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LIVE '24 June Racquet Sports Magazine
LIVE '24 June Racquet Sports Magazine
THE GAME'S
June 2024 / Volume 52 / Number 6 /$5.00
RISING STARS
Through tennis and education, the
NJTL Network’s youth development
organizations build for the future.
1
.4
A pg
SPT
U
ating
r
orpo
Inc
A Cushion Court System
4
7
Our Serve
Industry News
Network Stars
18 Raising the Bar We celebrate some of the NJTL Network’s successful youth organizations
20 Racquet Tech that continue to develop a legacy of education and tennis.
P. 34
22 The Bench
24 Your Players
38 Ask the Experts
40 Your Serve,
by Denny Schackter
INDUSTRY NEWS
7 USTA sets goal to make U.S.
No. 1 tennis-playing nation
7 APP breaks ground on
headquarters, training facility
8 51-court USTA Mid-Atlantic
campus gets zoning OK
8 Tiafoe presents $50,000
grant to JTCC
9 Short Sets
10 Peoplewatch
11 Djokovic named Laureus
World Sporstman of Year
12 Tennis champ Ivan Lendl
joins Team Selkirk
13 ITA announces change in
format for D1 Team Indoors
13 Life Time opens first
C OV E R P H O T O A N D T H I S PA G E C O U RT E S Y U S TA FO U N DAT I O N/ P O S H R O C K T E N N I S F O U N D AT I O N
ground-up pickleball club
14 KT Kinesiology Tape launches
KT Ice Series of products
YOUR PLAYERS FITNESS PICKLEBALL HEALTH & WELLNESS
16 Selkirk Sport collaborates
with lifestyle brand Rhone All for One Smart Stretches Champs Are Here 'Manage' Yourself
16 Life Time teams with Johns To be a champion Enhance RSI recognizes the Rohan Bopanna
Bros. for instruction videos and a great team your players’ people, organizations turned his career
16 CAI snap survey indicates member, it takes performance and and companies that around, and credits
active pickleball demand commitment at prevent injuries with continue to make a yoga routine for
every level dynamic stretching pickleball the fastest his success and
17 Sabalenka, Sinner donate of the game. before play. growing sport. longevity.
outfits to Hall of Fame P. 22 P. 24 P. 31 P. 35
PLUS
43 CEO's Message
p. 41
45 Vice President's
Message
48 World Racquets
48 52 56 60 Conference 2024
USPTA World Danielle Collins Designing and Referral Rewards 52 USPTA Reflections
Racquets is Leaving the Delivering Tennis and Advancing
55 Certification Workshops
Conference Game on Her Drills Development &
56 Master Pro Corner
2024 Own Terms Diversity Programs
59 Member Benefit
Read more articles online at www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com 60 Membership Update
Inspiring Dedication
KEN SOLOMON
EDITOR
PETER FRANCESCONI
SENIOR EDITOR
I
ED McGROGAN
ART DIRECTOR
was at an industry event earlier business, you need to be, too. Don’t get CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ
this year, talking with a colleague me wrong, there are still plenty of chal-
SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR
in the racquet sports business lenges in this industry, and still plenty BOB PATTERSON
about the upcoming USTA of questionable decisions at many
Annual Meeting in April. When I asked levels that need to be called out. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
KIM BASTABLE, CYNTHIA CANTRELL,
if he planned to attend, he laughed and But we all should want to see growth PEG CONNOR, JOE DINOFFER, DAVID LASOTA,
said something to the effect that the for tennis—and all racquet sports—not JUDY LEAND, GREG MORAN,
information at that meeting is all hype, just because it’s good for your own KENT OSWALD, CYNTHIA SHERMAN,
MARY HELEN SPRECHER, JOE TEDINO
and pretty much worthless. business, but also because these activi-
I’ve been to probably 25 USTA ties are essential for keeping people CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Annual Meetings over the last three healthy and fit physically, sound men- DAVID KENAS
decades—and sure, there’s always a bit tally, and balanced emotionally. EDITORIAL DIRECTION
of rah-rah and hype (pretty much like Tennis especially, with its long- 10TEN MEDIA
you’d find at any corporate or organi- standing infrastructure, has such
zational gathering). But there’s also a amazing benefits beyond the court. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY
ton of substance. And since the USTA For instance, think about all the good 60 East 42nd St., Suite 740, NY NY 10165
Annual Meeting is mostly for and that happens through the hundreds info@tennisindustrymag.com
about the volunteers, there’s also a lot of National Junior Tennis & Learning
of passion for this sport on display. chapters around the country, which ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
JOHN HANNA
So many people work incredibly promote tennis, education and life 770-650-1102, x125
hard all year to help move this sport skills for youngsters. hanna@knowatlanta.com
and industry forward. At the USTA At the USTA Annual Meeting, and at
Annual Meeting, I find that being plenty of other industry conferences
around such dedicated and passionate around the country throughout the APPAREL ADVERTISING
people is a time of renewal for me. It year, these types of grassroots stories CYNTHIA SHERMAN
203-558-5911
helps renew my spirit, my work ethic, bubble to surface, and they help to in-
cstennisindustry@gmail.com
my commitment to this industry and spire everyone. These are key exam-
to seeing it grow, and my relationships ples of the “good news" in this industry
with others in this business. And this that we need to continue to promote.
most recent USTA meeting was no At this year’s meeting, the USTA Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per
exception. The vibe you got from the presented its new mission statement: year: monthly, January through August with combined
issues in September/October and November/
volunteers and staff—especially from “Growing tennis to inspire healthier December, by Tennis Channel, Inc., 60 East 42nd St.,
those who attended this meeting for people and communities everywhere.” Suite 740, New York NY 10165. Periodical postage
paid in New York, NY and at additional mailing offices
the first time—was inspiring. This speaks not just to what we do in (USPS #2997-1519). June 2024, Volume 52, Number
It’s important to note that many peo- this industry, but why we do it. Seeing 6 © 2024 by Tennis Channel, Inc. All rights reserved.
Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks
ple who make their living in this indus- how this new mission has been em- of Tennis Channel, Inc. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone
try—as teaching pros, facility owners braced by the hundreds of volunteers advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation
and editorial: 646-381-8735. Yearly subscriptions
or managers, retailers, manufacturers, and others, and how it captures what $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send
sales reps, et al—choose to volunteer in we all do, is simply inspiring. address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 60 East
this sport. They work on various USTA
42nd St., Suite 740, New York NY 10165. Racquet
Sports Industry is the official magazine of the USRSA,
committees, boards and task forces at Peter Francesconi TIA and ASBA.
every level: community, district, state, Editor Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet
section, national. Peter@TennisIndustryMag.com Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website
at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions.
I’ve said it many times before: I’m
a cheerleader for this sport and this
industry, and if you’re involved in this
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LIGHTNESS
AND
COMFORT
IndustryNews Information to help you run your business
INDUSTRY
T
other sport or form of exercise, while
improving cognition, psychological
well-being, and strength and agility,”
he USTA announced in Director Lew Sherr. “By ensuring says USTA Chairman of the Board and
April a multi-faceted players new and old have access to President Dr. Brian Hainline. “We
growth strategy aimed at the programs, coaching and facilities, can’t let current or future generations
making the U.S. the No. 1 we can continue to grow the game miss out on these life-changing
tennis-playing nation by and deepen its positive impact— benefits.”
