August 2021 Racquet Sports Industry Magazine

MENTAL GAME CUSTOMER SERVICE RACQUET TECHNICIANS EQUIPMENT & APPAREL
How to help your Servicing pickleball Use our guide What will top pros
players survive an players will expand to find the perfect wear and play with
on-court meltdown your business stringing machine at the US Open?
CROSS-COURT
August 2021 / Volume 49 / Number 8 / $5.00
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Contents August 2021

DEPARTMENTS
4 Our Serve
7 Industry News
14 Letters
16 Racquet Tech
18 Grassoots Tennis
20 The Bench
22 Court Construction
31 2021 Guide to Stringing
Machines
38 Ask the Experts
40 Your Serve, by Dominique
Lemperle
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 US Open to be at
100 percent fan capacity
7 Pro pickleball tour signs
data, video partnership deal
7 Longtime Head CEO
Eliasch to step down
7 Junior wheelchair tennis
tourney series debuts
8 USTA, PHIT America
team up to get kids active
8 Short Sets
10 Better Bubble can keep P. 25
play going year-round
10 USTA Mid-Atlantic teams
with TopCourt for e-learning
Racquet Sports Facilities
10 People Watch
EXPANSION GEAR STRINGS CULTURE
11 ITF announces wheelchair
tennis player council Cross-Court Professional Invest in The Art
11 One-On-One Doubles Winners Standards Your Success of Tennis
offers tournament licenses
12 WTT set for full capacity at With enthusiasm on What will the top A stringing machine The Hall of Fame
Indian Wells Tennis Garden the rise for racquet pros be wearing and is an investment that recently expanded
C OV E R P H O T O C O U RT E S Y U S TA ; T H I S PA G E C O U RT E S Y CA RY T E N N I S PA R K
and paddle sports, playing with at the can pay big dividends its art collection with
12 'Jenga-like' skyscraper design venues are adding Open? Check out our for your business. pieces from renowned
stacks eight tennis courts complementary chart of their apparel, Determine your needs tennis journalist
13 Tennis Channel unveils facilities and programs. shoes and racquets. and find the right unit. Gianni Clerici.
updated website, new app P. 25 P.28 P. 31 P. 36
PLUS
43 From the CEO
p.41
45 Vice President's Message
47 USPTA Hall of Fame
43 45 49 56 49 Member Feature
The Nitty Proud of My Best Practices How to Improve
Gritty of the Time as USPTA for Engaging Decision-Making 53 USPTA World Conference
Events, Specialty Courses
USPTA World President Non-Players for Different
Conference Game Situations 54 Member Feature
56 Member Feature
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Membership Update
2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

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OurServe
PUBLISHER
EDITOR'S NOTE JEFF WILLIAMS
It’s All in the Details EDITOR

PETER FRANCESCONI
Court builders don’t often get the credit MANAGING EDITOR

SCOTT GRAMLING
they deserve, but their knowledge and CREATIVE DIRECTOR

IAN KNOWLES
expertise is integral to this industry. SENIOR EDITOR

ED McGROGAN
ART DIRECTOR
CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
D

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
BOB PATTERSON
on’t sweat the small stuff. The court manual’s joint editorial board CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
That phrase was coined has regular calls to update each chapter, CYNTHIA CANTRELL, PEG CONNOR,
DAVID LASOTA, JUDY LEAND, KENT OSWALD,
in the early 1980s and it and I’m continually blown away by the CYNTHIA SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER
was the title of a popular conversations and debates these experts
book 25 years ago. I’d like have. It’s remarkable being able to hear CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS
to think that I try to adhere to that as best their back and forth and their reasoning
as I can, but the fact is, I often do tend to for why they feel something needs to be ASSOCIATE EDITOR
sweat the details. changed or updated in the next edition. TIM McARTHUR
In this industry, though, there are I’m certainly no construction expert, but EDITORIAL DIRECTION
members of one group who are experts at I’ve learned a ton from these individuals 10TEN MEDIA
sweating the small stuff. I’m talking about over the years, and I feel privileged to be
court builders and contractors—a group in on these calls. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
that doesn’t often get the credit they I also need to give a shout-out to the 250 Park Avenue, Ste 825, NY NY 10017
deserve. None of us would be working in members of the JEB for this 2021 edition 646-381-8735
this industry if this group didn’t sweat of the Tennis Courts book. Fred Kolkmann info@tennisindustrymag.com
the details when it comes building and is a Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB)
renovating courts and facilities. who owns Fred Kolkmann Tennis & Sports
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
I’ve been honored these past 25 years to Surfaces in Wisconsin; David Moore, JOHN HANNA
be working closely with this group of men CTCB, is a senior vice president with Cape 770-650-1102, x125
and women (and yes, it’s predominantly and Island Tennis & Track in Massachu- hanna@knowatlanta.com
male, but I’ve clearly seen that changing setts; Randy Futty is a regional general
over the years). This group doesn’t seek manager for Laykold Sports Surfaces; APPAREL ADVERTISING
the limelight, but we see first-hand the re- and David LaSota, who chairs the JEB, is CYNTHIA SHERMAN
203-558-5911
sults of their tireless and dedicated work founder of The Tennis Design Studio and cstennisindustry@gmail.com
every time we watch tennis or racquet president of DW LaSota Engineering.
sports, or step onto a court. Like their many colleagues around the
Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
I’ve also been fortunate to be involved country, these four experts bring decades year: monthly, January through August with combined
in updating the massive Tennis Courts: of experience and passion to the court and issues in September/October and November/
Construction & Maintenance Manual for facility construction field. They’ve done
December, by Tennis Channel, Inc., 250 Park Avenue,
Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Periodical postage
the last three editions, working with a projects of all types and sizes—from single paid in Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices
volunteer joint editorial board (JEB) com- residential courts to private clubs to large (USPS #004-354). August 2021, Volume 49, Number
8 © 2021 by Tennis Channel, Inc. All rights reserved.
posed of members of the American Sports public facilities, including both the USTA Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks
Builders Association and the USTA. We’re Billie Jean King National Tennis Center of Tennis Channel, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
currently working on the 10th edition of and the USTA National Campus. and editorial: 646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions
the manual, which should be published They truly do sweat the small stuff, and $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 250
this fall. we’re all better for it. Park Avenue, Suite 825, New York NY 10017. Racquet
But what many people in this sport Sports Industry is the official magazine of the USRSA,
TIA and ASBA.
may not realize is the amount of detail, Peter Francesconi
knowledge and just plain dedication these Editor Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
court builders have to getting it right and Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
supplying everyone—from pro players at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
down to beginners—with the best and saf-

est courts possible.

IndustryNews
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
PROFESSIONAL TENNIS
Pro Pickleball Tour Signs
Data, Video Partnership Deal
US Open to Have 100 percent The Professional Pickleball Association
(PPA), the professional tour of the sport
Fan Capacity for Full Tourney of pickleball for men and women, has
announced a long-term partnership with
Genius Sports, the official data, technolo-
gy and commercial partner that connects
sports, betting and media. The partner-
ship will set the stage for regulated sports
betting on PPA events for the first time in
history.
Genius Sports has been granted the
exclusive rights to capture and distribute
live data and video broadcasts from more
than 1,200 PPA matches per year with its
global network of over 150 sportsbook
partners. Each PPA event will feature
eight courts of live streaming action per
day, via GeniusLive, offering unprece-
dented broadcast coverage of pickleball.
After 25 Years, Eliasch

Steps Down as Head CEO
Johan Eliasch has stepped down as CEO of
Head to take on the position of president of
the International Ski Federation (ISF). Eliasch
has held the CEO position at HEAD since
1995, presiding over the transformation of
T
the brand to a highly profitable sports equip-
ment group with leading market shares in all
its segments.
he USTA announced in the pandemic were tough on us all, but “It has been a privilege to lead Head for
June that fan capacity for our sport came together like never be- the last 25 years, but now it is time for a new
the 2021 US Open will fore and tackled each challenge head on. challenge,” he says. “ISF has tremendous
be at 100 percent for the Interest in tennis has accelerated, with potential, and my new role as president will
two-week tournament, 4 million new and returning players be my focus. I leave Head in very capable
and that all ticket categories for the 25 taking to the court last year. Our sport hands with an exceptionally strong manage-
sessions—from reserved stadium seating surged in the toughest of times, and this ment team.”
to general admission grounds passes— year’s US Open promises to be an unfor-
will be available. gettable celebration of the game, those Junior Wheelchair Tennis
“We are extremely excited to be able who play it and those who revel in it.” Tournament Series Debuts
to welcome our incredible fans back to The tournament will be held at the The USTA launched a new USTA Junior
the US Open this year,” says USTA CEO USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Wheelchair Tennis Tournament Series, a
Michael Dowse. “While we were proud Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., from group of eight nationally ranked tourna-
that we were able to hold the event in Monday, Aug. 30, through Sunday, ments taking place across the country.
2020, we missed having our fans on-site, Sept. 12. The US Open will continue to The series started in June in Virginia and
SHUTTERSTOCK
because we know they are a large part follow CDC Covid-related guidelines runs to December in Georgia.
of what makes the US Open experience that are in effect. The focus of the series, the first-ever
unlike any other. Tickets can be purchased by visiting unified structure of national junior wheel-
“Indeed, the challenges presented by USOpen.org and Ticketmaster. chair tennis events, is to provide junior
www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

IndustryNews
wheelchair players with level-based play

and to encourage providers to expand
tournament offerings for junior wheel-
chair athletes. The eight tournaments are
open to all junior wheelchair tennis play-
ers. Some tournaments provide financial
support to cover entry fees and other
expenses. Remaining tournaments in the
series for this year include:
• Aug. 13-15: Cincinnati Wheelchair
Junior Tennis Open (Level 4), Ohio
• Sept. 16-19: USTA Wheelchair Champi-
onships (Level 1), St. Louis
• Oct. 8-10: Alabama Open (Level 2),
Tuscaloosa
• Nov. 11-14: America Championships
(Level 1), Locust Grove, Ga. YOUTH TENNIS
• Dec. 10-12: Clocktower Indoor Classic
(Level 3), Rome, Ga. USTA and PHIT America
RSI & USRSA Seek Your Expertise
As the official publication of the U.S. Rac-
Team Up to Get Kids Active
T
quet Stringers Association, RSI magazine
is seeking your expertise. “To inform our he USTA has partnered with kids’ fitness and mental health,” says
members, tennis providers and the general PHIT America, a national PHIT America founder Jim Baugh.
playing public of the latest in racquet, paddle charity focused on improving “To date, we’ve introduced over half a
and stringing technology and techniques, the physical and mental health of chil- million kids to regular physical activ-
we always welcome USRSA member and dren in the U.S. by providing increased ity in schools through [our] programs.
reader input,” says Bob Patterson, executive physical-activity programs. As part of Together with the USTA, we are build-
director of the USRSA. the partnership, the USTA will be the ing new opportunities for the tennis
“We’d love to hear your suggestions or presenting sponsor of the new PHIT pathway and getting kids active.”
receive submissions for RSI articles such as America “Play Tennis” program, de- For schools with PHIT America’s
Racquet Tech, Ask the Experts, Tips & Tech- signed to provide free tennis curricu- AMPED incentivized running/walk-
niques, Your Serve and Letters to the Editor, lum and equipment to after-school and ing program, the Play Tennis program
including ideas for longer stories, commen- out-of-school programs. introduces kids to the basics of tennis
tary and features.” “We are excited to partner with the in a fun, personalized way. Schools
To reach us, email bob@racquettech.com USTA to help increase our efforts at can apply for these free programs at
or info@tennisindustrymag.com. PHIT America on the importance of Tennis.PHITAmerica.org.
Short
Sets
After a Covid hiatus last year, the PTR tennis team, develop a gender equity plan at center court. AEW CEO Tony Khan says
$8,000 Wheelchair Tennis Championships and come into full compliance with Title IX he’s planning to hold a Grand Slam show
returns to Hilton Head Island, S.C., Sept. to avoid a sex discrimination class action every year after the US Open.
24-26. This year, it will be a USTA Level for depriving female student-athletes of
2 National event and will feature play in equal opportunities and treatment in its Tennis Channel’s coverage of the 2021
Open, A, B,C, D and Quad divisions. The intercollegiate athletics program. French Open led to the most-watched
tournament will resume its ITF Level II sta- match in network history. The men’s
tus in 2022. PTR also is offering an Instruct- All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is going on singles semifinal between Novak Djokovic
ing Wheelchair Tennis Workshop. Contact tour across the U.S., and its “Dynamite: and Rafael Nadal on Friday, June 11, gen-
843-785-7244 or visit ptrtennis.org. Grand Slam” live show will be at Arthur erated 511,000 viewers on the channel,
SHUTTERSTOCK
Ashe Stadium at the USTA Billie Jean King surpassing the 2019 Australian Open con-
The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, National Tennis Center in Queens, N.Y. on test between Roger Federer and Taylor
Minn., has agreed to reinstate its women's Sept. 22. The wrestling ring will be placed Fritz, which led with 448,000 viewers.

