. immediate attention. For that, I take
– emblazoned on the wall behind Whether they be small lunch-and- full responsibility.
reception. They also see three core learn get-togethers or larger division I want to be clear: the group we have
values that are ingrained in our DNA: conferences over several days, each is in place is wholly dedicated to doing
designed to inspire and motivate our the right thing. They have tremendous
1. Serve Our Community members to serve their constituents work ethic and I am proud to represent
2. Empower Our Team as best as possible. them. They worked diligently through
3. WOW Our Members When we moved to Lake Nona December and January, when the
and assembled what was ostensibly sheer volume of calls from members
These values are carefully crafted, a brand-new team, we worked paying their dues was overwhelming,
and we take them to heart. Take our tirelessly to create a culture that even with a full staff.
World Conference in Las Vegas this is totally focused on providing the Thus, I ask for your patience as we
past September, for example. It would absolute highest quality customer work through the process of rebuilding
be nearly impossible for anyone to service. For two and a half years, we our team. It won’t be easy to fill the
say it was not one of our best World lived by that credo of wowing our holes left behind by the good people
Conferences in the last 15 years. We members with timely follow-up and that have moved on, but I am excited
about the prospects of bringing in
talented individuals to join the team.
They will undoubtedly bring a fresh
perspective and new ideas for ways to
regain your trust and confidence.
They will also take seriously, just
as all of us on the National Staff do,
our core value to wow our members.
Because only when we go above and
beyond for you can we really elevate
the standards of tennis-teaching
professionals and coaches.
So please, stop by, take a tour of our
office and say hello, won’t you? *

HalfPageAD.indd 1 2/10/2020 11:04:36 AM

USPTA
their time on the court playing the
sport we love. Athletic trainers are
experts in providing specialized
corrective exercises or tennis-specific
programming. These are important
experts to collaborate with because
The Team Approach

they will improve your knowledge and
you will impress your athlete with the
experts they need to reach their goals
Dr. Sean Drake, RacquetFit Vice President on the court.
So where do you start? First, network
H ave you ever had a situation where

your player is not performing to
the level you think they should? What
not a lot of hands go up.
With the release of the latest figures
on the amount of people playing tennis,
with fitness and medical professionals
in your area. Host an evening lecture or
lesson where you review your coaching
about a player battling an injury that we need to do our part to keep tennis style and philosophy for your club
limits their time on court? Do you ever fun, engaging and healthy. or community, and invite fitness and
have trouble finding the proper person medical professionals, as well as fellow
to refer them to? Overall tennis tennis professionals, to sit in.
participation rose 1% “My success as a fitness coach
These are just a few of the questions and, more importantly, the success
I continue to get from teaching
from 2013 to 17.9m of my athletes, is dependent on the
professionals all over the world: players nationally relationship and communication with
the tennis coach and medical team,”
- Tennis Industry Association
1. Why isn’t my player performing Dean Hollingworth said. “All three
like I expect them to? My player Most coaches are great at teaching components must work together in
is injured. What should I do? tennis and understand the importance order to provide athletes with the most
of mental resilience in tennis, as shown efficient and safe path to achieving
2. Who is best to work with my by the slight growth in overall tennis their goals.”
athlete in fitness or medical? participation. But many coaches do not The best players have a team that
have a system to evaluate the athlete’s includes a coach and a medical and
3. Picking the best experts for kinesthetic movement while playing. fitness professional. Why should we
medical and fitness in tennis to The body is overlooked. treat our players any differently? The
work with your player can be a This is where screening your athlete USPTA has stepped up to work toward
tough task. Understanding how is so important. Imagine looking at this for the tennis player of today
the body moves while playing your athlete’s simple, tennis-specific and the future. By bringing the Team
tennis is critical in order to motions and knowing within minutes Approach to the game, we solidify
ensure your player continues whether or not the problem the athlete awareness around the sport and, more
improving. is experiencing can be solved through importantly, we create opportunities
coaching, fitness or medical attention. for more professionals and players to
Having been involved in tennis now It is a common misconception that get involved in tennis.
for a few years from the coaching, medical inattention is the reason an To learn more about how RacquetFit
medical and fitness sides, I see a major athlete gets injured. On the contrary, can teach you the language and skills
gap on collaboration between the three medical professionals are there to needed to work more deeply with tennis
professions. At RacquetFit, we call keep your athlete healthy and enjoying athletes, visit RacquetFit.com. *
this a Team Approach, which involves
common language and a specific system
for understanding of tennis skills that Dr. Sean Drake is the Vice President of RacquetFit. He works with amateur and
are required for the athlete. professional athletes throughout the world. He is also a Performance Director at
When I ask tennis professionals Titleist Performance Institute. He earned his doctorate and master’s degrees from
around the country if they have anyone Life University and his bachelor’s from Florida State University.
on speed dial for fitness and medical,

