200611 Racquet Sports Industry

November/December 2006 Volume 34 Number 10 $5.00

CHAMPIONS OF TENNIS 2006
Our annual awards honor those who continue to make this sport a winner
Kirk Anderson • Midtown Tennis Center • Grant Morgan • Courtsmiths • Jim Willwerth • PGA Tour Superstores • Swetka’s Tennis Shop • Bwana Chakar Simba • Beverly Bourguet • Cary Tennis Park • Bruce Karr • USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center • Montgomery County Tennis Association • Ajay Pant • Brett Hobden • David Steinbach • USTA Texas

Contents
SPECIAL SECTION
2006 Champions of Tennis
Our annual awards honor the people and organizations that are making a difference in the business of tennis.

R S I

N O V / D E C

2 0 0 6

INDUSTRY NEWS 7 USPTA honors standouts in
tennis profession

7 7 8

Jane Brown Grimes to be next USTA president ASBA Tech Meeting set for December Nike is official apparel and footwear for USPTA Tennis Channel acquires rights to French Open Award winners named at PTR/ROHO Chps. New Advantage net posts add benefits Head/Penn, USPTA extend agreement Ferris State names PTM Advisory Board Howard Brody honored by USTA Prince launches limited-edition O3 Citron Cardio Tennis workshop held in Portugal O3 Hybrid Tour joins Prince racquet line

22 Person of the Year
Kirk Anderson

32 Municipal Facility of the Year
Cary Tennis Park

8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12

25 Private Facility of the Year
Midtown Tennis Center

32 Wheelchair Tennis Champion
of the Year
Bruce Karr

26 Stringer of the Year
Grant Morgan

33 Public Park of the Year
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

27 Builder/Contractor of the Year
Courtsmiths

28 Sales Rep of the Year
Jim Willwerth

33 Community Tennis Association
of the Year
Montgomery County Tennis Association

29 Chain Retailer/Mass Merchant
of the Year
PGA Tour Superstores

34 PTR Member of the Year
Ajay Pant

30 Pro/Specialty Retailer
of the Year
Swetka’s Tennis Shop

34 USPTA Member of the Year
Brett Hobden

35 High School Coach of the Year
David Steinbach

31 31

Junior Development Champion of the Year
Bwana Chakar Simba

35 USTA Section of the Year
Texas

Grassroots Champion of the Year
Beverly Bourguet

DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 18 Focus on Apparel 20 Retailing Success 37 RSI 2006 Industry Resource Guide

42 44 46 48

String Playtest: Klip Detonator 16 Tips & Techniques Ask the Experts Your Serve, by Scott Hanover
November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

3

Our Serve
True Champions of Tennis
(Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry)

T

Publishers David Bone Jeff Williams Editor-in-Chief Crawford Lindsey Editorial Director Peter Francesconi Associate Editor Greg Raven Design/Art Director Kristine Thom Contributing Editors Cynthia Cantrell Rod Cross Kristen Daley Joe Dinoffer Liza Horan Andrew Lavallee James Martin Chris Nicholson Bob Patterson Cynthia Sherman RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY Corporate Offices 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084 Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 Email: [email protected] Website: www.racquetTECH.com Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time Advertising Director John Hanna 770-650-1102, x.125 [email protected] Apparel Advertising Cynthia Sherman 203-263-5243 [email protected]
Racquet Sports Industry (USPS 347-8300. ISSN 01915851) is published 10 times per year: monthly January through August and combined issues in September/October and November/December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084. Periodicals postage paid at Hurley, NY 12443 and additional mailing offices. November/December 2006, Volume 34, Number 10 © 2006 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA 92084.

his issue marks our 6th Annual Champions of Tennis Awards. We’re thrilled that every year, the awards that we started in 2001 to honor those often “unsung” heroes of the sport have gained more and more notice within the industry. Last year, we were able to present 13 of our 17 awards in person, and it was particularly gratifying to be able to publicly recognize our winners in front of their peers.

But the unfortunate part of our awards is that they only recognize a very limited number of people. There truly are hundreds of “champions” of our sport throughout the country—all of whom deserve recognition. Whether they are at tennis facilities, parks, retail shops, manufacturers, court-building companies, CTAs, or any number of tennis-related businesses or organizations, when it comes to promoting and growing tennis, these champions inhabit that critical area “where the rubber meets the road,” as it was said recently in a USTA committee meeting on community tennis. One industry veteran, Jim Baugh, the outgoing president of the Tennis Industry Association, says those who are in it for the good of the game are “pure” tennis people. And Jim should know, because he, for many years, has set the standard for a “pure” tennis person. RSI recognized that fact back in 2003, when Jim was a co-winner of our “Person of the Year” Award. Look at the people around you and I’ll bet you’ll find at least one “pure” tennis person who deserves to be a “champion” in his or her own right. And you know, maybe you and your organization should find a way to recognize those people. It could be something as simple as an “employee of the month” or “volunteer of the month” award. Or it could even be something more grand. One thing is for sure, though: In a business that frequently goes beyond just a 9-to-5 job, a little recognition never hurts. In fact, it will probably prove to be good for business.

Peter Francesconi Editorial Director

RSI is the “official magazine” of the USRSA, TIA, USTWA, and ASBA

4

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

R S I

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

2 0 0 6

INDUSTRY NEWS
INFORMATION TO HELP YOU
Jane Brown Grimes Nominated As 2007-08 USTA President
The USTA Nominating Committee has nominated Jane Brown Grimes as USTA chairman of the board and president to serve a two-year term in 20072008. Brown Grimes, who is currently completing a two-year term as USTA first vice president, is scheduled to take office Jan. 1. She will become the second female chairman of the board and president in USTA history. Currently, Brown Grimes serves on the USTA Investment Committee, the ITF Fed Cup Committee and the Grand Slam Committee. A member of the Tennis in the Parks Task Force, she has previously held positions on the USTA board as secretary-treasurer and director at large. In addition, the following have been nominated in the new slate of elected officers and directors for the USTA board: Lucy S. Garvin of Greenville, S.C., first vice president; Joseph A. Grover of Midland, Mich., vice president; Gordon A. Smith of Atlanta, vice president; and Donald L. Tisdel of Lake Oswego, Ore., secretary-treasurer. Nominated as directors at large are: Katrina Adams of White Plains, N.Y.; David N. Dinkins of New York, N.Y.; Pat Galbraith of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Dave Haggerty of Pennington, N.J.; Brian Hainline of Douglaston, N.Y.; John Korff of Honolulu; Trevor Kronemann of Irvine, Calif.; Bill Rivera of El Paso, Texas; and Jon Vegosen of Chicago.