2035—which would mean increasing creating new opportunities for human
the country’s tennis-playing population connection and improving the physical,
to 35 million total players, or 10% of the mental and emotional health and safety APP Breaks Ground on Official
country’s population. The latest data of our communities, on and off the HQ and Training Facility
for year-end 2023 puts overall tennis court.” Leaders from the Fort Lauderdale,
participation at 23.8 million. Over the past four years, tennis Fla., community and the Association
The USTA says the growth strategy participation in the U.S. has grown by of Pickleball Players (APP) recently
is the vehicle for realizing the 33%. But despite this surge, too many celebrated breaking ground for “The
organization’s new mission: “Growing players give tennis a try and then Fort,” a state-of-the-art global pickleball
tennis to inspire healthier people choose not to continue. hub scheduled to open in December
and communities everywhere.” That The USTA’s new strategy is aimed at 2024. Through its partnership with The
strategy includes a dedicated focus on continuing the sport’s strong uptake Fort, the APP will be the first pickleball
player retention, coaches and courts. and at better retaining existing players organization to establish an official
SHUTTERSTOCK
“When players have exceptional by supporting local communities headquarters and training center.
experiences, we all succeed. When and providing options for tennis Located within the 93-acre Snyder
the delivery system flourishes, tennis formats, equipment and programs that Park and adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-
grows,” says USTA CEO and Executive enable players coming to the game to Hollywood International Airport, the
OK in Loudoun County
at all levels.
“The APP now embarks on its most
exciting chapter yet with a global
headquarters and a place where
pickleball players of all abilities, ages
and backgrounds can call home,” APP
Founder Ken Herrmann said. “The Fort
will be the absolute best in pickleball,
and we’re grateful for our friends at The
Fort for their continued support of the
world’s first and world’s best pickleball
tour.”
The APP says it plans to offer a wide
range of year-round programming
tailored to pickleball players of all skill
levels and ages, along with hosting
world-class, international pickleball
tournaments and events for elite pros
and amateurs. The plan also includes
hosting the National Championships
of APP UTR Sports Pickleball Leagues,
the largest grassroots team pickleball
competition initiative.
T
Champions Center
The USTA Foundation, the charitable he USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis In addition to the approval, the
arm of the USTA, awarded a $50,000 Campus—a planned, year- USTA has pledged $2.5 million in grant
grant to the Junior Tennis Champions round regional hub for health, funding to the USTA Mid-Atlantic
Center (JTCC) in College Park, Md. wellness and community-building Foundation to invest in this critical,
Professional tennis player and JTCC through sport—is a critical step closer community-based infrastructure and
alumnus Frances Tiafoe presented with the decision in April by the Lou- support the mission to grow tennis.
the grant in April at the JTCC’s GEICO doun County Board of Supervisors to “One of the most important aspects
Champions Celebration. The funds will approve the zoning application for the of the tennis campus is the ability
help support JTCC programming. Village at Clear Springs, Va. The tennis to extend into the community and
The grant is part of the USTA campus project is anticipated to cost activate the higher benefits of sport
Foundation’s Frances Tiafoe Fund, $42 million, with the groundbreaking among those who may be under-
established in July 2023, which aims planned for 2025. resourced,” says Beth Twomey,
to support the foundation’s flagship Expected to be a key amenity within COO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic
National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) the Village at Clear Springs, the USTA Foundation, which has invested $10
network, providing under-resourced Mid-Atlantic Tennis Campus will million in the project. “Especially
youth with free or low-cost tennis and be open to the public and feature fundamental to the vision for the
academic programming. Today, the 21 outdoor tennis courts, including campus are community outreach and
NJTL network includes more than 250 a stadium center court, 10 indoor education programs that will help
chapters and reaches more than 150,000 tennis courts, eight outdoor pickleball under-resourced youth and support
C O U RT E S Y U S TA M I D - AT L A N T I C
youngsters nationwide. courts and 12 indoor pickleball schools through tennis, education
The mission of the USTA Foundation is courts. The campus also will feature and physical activity. We have built
personal to Tiafoe—someone who grew space for fitness, wellness programs, strong relationships in the county and
up in the NJTL network—and was pivotal community gatherings and large-scale are already taking action, now we can
in his tennis journey. Tiafoe's father competitions and events. It’s designed build on this momentum to create
served as the head of maintenance at to serve as an accessible hub for long-term and sustainable approaches
the JTCC after emigrating from Sierra health, education and fun, while also through tennis and sport that create
Leone in 1996. Frances started playing generating an estimated $8.5 million community, character and well-being
at the JTCC when he was 4 years old. annually in economic impact. for all.”
SHUTTERSTOCK
®
play more. win more.
follow lobstersports on call 888.380.9460 or visit lobstersports.com
USRSA Names
New MRTs and CSs
Master Racquet Technicians EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
• Kyle Ashberry, Richmond, Va.
• Jonathan Gilmore, Austin, Texas
Most Ship Same Day!
• Joshua Gluck, Margate, Fla.
• Mark Little, Madison, Miss.
800-543-9111
Certified Stringer www.WelchTennis.com/Site/Catalog
• Ryu Gyeongtae, Korea
Tennis Champ
Ivan Lendl
Joins Team
Selkirk
F
ormer world No. 1 tennis player
Ivan Lendl has a sponsorship
deal with pickleball paddle
and equipment manufacturer Selkirk
Sport. Winner of eight Grand Slam
titles and ranked No. 1 for 270 weeks
over his 13-year pro tennis career,
Lendl transitioned into the pickleball
world in November 2022 after his
daughter urged him to try the sport.
Now, the Vero Beach, Fla., resident
often competes in local 5.0 40-and-
over tournaments.
C O U RT E S Y S E L K I R K , L I F E T I M E
WWW.GAMMASPORTS.COM
KT Kinesiology
Tape Launches
KT Ice Series
of Products
K
T Kinesiology Tape has
launched the KT Ice Series
lineup, which the company
says is designed to accelerate
preparation, performance and
recovery from physical activity. The
Ice Series features four new products.
KT Tape Pro Ice features a menthol-
infused adhesive. Two new magnesium
creams are KT Health Activate, designed
to help prepare muscles before activity,
and KT Health Recover, developed with
menthol to maximize pain relief. The
KT Health Ice Sleeve provides flexible
cold-compression therapy to muscles to
reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.
Visit KTTape.com.
C O U RT E S Y KT TA P E
C O U RT E S Y S E L K I R K S P O RT, S H U T T E R S T O C K
Sabalenka,
Sinner
Australian Open
Outfits on
Display at Hall
of Fame
M
atch-worn apparel by 2024
Australian Open singles
champions Aryna Sabalenka
and Jannik Sinner are now on display
in the International Tennis Hall of
Fame museum in Newport, R.I. The
autographed Nike gear, including
Sabalenka’s dress and Sinner’s shirt,
were worn during their title runs in
Melbourne. Both items were recently without dropping a set, for her second Aryna Sabalenka donated
donated to the museum’s permanent major title. Sinner captured his first her Australian Open outfit
to the Hall of Fame's
collection by the champions. major championship at the Australian permanent collection.
Sabalenka repeated as singles Open, becoming the first Italian to do
champion at the Australian Open, so. Visit tennisfame.com for more.
THERE IS ALWAYS TIME TO PLAY.
FREE
iGenie
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Stan Oley, Product Marketing Specialist
Relationship Builder
ing their own voices so their opinions
can also be heard and appreciated.