Teach, Train, and
Play with the Best USPTA members:
Get a 3% discount on
all HOAG ball products
when you order online.
Enter USPTA when

completing your order
to get your discount.
hartru.com
Har-Tru is the official provider of Teaching Carts,

Ball Mowers, and Ball Baskets for the USPTA TM
877-4-HAR-TRU (877-442-7878) hartru@hartru.com
Find your perfect tennis products at
netknacks.com
or call 800.374.6153.
10% discount for USPTA memebers on all purchases greater than $500.
NetKnacks will make a 3% contribution to individual USPTA Supplemental Savings Accounts on qualifying purchases.
Not a member of USPTA, but would like a discount? Mention this ad to receive 10% off your next order
greater than $500 on regular priced items. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.
Awards • Branded Merchandise • Outerwear & T-Shirts • Print Materials

USPTA
Tuffy WINDSCREEN ®
Now available with CHROMA-BOND® DIGITAL IMPRINTING

Utilizing the latest, state-of-the-art, wide format digital printing equipment, your windscreen
can display intricate, lifelike images not possible with other imprinting processes.
Chroma-Bond Digital Imprinting on Black Tuffy Windscreen
Add our exclusive Chroma-Bond® Digital Imprinting to make any court or facility look its best for
many years. Simple or dramatic imprinting that is so durable, it lasts as long as the fabric.
Official Windscreen of SOLD BY THE BEST

the TENNIS & SPORTS
United States EQUIPMENT
Professional Tennis
DEALERS
Association AERFLO.COM
ACTUAL DEPICTION
NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States
Editor..................................................................................Lucas Casás
Professional Tennis Association.
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka Layout/Design............................................................... Gustavo Reyes
Editorial Assistance ............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of
Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage
Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford
DEPICTION Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Circulation.................................................................... Trevor Trudelle or the United States Professional Tennis Association.
ACTUAL DEPICTIONS
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost USPTA World Headquarters Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
INSTALLATION 11961 Performance Dr.
ACTUAL CEO...........................................................................John Embree Association, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction
Orlando, FL 32827 of any portion of the magazine is not permitted
INSTALLATION DEPICTION
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell 800-887-8248- www.uspta.com without written permission from the USPTA.