RUN YOUR

BUSINESS

USPTA Honors Standouts in Tennis Profession
ore than 1,200 tennis teachers, coaches, players, volunteers, managers, and others attended the annual USPTA World Conference on Tennis, held Sept. 18 to 23 at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. Attendees were treated to a full slate of specialty courses, seminars, generals sessions and more, covering a broad spectrum of topics to help them improve all aspects of their business, both oncourt and off. The schedule also included a Tennis Buying Show (along with a silent auction), the National Cardio Tennis Feeding Shootout finals, and tournament play. DVDs of the educational programs are available. Visit www.uspta.com for more information. At the World Conference, the USPTA also honored its top members: Q Clarence Mabry of San Antonio became the seventh grand inductee into the USPTA’s Hall of Fame. Mabry has coached at Trinity University Trevor Salton, the tennis director at The Woodfor 19 years. lands in Houston, won the inaugural Cardio Tennis Q Tom Daglis of Canadian Lakes, Mich., received National Feeding Shootout, held in September at the association’s top annual member award, the the USPTA World Conference. In three 60-second rounds, he fed 58, 58, and 56 balls into targets. Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year. Daglis is the director of the Ferris State University Professional Tennis Management program and general manager of Ferris State University Racquet & Fitness Center. The USPTA Star, recognizing teaching professionals who make an indelible mark on their communities through the sport of tennis, was awarded to Chris Michalowski of Acme, Mich., and Tony Reyes of Chandler, Ariz. Michalowski also won the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award. Joe Dinoffer of Dallas received the USPTA Industry Excellence Award. Nick Johnson of Frisco, Texas, director of the Lakes Tennis Academy, received the Facility Manager of the Year Award. Other honorees include: Francisco Montana, Palmetto Bay, Fla.—Touring Coach of the Year; Steve Wilkinson, St. Peter, Minn.—College Coach of the Year; Beth Miller, Delray Beach, Fla.—High School Coach of the Year; and Gary Trost, Oklahoma City—Georgo Bacso Tester of the Year.

M

Management Consultant to Highlight ASBA Meeting

G

reg Hoyle, who specializes in general management issues and techniques to help contractors become more effective, will be the keynote speaker at the American Sports Builders Association Technical Meeting, set for Dec. 1 to 4 at the Plaza Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, Fla. The ASBA’s annual tech meeting offers presentations and seminars to help your business and will include opportunities to network, including a trade show. For more information, visit www.sportsbuilders.org or call 866-501-ASBA.
November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

7

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R INDUSTRYNEWS

2 0 0 6

Nike is Official Apparel, Footwear for USPTA
he USPTA, through a new long-term partnership with Fromuth Tennis, will offer Nike products as the official footwear and apparel of the USPTA. The deal, which was authorized by Nike, makes Fromuth the official provider of Nike shoes and clothes to the teaching pro organization. The relationship means USPTA teaching pros will be offered preferred pricing on Nike products, says Marty Sappington, Nike’s commerce director for USA Tennis. “Along with our high-profile tour athletes, we feel the local teaching professional is a key influencer on the tennis consumer's products of choice,” says Sappington. “Partnering with Fromuth Tennis and their excellent service model will give us the opportunity to place our product on court in front of tens of thousands of tennis players every day.” Fromuth has been a wholesale distributor of racquet sports equipment to country clubs, pro shops, specialty stores, high schools, universities, and racquet stringers for more than 35 years. “We are very excited about this relationship with Nike and Fromuth and the opportunity to bring the benefits of it to our members,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler.

T

Two Earn USPTA Master Professional Designation
ave Hagler of Los Angeles and Alan Cutler of Whittier, Calif, recently earned recognition as Master Professionals in the USPTA, the organization’s highest professional rating. Only about 1 percent of the USPTA’s 14,500 worldwide members have achieved the Master Pro designation. “Becoming a Master Professional requires meeting a variety of personal and professional challenges,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “Those who accomplish it acquire a set of skills that can set them apart in tennis operations and programming.” Hagler (top), an independent contractor, and Cutler, head tennis coach for Whittier Union High School District and an independent contractor, were honored in September at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis in Las Vegas.

D

Award Winners Named At PTR/ROHO Chps.
arlon Matthews of McDonough, Ga., received PTR’s Wheelchair Pro of the Year Award at the PTR/ROHO $17,500 Wheelchair Tennis Championships, held Sept. 20-24 on Hilton Head Island, S.C. Matthews, a PTR-certified tennis instructor, teaches tennis to both wheelchair and able-bodied students at Henry County Parks & Recreation. In 2005, Matthews earned the USTA Georgia Wheelchair Tennis Player of the Year, the Georgia Professional Tennis Association’s Player of the Year, and PTR’s Golden Eagle Award for Service to the Game. The GPTA and PTR awards are not wheelchair specific and are awarded by other tennis teaching pros. The PTR Golden Eagle Award for Service to the Game was presented to Kelly Skelton of Wartrace, Tenn. Skelton, the director of the Middle Tennessee State University program, received a Tennis Tutor ball throwing machine to help continue with her tennis programs. The Sportsmanship Award winner was Tim Wall of Brooklet, Ga. Honorable Mentions for Sportsmanship during the event went to Eddie Hawkins of Asheville, N.C., Tom Johnson of Rock Hill, S.C., Karin Korb of Atlanta, and Patrick Mulvihill, of Biloxi, Miss.

H

Tennis Channel Acquires Rights to French Open
he Tennis Channel acquired it’s first-ever Grand Slam telecast coverage rights recently through a multi-year agreement with the French Tennis Federation to broadcast the French Open. TTC will receive exclusive U.S. telecast rights to all Roland Garros matches, with the exception of established NBC coverage windows. In addition to live event coverage, the network plans to produce and televise Roland Garros-themed original programming, highlights, press conferences, and news updates originating from the tournament, TTC officials said in a press release. In addition, the deal gives TTC U.S. rights in all media, including broadband and video-on-demand, as well as access to Roland Garros’s media archives.

T

From left: Otto Roberts of The ROHO Group, Agnieszka Olszyna of the ITF, PTR Founder Dennis Van der Meer, Julie Jilly of the PTR, Harlon Matthews, and Scott Crosswhite of Quickie wheelchairs.