IndustryNews
USTA Mid-Atlantic Teams

With Topcourt for E-Learning
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Section has
named TopCourt its official e-learning
platform and will offer 14-day free trials
of TopCourt to the region’s fans, players
and USTA members. TopCourt provides
access to the lives, minds and training
techniques of the world’s best tennis
players and coaches.
“USTA Mid-Atlantic prioritizes
increasing access to tennis and helping
players of all ages, abilities and back-
grounds get into and stay in the sport,”
says Beth Twomey, COO for the section.
“With TopCourt, we can give people
FACILITIES the opportunity to learn tennis skills or
Better Bubble Can Keep

develop new ones from the very best
experts that normally wouldn't be avail-
able to the average player. Its digital
Play Going Year-Round
B
delivery makes it easily accessible and
convenient.”
As part of the collaboration, TopCourt
etter Bubble is a new existing court and then inflated to will donate one-year paid subscriptions
state-of-the-art system provide column-free indoor space. to recipients of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Ju-
that can be placed over The Better Bubble system comes nior Player Scholarship program, which
any tennis or pickleball with the air-supported dome enclo- helps players at any level pay for tennis-
court to keep play going sure, heating system, LED lighting, related expenses. Scholarship awardees
year-round. The system, available in doors and more. For more informa- can use TopCourt to help develop their
different sizes to cover one or more tion, visit BetterBubble.com or email tennis skills and gain inspiration from
courts, is anchored directly to the ldaugherty@arizoncompanies.com. professionals and legendary coaches.
People
Watch
John Callen, currently the longest serv- Americas general manager. Grange, chief executive in IHRSA’s 40-year history.
ing USTA section executive director, an- who was most recently vice president of
nounced he will retire, effective Jan. 31, sales at K-Swiss, replaces Barney Waters, Milena Stephens has been promoted
2022. In 1989, Callen was named USTA who had been the brand’s president to Director of Education and Diversity
Southern Executive Director and now since 2016. Grange joined K-Swiss in for the PTR. In her new position, she’ll
also serves as its Chief Operating Officer. October 2020, after roles including VP design, implement and manage PTR’s
of footwear at Lacoste and VP of North education for Level One, Level Two and
C O U RT E S Y B ET T E R B U B B L E ; S H U T T E R S T O C K
Bill Scanlon, former World No. 9 and a America for Keds. specialty courses, and work with PTR’s
1983 US Open semifinalist, passed away diversity programs.
on June 2 at age 64, after a struggle with IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness
cancer. During his 13-year career, Scan- Association, has named Elizabeth Clark as Adam Dalton has been hired as USTA
lon became the first man to complete a the association’s next president and CEO. Southern Manager for Junior Team Ten-
“Golden Set,” winning all 24 points in Clark, a seasoned association executive, nis. Prior to joining USTA Southern, he
the second set of a 6-2, 6-0 victory over previously led government relations and was managing director of the Macon
Brazil’s Marcos Hocevar in 1983. advocacy at the National Confectioners (Ga.) Area Tennis Association. In addi-
Association (NCA), the trade association tion, Francie Barragan of Cary, N.C., has
Dave Grange has been named inter- for the $44 billion candy industry. Begin- been hired as the section's tennis service
national K-Swiss brand president and ning August 16, she will be the first female representative for her home state.

IndustryNews
ITF Announces Wheelchair “The game of One-On-One Doubles is “I’ve always been a fan of One-On-One
Tennis Player Council now ready for club players to compete Doubles,” says USTA Florida Adult Play
and enjoy in its round-robin format,” says Coordinator Andy Gladstone. “It’s fun to
Ed Krass, the game’s founder and former play and adds a new format to our game,
college coach at Harvard and Clemson. which can improve players of all levels.”
“The game's tournament format will help The tournaments are open to all levels
the 3.0 to 4.0 NTRP players become even and ages and can be licensed for $90 per
better.” tournament; USPTA, PTR and ITA profes-
College Coaches and tournament di- sionals and coaches receive a 25 percent
rectors can also run One-On-One Doubles discount. Contact (813) 478-3384 or
Tournaments at their facilities. oneononedoubles@yahoo.com.
The International Tennis Federation

(ITF) has announced four new members
of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Player
Council, with players representing all
three divisions and all levels of the rank-
ings worldwide.
The 2021-2022 Player Council will
feature four new faces, including quad
world No.3 and reigning US Open cham-
pion Sam Schroder of the Netherlands
and USTA’s Head of Wheelchair Tennis
Player Development Jason Harnett,
while five members of the current Player
Council were re-elected for a second
term.
The incoming Player Council began its
two-year term in January. It is comprised
of seven current players (including Nick
Taylor of the U.S.), each of whom holds
an active ITF ranking, as well as one for-
mer player (Karin Korb of the U.S.) and
one coach (Harnett).
The nine council members will repre-
sent the interests of wheelchair tennis
players across all divisions, rankings and
world regions involved in ITF wheelchair
tennis competitions, as well as offering
advice and recommendations to the
ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee on
all issues of concern to players—includ-
ing, but not limited to, the ITF rules and
regulations.
One-On-One Doubles Offers

Tournament Licenses
One-On-One Doubles Tennis, the
crosscourt singles competition, is
rolling out to club, college and pro
tournaments. One-On-One Doubles
is a competitive format that has been
sanctioned by USTA Florida, USTA
Eastern and USTA Georgia since the
game's creation in 2004.

IndustryNews
WTT Set for Full Capacity tional Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the Sock, Kim Clijsters, Taylor Fritz, John Isner
at Indian Wells Tennis Garden 2021 World TeamTennis season," says WTT and Sloane Stephens. Ticket packages are on
World TeamTennis has announced it Chairman and CEO Eric Davidson, who sale at wtt.com.
will host fans at full capacity for the 2021 took over from former CEO Carlos Silva in
season at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden March. "We look forward to welcoming ‘Jenga-Like’ Skyscraper Design
in California. All matches during the Nov. not only our fans, but also an increasingly Stacks Eight Tennis Courts
13-28 campaign between the five teams talented group of players for the upcoming
will take place in the venue’s 8,000-seat season."
Stadium 2. Players who have committed to play
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity WTT in 2021 include Bob Bryan, Mike
to play in front of full capacity at the sensa- Bryan, Jennifer Brady, Jessica Pegula, Jack
LOVE LOVE
Club members and students will LOVE facing
off against the phenom. You will LOVE
offering the added advantage.
follow lobste
t rsports on
te play more. win more.
®
Carlo Ratti Associati (CRA) and Italo
For more information, please call 888.380.9460 or visit www.lobstersports.com Rota have unveiled conceptual designs
for the Playscraper, a Jenga-like sky-
scraper that stacks together eight tennis
#1
courts for a total of 60,000 square feet of
playing space.
Developed for RCS Sport, one of
Europe’s leading sport and media com-
panies, the 300-foot-tall Tennis Tower is
designed to be built with a lightweight
stainless-steel sandwich structure
developed by Broad Sustainable Build-
ing that takes inspiration from the outer
shell of a spacecraft and has been used in
prefabricated projects. The Playscraper,
developed with no proposed location,
would also incorporate electronic facades
to broadcast sports matches and other
digital content.
“This project would not just create
a new icon for sports lovers, but it also
CALL US TODAY: 1-877-5 RITEWAY (748-3929) experiments with a new type of public
RITEWAYTENNIS.COM | INFO@RITEWAYTENNIS.COM space, extending vertically instead of
horizontally,” says architect and engineer
Carlo Ratti, founder of CRA and director of
C O U RT E S Y C A R L O R AT T I A S S O C I AT I
• Easiest & quickest crack repair to install on the market. the MIT Senseable City Lab. “The tower is
easy to install and dismantle and can be
• NO deadspots, NO bubbles, NO hollow sounds. easily moved.”
• Only system that provides a Tru-Bounce™ USRSA Names New MRTs

Master Racquet Technicians
• Play 24/7/365 unlike other systems. Claudia Arango, Tallahassee, Fla.
Jason Bazinet, Lisbon, Conn.
• Always looking for NEW contractors! Garold Marvin Larue III, Fort Worth, Texas
Dylan Payne, Cypress, Texas

MEDIA
Tennis Channel
Unveils Updated
Website and
New App
T
ennis Channel has a start-times function. The Live Scores the latest tennis news.
redesigned website and page gives users the opportunity to “Everyone who likes or works in
new app that offer more directly link to live coverage on the tennis is going to want to use this plat-
tennis-based stats and network or its Tennis Channel Plus form,” says Andi Chu, vice president
information in one streaming service. A link to on-de- and editor-in-chief of Tennis Chan-
place than ever before. Fans can ac- mand replays or highlights will exist nel. “There’s no more comprehensive
cess the site, Tennis.com, or down- next to completed-match scores. source of all the tennis information
load the new Tennis.com app on iOS Other features include a win- you’d want to know, whether you’re a
or Android platforms. probability gauge, head-to-head die-hard or casual tennis fan, sports
The site includes links to live player stats, tournament orders of fan, reporter, gamer, tennis player
matches embedded in scoreboards, play, player rankings, visual stories or someone who just wants to know
a comprehensive calendar, rankings, that showcase individual players when a match is going to start.
personalization features, gaming and through video and still images, and “Everything is in one place on
a first-of-its-kind estimated-match- live blogs that offer a cheat sheet on Tennis.com.”
Starting at $590 USD (Includes mainland USA shipping + 3 year warranty)

Letters to the Editor
the curriculum necessary to create
two-year degrees in professional tennis
management.
These young men and women would
be welcome additions to the tennis
industry in many capacities, including
as coaches, teaching professionals, fa-
cility and retail staff, with manufactur-
ers and associations, and much more.
The sport definitely needs a boost in
employee activation.
Jack Hill
Elm Grove, Wis.
Hall of Fame National Tennis

Donation Month
The sun always seems to shine on New- I’m glad the USTA’s volunteer Advo-
port the week of the International Ten- cacy Committee pushed forward the
nis Hall of Fame induction ceremony idea of National Tennis Month for this
and its pro tournament every July. For past May (“Our Serve,” June 2021).
decades, covering the combined event Too many people would have just said,
has been a highlight of the summer “Let’s just wait until next year.”
circuit for members of the U.S. Tennis After this pandemic, it’s important I agree wholeheartedly with Denny
Writers Association (USTWA). that the entire industry gets behind Schackter’s conclusion about two-year
Unfortunately, due to massive up- National Tennis Month each May. We colleges offering PTM programs. The
heaval in the global media industry, the need to be the voice of tennis; nobody four-year college model is outdated and
sun set on the USTWA four years ago else will be. We must keep this growth impractical for many students in many
after more than 40 years of journalistic spurt going. fields. It wastes those students’ time
service to the game. At that time, of- and their parents’ money on courses
ficers Art Spander and Jim Martz, and Steve Zalinski they don’t need and will never use.
C O U RT E SY I N T E R N AT I O N A L T E N N I S H A L L O F FA M E
myself as president emerita, carried Durham, N.C. Teach them what they need to know so
out our members’ wishes to donate 100 they can do what they want to do, and
percent of our funds to a tennis charity. let them get on with their lives.
The ITHF serves the whole sport in Two-Year PTM
perpetuity, so we donated our remain- Programs Tom Odishoo
ing $5,368.67 to the Hall of Fame, buy-
ing a brick along the way (above). I found Denny’s “Your Serve” to be
As long as the grass grows in I just read Denny Schackter’s “Your well-written and timely—and it makes
Newport, members of the media will Serve” (The Old College Try) in the sense! I would hope that some forward-
clamor to cover it. Keep your eye out June issue, regarding junior college looking community-college educators
for us on the brick walk, and tip your involvement for training tennis teach- will give it a try.
straw hat to reporters and photogra- ing professionals. There are approxi-
phers capturing history! mately 550,000 boys and girls playing Bob Ross, USPTA
high school tennis—what a great pool Northbrook, Ill.
Liza Horan of candidates for our industry! There
Edinburgh, Scotland are also a substantial number of junior We welcome your opinions and comments.
Former USTWA President and technical colleges that could add Email info@tennisindustrymag.com.