USPTA Career Development
Career Development
USPTA Certification Testing Dates 2020 USPTA Division Conferences
April 3-4......................................................Bayou Bluff Tennis Club
Gulfport, MS May 1-3 Eastern...................International Tennis Hall of Fame.
April 4.................................................... Mingus Union High School
Cottonwood, AZ . Newport, RI
April 6-7.......................................................USTA National Campus May 1-3 New England.......... International Tennis Hall of Fame
Orlando, FL . Newport, RI
April 10..................................................................Life Time Fitness May 14-16 Southern.................................... Atlanta Athletic Club
West Harrison, NY
. Johns Creek, GA
April 10-11.....................................................................BYU-Hawaii
Laie, HI May 15-17 Southwest........................... Grand Canyon University
April 11....................................................... Trussville Racquet Club . Phoenix, AZ
Trussville, AL May 28-31 Florida...................... Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
April 11-12...................................................... Atlanta Athletic Club . Naples, FL
Johns Creek, GA
April 15-16........................................................ Tyler Junior College June 5-6 Pacific Northwest................................Linfield College
Tyler, TX . McMinnville, OR
April 17.......................................................Tennis Club of Trumbull June 13-14 Hawaii............................................... Punahou School
Trumbull, CT . Honolulu, HI
April 18-19................................................. Rush Copley Healthplex Sept. 21-25 USPTA World Conference...................Hilton Riverside
Aurora, IL
April 19-20................................................... Burbank Tennis Center . New Orleans, LA
Burbank, CA
May 1..................................................... Newport Tennis & Fitness
Newport, RI
May 1-2....................................................................... Holiday Park
Cheyenne, WY
May 2....................................................................... Wakonda Club
Des Moines, IA
May 2-3.........................................................Sea Cliff Country Club
Huntington Beach, CA
May 8-9......................................................Arlington Tennis Center
Arlington, TX
May 9............................................................. Eastlake High School
Chula Vista, CA
May 9-10.......................................................... Oaks at Boca Raton
Boca Raton, FL
May 11-12............................................................... Bay Clubs SFTC
San Francisco, CA
May 14-15............................................... Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
May 15..................................................................Tennis Addiction Visit www.uspta.com for a complete listing of certification and
Exton, PA educational opportunities
May 15-16...............................................April Sound Country Club
Montgomery, TX • Wheelchair • Pickleball
May 16......................................................... Ferris State University • Padel • RacquetFit
Big Rapids, MI • Platform
May 17........................ Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex
Brentwood, TN
May 17.................................................................... Dominion Club
Glen Allen, VA
May 20-21.......................................................................... Monaco
Denver, CO Visit TennisResources.com to find hundreds of exclusive
educational and instructional videos, audio material, articles
Exam reservations must be made by calling the USPTA World
Headquarters at 407-634-3050 ext. 2 at least 21 days prior to and drill diagrams related to all levels and aspects of the game
the dates listed. Each date includes an exam and upgrade. PTCA of tennis. The user friendly video interface is great for watching
I is included in the two-day exam. Exam cancellations must be
received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation on a desktop or mobile device and makes it easy to #GetYourSix
fee will be charged accordingly. wherever you are!
60 - ADDvantage Magazine — April 2020

yonextennis yonex_tennis yonex_tennis | ezone.yonex.com
UNVEILING A NEW
DIMENSION OF POWER
SEIZE THE POWER
NICK NAOMI
KYRGIOS OSAKA
Yonex professional players may play with a customized racquet
(AUS) (JPN) with different specifications to the model displayed.
Yonex professional players may play with a customized racquet

with different specifications to the model displayed.
Yonex professional players ma

APRIL 2020 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

APRIL 2020 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

APPAREL MANAGEMENT STRING RANKINGS INDUSTRY PEOPLE

Contents April 2020

46 Vice President's Message

48 50 55 57 48 Master Pro Corner

56 USPTA Leadership Academy

Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Career Development

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

OVER 100 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE sportmaster.net | (800) 395-7325

IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

Hundreds Pay Tribute

WTT Sets 2020 Season Schedule,

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

“World TeamTennis continues its STRING

with domestic and

6 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

PTR Names Three ART DIRECTOR

International Master Pros PRODUCTION EDITOR

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per

the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA.

Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

ATP, Tennis Europe Join

Diadem Sports Launches

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9

cess to it,” says USTA NE Executive Di-

PTR Honors Award Winners

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Tourna Expands Premium

442-1977 for more information, to

“COURTS WILL BE 100% TOURNAMENT PLAYABLE”

CALL FOR A CERTIED CONTRACTOR IN YOUR AREA!

info@ritewaytennis.com | 1-877-5 RiteWay

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

3. Adapt Your Business Model

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

The ‘16-Second Cure’

coaches the boys’ and

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

STEP-IN COMFORT • TOUR-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

SockWell Bauerfeind Zensah Bombas

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

A College Examination National Athletic Intercollegiate Asso-

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

iGENIE Ball Machine

HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19

COMMUNITY FACILITIES Brigham City, Utah, which

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

A single trusted source

The art of #SpecAcrytech Mix, Select & Order

Hitting New Heights

This year sees the debut of the

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2020 www.tennisindustrymag.com

3 /ONIX 5 /PICKLEBALL CENTRAL 7 /SELKIRK

4 /PADDLETEK 6 /HEAD 8 /WILSON

www.tennisindustrymag.com April 2020 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

• Moving aggressively into

Court many pickleball players may