8

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

INDUSTRY NEWS

Advantage Net Posts Add Benefits
dvantage Tennis Supply has added benefits to its high-quality tennis net posts. The Fast Drop External Wind and Internal Wind net posts now are electrostatically powder-coated and then oven-cured in either glossy black or green, for a hard, long-lasting, durable finish, says the company. All of the drilling and tapping is done prior to this process, so even these areas are coated. Advantage Tennis Supply continues to offer all of their tennis net posts with black, steel, powder-coated lacing rods at no additional cost. The rods are not welded, but attached by zinc-coated Tek screws at four points to ensure durability. Other components of the Advantage line consist of aluminum, zinc, and/or stainless steel. For information call 800-476-5432 or visit www.advantagetennissupply.com.

Head/Penn, USPTA Extend Agreement
he USPTA signed a seven-year agreement with Head/Penn Racquet Sports that extends the USPTA’s endorsement of the Pro Penn ball through 2013. This continues the 33-year contract the USPTA already has with Pro Penn into its fourth decade, which makes it the longest and oldest endorsement in the tennis industry. Penn says it has incorporated a new technology with the addition of Encore Technology, which makes the product 33 percent longer lasting. Also, the new Smart Optik felt makes the ball 19 percent more visible, says the company. “We are very pleased to continue our relationship with Head/Penn and are excited to bring the new technologically advanced Pro Penn ball to our members,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler.

A

T

Tail Creates Cardio Tennis Line for Spring
ail has created a line of activewear specifically designed for Cardio Tennis as part of its spring 2007 Tail Tech Performance collection. “We focused on developing the best fitness-inspired clothing that can be worn for tennis and all other fitness activities,” says Brad Singer, Tail’s v.p. of sales and marketing. Tail’s new fabrics provide moisture management and are protected with an anti-microbial finish, says the company. For more information, call 305-638-2650 or visit www.tailinc.com.

T

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

9

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R INDUSTRYNEWS

2 0 0 6

Oncourt Offcourt Offers “Flex Trainer”
SPTA and PTR Master Professional Joe Dinoffer designed the Flex Trainer training aid to help players get a rapid feel for lowering their playing height. The benefits are improved topspin on groundstrokes, getting down for low volleys, and overall faster court coverage, Dinoffer says. The Flex Trainer features three levels of resistance bands for easy use by players of all heights and playing levels. Waist and ankle straps are also fully adjustable. For wholesale and retail pricing and a free 84-page color catalog, contact Oncourt Offcourt at 88-TENNIS-11 or www.oncourtoffcourt.com.

Brody Honored by USTA
Dr. Howard Brody received the Faculty Emeritus Award at the 2006 USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, held in New York City in August. Brody, a world expert in the fields of physics and tennis technology, is a member of the USTA’s Sport Science Committee and a noted author.

U

Ferris State Names PTM Advisory Board
erris State University’s Professional Tennis Management Program has formed an advisory board of industry experts to provide feedback on trends and characteristics it sees as important for students entering the tennis profession. Members are: Jorge Andrew, director of tennis, Lexington County Community T.C.; David Bone, executive director, USRSA; David Brouwer, director of tennis, Michigan Athletic Club; Will Hoag, USPTA past president, director of tennis, Coral Ridge C.C.; Patrick Kearns, director of tennis, Farmington C.C.; Mike Kernodle, professor of motor learning, Applachian State University, USPTA Education Committee; Rick Macci, president, Rick Macci Tennis Academy; Stan Oley, national sales manager, Playmate Ball Machines; David Porter, professor/head tennis coach, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, USTPA past president; Scott Schultz, recreational tennis managing director, USTA; Joe Thompson, director of tennis, Rolling Hills C.C., USPTA past president; Fred Viancos, director of professional development, USPTA.

F

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December

2006

INDUSTRY NEWS

Prince Launches O3 Citron to Benefit VFW Foundation
hroughout the country, yellow ribbons symbolize the hope of a safe return of U.S. military personnel. Now, that same shade of yellow will be on a tennis racquet, for the benefit of American military men and women. Prince recently launched the O3 Citron to benefit the Veterans of Foreign Wars Foundation. In honor of the Nov. 11 Veterans Day holiday, Prince will donate a portion of net sales from every O3 Citron to the VFW Foundation. The money will go to military families through the VFW’s Unmet Needs Program and the National Veterans Service Program. Only 2,400 O3 Citron racquets will be available for purchase at a suggested retail price of $250. Visit www.princetennis.com.

T

Cardio Workshop Held in Portugal

he first international Cardio Tennis Workshop was held in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 7, funded by Tennis Europe and the Portuguese Tennis Federation. More than 60 pros from nine countries attended the 10-hour workshop, which was led by National Cardio Tennis Program Director Michele Krause (center) with assistance from Ted Murray (left) and Butch Staples (right).

T

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

11

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R INDUSTRYNEWS

2 0 0 6

Tennis Beyond Big Shots
Greg Moran, director of tennis at The Four Seasons Racquet Club in Wilton, Conn., presents an approach to playing tennis that moves away from power and big shots yet is more lethal to opponents than any booming serve. In his new book, Tennis Beyond Big Shots, Moran shows players of all ages and abilities that, with simple and small changes, you can not only maximize your tennis wins and play longer, but also have much more fun doing it. Available in paperback; $26.95; 260 pages; Mansion Grove House. Also available as a CD for $26.95. To order, visit TennisBeyondBigshots.com or call 408-404-7277.

Prince Adds O3 Hybrid Tour
rince’s latest addition to the O3 Hybrid Collection is the O3 Hybrid Tour. With input and playtesting from ATP and WTA Tour pros, Prince says it designed the new racquet for serious competitive players. World No. 24 player Shahar Peer and top U.S. junior Sam Querrey recently switched to the new frame. The new racquet features O3 technology, but the OPorts on the 95-square-inch Hybrid Tour are situated at 3 and 9 o’clock on the perimeter of the frame to increase racquet head speed and provide more spin and power, says the company. “My game is all about precision and power,” says Peer, “so the speed of the O3 Hybrid Tour helps me get to the ball more quickly. This racquet really helps take advantage of all my game’s strengths.” The new racquet, in metallic orange and black, has a suggested retail price of $200. For information, visit princetennis.com.