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Racquet Tech
CUSTOMER SERVICE Putting in the same effort and
Serving Pickleball
service for pickleball players that
you offer tennis players will pay
dividends and build relationships.
Fitting pickleball players with the right

paddles can expand your customer base.
is an easier task. But just because the
By Bob Patterson pickleball paddle is a simpler device
doesn’t mean they are all the same.
Executive Director, USRSA
W
Start Servicing Paddles
I’ve spoken with several tennis shops
ith more than 40 for racquet/paddle technicians. recently that have added pickleball
years of stringing While many of the basic principles of paddles and equipment to their inven-
and customizing a tennis racquet can be applied to a tory. But they have yet to add any
tennis racquets, pickleball paddle, there are quite a few services to complement their equip-
I’ve accumulated stark differences. ment offerings—and I think that is
a lot of knowledge, experience and The most obvious difference is short-sighted.
expertise. But, as I always admit when there are no strings in a pickleball While there may not be the built-in
giving a workshop or presentation or paddle, and for me that simplifies repeat business of racquet restringing,
writing an article, I’m still learning. the process a little bit. Since a tennis there is certainly an opportunity in
No one knows it all in this business; racquet is composed of two compo- the pickleball arena for services both
there are always new techniques, new nents—the frame and string—there is before and after the sale. It should all
materials, new designs and new equip- much more to consider when it comes start with properly fitting the cli-
ment that change the equations. Also, to fitting a player with equipment that ent with the paddle that best meets
the game itself changes, and we as will give them optimum performance. their needs. Pickleball paddles have a
racquet technicians must adapt. You need to consider the frame and tighter window of specs permitted in
Over the last few years, I’ve been all its characteristics, the string and the rules, so this should make getting a
trying to apply my knowledge of ten- its characteristics, string tension, and proper fit somewhat easier, but doing
nis racquets to the sport of pickle- how string and frame interact. so takes some time spent with the
ball—and the learning curve is steep. With no strings to consider, fitting a player, and a basic knowledge of pad-
In many ways, this is a new frontier pickleball player with the right paddle dles. Taking a bit of time to interview
your client to ascertain what they may
need is a great first step in establishing
a relationship.
Offering a pickleball paddle demo
program takes the guesswork out of
the process and eases the angst of the
player in making their choice. Getting
their feedback on a paddle can help
you steer them to one that might be a
better fit, and will likely ensure that
they purchase from you rather than
online, or at another dealer. Once you
establish yourself as the “go-to” for
all things pickleball, you will have a
customer for life, and one that will be
recommending you to all their friends.
Paddle Life Cycle

SHUTTERSTOCK
Because of the design of pickleball

paddles, the expected life is one to two
years for avid players, so they will be
coming back for future purchases. Plus,
many feel that most pickleball players

accelerate the learning of the game ment down the road, so creating a
much faster than tennis, so there’s customer relationship is much better
a good chance they’ll need a new than just making a one-off sale. If
paddle before their current one you’ve made a great first impression,
wears out. they will likely be back to see you.
Once they have settled on a par- Putting in the same effort and
ticular paddle, you can take it a step service for pickleball players that
further by making sure it is just right. you offer your tennis players will pay
If they need a slightly smaller or larger dividends and build longstanding
grip, you can adjust it. If they are relationships. Just like your tennis
left-handed, offer to install a new grip players, they will need shoes, accesso-
wrapped for a lefty. Could they benefit ries and other items as they continue
from a little more swing weight? Add- to play. Take the time to learn about
ing a little weight to the head might the game of pickleball and about
do the trick. Anything you do will paddles, so you can provide good,
be a service they wouldn’t normally sound advice and make your pickleball
receive elsewhere. inventory something more than just
an add-on.
Pickleball Player Needs Your investment in the correct
They may not need a restring, but just inventory and knowledge of paddles
like with your tennis clients, pickleball and equipment will pay dividends—
players will be needing more equip- you just need to do your part.

GrassrootsTennis
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Play It Forward!
NJTLs, CTAs, public parks and
schools are on the front lines when it
comes to growing our sport.
INTERMOUNTAIN
Sierra Jr. Tennis Keeps

Its Eye on the Future
H
ow do you improve on a
picture-perfect location?
Since 1992, the Sierra
Junior Tennis Association
(sierrajuniortennis.org) in the Sierra
Nevada foothills near Lake Tahoe has
been answering that question by adding
tennis and pickleball as play options.
The SJTA has grown far beyond just
another youth sports option—it’s a hot-
house for developing and maintaining
a vibrant tennis community. Current
programs include intensive camps,
team tennis, pickleball instruction and
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y E A S T S T. L O U I S C TA , S I E R R A J U N I O R T E N N I S A S S O C I AT I O N
MISSOURI VALLEY play, and multiple competitive tourna-
CTA Reinvigorates Tennis in East St. Louis ments. This NJTL chapter offers tennis
I
and educational instruction through
local schools, and this year debuted a
t’s been a long time since Jimmy with free-to-use racquets and balls, tennis-in-the-schools program.
Connors began his career on the the ESLCTA provides spring clinics Other offerings include Tennis Bud-
courts of East St. Louis, Ill.—long for juniors on Saturdays and free adult dies of Reno, an adaptive tennis program;
enough that when two bloggers instruction on Sunday. This summer, a “tennis week” as part of the local Boys
ventured there in 2012 to try and cap- juniors can also enjoy weekday clinics. & Girls Club’s summer program; and an
ture some of that spirit, they found no Success in just these few short years, annual tennis clinic with Big Brothers/
suitable 78-foot court to hit on. can be measured not just by noting Big Sisters of Northern Nevada.
That discovery, or lack thereof, how these volunteers picked up a Even as it honors members of the
sparked a tennis revival project. community’s historic tennis thread, tennis community in its Hall of Fame
The East St. Louis Community Ten- reinvigorated a high school athletic for past service, the SJTA has its eye on
nis Association accepted the challenge opportunity, brought the community the future, and works with the entire
to reclaim Connors’ legacy. With state together and provided health and community. Most recently, it has been
and USTA grants, the CTA opened up learning opportunities for the young- exploring partnerships with compa-
a new three-court setting in 2017 in est, but also by noting the accomplish- nies drawn to the area in the energy
Lincoln Park, which provided a home ment of two participants who used and manufacturing sectors to pilot
for the newly reestablished high school their time on these courts to gain workforce development programs, and
girls’ tennis team. Not only do mem- college tennis scholarships—just like develop a “tennis and tech” curriculum.
bers stock a “Little Tennis Library” Connors. —Kent Oswald —Kent Oswald

The Bench
THE MENTAL GAME they’re a jerk. Throw in the mixed
doubles dynamic, where the woman may
Positive Reinforcement have messed up but the guy didn’t help
her get out of it, and it’s an even more
When a doubles teammate melts powerful downward spiral.
The first thing is to make sure your
down, the partner plays a key role players understand that as soon as a
point is over in doubles, they need to
in righting the ship. act and say something positive to their
partner, especially if their partner
messed up. Legendary college tennis
By Coach Pete Scales, Ph.D., USPTA coach Steve Wilkinson required his
players to smile at their doubles part-
D
ners after every point! Use the British
three-second rule—the player who didn’t
ear Coach Pete: A. Let me ask one thing: How did her mess up runs to his or her partner within
While watching one of our partner react? While it’s true that three seconds to be supportive, positive,
travel team pickleball match- everyone has to develop their mental energetic and get the team moving to the
es, I witnessed a teammate and emotional game, in doubles it is the next point.
completely melt down. In a mixed doubles partner’s responsibility to keep building
match, the woman suffered the “yips” on up their teammate.
just about every serve, probably missing Sometimes, a meltdown like that
the last 10. Halfway through the rubber mushrooms from a simple disappoint-
match, the team took a time out, but it ment to a huge thing simply because In doubles, it is the partner's
didn’t help. She never again got a serve in, the partner didn’t do their job—either responsibility to keep
building up their teammate
and they lost the match. What can we do because they’re a nice person and just by being supportive, positive
when this happens? didn’t know what to say or do, or because and energetic.
SHUTTERSTOCK

Now, if the partner was doing the right entire game, and not just the serve, then that all this is very normal. She probably
thing, and trying to be supportive, and it’s less likely that a simple technical fix knows that in her head, but you and the
she still lost it, that's another thing. will resolve it. Issues that permeate the others on the team can remind her that
Did she play OK once the points got whole game more often are deeper things you, too, have been there. We all have! If
started? In other words, was it just on the about feeling embarrassed, letting a part- people wouldn’t play with you because
serve, or was she thrown off her entire ner or teammate down, etc.—things that you had a bit of a meltdown, then no one
game? Was she missing long or into the get to self-worth, and taking the game so would be on any teams.
net? Different answers to those ques- seriously, making it so important, that So the message is, we forgive you for
tions suggest different fixes. you can only be worthy if you win, or at being human.
Sometimes what seems like a mental least play well.
thing is most easily resolved by a simple If the reaction to a bad serve sud- Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., is an internation-
technical fix—say, aiming for a higher denly made the whole game go south, ally known developmental psychologist
spot over the net if serves are going into have your player do an exercise recom- specializing in positive youth develop-
the net, or putting a little topspin on it if mended in the USTA Mental Skills ment, a USPTA tennis teaching pro, a high
they’re consistently going long. and Drills Handbook: Write down (or school tennis coach, and a mental strength
The “yips” on the serve usually happen record on their phone) the reasons consultant to college tennis teams. He’s
because of thinking into the future about why they love playing. I do this with the author of the award-winning book
the outcome. Have your player rehearse my players and it gives them a lot of Mental and Emotional Training for
thinking only about their target above positive and calming words—their own Tennis: Compete-Learn-Honor (Coaches
the net and where they’re going to move words—to remind them of why they’re Choice, 2019), available on Amazon.
next, as they get ready to serve. Bigger out there and help them manage match For more on the mental game and pickle-
serve targets away from the lines also emotions. (Spoiler alert—“winning” is ball, check out Coach Pete’s podcasts on
help, instead of trying to hit spectacular almost never one of the reasons why USTA’s Compete Like a Champion,
serves. people say they play!) EssentialTennis.com, WeArePickleball.
If the serving problems threw off her Last, your teammate needs to know com and TennisFiles.com.