This intrinsic aspect of our human
Listening and asking questions can be nature makes it hard for most of us to
be humble listeners.
challenging, but this ‘guided discovery’ • Coaches Are Paid to Teach: If
will lead to fulfilling relationships. you are a coach, it’s easy to fall into
the mindset that your job is all about
By Joe Dinoffer teaching others. But while true, teach-
ing starts with listening and observing.
We have all seen tennis or pickleball
M
classes where the coach is directing
from the start, without listening to
ost of us understand happy through meaningful relationships what their students’ priorities and
the concept of “guided with others. interests are.
discovery.” Instead of Second, relationships are most • Substance Over Small Talk: Stud-
telling people what to quickly and deeply developed by getting ies have shown that happy people have
do and how to do it, ask questions so to know one another through listening. as many as twice the number of sub-
they can first be certain to recognize But while each of us has this profound stantive conversations as compared to
the “why” (which is self-motivating), desire to be heard, we will only be truly relatively unhappy people, who have
then they will be inspired to find the heard when we listen to others first. three times the amount of small talk.
“what” and the “how” by taking owner- Paradoxically, as the vast majority of • Managers are Paid to Get Things
ship in the process. people inherently want their story to Done: Sounds easy, right? For lone
While we generally understand what be heard first, conversations between soldiers, limited listening skills may
guided discovery entails, we seldom two or more people regularly degrade not have too many negative conse-
practice it. Let’s explore why it is im- into one interruption after another, as quences. But most managers work with
portant, and why it’s a communications we fight to share our own thoughts and people, and people respond best from
technique that is too seldom used. opinions, inadvertently thinking what caring and positive relationships. This
First, recognize that the most impor- we have to say is urgent! all starts with managers who listen
tant sources of happiness in our lives Utilizing “guided discovery” as a well. Putting tasks ahead of people is a
are generally through relationships, communications tool takes practice for doomed approach to management.
whether in business or personal. In the most people. Those who are inherently It is only by listening that we engage,
racquet sports industry, it follows that humble and curious may not need much understand, empathize, cooperate and
SHUTTERSTOCK
students, members, guests and literally practice, since these individuals are develop. A quote from Syrian philoso-
everyone we interact with throughout more naturally good listeners and inter- pher Publilius Syrus (85-43 BC) says it
our lives and careers ultimately have ested in others. But what about the rest well: “I often regret that I have spoken;
the same basic needs—namely, to be of us? Here are some interesting facts never that I have been silent.”
What Is a Racquet?
the ball (or at least that is the way it's
supposed to work). Choosing the right
string and tension for the frame and the
That’s not a trick question. Think about player that will use it is critical to the
W
THE RACQUET!
Combining the two components to
hat, exactly, is a those components have details and make a racquet is not that difficult,
racquet? That may nuances that require your attention to but it does require some thought
seem like a silly make each racquet perform at its best. and expertise in knowing the vital
question to an audience characteristics of both. The ultimate
that makes its living in the tennis THE FRAME goal is to have a racquet that best suits
business, but if you think about it in While often referred to as a racquet, the needs of the player—a racquet that
its very basic sense, you’ll begin to the frame is technically not a racquet will provide the best performance for
understand my point. until strings are installed. There are that player’s skill set on the court.
It is very easy to become complacent many components of the frame that are
with the things we are so familiar with. critical to its performance. FITTING RACQUET TO PLAYER
We make assumptions, and we neglect We’ll talk about strings shortly, If you also happen to teach tennis as
to consider the details. When you are in but characteristics like weight, swing well as sell and service racquets, you
the business of selling racquets, that can weight, headsize, length, string pattern probably already have an insight into
be detrimental not only to your sales, and grip size are fundamental to how a what your players may benefit from in a
but also to your long-term customer frame will perform once the strings are racquet. For many racquet technicians
satisfaction. While this can be true for added. Choosing the right combination and stringers, fitting the player will
much of your business, we are focusing of these frame characteristics to come from asking questions to find
on the racquet because it’s the most vital complement and enhance the strings out what their needs may be and then
tool to play the game. is vital. utilizing your demo racquets to help
The racquet is comprised of two the player find a fit. The questions and
key components: the FRAME and the THE STRINGS answers should continue throughout
STRING. When combined, the frame Strings are the only component of the demo process as you help your
then becomes a racquet. Each one of the racquet that is in direct contact player narrow down the selection.
Once you’re close, then it’s time to talk
about nuances like grips and strings
and tension to make the racquet even a
better fit.
Like most things fitted specifically,
some tweaks and adjustments will
likely be required after you’ve helped
your customer find their perfect
racquet. Taking the time to spend with
your customer in this fitting process
will pay dividends long term. It will
likely be an ongoing process to “keep
the fit” as the player’s needs may change
over time, and to make sure the racquet
stays tuned to the player’s needs.
Focusing on customer service will
SHUTTERSTOCK
How to Be a
the “Name Circle” activity five months
earlier, where they wrote their names
Great Teammate
on the outside of a big circle on a poster,
with the words “Compete-Learn-Honor”
also written around the circle. That
Being a champion and a great team member poster now hangs in their locker room. I
reminded them of how we’d talked about
takes commitment at every level. the three things the Name Circle means:
By Coach Pete Scales, Ph.D., USPTA 1) The game is bigger than each of us, 2)
We each are all equally worthy humans
R
and players, no matter our ranking, and 3)
We have unbroken support for each other.
ecently, I was asked to do a and sometimes fail, to be better at the They also got a handout from former
quick talk to a university game. NFL great Joe Ehrmann’s book, InsideOut
men’s tennis team. They • Giving it your all with no excuses, and Coaching, on the difference between being
wanted me to speak for about accepting and learning from it when “on the team,” and being a teammate:
five minutes, in the middle of an intense someone else was better than you, with Being a teammate is doing whatever is
two-hour early morning practice, on no loss of your self-esteem because needed for the team to succeed.
what it takes to be a champion and a you lost a match, only an even stronger I did not say to them that old cliché,
great teammate. commitment to getting better. “there’s no ‘I’ in team.” We’ve all heard
Here’s the essence of what I said to the • Being able to handle it mentally and that forever and it’s not quite accurate. I
team that day: emotionally and learning from it if you said to them that there is an “I” in team—
The champion mindset is just this: lose, even when giving it absolutely you have 16 players here, and each has
SHUTTERSTOCK
• Being OK with who you are as you try, everything you have. his own hopes, fears, dreams and goals.
Got a question for Coach Pete? Email him at info@tennisindustry.com and put “The Bench” in the subject line.
ITF Recognition:
The GreenSet Advantage
D
ynamic stretching plays a 1. Heel & Toe Walks: Walk forward, carefully keeping
crucial role in preparing your weight on your heels and trying not to let your toes
your body for the fast-
paced game of pickleball. touch the ground, like duck walks. Then walk forward
Whether a seasoned player or a again, carefully, keeping your weight on your toes like
beginner, dynamic stretching is an you are wearing high heels. Try to keep your heels from
essential part of the sport at any age
and level. If your players incorporate
touching the ground.
these safe and effective stretches
into their pregame warm-up routine,
they can improve flexibility and
coordination, increase blood flow,
increase range of motion, reduce the
risk of injuries, and enhance overall
performance.