P

USRSA MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
TENNIS PROFESSIONALS NEEDED to take a Caribbean Vacation! You work 3 hours per day and receive 5-star all inclusive accommodations for yourself and 1 guest. Contact Denise Cox 678-7784673; www.fitbodiesinc.com HELP WANTED Manager for Tennis & Fitness Pro Shop, 45 minutes north of NYC in prestigious year round facility. Shop is privately owned and established. Prior experience in tennis &/or retail a plus. Fax resume to: 914-277-2139

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

November/December 2006

INDUSTRY NEWS

Tennis Industry Association
MEMBERSHIP

U P D AT E

W W W . T E N N I S I N D U S T R Y. O R G
A new member and renewal drive is scheduled for early November. Currently, there are 350 TIA members in the different member categories—participating partners, supporting members, retailers, facilities, and individuals. Benefits and services, depending on the level, include research, merchant card services, travel, publication and media discounts, TennisWire exposure, facility insurance, and more. New for 2007 will be a revamped website with database searches for manufacturers, retailers, court contractors, and facilities, along with new retailer insurance, a membership survey, and more.

GRASSROOTS PROGRAMS
There are now more than 2,000 Tennis Welcome Centers and 1,600 Cardio Tennis sites in the U.S., and plans are moving ahead to increase numbers and exposure while ensuring quality delivery of programs. For 2007, look for a coordination of efforts between TWCs and CT sites.

TENNISCONNECT.ORG
Member facilities have access to this acclaimed website builder to promote their programs and events. Features include a calendar, court scheduler, group email function, player matching, and much more. At its second anniversary, there are 20,000 registered, active users and an average of 50,000 courts booked online monthly through TennisConnect. New for 2007 will be online payment through the TennisCollect system, new templates and added features, a League and Ladder system, daily online training forums and seminars, a stringing center, and more.

RESEARCH
More than 70 annual reports and research surveys are generated for the TIA, including the tennis participation study, specialty retail audit, dealer trends, consumer reports, census reports, facilities database, and cost of doing business reports. New for 2007 will be court construction research, expanded apparel and footwear research, and expanded retailer and facility research.

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

13

INDUSTRYNEWS

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

2 0 0 6

SHORT SETS
>
Italy won its first Fed Cup title in September, beating Belgium 3-2 after Justine HeninHardenne was forced to stop because of knee pain during the deciding doubles match. In the 2007 Fed Cup first round, the U.S. will face No. 1 seed Belgium April 21-22 at a venue to be chosen by the USTA.

initiative at the US Open to educate women battling breast cancer about ways to help them minimize the risk of recurrence. Visit www.ribbonofpink.com for more information. T > The team fromthe Bar M Tennis Academy in Dallas won “Prince Plugged In” Challenge Cup IV for juniors in October. Prince Plugged In is an exclusive program that brings together 33 junior tennis academies from around the U.S. through Challenge Cup events, training seminars, and online networking. This final weekend of competition was comprised of the eight top teams.

the 2007 International Ten> Nominees for induction are Pete Sampras nis Hall of Fame and Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in the Recent Player category; Sven Davidson and Christine Truman Janes in the Master Player category; and tennis photographer Russ Adams and Dr. Robert Johnson in the Contributor category.

will select > Princenew,begin branding “Tour products > Gail R. Marsden, wife of David Marsden, with a trademarked Proven” owner of Boston Tennis Courts Construcstamp of approval. The Tour Proven label “reflects a close collaboration between Prince’s product designers, engineers, and top pros who understand exactly what needs have to be met for a product to succeed on tour,” the company said. Andre Agassi’s mother, Betty Agassi, along with Novartis Oncology, launched a global tion Co. of Hanover, Mass., and former chairman of the American Sports Builders Association, died suddenly at home in Norwell, Mass. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226, Att: Contributions Center. Donations may also be made by phone at 800-525-4669.

>

> The International Tennis Hall of Fame sponsored the first exhibit to tell the
diverse story of tennis in the Americas outside the boundaries of the U.S. and Canada. The exhibit, at the gallery at the 2006 US Open, featured charismatic stars of the present and recent past. than 30 people attended > MoreConference on Indoor Clay the 3rd Annual Courts, held recently in Bethesda, Md. The conference is sponsored by Lee Tennis and is designed to share progress on Lee’s efforts to improve the performance and the ease of maintenance in an indoor environment. donated racquets valued at > Babolat CityParks Tennis to support the $20,000 to growth and development of youth tennis in New York City. Team Billie Jean King, led by Pete Sampras, defeated Team Elton John, led by Andy Roddick, in the 14th Annual Advanta World TeamTennis Smash Hits charity event, held in Irvine, Calif. The event raised more than $350,000 to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation and AIDS Services Foundation Orange County.

>

14

RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

INDUSTRYNEWS

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

2 0 0 6

Muir Tapped as G.M. Of Wilson Rac Sports
on Muir, who joined Wilson Racquet Sports in 1997, has been promoted to general manager and will oversee the racquet sports business on a global level. He’ll report to Wilson President Chris Considine. Prior to his new appointment, Muir served as U.S. director of sales and marketing for Wilson Racquet Sports. In this capacity, he oversaw the division’s domestic sales and was instrumental in developing and implementing all U.S. marketing strategies for Wilson’s major product introductions. “Jon has the knowledge, passion and skills we need to lead our global effort,” says Considine. “This is an exciting time for our racquet sports business and we look forward to Jon leading our team.” For more information, visit www.wilson.com.

J

• Patrick McEnroe will continue as U.S. Davis Cup captain through 2008, the USTA announced in October. During his tenure as captain, McEnroe has compiled a 9-6 record, leading the team to the Davis Cup final in 2004 and two semifinal appearances in 2002 and 2006 against Russia. The 2007 U.S. Davis Cup campaign will begin Feb. 9-11 in the Czech Republic.

PE

O

PL

EWA

T
C
H

• Marian DeWane (right) and
Jeff Holman (bottom right) were recognized at the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference with Star Fish Awards, awarded to coaches who have implemented no-cut policies on their high-school tennis teams.

• Spencer Vegosen of Chicago,
Davey Sandgren of Gallatin, Tenn., Ashley Weinhold of Spinewood, Texas, and Spencer Mendoza of Vancouver, Wash., received the 2005 Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Awards during the International Tennis Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in July in Newport, R.I.

• Maria Sharapova claimed the 2006 US
Open title, her second Grand Slam title, using the Prince O3 White racquet. In August, Sharapova signed a multi-million lifetime endorsement deal with Prince.