Court Construction
ACRYLIC SURFACING The Nova Sports USA team includes
(at bottom, from left) Joe Righter, Bill
Surface Systems Righter, Rob Righter, Dave Commito and

Jacob Righter. Recent projects included
the tennis center at Northeastern
For Nova Sports, keeping court sports University in Boston (left).
safe and accessible is a family business. surfaces were fading from blue to gray
after only two to three years. Could a
By Cindy Cantrell new application be designed to prolong
the resurfacing process?
The resulting formulation has been
applied to 152 courts and counting at The
Villages this year alone, notes Righter.
“We did xenon arc testing to our
proprietary resin blend, and after the
equivalent of two years of Florida
sunlight exposure, there was no visible
color loss to the naked eye,” says Right-
er, noting that the application adds only
a few hundred dollars to the surfacing
cost while doubling resurfacing time
from approximately every four years to
eight years. “It’s not the best business
model in terms of our resurfacing busi-
ness, but we depend on word-of-mouth
instead of using commissioned sales
reps. And we’re getting great feedback.”
Residential pickleball courts have
been another area of growth during
W
the Covid-19 pandemic. According to
Righter, the company’s Novaplay sur-
hile many sports were mold/mildew resistant formulations facing system was developed to deliver
suspended during and unique low abrasive textured great performance, durability through
the pandemic, tennis surfaces. In 2015, Chief Chemist David high-solid acrylic blends and ultraviolet-
participation has been Commito developed a first-of-its-kind resistant color retention while provid-
on the upswing. And with pickleball also epoxy primer for concrete that not only ing a low abrasive texture to reduce wear
being proclaimed as one of the fastest controls vapor emission, but eliminates on shoes, balls and players.
growing pastimes, it’s no wonder that two previously necessary steps in the Righter says 70 to 80 percent of the
demand for Nova Sports USA all-weath- concrete coating process. emails he receives are about pickleball,
er sports surfaces is at an all-time high. A call in 2017 from The Villages, an including from homeowners. Munici-
“Business has exploded,” says Jacob active 55-plus retirement community palities are making similar accommoda-
Righter, who oversees marketing at the in Florida, spurred further innovation. tions. According to Righter, cities and
corporate headquarters and factory in Due to the intensity of the sunlight, the towns are either constructing pickleball
Milford, Mass., which produces indoor/ property’s hundreds of high-traffic ten- courts, or blending lines to create four
outdoor sport surfacing systems for tennis, pickleball and shuffleboard court standard pickleball courts within a
nis, pickleball, basketball, inline hockey, regulation-size tennis court.
shuffleboard, track surfaces, jogging “At a time when people need safe
P H O T O S C O U RT E S Y N OVA S P O RT S U S A
trails, walkways and playgrounds. “It’s and social recreation more than ever,”
great for us, obviously, but also for Righter says, “Nova Sports USA is proud
everyone in the sports industry.” to play such an important part in keep-
Founded in 1984 by Benjamin and ing tennis and pickleball accessible by
Ruth Righter, Nova Sports USA specializ- ensuring that surfaces are not only safe,
es in developing innovative products that but look great as well.” •
continually modernize the acrylic sport
surfacing industry across the globe. For more information, contact 800-USA-
The company’s early developments NOVA, 508-473-6540 or sales@novas-
include an elastomeric caulking system, ports.com, or visit www.novasportscom.

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RACQUET/
2021 PADDLE SPORTS
YOUR BUSINESS
Activity Council’s annual participation
Cross-Court
study. Industry experts also note that
enthusiasm for padel is rising interna-
tionally and, although there are cur-
rently fewer than 100 padel courts in
Winners
the U.S., the game’s popularity appears
to be catching on.
“Over the last few years, most of
the changes in racquet sports have
been on the retail side, particularly as
To leverage rising enthusiasm for racquet brands began pulling back from pro
shops and causing gaps in the busi-
and paddle sports, venues are adding ness,” explains Mickey Maule, the
USTA’s managing director of Engage-
complementary facilities and programs. ment & Services. “Pickleball helped
close those gaps and has become
By Judy Leand a revenue stream. This has helped
[racquet sports specialty retailers]
support teaching pros and programs,
and has led to more traffic in pro shops
From private tennis clubs to public categories of pickleball, POP tennis, and tennis centers.”
park & rec sites, and even extend- paddle/platform tennis and padel. The general consensus is that many
ing to the USTA National Campus in In 2020, there were 21.64 million tennis facilities have benefited by add-
Orlando, Fla., momentum is building tennis players (up 22.4 percent from ing complementary racquet sports.
to add complementary racquet and 2019), 4.2 million pickleball players Here’s a look at three venues and how
paddle sports facilities and programs. (up 21.3 percent), and 1.82 million par- their distinctive strategies are boost-
Fueling this trend is a sharp rise in ticipants in POP tennis/paddle tennis/ ing overall racquet sports awareness
racquet sports participation that, in platform tennis (an increase of 31.2 and participation, while also improv-
addition to tennis, includes the key percent), according to the Physical ing the bottom line.
"The USTA’s goal is to provide new

pathways into tennis," says Mickey
Maule. "We want to create racquet
sports research hubs, such as the
USTA National Campus."
PHOTO COURTESY USTA
Cary (below) is developing a
RACQUET/ plan to add tennis and pickleball
PADDLE SPORTS courts. "The market is dictating
2021 the expansion of racquet sports,"
says Sean Ferreira.
beginner tennis play, which pickleball both sports. The venue is slated to
USTA National players also use—with more to come. host a variety of pickleball events this
Campus “We have land to the south of the summer and into 2022, including the
Orlando, Fla. facility and will develop a master State Games in pickleball, the Senior
plan with more tennis and pickleball Pickleball State Games in October,
The USTA National Campus offers 98
courts,” says Sean Ferreira, tennis and professional and amateur
lighted tennis courts, including two
services director for the Town of Cary. pickleball tournaments next May.
championship courts, and 84 of them
“The synergy of racquet sports provides “We want to advocate for tennis
feature live streaming. In May, the
huge benefits to the facility. This is a and pickleball and build something to
venue expanded its Nemours Family
trend, and the marketplace is dictating please everyone,” Ferreira says. “It’s
Zone, and in early June celebrated the
the expansion of racquet sports. It’s not now just a matter of time and funding.
grand opening of four padel courts
a negative for tennis—these sports can We want to start master-planning
and four pickleball courts.
complement each other.” the facility and be a leader in public
“The USTA’s goal is to provide new
Ferreira notes that prior to the racquet sports.”
pathways into tennis, and we want to
Covid-19 pandemic, Cary Tennis Park
create racquet sports research hubs,
added blended lines for pickleball and
such as the USTA National Campus,” Wayzata Country Club
color-coding to its 36-foot courts. The
says Maule. “New events such as
town is now making plans to build Wayzata, Minn.
pickleball tournaments help drive
six to eight more tennis courts and Since 1956, the private Wayzata
awareness, excitement and revenue to
up to 20 pickleball courts, and other Country Club has primarily offered
the National Campus. We’re already
sports such as padel are also under tennis, but there have been efforts
offering pickleball programming,
consideration. of late to think outside the box to get
and the PTR and USPTA are helping
“We’re just getting started with more members on the courts.
to leverage energy in both sports. By
pickleball and are in the early stages of “We started to expand three years
developing complementary racquet
expansion,” says Ferreira. ago with POP tennis, and we expanded
sports, we’ll be able to provide tools to
At this point, much of the teaching platform tennis last winter,” says
help facilities grow their business.”
staff at Cary Tennis Park is now Chris Franco, Wayzata Country Club’s
Maule also points out that more
certified to teach both tennis and director of racquet sports.
teaching pros are becoming dual-cer-
pickleball, and can run events for “Tennis wasn’t getting the attention
tified in both tennis and pickleball.
“On campus, we want to pilot some
hybrid tennis and pickleball programs.
There are lots of former tennis players
who’ve taken up pickleball, and it’s
estimated that 1 million pickleball
players play tennis as well,” he says.
“By attracting youth to racquet sports
in general, we’ll be creating a pathway
to tennis.”
PHOTO COURTESY CARY TENNIS PARK
Cary Tennis Park

Cary, N.C.
Cary Tennis Park was the 2019 USTA
Featured Facility, and it is looking
holistically at all racquet sports, as
pickleball has become an emerging
activity in the area. The public venue
currently provides 32 championship
tennis courts, including one stadium
court with permanent seating, and
seven covered courts. There are also
four permanent 36-foot courts for

At the Wayzata CC, "We allowed
members to utilize the club in new
ways by adding pickleball and tennis
courts and revamping the paddle
courts," says Chris Franco.
it deserved, so we allowed members racquet sports facilities,” he says.

to utilize the club in new ways by Franco also reports that the club
adding pickleball and tennis courts is looking at bubbling or creating
and revamping the paddle courts. an indoor facility for racquet sports
This means that racquet sports are and may also add platform courts.
no longer just a six-months-a-year This would enable more year-round
opportunity. About 60 to 70 percent programming, especially for juniors.
of our membership is now playing “It’s a huge opportunity to grow
racquet sports, allowing us to keep racquet sports, engage current
members happy 12 months a year.” members and add new ones,” he notes.
Franco points out that because of “We have hundreds of people
the improvements that the club was waiting to get back on the courts now,
able to make over the past Covid year, and we’re seeing lots of smiles—tennis
85 new families joined over three and racquet sports are a fun way to
months this spring, and there is now a stay active, and pickleball will also
waiting list. (There are currently about help attract older players. I couldn’t
600 members, putting the club at full be happier with the progress. Racquet
capacity.) “We can offer a safe and sports got us through Covid times and
accommodating environment, and it’s now members are more familiar with
a huge opportunity for the club to offer these sports—plus, they’re a great
year-round programs and permanent segue into tennis.”
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.
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PHOTO COURTESY WAYZATA COUNTRY CLUB
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HalfPage-InsideTennis.indd 1 11/17/19 2:19 PM

PRO
2021 TOURS
APPAREL & EQUIPMENT

Here's what you can
Professional
expect to see on court
this summer from
Alexander Zverev,
Novak Djokovic, Serena
Standards
Williams, Sofia Kenin
and other top pros.
What will the top pros be wearing and

playing with at this year’s US Open?
Compiled by Kent Oswald
RANKING RACQUET SHOES CLOTHING
1 Novak Djokovic Head G 360+ Speed black Asics Court FF Lacoste

2 Daniil Medvedev Tecnifibre T-Fight 305 Lacoste Ag-Lt 21 Lacoste
3 Rafael Nadal Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Nike Cage Nike
4 Stefanos Tsitsipas Wilson Blade Adidas Solecourt Boost Adidas
5 Dominic Thiem Babolat Pure Strike Adidas Solecourt Boost Adidas
6 Alexander Zverev Head G 360+ Gravity Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Adidas
7 Andrey Rublev Head G 360+ Gravity Nike Vapor Nike
8 Roger Federer Wilson Pro Staff On The Roger Uniqlo
9 Matteo Berrettini Head G 360+ Extreme Lotto Mirage 100 SPD Lotto
10 Roberto Bautista Agut Wilson Pro Staff Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 Lacoste
11 Diego Schwartzman Head G 360+ Radical Fila Axilus 2 Energized Fila
12 Pablo Carreno Busta Wilson Blade Joma Ace Pro Joma
13 David Goffin Wilson Blade Asics Solution Speed FF2 Asics
14 Denis Shapovalov Yonex VCore 95 Nike Vapor Nike
15 Casper Ruud Yonex EZone 100 Yonex Eclipsion 3 Yonex
16 Gael Monfils WIlson Ultra 100 V3.0 Asics Gel Resolution 8 Asics
17 Hubert Hurkacz Yonex VCore Pro 97 Yonex Eclipsion 3 Yonex
18 Milos Raonic Wilson Blade New Balance Lav V2 New Balance
19 Cristian Garin Head G 360+ Radical Adidas Solecourt Boost Adidas
20 Grigor Dimitrov WIlson Pro Staff Nike Custom Nike
21 Felix Auger-Aliassime Babolat Pure Aero VS Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Adidas
22 Alex de Minaur WIlson Blade Reverse Asics Solution Speed FF2 Asics
23 Jannik Sinner Head G 360+ Speed Nike Air Zoom Zero Nike
24 Aslan Karatsev Head G 360+ Prestige Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Adidas
25 Daniel Evans WIlson Pro Staff Adidas Luke
26 Lorenzo Sonego Wilson Blade Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 4 Mizuno
27 Karen Khachanov Wilson Blade Nike Court Air Zoom GP Turbo Nike
28 Stan Wawrinka Yonex VCore Pro 97 Yonex Eclipsion 2 Yonex
GETTY IMAGES
29 Fabio Fognini Babolat Pure Drive K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 Allcourt EA7

30 Nikoloz Basilashvili Head Graphene 360 Speed Pro Lotto Mirage 100 SPD Dunlop
Rankings as of June 14, 2021

RANKING RACQUET SHOES CLOTHING
1 Ashleigh Barty Head G 360+ Gravity Fila Axilus 2 Energized Fila