Here are 10 dynamic stretches
that will help your players—and you!—
stay agile, limber and injury-free
on the pickleball court. (Since all
players have a different range of
motion and mobility, make sure they
consult with a physician before doing
these or any other stretches.) Each
of these can be done on either one
width of the pickleball court or two
widths.
By incorporating these safe and
smart stretches into the warm-up
routine, players will optimize their
potential while minimizing the risk of
injuries. Stay active, stretch smart and
enjoy the game! •
2. Open the Gate: Stand tall, lift one 3. Close the Gate: Similar to Open the 4. Shuffles: Sideways shuffle,
knee up and then move your leg to Gate, but this time, face sideways, and maintaining a low stance, to activate
the side. This works your hips and hip turn your leg forward, adding a shuffle the muscles of the inner and outer
flexor. when you are done with each rep. thighs. Move at a moderate pace.
5. Butt Kicks: Jog forward while 6. Knee Highs: Jog forward while 7. Shoe Shines: Step forward in a
kicking your heels toward your exaggerating the knee lift to warm partial lunge but keep knee straight.
glutes, engaging the hamstrings and up the lower body and improve Reach down and brush forward with
improving leg strength. circulation. hands like you are shining your shoes.
8. Lunge & Twist: Do lunges while 9. Lunge & Stretch: Do lunges, 10. Yippies & Jump Ropes: Skip
rotating torso, promoting flexibility in reaching overhead with both arms forward, knees high while spinning arms
hips, spine and legs. Make sure knee while maintaining a deep lunge in large circles backwards. Then do same
does not pass the middle of your foot. position, stretching the entire body. skip, but with arms forward in circles.
Network
Junior Tennis
GRASSROOTS CHAMPIONS
Champions
Center
Stars
COLLEGE PARK, MD.
T
he Junior Tennis Cham-
pions Center has been
introducing players of all
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY J T C C, P O S H R O C K T E N N I S FO U N DAT I O N/ U S TA FO U N DAT I O N
tennis court, in the classroom and in
the community.
JTCC’s pathway starts with a pro-
gram called “Game On! “ that delivers
free tennis and education to K-12 youth
in Maryland and Washington, D.C. The
organization partners with D.C. Public
Schools, Prince George’s County Public
Schools, D.C. Parks and Recreation,
Maryland National Capital Parks and
Planning, and Prince George’s County
Police Athletic League to identify
schools and recreation centers for pro-
gramming. Game On! served more than
800 youngsters between September
2022 and August 2023.
JTCC provides financial aid to any
family with vetted needs based on in-
come, household size and other factors.
Since 1999, JTCC alumni have earned
more than $23 million in scholarships
to top schools including Harvard, Duke,
Howard, UCLA and Williams, and
many have gone on to pursue tennis at
the collegiate or professional levels. Its
most famous alumni include Frances
Tiafoe, 2022 US Open semifinalist, and
I
to JTCC’s operations, and the initiative
includes four programs: Neighborhood
Youth Outreach, Special Olympics, n Central Florida, the Posh Rock of the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier
Wheelchair Tennis and Tennis Corps. Tennis Foundation has a mis- between the U.S. and Belgium.
“In 2022-23, we had 800 kids in sion to empower underserved “We serve kids from neighboring
Outreach. For the 2023-24 year, we youth with physical, educational schools and YMCAs, as well as Spe-
have 500 kids in Outreach and 100 in and behavioral life skills through ten- cial Olympics Florida—which had the
programming at the Center on a college nis. The organization was started in world’s No. 1 Special Olympics tennis
pathway track,” says Moulton-Levy. 2017 and has since continued to imple- athlete,” says Albert Richards, PRTF
The decline in numbers is intention- ment multiple programs and form local founding member and co-director of
al, with the goal being to make interac- partnerships to serve the community. tennis. “We initially had seven Special
tions with players more meaningful. In 2023, PRTF provided 500 student- Olympics athletes, and now we have
“We changed the emphasis on the athletes in and around the Orlando about 30, from all over the state.”
number of kids to focus on the inten- area with a combined 500 hours of ten- Looking ahead, “We want to expand
sity of the programs with fewer kids,” nis and education programming. our boys’ and girls’ programming to
explains Ray Benton, CEO of JTCC. Key programs and partnerships as many local kids as we can,” says Rich-
“The scope of the programs increased offered by PRTF include the Orange ards. “We’re now working with a local
dramatically—having fewer kids allows County Rec Center, Elementary School hospital system on educational aspects
for more focus on each one.” Tennis, Summer Camp scholarships, such as health and nutrition.
Overall, says Benton, “I believe we High Performance scholarships, Col- “We’re always looking for partner-
have the most integrated pathway in lege Placement and Boys & Girls Clubs ships to get kids engaged. Our goal is to
the country. We get kids at age 5 or 6 of America, along with adaptive tennis, engage as many kids as we can, using
and work with them and provide inspi- Special Olympics, high school tennis tennis as a vehicle. By getting kids
ration at every level. We take kids as far and more. interested and giving them something
as their ambition wants to take them. In April, kids from PRTF took part to do, we help create better people who
We’re for grassroots rather than pure in a special NJTL clinic at the USTA go on to make better decisions and life
performance.” —Judy Leand National Campus in Lake Nona, ahead choices.” —Judy Leand
F
or 63 years, the Sportsmen’s Junior Tennis & Learning network. supported by Anita Klaussen, widow
Tennis & Enrichment The center services more than 5,000 of legendary Boston Globe tennis
Center has provided tennis, youth annually, supported in part by journalist Bud Collins, and local
academic and life skills revenue from adult recreational and multi-club owner Laury Hammel—
programming to help transform the competitive players who rent courts, both Sportsmen’s advocates—phase
lives of under-resourced kids in Boston. take lessons and compete on travel 2 will establish the Bud Collins
Through visionary long-range planning teams. Welcome Center housing additional
and generous funding, the nation’s Sportsmen’s multi-phased expansion classrooms, a teaching kitchen, two
first indoor, nonprofit tennis club is project, estimated at $18 million, is outdoor courts and an expanded fitness
undergoing a multi-phased renovation being completed in two phases. In center. In addition, an outdoor area
and expansion project aimed at easing October 2023, a groundbreaking that currently has three courts will be
demand while providing for future ceremony took place to construct reconfigured for four hard courts in
generations. a metal building over four existing order to accommodate the high school
Built by and for Black residents outdoor courts, add lighting to the tennis program in September.
of the Blue Hill Corridor, while remaining three outdoor courts and Slated for completion this summer,
welcoming players from throughout install nearly 400 roof solar panels. the expanded center will also house
I
f your mind can conceive it and
your heart can believe it, then you
will achieve it. While you may
have heard slight variations on
this expression, the bottom line is the
same: Achieving our goals and dreams
gives us hope for better and brighter
days ahead.
Anna Monhartova was a budding
tennis talent in her native Czech
Republic when she was chosen at age
13 to be on their national junior team.
She then received a tennis scholarship
to St. John’s University in New York,
where she was a stellar student-athlete.
She transferred to Tulane University in
Youth Tennis Advantage New Orleans, where she continued to
excel academically and athletically, in-
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. cluding receiving the conference Schol-
A
ar-Athlete of the Year and Women’s
Tennis Player of the Decade awards.
s a 4 Star NJTL chapter, programs, promoting the physical, She earned her Ph.D. from Tulane and
Youth Tennis Advantage educational and life skills necessary to now is an adjunct lecturer at Tulane’s
has been serving under- prepare and empower them to reach School of Architecture and a research
resourced communities their full potential. fellow at the Taylor Center for Social
in the San Francisco Bay Area—San In late March, YTA celebrated the Innovation and Design Thinking.
Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and Rich- grand re-opening and $271,000 renova- Monhartova is a proponent of the
mond—for more than 50 years. tion of the Hunters Point Tennis Courts power of education, whether formal or
From the inspiration and assistance in San Francisco, a cornerstone of the informal, and how it can change lives.
of many tennis greats and community community’s sports and recreation “Education helps create a lasting
leaders, including Arthur Ashe, YTA facilities. Originally dedicated in 1987 foundation in your life,” she says. “Once
was formed in 1999 from a merger of by Ashe, the courts have been a beacon you have it, it is with you forever.”
two nonprofits: Youth Tennis Founda- for aspiring athletes and community True to her beliefs, and with her
tion (established in 1968) and NJTL members alike, but they had never
of San Francisco (established in 1975). been resurfaced. YTA has been giving
Both initially ran free summer tennis free tennis lessons on the courts along
programs for kids in under-resourced with academic tutoring to kids from the
neighborhoods, then went on to add community for the past 37 years.
after-school programs and branch out “Our students tend to stay in our pro-
to surrounding cities. Today, YTA runs grams for five to 10 years. Our students
year-round programs and serves more go on to college, even though about
than 400 kids annually. 80 percent of their parents have not
YTA’s mission is to help close oppor- attended college,” says Executive Direc-
tunity and achievement gaps for under- tor Mike Skinner. “YTA was helped for
resourced youth through comprehen- years by Arthur Ashe, and his memory
sive tennis, academic and enrichment still inspires us.” —Judy Leand
solid tennis and education credits in The highly regarded A’s & Aces pro- reation Department. Joe Brown Park
hand, Monhartova teamed with Tulane gram has received awards and USTA Tennis Center and the Atkinson Stern
tennis coach David Schumacher to recognition at the state, section and Tennis Center are the A’s & Aces’ sites
co-found A’s & Aces in New Orleans national levels. It was named the USTA for year-round programming.
in 2008, following the devastation by Southern NJTL Chapter of the Year Monhartova is an extraordinary
Hurricane Katrina. The NJTL’s mis- twice (2015 and 2023) and received tennis ambassador and fosters an
sion is to provide academic assistance, the USTA Southern Educational Merit environment that is fun and fulfilling.
life skills and tennis to local children Award twice (2008 and 2015). Her innate ability to implement the
and others who lack access to quality Its longevity as an NJTL has created objectives of A’s & Aces has drawn high
academic assistance and tennis. many success stories. Students staying praise from teachers and parents.
“Tennis is a game you can play well in the program have become more self- “My students are benefitting a great
into your adult life,” she says. “It pro- confident and self-assured. Because of deal from the academic component of
vides you with both social and competi- A’s & Aces, many students have been this program,” says one local teacher.
tive opportunities. I would love to see able to compete in tournaments, re- Adds a parent: “Anna is a very giving
more children, especially those from ceive scholarships to attend college and person. My child really enjoys going to
historically under-represented popula- enjoy tennis as a lifetime sport. practice. He talks constantly about the
tions, be able to play and benefit from A’s & Aces has a longstanding part- new friends he has made.” •
this sport.” nership with the New Orleans Rec- —James B. Ewers Jr.
Ken Herrmann
The Best
in Pickleball
In 2019, Ken Herrmann launched
the first-ever nationwide amateur and
professional pickleball tour—the APP,
Providers
or Association of Pickleball Profession-
als. Through the pandemic, Herrmann
remained focused on his goal of provid-
ing every player with an exceptional
experience at APP events, which con-
PHOTO COURTESY APP
P H O T O S C O U RT E SY PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S PA R K & R E C, P P R , U S P TA
clinic; to date MACS has impacted
was the director of sports courts at
for veterans, pickleball and fitness camps, and Love Serving more than 8,258 veterans.
the Esplanade Golf & Country Club
“Steven is a PPR-certified pro
Autism Pickleball. prior to joining The Pickleball Club.
who plays and teaches from a
“Both facilities are managed by city staff,” says Trish wheelchair. He shares the sport he In her current role, she is respon-
Faulkner, the current president of the USPTA. “The club pro- sible for leading the development
loves as a source of integration for
and implementation of educational
vides incredible programming and group and private lessons veterans,” says Julie Jilly of the Pro-
programs and training initiatives,
at the Russo Facility, while the Lilac facility is strictly walk-on, fessional Pickleball Registry. “Steven
as well as designing, organizing
sees the value of the social aspects
with plenty of courts and managed and staffed by the recre- of pickleball while also providing and evaluating programs. She also
ation department.” much-needed exercise for wheel- develops instructors to ensure
high-quality educational experi-
The Lilac facility has over 900 members, so there’s always chair-bound veterans, developing
ences for pickleball students. In
activity on the courts. The Russo club runs nearly 30 hours of their movement abilities, strength,
addition, Lemperle will continue
coordination, flexibility and other
programming a week, has a full-time head pickleball pro, and to play a key role in promoting pick-
factors which greatly enhance their
nine certified pickleball pros. Both are led by the city’s tennis & way of life.” —Judy Leand leball within the community.
pickleball director, Wendy Tatum.
“Early on, the city took notice of how quickly pickleball
was captivating the general public, so we decided to incorpo-
rate this sport into our recreational activities,” says Tatum.
“Over the last seven years, we’ve added courts and provided
instructional classes for all ages and levels, fitness and drill
opportunities, organized open play at different levels, and
countless hours of lessons and activities for all residents and
non-residents. Our city has become one of the main attractions
for hosting tournaments, including the World Pickleball Open
and World Pickleball Classic.”
H
for players such as Guillermo Vilas,
Ivan Lendl and Billie Jean King, has
ilton Head Island, S.C., with the consultation of the USTA’s been taken down. Carlson says they
holds a storied place in the Tennis Venue Services department, are exploring options to improve that
growth of tennis in the U.S., improvements were made to the area by converting it into a “leisure and
and internationally. A major indoor facility at VDM Shipyard, and relaxing hangout space.”
part of that history is because, since assessments were made for future work Throughout, Tennis Venue Services
the 1970s, Hilton Head Island has been on the outdoor courts. has been providing guidance, advice
the home of Van Der Meer Tennis and “Dennis Van der Meer, being the and technical support. The Shipyard
legendary coach Dennis Van der Meer. visionary he was, viewed the Shipyard facility is a commercial club that is open
A longtime destination for those Racquet Club as a potential teaching, to the public, so Van Der Meer Tennis
looking to improve their games, and for educational and training facility for adult was able to access district, section and
national financial support to help with
P H O T O C O U RT E S Y VA N D E R M E E R T E N N I S
teaching pros looking to hone their skills, tennis clinics as well as an Academy,”
the activity at Van Der Meer Tennis takes says former USTA President Lucy Garvin, the indoor court improvements.
place at two major facilities: the Van Der a South Carolina resident and former “Dennis would be so pleased and
Meer Tennis Center, with 14 hard courts facility manager herself. “In 1993, Dennis appreciative of all that Pat has been
(four are covered and lighted) and the purchased the Shipyard Club and this doing to continue his vision for this
Van Der Meer Shipyard Resort, with 13 vision became a reality. Now, Pat is facility,” Garvin says, “as well as the
outdoor Har-Tru courts (five with lights) continuing with Dennis’s vision.” USTA’s commitment to helping renovate
and seven outdoor hard courts, along Last year, Garvin, Pat Van der Meer and this and other facilities, and in growing
with three indoor hard courts. USTA TVS Director Todd Carlson toured tennis and assisting where needed.”