• Young tennis stars Sam Querrey of the
U.S., Evgeny Korolev of Russia, and Carlos Boluda of Spain have signed multi-year endorsement deals with Prince Tennis.

• John McEnroe is the recipient of the
inaugural Gene Scott Award from the International Tennis Hall of Fame, presented to an individual who consistently embodies the commitment to communicating honestly and critically about the game.

• The Intercollegiate Tennis Association
Women's Hall of Fame added four new members in September: Stanford coach Frank Brennan, Lori McNeil (Oklahoma State), Stephanie Tolleson (TrinityTX) and Madge "Bunny" Vosters (Ursinus).

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

FOCUS ON

/

apparel

Ferreira Tennis Serves a Growing Market
BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN

W

hen No. 1-ranked doubles player Ellis Ferreira left the pro tennis circuit a few years ago, he needed to build another career—something that would be viable and at the same time, keep him close to the tennis world. The result was the founding of a line of children’s clothing, and it’s putting Ferreira Tennis on the map as he expands his new venture. Ferreira Tennis opened for business in August 2005 with a full range of children’s clothing in girls’ sizes 4-16 and boys’ sizes 8-20. Ferreira himself calls the line “versatile fashion-forward apparel for a performance world.” A smart selection of women’s apparel is also available.

Just 13 months later, this past September, Ferreira expanded his business, buying out Little Miss Tennis/TV Sports. (Marilyn Kosten, president and designer of the Little Miss tennis line, will stay on board during the transition.) Ferreira has pulled in a talented team of both family and industry veterans to design and produce clothing for his target market. His wife, Ashley, and her sister, Paige Macloskie, designed the apparel, along with merchandiser Elizabeth “Bissie” Clover. Marketing specialist Patricia Jensen (tennis mom to former French Open doubles champs Luke and Murphy), Vice President of Promotions Lark Baxter O’Neil, and national sales advisor Stuart Hudson complete the team. The girls’ apparel lines are named for Ferreira’s two daughters, Sullivan, age 6, and Camden, age 9. Both lines reflect versatile, washable, moisture-wicking mixand-match designs that span the seasons and go from the tennis court, to school, and beyond. A range of pastels and bright colors, and details such as embroidery, flowers, dragonflies, pleats, and ruffles,

add variety to the lines. “We want to provide outfits that look sharp, that kids can play in, and that are easily washable,” says Ashley Ferreira. For the boys’ line, called “Will,” Ferreira wanted it to be “cool, edgy, yet traditional,” he says. It reflects the same attention to detail and trends—from the Hawaiian surfbeachy look to the more preppy-but-cool on-court, off-court look, with shorts and polo shirts in grays, blues, blacks, and plaids. Tennis shoes that compliment the children’s apparel lines are also in the works. After two seasons, the Ferreira brand of children’s tenniswear is in more than 100 retail outlets across the country. And consumers, says Ferreira, are responding well to the lines. With the acquisition of Little Miss Tennis/TV Sports, Ferreira says he hopes to expand the line of women’s clothing and incorporate more innovative adult tennis fashion as part of the mix. For more information, contact Ferreira Tennis/Patricia Jensen at 917-468-5777 or [email protected], or visit www.FerreiraTennis.com. Q

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

G

retailing

SUCCESS

Open Champions
Every year, the players bring their best games to Flushing Meadows, BY CYNTHIA SHERMAN and so do tennis manufacturers.

M

ore than 640,000 fans swarmed the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the two weeks of the 2006 US Open. In addition to the hundreds of matches on court, there was plenty of action off the court, too, in the many vendor booths set up on site. Will the tennis shopping trends of consumers who attended the world’s largest Grand Slam be indicative of consumer preferences for the rest of the country? It’s hard to say, but we asked tennis retailers who staffed booths at the NTC what the big winners were for US Open fans.

Andy Roddick polos moved well. Women favored the long-sleeve stretch pique polo in green.

the skirts and tops did well in New York.

POLO NIKE
At Nike, “anything the players were wearing was selling,” said store personnel. Nike shoes did well with Open fans, as did the Maria Sharapovainspired “I Feel Pretty” line of shirts. And while the Serena Williams apparel selections drew extreme opinions, Anything in white hopped off the shelves at the large Polo Ralph Lauren store, from track jackets and pants in all styles to shirts. A return to the “prep” look capitalized on the white trend in a big way. And any piece with the signature Polo pony was popular with consumers.

WILSON
The crowds at the Wilson store seemed to be buying everything from grips and string to shirts and racquets. And Wilson’s women’s W line of racquets seemed to be doing especially well. Shipments were replenished daily. According to one store manager, “Everyone wants what Roger Federer plays with,” and accordingly, the nSix-One Tour 90 nCode racquet, plus strings, were chamLACOSTE pion sellers.

BOLLE
Bolle’s Sports Performance collection performed well at the Open, according to booth personnel. In particular, the Competivision Series for tennis did so well that when we visited, they were sold out of the model, expecting a new shipment the next day.

BOLLE

HEAD
Head says its Airflow line of racquets for women, launched in July, not only did well at the Open, but has been selling well throughout the country. Also, at the Open, the Metallix 10 racquet was popular with fans, as was the Tour Team and Flexpoint racquet bags.

HEAD

YONEX
The big surprise at Yonex, said booth personnel, was the popularity of their shoes and shirts, which aren’t available in many retail outlets. Grip tape made the big seller list at the Open, as well as the RDS-001 racquet in the 98square-inch head size and the RQS11 racquet in 100 square inches.Q

NIKE

POLO

LACOSTE
Big sellers at Lacoste included the popular white hat with crocodile logo, and both men’s and women’s Tshirts with the croc symbol and “New York Tennis” logos. Also,

WILSON

YONEX
Photos by Bob Kenas

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

O

N THE ONE HAND, had Kirk Anderson not taught at a park and rec tennis program one summer before college and been paid for his efforts, there’s a good chance his life could have turned out vastly different from what it is. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine the recreational game without Anderson heavily involved in it. Anderson, who is the USTA’s director of Recreational Coaches and Programs, started playing competitively when he was a sophomore at Parchment High School in Parchment, Mich., a suburb of Kalamazoo. When he entered Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, as a physical education major, he wasn’t on the tennis team. But he played well enough that he made the team as a walk-on. “I was on the team for only an hour,” Anderson recalls. “I was kicked off the team when I signed some papers that said I had taught for money the previous summer at a rec program, and at that time, you couldn’t do that. “I was extremely disappointed, but then I decided I’d continue to teach and become the best teacher I possibly could,” he adds. “So I taught throughout college—kids, adults, in camps, and doing community education in gymnasiums for adults, teaching over the summers. I even worked at a sporting goods store and strung racquets.” Anderson’s goal to become the best tennis teacher possible was realized in 2003, when the International Tennis Hall of Fame honored him with its Tennis Educational Merit Award.