2 Naomi Osaka Yonex EZone 98 Nike Turbo Nike
3 Simona Halep Wilson Blade Nike Vapor Nike
4 Aryna Sabalenka Wilson Blade Nike Vapor Nike
5 Sofia Kenin Babolat Pure Drive Fila Axilus 2 Energized Fila
6 Elina Svitolina Wilson Blade Reverse Nike Cage Nike
7 Bianca Andreescu Head G 360+ Speed Nike Vapor Nike
8 Serena Williams Wilson Blade Nike Custom Nike
9 Iga Swiatek Tecnifibre T-Rebound Tempo Asics Gel Resolution 8 Asics
10 Karolina Pliskova Babolat Pure Drive Fila Axilus 2 Energized Fila
11 Petra Kvitova Wilson Pro Staff Nike Vapor Nike
12 Belinda Bencic Yonex EZone 100 Nike Prestige Nike
13 Garbiñe Muguruza Babolat Pure Drive Adidas SoleCourt Boost Adidas
14 Jennifer Brady Babolat Pure Aero Asics Solution Speed FF 2 Asics
15 Barbora Krejčíková Head Extreme Tour Head Sprint Pro 3.0 Head
16 Victoria Azarenka Wilson Ultra Nike Vapor Nike
17 Elise Mertens Head G 360+ Speed Lotto Straosphere Lotto
18 Maria Sakkari Wilson Ultra Reverse Adidas SoleMatch Bounce Adidas
19 Anastasia Pavyluchenkova Wilson Burn Nike Zoom Vapor Lacoste
20 Kiki Bertens Wilson Blade Axilus 2 Energized Fila
21 Elena Rybakina Yonex VCore 100 Adidas SoleMatch Bounce Adidas
22 Karolina Muchova Head G 360+ Adidas SoleCourt Boost Adidas
23 Cori Gauff Head G 360+ Speed New Balance 996 v4.5 New Balance
24 Ons Jabeur Wilson Pro Staff Lotto Mirage 300 Speed Lotto
25 Petra Martic Wilson Blade Asics Gel Resolution 7 Lululemon
26 Jessica Pegula Yonex EZone 98 Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Adidas
27 Angelique Kerber Yonex VCore 100 Adidas Adizero Ubersonic 4 Adidas
28 Madison Keys Wilson Ultra Nike Vapor Nike
29 Anett Kontaveit Babolat Pure Strike 100 Nike Vapor Lacoste
30 Johanna Konta Babolat Pure Aero Asics Gel Resolution 7 Ellesse

T H E LI GH T E ST
WIDE
SHOE ON THE MARKET*
*Tested by Yonex
GUIDE TO
STRINGING
MACHINES 2021
YOUR BUSINESS this decision. Members who may
The String's
have machines that have been out of
production for a few years contact us
looking for parts or service options.
Well, unless the part you need can
the Thing
be made in a local machine shop or
retrofitted from parts from a different
machine, then your only option is to
look at a new investment.
Chances are you’ve been with your
A good stringing machine is an machine for a long time, and one
of the last things you want to do is
investment that can pay big dividends have to get used to a new one. While
abandoning your old workmate won’t
for your business. be easy, remember that it was also an
investment, and it served you well.
Risking downtime as your machine
By Bob Patterson reaches the end of its useful life can
Executive Director, USRSA put a kink in your investment return.
You may be able to sell the old
machine to someone for parts, or if it
is still operable, donate it—maybe to
an NJTL or school (with the hope that
it may inspire youngsters to get into
this industry, too). Then, it’s time to
consider your new investment.
What was it that you liked about
the old machine? What additional
features would you like to have? Start
making a list of “must haves” and
“would love to haves,” and then look
at what is available within your target
price range. Remember to consider
the price over the expected life of the
machine. Also consider the after-sales
service. If it is your only machine,
you can’t really afford to have it out
of commission for long, so what is the
company policy on service? Is it fast?
Do they cover shipping? Will they
provide a loaner if the repair takes too
long? These are all considerations—in
If you look through the Racquet top-end machines at thousands each, addition to features, looks, operation
Sports Industry magazine archives, it is an investment in your business. and all the normal things you need to
you’ll notice a recurring theme when But if you invest wisely, it will pay big make the investment work for you.
it comes to stringing machines: dividends over its useful life. On the following pages, we’ve
“Investment.” We constantly stress But when is it time to reinvest? How provided an extensive list of profes-
the importance of considering your do you make the call to give up your old sional stringing machines on the
SHUTTERSTOCK
stringing machine as an investment workhorse for something new? Can you market. From your notes on needed
because, well, that’s exactly what it is. get a few more months out of it? An- and wanted features, make a list of
A good machine will cost you a good other year? It’s often a hard call to make. machines that meet your criteria,
bit—whether a few hundred dollars for Lately, we at the USRSA have been then work toward getting your new
your one-person side gig, or several fielding a lot of questions related to machine working for you.

GUIDE TO
STRINGING
2021 MACHINES
e
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p
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Rel
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ic
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ash
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tom
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oin
oin
oin
nta
Model Price Warranty
ltip
ear
ide
oin
ps
str
nis
l Cl
f-E
igh
ctr
nd
nd
nd
Ten
Bee
Con
Bad
Dro
Rac
Squ
Lev
Lev
Rat
6-P
Pre
Mo
5-P
Tur
Tab
Tab
Ten
Tur
(MSRP) (years)
2-S
He
Lin
Sel
4-P
Mu
Ful
Ele
Sta
Sta
Au
Ha
He
Alpha • 800-922-9024 • www.alphatennis.com • info@alphatennis.com
Pioneer DC Plus $559 5 x x x x x x x x x x
Revo 4000 $779 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Axis Pro $899 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Apex Speed $1,099 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Ghost 2 $3,395 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Dunlop • 888-215-1530 • www.dunlopsports.com
Stringing Machine 2.0 Linear Gripper 6,000 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Stringing Machine 2.0 Diablo Gripper 6,000 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Gamma • 800-333-0337 • www.gammasports.com
X-2 $249 Life x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x
Progression 200 $229 Life x x x x x x x x x x x
Progression 602 $449 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x
X-6 $469 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x
Progression 602 FC $579 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x
X-6 FC $599 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x
Progression ST II $869 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x x x
X-ST $899 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x x x
Progression Els $1,369 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x x x x
X-Els $1,399 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x x x x
XLT $1,999 5 x x x x $139 x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 w/6pt QM System $1,195 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 w/6pt QM SC System $1,299 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
5003 w/2pt SC System $1,399 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6004 w/6pt SM SC System $1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6004 w/2pt SC System $1,699 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $2,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
6900 Els w/2pt SC System $2,499 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/6pt QM System $2,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/6pt QM SC System $2,999 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
7900 Els w/2pt SC System $3,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
8900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $4,199 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
9900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $4,799 5 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Klipper USA • 800-522-5547 • www.klipperusa.com
Klippermate $249 Life x x x $175 x x x x x x x
Klippermate Badminton $269 Life x $175 x x x x x x x
Prince • 800-572-1055 • www.tennismachines.com
Neos 1000 $1,399 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Neos 1500 $1,599 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Prince 7000 $4,999 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Pro Stringer • 404-926-6060 • www.pro-stringer.com
Platinum 2.0 $890 * x x x x x x x x
Stringway • 800-922-9024 • www.stringway.com
M100 - O92 - TH+TH18 $685 10 x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100con - O92 - TH+TH18 $753 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100 - O92 - T92 $995 10 x x x x x x x x x x x
ML100con - O92 - T92 $1,023 10 x x x x x x x x x x x x
ML120con - O92 - T92 $1,167 10 x x x x x x x x x x
MS 200con T92 $1,394 10 x x x x x x x x x x
MS140-L-Traveler $635 10 x x x x x x x x x
Tecnifibre • 888-301-7878 • www.tecnifibreusa.com
Ergo Pro ATP NA 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Ergo 1 NA 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Tourna • 800-554-3707 • www.uniquesports.com
600-ES $1,695 2 x x x x x x x x x #2 x x x x x x x x
300-CS $795 2 x x x x x x x #2 x x x x
600-EST $1,600 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
800-ES $3,490 2 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

What was it that you liked about the old machine? What additional features
would you like to have? Start making a list of “must haves” and “would love to haves,”
and then look at what is available within your target price range.
nit
y
et
ps
p
Bar
pla
ure djust C ps
d
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ed
ixe
lam
lam
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Fix
lide
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tab
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ead
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nsi
ing
ion
Vid
ato
se C
uch tting
Bar
en
on
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nG
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ns/
T
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Act
on
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pad
Ad
rs
so
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Vid
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we
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lam
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mp
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d to
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lam
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dB
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mp
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w
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Cla
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nd
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In R
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t
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s
blo
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tom
nua
l Ke
Too
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nd
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ob/
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ot T
mo
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mo
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ing
ing
der
f-C
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ing
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ool
360
Ben
LED
Cov
Pou
We
Ext
Ree
Dia
Ass
Rac
Cla
Cov
Too
Rot
Sta
Foo
Ass
50-
Dia
Plu
Mu
Dia
Ow
Dia
Ful
Sel
Du
Fix
Aw
Str
Fly
Du
Kn
Un
No
Fly
Gu
Au
Kn
Ov
Ne
Bu
N
T
x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 16
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 16
x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x $35
x x x x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x $35
x x x x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
$35
x x x x x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x $29 x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 12
x x x x x x x x x x x 4
x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6
x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x
x x x x
x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x
x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x 14
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 10, 11, 12

GUIDE TO
STRINGING
2021 MACHINES
e
eas
p
ull
leto
l
tro
nd
Rel
ar P
p
n
Con
Tab
Sta
Dro
tio
ion
ull
ine
d
le
g
g
g
g
ota
dar
on
on
dP
m-
tin
ed
tin
tin
ens
rop
tab
tin
on
gL
le
ck
ed
ff
R
Spe
ads
ads
ste
oun
pee
oun
oun
tan
ilab
ll
pti
oun
dT
ran
atin
h-D
pW g
ht
jus
360 ble Lo
/O
lud
ll
Loc nt Pu
nk
in
2-P ing
ton
gre
tba
t Sy
l
h
eig
pO
gP
gP
pS
ate
Pul
le S
tM
tM
t Ad
tM
ble
Ava
On
dC
tM
etc
utc
Cra
n
Inc
lev
t
t
min
-De
que
sio
ic
unt
leto
elin
elin
ash
leto
che
kou
sta
igh
tom
nta
oin
oin
oin
nta
Model Price Warranty
ltip
ear
ide
oin
ps
str
nis
l Cl
f-E
igh
ctr
nd
nd
nd
Ten
Bee
Con
Bad
Dro
Rac
Squ
Lev
Lev
Rat
6-P
Pre
Mo
5-P
Tur
Tab
Tab
Ten
Tur
(MSRP) (years)
2-S
He
Lin
Sel
4-P
Mu
Ful
Ele
Sta
Sta
Au
Ha
He
CUBE $3,795 2 x x x x x x x x x #2 x x x x x x x x x
700-ES $3,199 2 x x x x x x x x x #2 x x x x x x x x x
150-CS $550 2 x x x x x x x #2 x x x
Wilson • 800-272-6060 • www.wilson.com
Baiardo $6,000 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Baiardo L. $3,750 3 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Yonex • 800-449-6639 • www.yonexusa.com
Precision 9.0 $11,400 * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
PT 8 Deluxe $9,499 * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Precision 5.0 $6,500 * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
ST7000 $2,999 * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
1 - Magnetic Base Clamp

2 - Adjustable Side Supports
3 - Motorized Height Adjustment
4 - Flying Clamp Starting Pins
5 - Single Swivel Fixed Clamp; Flying Clamps Starting Pins
6 - Available with either 4 or 6 Point Mounting
7 - 3D Turntable Rotation with adjustable tilt; Angled Stand for leg room
8 - Adapter for drop-weight ($35); Adapter for Gamma Machines ($100)
9 - Mobility system with wheel locks; Aero Cover