Sadly, the tennis world lost Dennis Shipyard to see what work was needed.
Van der Meer in 2019, but his wife, Pat, “One thing that had to happen was a For more on how the USTA’s Tennis Venue
and dedicated VDM employees and renovation of the indoor courts,” says Pat Services can help your facility or project, visit
volunteers continue his legacy. Recently, Van der Meer. “We talked about what we usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.
How to ‘Manage’
YOGA pain. In addition, his consistent yoga
practice offered him an invaluable
mental edge that’s required to compete
PHOTOS COURTESY MARGIT BANNON
Yourself
at the highest level on tour. He’s quoted
as saying, “Every single morning I do a
lot of yoga and a lot of meditation. My
mind doesn’t feel rushed.”
It’s ironic that it’s taken Bopanna so
At age 43, pro Rohan Bopanna turned long to try yoga, given that the practice
his career around. He credits a yoga has its roots in his home country. But
as the saying goes in this practice
routine for his success and longevity. that’s traditionally passed down from
teacher to student: “When the student
By Margit Bannon is ready, the teacher appears.”
I find that most of us embark on
these yogic journeys when we’re ready
You can continue in experiencing the same results day after day, or you
can experience a new mind-body adventure to see what opens up.
for change—not just in regards to the client on court, it’s helpful to know why take your yoga class on your “active
physical aspect in dealing with injuries the student is wanting to play tennis for recovery” day if you engage in
and prevention, but also in changing the first time. Practice goals would be workouts most other days of the week.
perspective, and working toward a quite different for someone who wants You’ll be surprised how much better
stronger mindset that translates just as to play in a league for the first time, your body will feel as opposed to laying
much in life as it does on court. vs. someone who has no intention of around all day on your day off!
PHOTOS COURTESY MARGIT BANNON
rare, but it does happen. Usually, a when changing grommet strips. Wipe This is why pro players are constantly
check with the manufacturer will tell the frame down and take a close look playing with a new set of racquets.
GET STARTED
© 2024 USTA. All rights reserved.
Your Serve
YOUTH TENNIS “Strong elementary and middle school
D
enough to play “travel team” or in
“elite” programs. This can be a great
eclining enrollments at and 191,036 for girls, totaling 349,342 opportunity to increase tennis num-
many of the nation’s schools tennis players. bers by having those kids included on
also means that participa- The bad news is that for boys’ tennis, tennis teams. They want to play sports,
tion is falling for many after- the number of high school teams has and on the tennis team, they have a
school activities. declined, from 9,632 school programs sense of belonging, their self-esteem
For high school athletics, one of the in 2021-2022 to 7,673 last year. Girls’ goes up, they get to play, and they are
charges of the National Federation of teams grew slightly during that time, engaged in a healthy and fun sport.
State High School Associations (NFHS) from 9,987 programs to 10,564, but this What can we do to increase our
is to track which sports are growing and is still a cautionary tale. And it starts tennis numbers? I believe USTA local
which are declining. The good news is before students reach high school. districts, park and rec programs, par-
that for the 2022-2023 school year, the Lindsey Atkinson, the director of ents and “pied-pipers” can team up and
number of high school boys and girls sports at the NFHS, also is the chair of create programming to increase middle
playing tennis actually grew from the the USTA’s High School Committee, school tennis.
previous year. According to NFHS data, and she is a strong believer in early In other sports, beginning instruc-
the 2021-2022 school year saw 145,858 school athletic opportunities. tion often is given by volunteers—often
boys and 176,185 girls playing high “Elementary school exposure to a parents. Getting more parents involved
school tennis, for a total of 322,043 stu- sport and middle school structure have can help retain kids in school tennis.
dent-athletes. Last year, those numbers created the American interscholastic We also need to find a way to safely,
grew to 158,306 for high school boys high school sports model,” she says. and without invading privacy, “share”
registration and program information
in a way that can help grow middle
school and high school tennis. For in-
stance, while park districts can’t simply
“give” registration data to the USTA
or other organizations, they can invite
USTA personnel, high school coaches,
Community Tennis Associations, etc.
to park district tennis facilities to give
out programming information. Private
facilities can do the same. We need a
team approach to this.
We all need to continue to focus on
growth and retention at all levels, and
making tennis for middle school stu-
dents attractive will help to ensure that
we have players for high school, college
and beyond. •
SHUTTERSTOCK
Brian Dillman
USPTA CEO
USPTA WORLD RACQUETS CONFERENCE 2024 | RANCHO MIRAGE, CA
F
or those of you who have met me in sports together into one conference with experience it for yourself.
person, so far - luckily, it has been the focus on building a well-rounded pro- As you talk with your fellow USPTA
many - I hope you noticed I don’t like fessional with skills to grow, learn and im- professionals about WRC24 and begin to
to exaggerate or be hyperbolic at all. prove yourself and those around you. We strategize who will be the best teammates
I like to tell it straight to the point with are so proud of our association and the for Division Olympics, come ready to
no fluff. impact we have on the industry and on compete in multiple events like: tennis,
Therefore, I would like to announce people’s lives every day. We will celebrate pickleball, padel, duck bowling, stringing,
registration is officially open for the you and provide a platform for sharing, golf and some surprise events that require
largest and best World Racquets Confer- learning and supporting each other. you to break out of your comfort zone!
ence in the history of the organization. We love the word, "United," in our I would also like to say a personal
This will be the largest gathering of rac- theme because of the feeling you get when thank you to Trish, the national board
quets professionals in the past 20 years. you are around other professionals who and our national staff. The first six
It will be a sell-out. We will have the are like-minded, passionate and com- months have flown by, and I am so proud
world’s largest trade show since the Super mitted to our association. We are also to represent you. It has been amazing to
Show. We are bringing back Division uniting each other from our 17 divisions meet so many of you at your divisional
Olympics and many amazing, world-class from the United States, and we are mak- conferences, USTA sectional meetings,
speakers. We expect the main hotel, the ing a special invitation to our internation- Indian Wells, the Miami Open, Del Rey
Westin Rancho Mirage, will sell out. If al partners in Japan, China and around Beach, Racquet X, The Directors Club,
you are late to register, there will be an the world. But let’s not stop the uniting USTA AMC, The Billie Jean Cup and the
overflow hotel. there, we also encourage you (push, push) USPTA Florida Central Division con-
The theme this year is Racquets to bring in new, younger members, and ference. Let’s keep it rolling together—I
United. We are bringing all our racquet even non-members, to share this time mean, united!*
Executive Committee Meeting / USTA AMC in Lake Nona and USTA Florida 75th Celebration
The USPTA National Board of Directors, our executive directors and our Executive Committee were also in town for
our spring meeting, and the spirit was open, collaborative and unified (how many times can I use it?). We had open, honest
discussions, learned how to, “Think Like McGyver,” and, “Feed Forward.” Throughout our 17 divisions, we work arm-in-arm
with the USTA sections every day. As a matter of fact, in many divisions, we have USTA employees on our boards or as execu-
tive directors. This creates a great spirit of comradery and unity (there is that theme again). So, when the USTA AMC came to
Lake Nona in April, it was wonderful to see everyone from around the country together, engaging and working to grow tennis.