And now, for all of his efforts in bringing people into the game and keeping them playing—including his pivotal role within the industry as one of tennis’s premier teachers of tennis teachers—Racquet Sports Industry is honored to recognize Kirk Anderson in our Champions of Tennis issue as our 2006 Person of the Year. “Tennis,” says Anderson’s wife, Carol, “is just a part of him. He always says how fortunate he is to be in an atmosphere where others have so much fun and appreciate it so much. I think he just wants people to enjoy it.” Adds Kirk, “I always tell people I have the best job in the world.” Within the industry, one would be hard-pressed to find another person with Anderson’s unique blend of creative ideas, upbeat attitude, and single-minded purpose. But, in typical Kirk Anderson fashion, he pushes aside praise of his own accomplishments and, in his own sincere way, directs it to his talented team at the USTA. “I’ve got some pretty doggone good people here,” he says. “We get along so well, we’re supportive of each other. It’s a great working environment, but you can hardly call it ‘work,’ though.” “That’s just Kirk,” says Carol. “He’s really a quiet person, but he loves creating and working in a friendly atmosphere, on the court and in the office.” Walk into Anderson’s well-organized office at USTA national headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., and you immediately get that sense of friendliness. For one thing, his door is

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Bob Kenas

Kirk Anderson’s
always open. He likes to keep his office neat, but he’s not a neat freak—it’s not a sterile, everything-in-its-place kind of environment. Like Anderson himself, his office is warm and friendly, especially when you get a look at the walls. Mixed in with plaques and certificates recognizing his achievements in the industry are dozens of photos of family, friends, staff, and other tennis people. One of Anderson’s hobbies is framing and matting photos and posters, and his office walls are a testament to his skill in this area of his life, too. In addition to photos of his son and daughter, Anderson shows off photos of his granddaughter and grandson. On the walls, there’s a nice shot of Anderson with Arthur Ashe, another with Rod Laver, then Vic Braden, Chris Evert… it goes on and on, including shots of Anderson with his USTA staffers. And alongside these photos, he has three framed poems, titled “Impact of Coaches,” “To Any Coach,” and “Success.” “Kirk always has so much energy, and he’s so great to work for,” says Kelly O’Laughlin, who reports to Anderson as the USTA’s coordinator of recreational coaches. “One of his favorite sayings is, ‘No one should be able to tell if you are having a bad day,’ and if you know Kirk, you know that’s true, he’s always upbeat. And he’s always on the go. He loves to get out and meet people in the field.” ANDERSON’S FIRST JOB after college was teaching phys ed in school, and teaching tennis during the summers in city recreation departments. Then he hooked up with the West Hills Tennis Club in Kalamazoo, which offered him a full-time job. After a few years, he went to Battle Creek, Mich., and taught at the YMCA tennis center, then it was on to Hawaii, where he worked for Peter Burwash International for a year at a resort on Kauai. He came back to Michigan and spent six years at the Holland (Mich.) Tennis Club, and along the way he returned to Western Michigan University and earned a master’s degree in exercise science. In the mid-1980s, Anderson joined the Midwest Tennis Association and became the schools director in Springfield, Ohio, where he remained for six years before moving to Atlanta to work for Penn Racquet Sports as its promotions manager. He joined the USPTA as its director of education, a post he held for two years, before coming to the USTA in 1996 as the manager of the Play Tennis America program. This past September, Anderson celebrated his 10-year anniversary with the USTA. But throughout his journey within the tennis industry, this TIPS FOR SUCCESS premier tennis teacher has never stopped learning. He is one of only Q To be an effective teacher, you need to find your students’ hot a handful of tennis teaching pros buttons—what motivates them. worldwide who are designated as Q Junior players really soak up any “Master Professionals” in both the tips you can give them to help PTR and USPTA. their game. Skip the long intro“Kirk’s been a learner for so ductions and lectures with kids. long, and continues to be,” says Q Spend as much time as you posCarol, who herself is the executive sibly can to make sure you hire director of the USPTA’s Midwest the best people. “I have the best staff in the world,” says AnderDivision. “He’s had the privilege of son. “Most of the time I only gaining a lot of knowledge through provide direction and vision and a lot of great people. He’s had they are off and running. I am many wonderful opportunities.” most proud of the fact that they Anderson, who lives in New are always looking for ways to Fairfield, Conn., frequently is a feamake others look better.” tured presenter, both oncourt and off, at industry conventions. And he is one of the co-directors of the highly successful USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, the annual gathering in New York City in late August, as the US Open is beginning, that attracts hundreds of teaching pros from the U.S. and around the world. In 2006, the TTC drew nearly 750 attendees, the largest since 2001. He also is in charge of the on-court activities for the yearly Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, which takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on the Saturday before the US Open begins. In 2005, more than 33,000 kids attended the event. IN HIS ROLE as USTA director of Recreational Coaches and Programs, one of Anderson’s key initiatives is the Recreational Coach Workshops (www.usta.com/coaches), designed to get parents and other volunteers involved in teaching and coaching players at the recreational level. The national program, offered in cooperation with the USPTA and PTR, offers training to help develop these rec coaches. “In the last six years, we’ve trained over 23,000 new coaches, which is pretty cool,” says Anderson, who credits staffer O’Laughlin for coordinating the program. “We started the RCWs because we took a look at the research and saw that most people were entering the game in community programs, in parks, etc., where the people teaching them were most likely seasonal, with no formal training themselves. Now, the RCW is a six-hour on-court program that gives these coaches some skills and tools.” The Recreational Coach Workshops offer ideas on every-