Consider the price over the expected life of the machine, along with
after-sales service. What is the company policy on service? Is it fast? Do they
cover shipping? Will they provide a loaner if the repair takes too long?
nit
y
et
ps
p
Bar
pla
ure djust C ps
d
nS
rU
Gri
ed
ixe
lam
lam
le
eo
Dis
o
Fix
lide
e
tab
r
ead
nF
nsi
ing
ion
Vid
ato
se C
uch tting
Bar
en
on
y
nG
jus
ctio
e
ett
ens
H
a
ctiv
ns/
T
cre
ion
i
l
eo
lea
Act
on
isp
de
ps
pad
Ad
rs
so
nS
e
le A
ic T
ner
Vid
hS
nA
ctio
inu sion S
we
l Ca s Tens
lam
A
nsi
Gli
l Ne se Re
ngu ion D
mp
alib ation
e
o
rs
e
d to
ctr
oub
ngl
t Pe Tensio
ouc
nsi
sio
Dra
atio secon
ers
al/
ded
rs
t Te
Plie
on
tru
ing
rer
st C
ing
Cla
le
ls
ded
Ele
Plie
nd
s To
n
a
Ten
ede
ens
lam
al T
lo
lab
utt
Cla s
anu
libr
Too
el D
el S
s
Ins
asu
Coa
dT
p
ith
dB
l Te
Rem nsion
r
mp
lbs
rat
mp
ose
Du
clu
ree
ule
l
Ma s & Ki
Cab t Sta
m
s.
eat
w
ble
ing
o
al C
DT
vai
ose
nal
ypa
dal
tW
gC
wiv
bly
sM
ate
wiv
5 lb
Dia
/N
Cla
bly
Me
ncl
gA
ck
Cla
lbs
50
nd
nd
In R
s In
eN
ay
t
ova
ra F
er A
/LC
-De
igh
s/M
que
mp
e
gon
l Ra
rtin
t-N
ine
s
blo
em
er I
tom
nua
l Ke
Too
ner
em
nd
ltili
idin
ob/
al S
ot T
mo
l Tr
mo
er 7
al S
ing
ing
der
f-C
75
ing
ote
edl
ed
ilt-
ool
360
Ben
LED
Cov
Pou
We
Ext
Ree
Dia
Ass
Rac
Cla
Cov
Too
Rot
Sta
Foo
Ass
50-
Dia
Plu
Mu
Dia
Ow
Dia
Ful
Sel
Du
Fix
Aw
Str
Fly
Du
Kn
Un
No
Fly
Gu
Au
Kn
Ov
Ne
Bu
N
T
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2, 3, 11, 12, 13
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 2, 12
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 7
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 7
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 3, 11, 17
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 17
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 17
x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 17
10 - Humidity & Temperature Gauges

11 - USB Charging Port
12 - Auto-Tension Start
13 - Push Button & Gravity Assisted Release Base Clamp
14 - Traveler Case ($99)
15 - Not Available in USA
16 - Discount Programs Available
17 - Warranty: 1 year Electronics; 3 year Mechanical
18 - Warranty: 1 Year FULL. Limited lifetime
A New quality of court lighting

Built & Serviced out of AlphArettA, GA
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LED SportS Lighting Manufacturing

THE ART OF
2021 TENNIS
At left: Tennis player in motion, by Austrian

sculptor Franz Hagenauer.
Below: Partita di Tennis Futurista, 1918, by

Italian artist Arturo Ciacelli.
At right: Doppio Femminile, 1943, by Italian

artist Massimo Campigli.
Near right, below: Part of the Clerici Collection;

at center is a bronze of Bjorn Borg by French
artist Stephane Monce, 1978.
Far right, below: Giocatrice di Volano, Torino,

1912, by Italian artist Giovani Battista
Carpanetto.
“The addition of these

pieces elevates our
art collection to one of the
strongest and most
diverse in the realm of
HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
tennis collections,”
says Museum Director
Love at Doug Stark.
First Sight
The International Tennis Hall of Fame
recently expanded its art collection
with pieces from renowned tennis
journalist Gianni Clerici. the unique eye of a keen tennis expert
and thoughtful art collector, carefully
curated with consideration to how the
sport is depicted in each piece. The
This past May, the International was inducted into the Hall of Fame in pieces acquired by the Hall of Fame
Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I., 2006 in recognition of his immense include paintings, engravings, sculp-
significantly enhanced the museum’s contributions to the sport. tures and bronzes.
tennis-inspired art collection through Over the years, Clerici amassed “I am very happy to see these works,
the acquisition of 31 pieces from Hall an impressive collection of tennis- which I love so much, go to the
of Famer Gianni Clerici’s vast per- inspired art from the 17th century to International Tennis Hall of Fame,”
sonal collection. Clerici, a renowned the 21st century, including paintings, says the 90-year-old Clerici. “It seems
tennis journalist and historian from engravings, drawings, sculptures, to me the ideal destination so that
Italy, chronicled the sport in print and decorative arts, clothing and equip- they can be appreciated by tennis fans
broadcast for more than 40 years. He ment. His collection was built with for years to come.”

P H O T O S C O U RT E SY I N T E R N AT I O N A L T E N N I S H A L L O F FA M E
August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
37
AskTheExperts
If stored properly, most
replacement grommet strips
and bumper guards should
have a very long shelf life.
The vast majority, if not all, polyester-

based strings are actually co-polys since
they all have additives, whether it’s a
color pigmentation or products to affect
performance. So, I consider “co-poly” a
marketing term, much like the well-worn
“synthetic gut” label.
To my knowledge, there is no industry
standard or regulation on the use of the
term or description of a co-poly. As for any
differences from string to string, I would
advise you to examine and playtest the
strings to make that determination, rather
than relying on labels or marketing.
The USRSA database is a great source
for basic comparison. USRSA members
can access the “String Specification”
tool on RacquetTech.com. Our tests and
Shelf Life of Bumper life somewhat with individual grommet measurements are all performed in our
replacement, but sooner or later you’ll own lab, using the same techniques and
& Grommet Sets have to convince your customer to look procedures, meaning our comparisons
for a new racquet. are apples to apples. Looking at the specs
Q: I often receive requests for grom- will help you identify both similarities
mets and bumper guards for older and differences in strings. Once you’ve
frames, sometimes for models that Polyester vs. identified some strings for your invento-
were manufactured 20 or more Co-Polyester String ry, I would still encourage you to playtest
years ago. Today, for example, I had a them yourself, to identify and note nu-
request for a Wilson Profile 2.7 110. ances and slight variations.
My question: Won’t the old grom- Q: What’s the difference between It should be noted that the chemical
mets, having been stored for all this strings labeled "polyester" and those makeup of co-poly strings is just one
time, get brittle and crack? I would labeled "co-polyester”? I’m curious area manufacturers use to change the
hate to think that after going through not only about any material/chemical playability of monofilament strings.
all the trouble of locating them then differences but, more importantly, The basic process for manufacturing
installing them, my customer is now playability differences. Is either one monofilament polyester-based strings
presented with this problem. easier on the arm, wrist or shoulder? is through heat and extrusion. How-
ever, that process can be altered by each
A: Depending on the compound formula A: This is a question we get quite often. manufacturer, and even for each model
used by the manufacturer, some grom- The truth is there is really no difference of string. The number of heat/cool cycles,
mets can become more brittle with age between the two terms. as well as the length of each cycle and
than others. But if stored properly—out Technically, the term “co-poly” is other processes, can affect how the end
of UV sunlight and extreme tempera- meant to describe a polyester string product feels and plays.
tures—most have a very long shelf life. that has some additive in the chemical As far as strings that are easier on
My practice was to soak the strip mix to achieve something the manufac- the arm and shoulder, a polyester-
in warm water prior to installation. I turer is targeting—for instance, better based string will probably not be a first
found that this not only cuts down on durability, or more elasticity. The first choice, as even the “softest” of them
any fragility, but it also makes the strip generation of polyester-based strings are still quite stiff and unforgiving. A
more pliable—and, therefore, easier was quite stiff and harsh feeling, and multifilament nylon or natural gut may
SHUTTERSTOCK
to install. Keep in mind, though, that as technology improved, some manu- be a better option.
despite your best efforts, some guards facturers sought to differentiate these
will still crack and crumble. “new” strings from the old, and thus We welcome your questions. Email them
Remember, too, that you can extend began to label them “co-poly.” to bob@racquettech.com.

,
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YourServe
RACQUET/PADDLE SPORTS huge wave of confidence—helped along
Practice What You Preach by club members cheering us on—and

upset the No. 2 player in the world, Zane
Navratil, and his partner. (We were im-
For racquet and paddle sports directors, mediately stopped in the next round by
pickleball celebrities Tyson McGuffin
your club can benefit when you and Leigh Waters.)
At the club, members see a pro or rac-
take time to compete on the court. quet sports director who is all smiles and
cheers. But competing in a tournament
By Dominique Lemperle at this level often brings out the best and
R
worst in us, and club members see this
full spectrum. But watching their pros
compete makes members proud. Plus, it
acquet sports directors nities nearly anywhere in the country. helps us, too, in several ways:
have a challenging job. We This past April, for instance, I played
need to create revenue in the Minto US Open Pickleball Cham- • Lesson/clinic revenue: When
streams, meet and exceed pionships in my hometown, Naples, members watch us compete, they often
budget expectations, and, Fla. More than 2,100 players competed get inspired and want to work on certain
since we’re in the hospitality business, in 167 brackets. I played in the Pro skills they see in our arsenal to elevate
we need to constantly delight our mem- Women’s Split Division with my good their own games.
bers. In addition to on-court duties, we friend, Leslie Bernard, and we finished
spend many hours behind a desk, plan- with a 4-2 record, fourth out of 16 teams, • Networking: I like to invite pros from
ning club events, addressing member defeating the 2021 women’s pro doubles other local clubs. We set up exhibitions
concerns, and recruiting and training champion and her partner along the way. and chat about the latest industry and
the best staff possible. I also competed in Pro Women’s and Pro playing trends.
We frequently fall into a routine of Mixed events, finishing 4-4.
phone calls, emails and meetings, while The best part, though, was being • Vendor relationships: At the
managing lesson and clinic demands. able to connect with my club members tournament, I bought a pickleball
And often, deep into the season, stress outside of the club. Before my matches, I machine for the club, created a whole-
takes over and fills us with anxiety, bad texted them what court we were on, and sale account and purchased balls for a
eating habits and fatigue. they showed up and lived through the third of the retail cost.
How can we get our joy for playing ups and downs with us.
back? Consider making time in your Getting a win against any of these • Stress relief: Traveling to tournaments
schedule to compete in tournaments. pro teams is extremely tough. In Pro breaks up the daily grind and makes us re-
There are pickleball and tennis opportu- Mixed doubles, my partner and I rode a turn to work in a refreshed state of mind.
• Equipment sponsors: I met my new

paddle sponsor, Scott Van from Dingk
Sports, at a tournament. We have since
run club tournaments together and are
working on other projects that will posi-
tively affect my club and the members.
If you’re a director or pro at a facility,

talk to your general manager about com-
peting in pro events. It’s a win-win-win
for you, your members and your club. •
Dominique Lemperle is a USPTA Elite

Professional and the Director of Sports
Courts at Esplanade Golf & Country Club
in Naples, Fla. She can be reached at
SHUTTERSTOCK
dlemperle@gmail.com.
We welcome your opinions and comments.

Email info@tennisindustrymag.com.