Congratulations to the USTA national staff and leadership for an outstanding conference, capped off with Andre Agassi closing
the meeting with an incredible and authentic discussion about his life, tennis and more. Finally, to complete the weekend of
celebrating our unity and tennis, the USTA Florida hosted a spectacular 75th anniversary celebration and the crème de la
crème—a performance by KC and the Sunshine Band!
One of my inspirational heroes, Zig Ziglar, imbedded in his message the idea: You can get everything you want in life if
you help others get what they want. The only thing stopping our industry is us. Meeting hundreds of our members in the past
six months, spending time with our incredible national board, executive directors and the Executive Committee and meeting
the thousands of volunteers who give their time and energy to tennis leads me to one conclusion. Unity is our bond and if we
care about tennis and each other, then let’s spend our energy helping others get what they want. I think we will all be happier
and much more fulfilled!
make good
World Conference. Participate in the New
Player Initiative! Celebrate 2.5 players,
encourage them to play for fun, play for
competition and play for health. Find ways
cents!
to combine games and drills for all ages and
skill levels. You will be helping others, your
community, the USTA and most of all, your-
self!” said Jenell Lester, USTA Community
Development Committee member.
Rob Scott Here are some examples of how various
USPTA Vice President savvy pros recruited entry level players:
• "It was easy! We approached all the
R
ecently, our colleague and past USPTA nization awards $200 to that pro for a $400 moms of kids in our summer program
national president, Chuck Gill, pre- total payday. Their name is put into a hat, and got a group together."
sented at the Intermountain Division and at the end of the season, two names are • "We pulled from our existing beginner
Conference. His presentation was pulled. The Intermountain Section awards clinic participants who were in cardio
titled Creating and Running Innovative one of the lucky, deserving pros an all-ex- tennis. We created a new format, with
Programs and Events. He mentioned an pense paid trip to the US Open and the the goal of playing team tennis (2.5
entry-level adult program was essential to Intermountain Division awards the other USTA Adult League) at the end of the
a healthy club ecosystem. Too often, our lucky, deserving pro an all-expense paid trip eight-week season."
industry and the USPTA culture revolves to the USPTA World Conference. • "I partnered with the local parks and
around performance athletes. However, “Working with 2.5 players is always recreation instructor. He shared with
savvy and successful professionals over the inspiring because it takes me back to when me the list of adults who took begin-
years have spent much of their time and I was learning to play and there is so much ning tennis the summer before. I called
energy on entry-level players. One example that can be done with these players. Having them all in February and told them
of this is the New Player Initiative in the new players and teams invigorates our pro- about the league and asked if they were
Intermountain Division, a great example of gram and gets more people involved in all of interested, and invited those who were
the division and the USTA Intermountain the programs that we offer." said Marshall to an organizational meeting at the
Section partnering to help both organiza- Carpenter, director of racquet sports at Con- recreation center. During the meeting,
tions’ missions: elevating and supporting gressional Country Club. " Winning the free they were given facts about the league
the USPTA Certified teaching professional trip to the USPTA convention in Orlando and agreed to be captains."
and growing the game of tennis. was a great surprise and wonderful reward. • "Primarily by finding a couple of
“Introducing new players to tennis This is a great incentive, and it helps grow newer players, and then asking them
is one of the more satisfying parts of my the game that we all love.” to recruit a few friends. It snowballed
job. Getting players connected to the New players bring a lot to the table because the friends had friends. The
game through league play is the step that financially for tennis professionals and their approach was low-key. We stressed
helps develop a commitment to playing businesses, with multiple revenue streams that this was for fun, and that we were
our sport. Back in the ‘70s we introduced including: lessons, clinics, membership going to have a GREAT time."
significant numbers to the game, but we dues, court fees, equipment sales (strings, Over 120 unique Intermountain Divi-
lost many because we didn’t have a vehicle racquets, footwear, apparel, etc), additional sion USPTA professionals participated in
for them to continue playing. Today, league program fees (socials, tournaments, junior this program to add over 3200 new players
tennis gives us that next step. The steady clinics, etc.), food and beverage revenue, etc. and 400 new teams to the adult league pro-
growth in tennis we are experiencing is in We were able to survey all pros who partici- gram in the Intermountain Section.
large part due to teaching pros providing pated on a couple of occasions. In 2024, to- Adding and/or nurturing a robust
the basic instruction and following through tal revenues from an average seven-person entry-level adult program to your business
by helping organize 2.5 teams,” said Tom team amounted to more than $20,000. will pay big long-term dividends and is a
Van De Hey, former USPTA Intermountain “I know a lot of teaching pros are only win/win/win/win for the teaching profes-
executive director. interested in high performance students, sional, their students, the facility they work
When a USPTA professional pulls but the heart and growth of USTA lies in the at and the tennis ecosystem in general. New
together a new entry-level team, each orga- 2.5 and 3.0 levels. I participated in the New players make good cents!*
DT24 USPT
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Collin Brazan
Public Relations Coordinator
Our Most Varied
Educational
Offerings Yet
T
he historic USPTA World Conference you have come
to love is back with an updated name, as it is evolv-
ing! With a robust curriculum that celebrates all our In developing our Racquets United theme and in meeting
racquet sports, the highly anticipated return of Battle the needs of our members and racquet sports professionals
of the Divisions — now Division Olympics — and a wealth of everywhere, the USPTA is providing educational opportunities
networking opportunities, the USPTA's annual conference is for tennis, pickleball, padel and more. It is important that we
bringing more ways to celebrate the many sports you teach and provide the tools you need to stay ahead of a rapidly growing
play than ever before. and changing industry and that your education stokes your
We're looking forward to seeing you all in California, personal and professional interests. The more sports we can
where you’ll get to experience: include, the more students we can teach and the more lives we
can impact.
A New Battle
of the Divisions
Experience community and competition alongside your
division friends as you square up against our 16 other divisions
across the duration of WRC24 for title of gold medalist. Along-
side some surprises, playing tennis, pickleball, padel, duck
bowling, golf and participating in our World’s Fastest Stringing
Competition during the USPTA Trade Show will earn your
division points in this fierce contest.
A Scenic Resort
in the Desert's Heart
Sweeping views of mountains and peaceful palms set the
stage for the calming retreat of The Westin Rancho Mirage,
WRC24’s host hotel. Six dining destinations and in-room din-
ing services set the eating stage outside of the USPTA’s events,
while three pools, waterslides, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf
Course, the resort arcade and The Westin Rancho Mirage Well-
ness Spa provide onsite entertainment and enrichment. With
the rest of the greater Palm Springs area just a quick drive or
rideshare away, there is certain to be no shortage of activity.
Projections indicate group hotel space will book quickly.
The USPTA encourages attendees to book their stay immedi-
ately after completing conference registration.
Danielle
Collins
Leaving
on Her
Own Terms
Steve Flink accepting the views of outsiders, critics or and makes it harder to get pregnant.