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

23

thing from handling groups and lesson progressions to team practices and on-court activities. Some of the games and activities in the RCWs are more appropriate for kids, says Anderson, but a lot of the skills and lead-up activities are appropriate for beginning adults, too. The RCWs are not meant as a replacement for training and certification by recognized teaching associations, but the people the workshops reach, says Anderson, “are the front line in getting and keeping players.” “We have a long way to go,” he adds. “We want parents to think about team-tennis programs like they do about soccer or Little League baseball. We really want to increase our numbers.” Then, there’s the school’s initiative, which has a number of parts, including the high-school no-cut program. “We’re trying to recognize high-school coaches who have no-cut policies and we’re trying to assist those who do cut kids from their teams to adopt a no-cut policy,” says Anderson. Right now, he adds, there are about 340,000 high-school players and 15,000 coaches. “If every coach could keep just a few more kids on the team, then we can make a significant impact,” he says. “In this regard, we don’t want to be like soccer, where they have a tremendous number of kids playing up until 13 or 14, then when they get to high school, most are eliminated. We want there to be plenty of opportunity for highschool tennis play.” Another of Anderson’s objectives is to create a viable feeder system through middle schools. “There’s a huge emphasis right now on keeping kids active,” he says. “We’re trying to mirror what we do in high school. The perfect scenario would be if those kids in middle school could feed right into high-school no-cut tennis teams, playing with their friends.” Related to this is creating intramural activities at the elementary level, including playground tennis. “We’re looking at our transition ball project, thinking that’s where it might plug in well,” says Anderson. “Elementary schools may not have tennis courts, but they can easily use gyms, parking lots, and other rec areas.” The last component of the schools initiative is the new curriculum, written by noted educator Dr. Robert Pangrazi, an expert in teaching physical education to children and author of more than 30 textbooks. “Our new curriculum is appropriate for any teacher,” says Anderson. “We’ve made it so simple that most anyone can teach it in their programs.” This educational program is coordinated by USTA

staffers Jason Jamison, Karen Green and Barb Stones. Beyond school tennis, Anderson heads up initiatives to identify, recruit, and train off-court tennis organizers. “This is critical for any of the programs we have,” he says. “We need people to organize activities, match kids up with coaches, make schedules, and so on. Clubs have done this routinely, but we need to do this for our Junior Team Tennis program, afterschool programs, etc. We can’t solely rely on teaching pros. Anne Davis has been doing a terrific job heading this up.” There’s also the “Welcome Back to Tennis” program, also run by Davis, for former players over age 50. “It’s a one-day event to reintroduce them back into sport,” says Anderson. All of the initiatives his department deals with, he adds, are supported administratively by USTA staffer DanaMichelle Atkinson. THE NEWEST INITIATIVE is the transition-ball project, using foam balls, low-compression balls, and different size courts to help people get involved in the game. “Of all the things we’re doing, this could have the greatest significance because it can allow kids to develop techniques and tactics at a much younger age,” says Anderson. “Kirk’s been a great advocate for changing the way young people are introduced to tennis, and introduced in a way that will get them to like it right away,” says Scott Schultz, the USTA’s managing director of Recreational Tennis, to whom Anderson reports. “Many of the initiatives that we have are based on Kirk’s advocacy and leadership.” Both the PTR and the USPTA praise Anderson for his leadership in the “36-60” pilot program. The numbers refer to the dimensions of a “short court” for starting kids in the game and involve using transition balls and modified scoring. “Kirk’s one of these guys who thinks outside the box, and he’s a consensus-builder, he can bring people together,” says Dan Santorum, the CEO and executive director of the PTR. “If we could replicate around the country Kirk’s strong work ethic, his in-depth knowledge, and his tremendous passion, tennis would be a top-10 participation sport.” “I’ve always appreciated Kirk’s enthusiasm and high level of energy, and his ability to pass on his passion for tennis to participants,” says USPTA President Ron Woods. “I’ve known Kirk for almost 25 years,” adds Schultz. “There’s really no one in tennis as professional, dedicated, and hard-working at trying to get more people to play.” —Peter Francesconi

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

H

ome to 37 tennis professionals, 18 tennis courts, three platform tennis courts, an extensive pro shop, a nursery, café, fitness center, and Pilates studio, the Midtown Tennis Club was the first of the 13 Tennis Corporation of America clubs to open in the Chicago area. TCA, which has a well-deserved reputation for outstanding tennis facilities, was founded by former USTA President Alan Schwartz and his father 36 years ago. Schwartz and his son, Steven, still run the company. As the flagship for TCA, Midtown has a lot going for it. And it’s this combination of amazing facilities, programs, and personnel that has led us to name Midtown Tennis Club as RSI’s 2006 Private Facility of the Year. Midtown, says club member Bennet Wang, “pays attention to every detail and is constantly making improvements. They have a hard-working, dedicated staff and cater to their membership in a very family-oriented, unpretentious way.” Wang and his family have been members of the club for three years. The club features one-of-a-kind comprehensive programs for toddlers through seniors. Along with leagues, instruction at all levels, and inter- and intra-club play, Midtown features a Junior Development Program that teaches skills and encourages a love of the game by providing kids 3 to 18 with a solid background in tennis basics. One of the club’s biggest success stories is its innovative “Tennis in No Time” program, designed for beginners. The patented TNT program is held every May and June and uses a multi-media approach to teaching tennis, employing on-court and off-court instruction and videotaping. Since Midtown Tennis Club opened in October 1970, about 25,000 people have participated in TNT, and this past spring, the TNT program introduced 950 “newbies” to the game. “Tennischools” is another original program for newcomers, offered monthly. It’s a modified version of Tennis in No Time and attracts about 125 beginning players each month. General Manager Michael Mahoney (above right) stresses the importance of the atmosphere Midtown has sought to create. “It’s a social atmosphere where you can build old and new relationships,” he says. “The club becomes part of your routine for exercise and a healthy lifestyle. We offer every-

thing in a very deep and rich way to accommodate all levels of play.” Health and fitness is big at Midtown. According to the Tennis Industry Association, the club has one of the most successful Cardio Tennis programs in the country. The 16 Cardio classes (advanced classes are also offered) pull in more than 100 participants each week. Midtown also hosts about 12 events a month with strong social elements to them, such as a wine or beer tasting or a coffee-house theme. “This makes it more than a tennis club,” says Mahoney. “We’re here to connect with and serve our members.” Head Pro Butch Staples (far left) has been with Midtown for a year, after working at another TCA club in Florida and prior to that, at the PTR Headquarters in Hilton Head, S.C. With fellow pro Mike Barrell, Staples created the Junior Development Pathway, to allow 6- to 8-year-olds “a chance to TIPS FOR SUCCESS learn with graduated-sized balls, Q Have a process to recruit, hire, and reward enthusiastic, qualicourts and nets,” he says. fied, and service-minded profesThe club also hosts a number sionals that includes of high profile national events opportunities for advancement throughout the year, including and professional development. many junior tournaments. In FebQ Create programs with your memruary, the Men’s National Indoor bers' needs in mind: convenient Collegiate Championships, an schedule, compatible groups, and Intercollegiate Tennis Association fun. Serving specific niches is event, will be played at Midtown. important: beginners, juniors, But Midtown is more than just seniors, early birds, night owls. a club for area tennis players; it’s Q Create programs that will introduce new players to each other also a leader within the industry and include a social element. itself. “In all my travels around the Q Always offer beginning players the most convenient time slots country to various clubs and for lessons. events,” says Jim Burda, the director of U.S. promotions for Wilson Sporting Goods, “Midtown is more involved in the tennis industry and community than any other club.” “What really distinguishes Midtown,” says Wang, “is its mission to be part of and promote tennis now and in the future, not only in Chicago but globally.” —Cynthia Sherman