August 2021
43
45
47
49
52
56 2021 USPTA HOF Inductee, Stan Smith
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From the CEO USPTA
The Nitty Gritty of WC21

John R. Embree, USPTA CEO
N ext month we will be gathering in

Las Vegas for the 2021 USPTA World
Conference (WC21), and I can’t wait!
registration is a requirement to participate
in any of the specialty courses.
If you want to increase your skill-set
The USPTA annual Awards Luncheon is
another essential aspect of WC21 and is set
for Wednesday, Sept. 22 at noon. Each year,
It’s the first time in two years that our and enhance your career prospects, the USPTA recognizes deserving member
annual event will be in person. No matter take advantage of one of the available professionals who are growing the game of
how good a virtual event is, there’s no certification courses in conjunction with tennis. There is no greater accolade than
comparison between networking face-to- the WC. Once again, there is an additional to be recognized by one’s peers. Award
face versus via a computer screen. And, I registration for these certifications which winners are inspiring individuals whose
hear the same sentiments from many of include pickleball, RacquetFit, and a achievements provide real-life examples
you. Based on the number of registrations TE-1 workshop. Details on both specialty of what is possible. Besides awarding the
we have received so far, we anticipate a courses and certification courses for WC21 Alex Gordon Professional of the Year and
large and enthusiastic WC21. are available on USPTA.com. the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement
The truth is that many elements Education is at the core of what the Award, we will also induct three giants
comprise the World Conference. Below is World Conference is all about. This year from our association into the USPTA Hall
a breakdown of the different segments of there will be 34 presentations during the of Fame: the legendary Stan Smith, Trish
the WC that together make it the world’s event. Attendees will experience in-person Faulkner, and John Wilkerson.
largest gathering of tennis professionals, learning with a combination of classroom The WC offers endless opportunities
industry leaders, representatives, learning sessions, on-court seminars, and for socializing and networking in the
manufacturers, wholesalers, and media panel discussions from an impressive morning before sessions, between
under one roof. lineup of speakers, including keynote sessions, at lunch, during the trade show,
The WC will kick off with USPTA speakers Dr. Jim Loehr, Allistair McCaw, or one of the many planned conference
leadership assembling a Board and Katrina Adams, Billie Jean King, and Stan events. Building relationships is critical to
Executive Committee meeting. While the Smith. WC21 attendees will undoubtedly a successful career, and there is simply no
board meeting is not open to the general get reinvigorated and excited about their better place to do that than at the USPTA
membership, the EXCOMM is. Both profession while gaining new insights and World Conference, If you have never
are critically important to maintaining ideas that they can put into use when they been, now is a great time to come! As if all
the governance and fiscal oversight of arrive back home! of that was not enough, this year, WC21
the association. The World Conference The USPTA World Conference also will take place at the Westgate Resort
provides the ideal opportunity for USPTA conducts the world’s only tennis industry and Casino in exciting and glamorous
leadership to convene and take care of trade show. This year, the trade show takes Las Vegas, NV. Once our daily agenda has
association business before being available place on Monday, September 20 from 5 concluded, go out and explore all that Las
throughout the rest of the conference to until 9 p.m. Attendees will experience Vegas has to offer. Again, I am genuinely
seek comments and suggestions from the what’s new in the industry with 70-plus excited about WC21 being held in person.
members they serve. booths with representatives from every I hope to see you in Vegas as we let the
Two specialty courses take place on imaginable tennis industry manufacturer world know that the tennis industry is
the first day of WC21 are an additional and company. In addition, the USPTA will back and better than ever! *
registration fee for participation, but be hosting a dinner and a Monday Night
holding these courses in conjunction with Football party inside the exhibition hall!
the conference allows those interested As one of our members told me after the
to take a deeper dive into a relevant show in 2019, “it was the best trade show I
racquet sports topic in person. Conference have ever attended.” High praise, indeed.
August 2021 ADDvantage Magazine - 43

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racque t sport s di st r i but i on

President’s Message USPTA
Proud of My Time as President

Feisal Hassan, USPTA President
I t’s hard to believe that it’s already

August! Next month is the World
Conference, and soon after, we are into
for late fall, 2021. Unknowingly, our D&I
initiative coincided with unanticipated
national events that reinforced the need
leadership decided that it was in the best
interests of our members to abandon our
traditional September in person World
the busy holiday season. Then it’ll be for diversity and inclusion throughout our Conference. Instead, the USPTA World
January 2022 and the end of my term society. I genuinely feel this initiative is of Headquarters staff shifted to construct,
as USPTA President. I don’t mean to the utmost importance to our association; promote, and produce a first-ever and
rush the year by, but mark my words, it therefore, I challenged each of us to make massively successful three-day virtual
will be January before we know it! With diversity and inclusion a daily part of 2020 World Conference with over 1,000
that in mind, I thought I would take this our lives. We must all continue to pursue attendees! The virtual event let the tennis
opportunity to provide a “President’s this goal for our association’s long-term industry know that the USPTA was still
Message,” regarding my term, which viability because we will be better off by open for business and here to assist our
started in January 2020. Together, we welcoming all. tennis-teaching professionals no matter
have accomplished a lot, even during an In response to the horrific global what. That assistance included offering a
extraordinary time in world history mired pandemic, the USPTA COVID-19 free 2021 dues opportunity to members in
in the COVID-19 global pandemic. Task Force was created in hopes of good standing who also completed their
When I began my term, I decided that supporting each other during a very education and Safe Play requirements.
my overall mission would be to facilitate challenging time. Our goal was to share Other notable accomplishments
avenues of change in our industry. More our collective experiences to better care worthy of mention would be the
specifically, cultivating diversity and for ourselves, employees, and clubs — successful launch of the new and
inclusion in our association was essential. allowing for an outlet of self-expression improved Find-A-Pro, Post-A-Job, and
The first step was to establish a USPTA and regularly updated information Find-A-Job website, the introduction
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Committee that I have personally been told was of USPTA DirectorSearch Powered
whose primary purpose was to identify of great help. The Task Force did what by McMahon|10s, the Director of
ways to implement a diversity and they could to keep spirits high while Racquet Sports certification delivered
inclusion program into our organization. producing webinars such as “Rebuilding by the University of Florida, and the
Several sub-committees were then Your Tennis Program from Scratch,” implementation of the new Professional
created, comprised of individuals “PPP Loan Forgiveness,” and others. Certification Pathway.
interested in representing a specific While many businesses and industries As USPTA President, my time has been
community. The sub-committees quickly were negatively affected by lengthy challenging, exciting, and, most of all,
established a D&I calendar, spotlighting layoffs — tennis, considered a distance rewarding. Thank you for your support of
the diversity of USPTA members each sport by the CDC, recovered quickly me and, of course, the USPTA. Your efforts
month with the longer-term goal of and unexpectedly thrived. The sport during an uncharacteristic 24-months
developing strategies for implementing now has 22 percent more players than have made our association a better, more
D&I within the USPTA. In addition, we it did in 2019. Additionally, the USPTA inclusive organization. We certainly
planned to host a D&I Symposium to provided free access to the pay-for-view couldn’t have accomplished all that we did
allow members from all walks of life to videos on TENNISRESOURCES.com without every single one of you.
learn from one another, network, and during the coronavirus shutdown so that I am looking forward to the final
share experiences as tennis professionals. our members could take advantage of few months of my term as president
But the COVID pandemic made it downtime and still earn education credits. and hope to see you all in Las Vegas
impossible to hold this event in 2020. Because of national social distancing in September! *
However, we are going full steam ahead protocols that were in place, USPTA

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Member Feature USPTA
Best Practices for Engaging

Non-Tennis Players
Jeremy Carl, USPTA Elite Professional
W hat is the main goal of our

industry? If you took a survey of
tennis professionals, I believe you would
out of our control — like students moving
away or getting injured from a non-tennis
activity? I admit that when I first started
private and country clubs, I have found
that this intentional effort to cultivate
new players is essential for any tennis
find that most pros would say growing the coaching, replacing those lessons was last industry setting.
game is the primary objective. Therefore, on my list of priorities, when in actuality, Below are three fundamental ways you
are your daily actions working towards it should have been first, or at least near can attract non-tennis players into the
that target? Are we, as pros, figuring out the very top. After all, we are problem game and your club.
new ways to get people into tennis who solvers, promoters, and entrepreneurs for
1
never before thought about stepping our sport. Great businesses have survived Bring the WOW Factor: The wow
on a tennis court? Early in my coaching through varying societal changes due to factor is commonly used in business
career, I should have thought more said company’s leadership that adapts and to depict what a company does to go
about that question. However, I am now attracts new customers. above and beyond customer expectations
continuously looking for ways to improve If you grew your current tennis player when delivering a great product and
this area, especially as things open up with participation in clinics each year by just service experience. Think about a wow
the global pandemic improving. a tiny percentage of non-tennis players, factor from a movie, restaurant, or concert
As tennis professionals, we certainly think about the potential ripple effect for you have attended. There was probably
wake up each day hoping to give the very your club and you as a coach. The trickle- something simple yet effective about
best lessons to our students. But, how down includes being a more value-added the experience. In this day and age of
much do we focus on the promotional side employee to your team while creating competing athletic options, clubs need
of tennis? Is there a way to fill those lessons ambassadors for the game. As a tennis to impress with their programming.
that we end up losing because of factors professional who has worked at both Examples that have been successful at
different clubs where I have
Photo credit : Puhha/Shutterstock
worked include an adult

round robin that involves
hitting a piñata with serves;
an Iron Man competition
with tennis, swimming, and
basketball; or a wooden
racket classic.
As professionals, we can
focus too much on the number
of lessons per day — not
realizing this philosophy
can lead to doing the bare
minimum during a class. This
negatively impacts the student
and doesn’t result in positive
word-of-mouth advertising.

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One quality each great coach possesses is giving a lesson that has a ripple
effect on the person you are teaching and gets other non-tennis players
interested because of the offered experiences.
2
Provide Instant Competition and Less Information: Through
various continuing education presentations, it has been
made clear that successful coaches take time to understand
generational differences in their students. Let’s take millennials; from
my experience, they tend to care less about being given loads of
information, partly because they know they can Google
it. They want quick results and instant gratification.
In a Forbes article titled, “Motivating Millennials
(And Everyone Else, for that Matter),” author
Jaime Notter points out, “We all want autonomy,
but millennials want it a little faster.” Notter
also states, “They [millennials] are used to
figuring how to do things by doing them rather
than by learning them in the abstract first and then
attempting to apply those lessons in the real world.”
Relating better to millennials can be summed up
in the principle of instant competition and less
information especially for those who have never
stepped on a tennis court. I have found that this
works well even for other age groups because if people
want more information, they tend to ask for it. It comes back
to the famous phrase in Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet,’ Brevity is the
soul of wit.
Two occasions where you can get non-tennis players on court are
pickleball and cardio tennis. Within two minutes or less of explaining
pickleball, players from 2.5 to 5.0 can play with one another and have a great time.
More importantly, it is an excellent way for someone who does or does not play another
sport to try a racquet sport. Pickleball is now considered the fastest growing sport in
the world, while cardio burn events are significant for those gym enthusiasts who have
some tennis skills.
These types of events help occasional tennis players associate a positive experience
with the sport and create a buzz for your program. If these events give non-tennis
playing customers a positive experience, why not try them?
3
Create a Non-Tennis Personal Connection: Every time I hear tennis
players talk about a great tennis event, they typically refer to it as a great
experience. That’s because they had one unique and personal connection, which
made a big impression, triggering the desire to repeat the encounter. People are much
more likely to recommend a business or service if connected to some value they share
personally. This can be as simple as holding a round-robin that raises money for a
popular charity or conducting drop-in playtimes for members looking for a specific age
group or skill level. The bottom line is that we are in the personal connection business.
Most of us would agree that knowing three non-tennis facts about each student is vital
to sustaining a healthy relationship with that student.
While this topic is not always at the forefront of our thinking as tennis pros, making
it a priority will improve our industry and increase our business skills as coaches and
leaders. So, what are you doing today to hook that non-tennis or infrequent player into
the game of tennis? *
Photo credit : Yuriy Golub August 2021 ADDvantage Magazine - 51

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USPTA Member Feature
Open Sport Learning:

Dead Ball Feeding
Larry Haugness, USPTA Elite Professional
W e all know tennis is an

extraordinarily complex and fast-
moving game. It is classified as an open
decision-making. Players must adapt and
modify their execution depending upon the
circumstances and situations. Therefore,
Tennis has ever-changing variables,
play affected by external circumstances
such as our opponent’s ball spin, speed,
sport as opposed to a closed sport. Open skills are predominantly perceptual. court placement on shots, their court
sports require a different set of skills to The skill is mostly externally paced, for positioning, or even the court surface.
play and have ever-changing variables example, the player’s This constant dynamic and changing
requiring more tactical movement and stroke environment requires more tactical
continually adapting to decision-making.
the situation at hand. Players are perpetually adjusting on
Closed sport skills take every shot in tennis as no two balls come
place in a stable, predictable the same. Therefore, players must learn
environment. Movements how to make these adaptations in their
follow set patterns and have a movements to impart more or less
clear beginning and end. A spin and adjust the speed of the
closed sport skill takes place ball to ensure a successful
in a structured and static shot. These quick
environment and tends to be
self-paced, such as a serve.
54 - ADDvantage Magazine August 2021

decisions are typical and necessary to a match play ball. As a player continues from 3-12 balls in a sequence or per point
become even an adequate tennis player. to improve and then can rally and play — feeding points that the player needs to
These skills in a dynamic environment full court, the pro should move back to work on. For instance, hit a few balls deep,
require multi-tasking or dual tasks and the baseline to simulate an actual game then hit short, forcing the player to hit a
are predominantly perceptual. situation. At this point, think realistically, transition shot — then move to the net for
So how does one become proficient does the ball always come in the same? a volley. The next point could keep them
in an open sport? As the new student Or from the same spot? Of course not. back behind the baseline, simulating a
needs to acquire a basic stroke with Pros should feed using different speeds, long rally. The important thing is to have
semi-appropriate proper technique, we spins, depth, and arc to simulate a match them play the ball. They could miss every
need to close the skill. The same applies experience. In addition, try feeding shot, and that’s okay. Use a variety of
to accomplished players when learning balls from various areas along the spins and speeds, anything a player
a new skill. This is where the dead ball baseline, including the corners. may see in a match. As a player
feed comes in. Dead ball feeding in Now we are giving our players becomes more proficient, the feed
recent years has been given a bad rap in an authentic match experience. placement can be dependent upon
everyone’s haste to “get playing,” using Another tip is not to hit the next ball the player’s shot. Ultimately, one can
the live ball feed and game-based play. until it passes the baseline. Again, this have them begin with a serve — the closest
Using the dead ball feed properly can be simulates match play. thing to playing points. This is where a
of great benefit to a player’s advancement. The best dead ball drill to simulate pros’ knowledge and experience come
match play is interval training. This drill into play, helping their player.
was presented by Dr. Jim Loehr years I have found that figuring a player’s
ago at an Area Training Center National percentage of good shots helps motivate
Coaches Workshop. When he introduced and gauge their improvement. When a
this, Dr. Loehr said this is how we train player consistently hits in the high 70
our nationally ranked players. It teaches to low 80 percent, I suggest making the
the brain to be on an even keel, not getting points more complicated, adding more
down after a poor attempt or overly spin, speed, and moving them around the
excited after an incredible shot. The court. In the last 30-plus years that I have
following year I saw Dr. Loehr and asked been doing interval training, I’ve only had
since this was to work on the mental eight players hit 90 percent at the top level
Quite simply, the pro controls the dead side of tennis, would it help 3.0 and 3.5 — and all have played collegiate tennis.
ball feed. Many pros will use a hand drop players? He said yes, that it should. Let’s And just one player hit 100 percent at the
feed with both beginning players and face it, players at every level have mental highest level. He played for a top DI school
accomplished players while working issues, even the pros, and they are among and was ranked No. 42 in the nation. I
on something new, different, or even a the most challenging areas to address for recently saw Dr. Loehr, and he asked me
specific skill set. a teaching pro. if I was still using interval training. My
As players learn how to judge the Therefore, interval training is vital answer was an emphatic, yep! It is the
incoming ball, the pro can move back, in learning how to cope with mental ultimate in dead ball training and is a great
adjusting the distance — while keeping toughness issues. A good program is to way to keep players adjusting to different
in mind, we want to simulate the arc of feed a total of 50 balls in a session, ranging shots in an open skill level game. *
AUTHOR BIO
Larry Haugness has been a USPTA member for 36 years. He is also a USRSA National Tester, an MRT, and a 28-year USTA volunteer. He has been
president of two USTA Sections and four USTA Districts. Larry’s accomplishments have been recognized by the USPTA, USTA, and TIA. He has
coached all levels of tennis, from red ball to touring professionals. In retirement, Larry is currently a volunteer coach at Boise State University. His
teaching, coaching, and management experience have given him the expertise for his tennis articles and presentations.

USPTA Member Feature
How to Improve
Decision-Making
for Different Game
Situations
Dmytro Kovalevych,
USPTA Certified Professional
P oor decision-making is a frequent cause of errors in tennis.

It can be described as an inability to know what to do in a
specific game situation or changing the previous choice made at
the last moment. For example, the player who opts to move up
to the net after the short ball and later changes their mind to go
back to the baseline will likely lose the point. Players struggle to
make proper choices in several situations, such as attacking and
defending, returning the serve, or approaching the net. However,
decision-making can be improved in training through proper
drills and progressions.
An effective way to train decision-making is to have players
say out loud what they intend to do. Verbal cues can be used to
increase attention and trigger a particular response of the student.
56 - ADDvantage Magazine August 2021 Photo credit : Elkhophoto

F. Return of serve variation; this drill is
Exercise 1 Exercise 2 excellent for working on receiving the
Choosing the Direction: Cross or Line “Red, Orange, Green” serve. The student has to decide what
The coach feeds the ball, and the In this exercise, the coach gives feeds of type of serve is coming and what he or
student has to say “cross” or “line.” various difficulties, and the students have to she will do on the return.
At the beginning of the exercise, the decide whether they should defend, create Through this sequence of exercises,
coach explains to the students when it the advantage, or attack. students learn to decide when to attack or
is better to hit crosscourt. For example, A. Players should call “red” when they get defend depending on their court position
on deep or wide balls, when it is more the most difficult feeds. When receiving and the shot they receive.
advantageous to hit down the line — and those balls, the goal is to defend, hit
in the attacking position, the player has the ball in the court, and prevent the Exercise 3
time to set up. Then, the coach gives the opponent from attacking. “Up or Back”
student different feeds, and the student’s B. Students would call “orange” if they Sometimes tennis players struggle to
goal is to make decisions early on where think the incoming ball is of medium decide if they should move up to the net or
he or she will hit the ball. The student’s difficulty. Those feeds represent a large drop back to the baseline following a short
primary focus is choosing the direction of number of shots that occur in the rally of ball. As a result, they get stuck in the middle
the shot, and the coach’s feedback should a match. When getting the orange feed, of the court and become vulnerable. The
be related to how wise the decision is and the purpose is to neutralize and create coach feeds the ball at the service line in this
how quickly it was made. the advantage before the next shot. training — varying between short and deep.
A. A modification to this exercise for more C. Players must call “green” when they A. The student hits the ball and then calls
advanced students would be setting up think the feed is comfortable enough to “up” if he/she decides to follow it to
four cones of different colors in various attack and go for a winner. Those feeds the net after the shot or “back” if they
court areas. The players would have are usually short and slow enough for the choose to return to the baseline. The
to call out the color of the cone they student to get inside the court and set up coach then feeds a second ball — and
are deciding to hit towards. Choosing on time. Students should try to hit with so, the player who came to the net hits
between four variants is more maximum power and aim for a winner. a volley. Those that returned to the
complicated, and so, students learn to baseline hit a groundstroke. The goal
decide on whether to hit short or deep, The teaching points should be related for the students is to make a decision
as well as crosscourt or down the line. to ball recognition and the different quickly following the first shot to avoid
B. Another variation for students is to tactical responses made by the students. getting stuck in “no man’s land.”
start the point with a serve, where For instance, when the student receives B. As a progression, the student chooses to
the receiving player would call the a deep, wide ball, calls it “red,” and then move to the net or back to the baseline
intended direction of the return. hits hard down the line, that wouldn’t be depending on the feed and then play
C. The progression to the first exercise a good decision and must be addressed by out the point. This exercise is also great
would be a full-court rally with two or the coach. for working on passing shot decision-
four students, where they have to call D. As a progression to this training, making for the defending player. When
“cross” or “line” before each shot. After students can make different decisions the attacking player comes to the
that, the students may choose to hit during the rally with another player or net, the other student is working on
in any direction. Again, their goal is to coach. They would call “red, orange, choosing between a variety of passing
make an intelligent decision. or green,” depending on the ball they shot options, which may include hitting
D. The next progression will be an open receive before each shot. The point crosscourt or down the line and playing
game situation, where the players call could be played on a half-court or a it low to the legs of the net player or
“cross” or “line” only on the first shot full-court, depending on the number of going for a lob.
they are receiving, then play out the people involved. The ability to make decisions when
point. Again, the coach may vary the E. In the following sequence, the coach playing matches is a vital skill for tennis
depth, speed, and direction of the feeds or student feeds the ball in any players. One of the techniques that help
to encourage thinking and decision- direction. The student calls “red, to improve decision-making is the use of
making. The points in this game may orange, or green” on the first shot — verbal cues. Coaches can teach the students
be awarded to players for making good then students play out the point when to apply cue words in a variety of drills for
decisions and winning points. scoring may be introduced. different game situations. *

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NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDVANTAGE MAGAZINE

President................................................................. Feisal Hassan Editor...................................................................................... Jim Burke ADDvantage is published monthly by the
Managing Editor......................................................... Mike Calendrillo United States Professional Tennis Association.
First Vice President.............................................Richard Slivocka
Layout/Design.............................................................Kevin Karczewski The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are
Vice Presidents...............Lane Evans, Mark Faber, Trish Faulkner, Editorial Assistance .............................Alegna Hollis, Ramona Husaru, those of the authors and not necessarily those
Jason Gilbert, Bill Mountford Sid Newcomb, Fred Viancos, Ellen Weatherford of ADDvantage or the United States
Professional Tennis Association.
Immediate Past President............................................ Gary Trost Circulation..................................................................... Trevor Trudelle
USPTA World Headquarters Copyright© United States Professional Tennis
CEO...........................................................................John Embree Association, Inc. 2021. All rights reserved.
11961 Performance Dr. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine
Legal Counsel........................................................George Parnell Orlando, FL 32827 is not permitted without written permission
407-634-3050 – www.uspta.com from the USPTA.
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MENTAL GAME CUSTOMER SERVICE RACQUET TECHNICIANS EQUIPMENT & APPAREL

Ripp Park, Waunakee, Wisconsin

Contents August 2021

2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Tournament-quality sport surfacing & repair products,

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

It’s All in the Details EDITOR

Court builders don’t often get the credit MANAGING EDITOR

they deserve, but their knowledge and CREATIVE DIRECTOR

expertise is integral to this industry. SENIOR EDITOR

down to beginners—with the best and saf-

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

IndustryNews Information to help you run your business

After 25 Years, Eliasch

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7

wheelchair players with level-based play

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

USTA Mid-Atlantic Teams

Better Bubble Can Keep

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

The International Tennis Federation

One-On-One Doubles Offers

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

• Only system that provides a Tru-Bounce™ USRSA Names New MRTs

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Starting at $590 USD (Includes mainland USA shipping + 3 year warranty)

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

Hall of Fame National Tennis

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Har-Tru Sports Coatings are engineered for performance.

877-4-HAR-TRU (877-442-7878) | hartru@hartru.com

* Hot pink is a custom color. Please call a representative for details.

Fitting pickleball players with the right

Paddle Life Cycle

Because of the design of pickleball

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17

Sierra Jr. Tennis Keeps

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21

Surface Systems Righter, Rob Righter, Dave Commito and

For Nova Sports, keeping court sports University in Boston (left).

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

FLEX BOOSTER lets

* Game-winning control included. Game-controlling remote, not included. Or invented.

“Get the Most Out

™ Wave Duo™ Wave Solo™

From professional grade deep muscle devices to compact,

"The USTA’s goal is to provide new

Cary Tennis Park

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com

it deserved, so we allowed members racquet sports facilities,” he says.

iGENIE Ball Machine

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

www.tennisindustrymag.com August 2021 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27

APPAREL & EQUIPMENT

What will the top pros be wearing and

RANKING RACQUET SHOES CLOTHING

1 Novak Djokovic Head G 360+ Speed black Asics Court FF Lacoste

29 Fabio Fognini Babolat Pure Drive K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 Allcourt EA7

Rankings as of June 14, 2021

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2021 www.tennisindustrymag.com