International Tennis close associates. Collins wants to have a baby not
Hall of Fame Be that as it may, the fact remains far into the future, and she realized that
that there have been too many unhappy her biological clock is ticking even more
Photo Credit: endings for those who make their livings rapidly than is the case for most women
Fred and Susan Mullane; dedicating themselves to a particular wanting to have a child. She took that
Camerawork USA sport. Players can carry obstinacy too far into consideration when deciding when
and start to make losing a habit the way to put her racquet down and dedicate
K
nowing when to bid farewell is they once succeeded as if it was second herself to a family life.
among the most difficult tasks for nature. They can easily lose perspective. Some inside the tennis bubble
all accomplished athletes. In most Not Danielle Collins. The 30-year- believed Collins might be hard pressed
instances, they have built their old American announced earlier this year to produce her best tennis under these
reputations on being deeply committed, that she would be wrapping up her career daunting circumstances. Perhaps the
durable, purposeful, professional and at the end of 2024. In 2019, Collins was pressure to play her best would work
resolute. They have succeeded by sticking diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, against her. Maybe, it was felt by a num-
assiduously to their routines and remain- which causes excruciating pain and swell- ber of authorities, Collins might not play
ing steadfast in their self-beliefs. They ing in the body’s joints. Two years later, her customary brand of unbridled tennis
have often found victory when defeat in the spring of 2021, she had emergency any longer.
seemed around the corner. They have surgery to treat endometriosis, a condi- But too many people were underes-
listened to their inner voices rather than tion which causes severe pain in the pelvis timating Collins as a competitor of the
front rank who knows herself exceedingly She dropped one set early in the Credit season of her career would simultaneous-
well and realized exactly what she was One Open in Charleston against No. ly be her best ever, largely on the basis of
doing. This highly charged player knows 2 seed Ons Jabeur. Thereafter she was her scintillating springtime.
how to take matters into her own hands unstoppable. Collins collected that crown Collins had only won two tourna-
on the tennis court. The outcome of her with a six match blitz, ousting four seeds ments in her entire career before coming
clashes usually depends almost entire- in her startling march through the field. through so handsomely in Florida and
ly on the quality of her aggressive style In the two events combined, Collins South Carolina. But she conducted herself
of play and the sound execution of her swept 13 matches in a row, conceded only with a self-conviction and a swagger only
game plan, rather than who happens to two sets and ruled ruthlessly. authentic champions exhibit. The highest
be standing on the other side of the net. By the end of that stirring run, she had ever been ranked was No. 7 in the
Passivity is not an option for her. Collins had soared to No. 15 in the world. world back in 2022, the year she
Collins struggled to reach peak effi- It seemed entirely possible that the last reached the Australian Open final.
ciency early in the season. Prior to the
passivity
Miami Open which took place March 19-
31, she was ranked No. 53 in the world.
But then this charismatic individual pro-
ceeded to play arguably the finest tennis
of her career to sweep two championships
in a row for the first time in her career.
is not an
She dropped her first set in Miami to
Bernarda Pera before sweeping through
the field by securing her last 14
sets, toppling five seeds in the
process, taking the title over
option
No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina
7-5, 6-3.
Shifting onto the clay
the following week after pre-
vailing on hard courts in
Florida, Collins was every
for her.
bit as imposing, smothering
her opponents with unre-
lenting, straightforward,
top of the line tennis.
pickleball
Jun. 1 Littleton, CO
Jun. 1 Kapolei, HI
Jun. 2 Johns Creek, GA
Jun. 2 Bonita Springs, FL
Jun. 16 Sarasota, FL
Jorge Capestany
USPTA Master
Professional • a player approaches the net tured shot or skill that it is designed to ad-
• a player executes a volley dress. So, reverse-engineer the drill. Instead
T
ennis drills are the cornerstone of most • a player ends the point by hitting an of just coming up with a generic drill, you're
tennis professionals' work. Delivering overhead going to first decide what specific shot or
a tennis drill is how most of us go to … any one of the situations listed skill the player(s) are struggling with.
work. It is what we do most of the time above could be isolated and turned into Perhaps after watching your player (or
when we’re on the court with our students, a drill. team) in competition, you determined they
especially in group lesson settings. So, let's talk about the specific steps need to improve their transition volleys.
I have been blessed to travel all over involved in designing tennis drills. Now you’ve identified your featured shot or
the planet, delivering on-court sessions to featured skill.
fellow coaches on the best tennis drills they Step 1: Assessing what the player(s) need… When I refer to feature shots, I'm
could use in their classes. Determine what the player(s) need talking about actual shots, like volleys,
Along the way, I found that most to work on. The best way to do this is by overheads or forehands. Conversely,
coaches need help to come up with new observing your players in competition. Un- feature skills are things like slicing or using
drills. Many coaches have a small number of fortunately, this may be difficult for many more topspin.
drills in their arsenal, and they tend to use coaches with a busy schedule. But watching A well-defined drill will always have a
them over and over. I call those core drills your players compete in competition and clear featured shot or featured skill and it's
and I believe that using core drills, the ones under the pressure of the scoreboard is imperative that the coach communicates
your players like, is important and should essential for determining what they need to that to the players before the drill begins.
be done. work on so this is always the first step.
However, the problem arises when a If a coach cannot watch a player in an Step 3: Designing the Actual Drill…
coach uses the same 3-5 drills exclusively official competition like a tournament or Once you determine what the fea-
year in and year out, over and over. It makes league match, the next best thing is to watch tured shot or featured skill is (i.e. transition
the practice session boring for the players them playing points in a practice setting. volleys), then it’s time to start designing the
and the coach. The only problem with this is that many of drill itself. In this step the coach should con-
Perhaps you’ve been at a coach's con- the player’s problems that surface during an sider all the items in the list below to make
ference and have seen a drill demonstrated actual tournament or league match may not a drill effective.
that you thought would be perfect for one of surface in a practice match when there is • The level of the players
your classes. Almost always, when a coach less pressure. • How many players
sees a new drill and they can imagine them- • Should it be dead ball (not played out)
selves delivering it back at their clubs with Step 2: Identifying the Featured Shot or Skill… or live ball (point is played out)
their players, it's truly exciting. A new drill is Every drill should have an obvious fea- • Is the drill coach-fed or player-fed?
like a piece of gold to a tennis coach.
In this article, I'm going to lay out the
steps I use to design tennis drills and some
methodology that I think you'll find useful
for designing your own tennis drills.
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n a dynamic stride toward fostering in- Each existing member can refer up to six industry. As part of our continued effort
clusivity and championing professional applicants and earn a maximum of $300 to share more about the USPTA and the
development within the tennis commu- in Tennis Warehouse gift cards per cal- industry, all approved ADD applicants are
nity, the USPTA offers innovative refer- endar year. To qualify, the new applicant invited to their first division conference
ral rewards and Advancing Development must list the referring member’s name free of charge.
and Diversity programs. With a steadfast in the “Refer & Earn Referring Member” To apply to the Advancing Develop-
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thriving landscape within the sport, these filled out. The referring member must be go online to www.uspta.com >> Get
initiatives stand as beacons of progress, an existing USPTA member, active and in Certified >> USPTA ADD Program. You
offering unparalleled opportunities for good standing. can download a digital copy of the appli-
both seasoned professionals and aspiring cation from this site online. Please email
talents alike. Through a blend of incen- ADD Program your completed application to james.
tivized referrals and targeted initiatives, USPTA’s Advancing Development stockwell@uspta.org for review. *
USPTA sets the stage for a transformative and Diversity program offers free train-
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ty intertwine to propel the tennis industry tennis instructor certification opportunity
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