Midtown Tennis Club’s

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

25

rant Morgan says his introduction to tennis “was about as low-end as you can get.” He started by playing what he calls “apartmentcomplex tennis” with friends. From there, though, Morgan took lessons and became a fairly decent player. When he realized that he was spending a lot of money getting his racquet restrung frequently, he decided to learn how to string for himself. “I had a tabletop machine,” Morgan says. “After a while, I talked to [the original owner of String ‘n’ Swing in Memphis]. He was buying a new machine and was going to sell his old one for $1,000. I had $500 cash, and he said, “Work for me and you can work off the other $500.’ So that’s what I did.” That launched a pro stringing career that has taken Morgan around the world, stringing for top touring pros. In 2004, he moved back to Memphis, where he became a part owner of String ‘n’ Swing. Morgan still strings for pro events, but it’s his service for recreational players that is winning raves, too. And for 2006, Morgan is RSI’s Stringer of the Year. Now Morgan, a Master Racquet Technician, says he strings about 10 racquets a day. “I’ve done the ‘meat grinder’ of the pro tour, pounding out 30 racquets a day. It’s a tough way to go.” TIPS FOR SUCCESS After stringing for a number Q Go after junior players. “It’s a mon- of years and getting his certifieymaker,” says Morgan, “because cation from the U.S. Racquet they burn through strings.” Stringers Association, “I had Q In dealing with juniors, “make pretty much topped myself out mom’s life simple,” says Morgan. as far as the Memphis commuHe keeps a list of kids who are playnity goes,” he says. Then, in ing tournaments, then gives the 1997, he saw a classified ad mothers a call a few days before, reminding them to get the racquets from Jay Schweid looking for strung. “They become so loyal to stringers for the US Open. you that it’s crazy. And if you make “That’s how I got into the pro one happy, she’s telling everybody.” tour.” Q Consistency is king. Keep your In 2000, Morgan moved to stringing machine in as good a con- Orlando and worked with dition and as clean as possible, caliHead Racquet Sports as a techbrated every day. Have a good nical representative. Then he supply of tools, stay organized, and moved to New York and keep records on your customers. worked with Schweid for a few

G

Grant Morgan’s

years, traveling on the pro circuit and at the Grand Slams and other events. After moving back to Memphis for a few months to “regroup,” Schweid asked him to string at the 2003 US Open. “As I was getting ready to leave the Open, Jay asked me if I would do Davis Cup in Slovakia,” says Morgan. “That’s where I met Andy Roddick.” Morgan, based out of Memphis, became Roddick’s personal stringer. “I was on the road with him for about nine months or so, and life was about as good as it could be for a stringer.” But while with Roddick in Spain for a Davis Cup match, “My two goals came together,” says Morgan. “I’m here with my guy on the team, and all I’m thinking about is going home. That’s how I ended up back in Memphis.” As it turned out, the String ‘n’ Swing owner offered to sell the business to Morgan. “It’s been a really good move,” he says. “I still string for Davis Cup, so I get to see the guys at least twice a year.” When he strings frames, Morgan says he uses a special pattern that he learned from Schweid. “It’s a ‘box’ pattern that is a bit more difficult and a little slower,” he says. “But it’s completely unique. Now, I can look at a racquet and immediately tell if I did the work. And the pattern is better for the racquet and holds tension longer.” “Grant’s consistency is amazing,” says David Neese, a 5.0 player who says he has three or four racquets strung every month. “The racquets all feel the same when they come off the machine. And they do some nice touches, like poly bags over the racquets when you get them back.” String ‘n’ Swing guarantees 24-hour turnaround for its customers and does customization work, too, “which in the Memphis area separates us out huge,” says Morgan, adding that over the last four years, the store has averaged 23 percent growth every year. In early 2007, the store will move to a larger, 5,000-square-foot location, which will have an indoor hitting area (a half-size court) to demo racquets. But you can bet that the consistency and quality will still be the same. “Grant,” says Neese, “is one of the very few people I trust to string my racquets.” —Peter Francesconi

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

I

t seems that when it comes to court builders, the best ones frequently have a strong family presence in the business. And so it is with RSI’s 2006 Builder/Contractor of the Year winner—the Courtsmiths of Toledo, Ohio. The company was started by the late Kevin Smith (below left) in the early 1970s. “My father loved tennis and got us kids involved in it,” says son Mike Smith. Kevin, who passed away in April, was a founder of the American Sports Builders Association and a past chairman and Tennis Division president. “Kevin was one of the most generous and protennis contractors around,” says Carol Hogan, the ASBA’s executive vice president. “His dedication to the sport is something he passed on to his children. Currently, son Pete Smith is on the board of directors of the ASBA.” “Mike and I were both 14 when we each started in the business,” says Pete (above right, with Mike). “We both enjoyed it so much that we stuck with it.” Now, Mike’s son and stepson are involved in the company. “My father didn’t start playing tennis until around age 40,” says Mike. “We had a neighbor who used to be the No. 1 player at Notre Dame, and one day he took my dad to a tennis club and dad fell in love with the sport.” The Smiths at the time were in the paving business, and occasionally would coat tennis courts. But by 1985, Kevin Smith split off the Courtsmiths from its parent company to concentrate on the court-building business. Now, says Mike, while the Courtsmiths also do latex running tracks, basketball courts, and putting greens, tennis courts make up about 80 percent of the business. The company is involved in design and build, and they do both hard and clay courts. But the “family” theme is a dominant one with the Courtsmiths’ approach to their business. “The tennis construction business is in their blood, and they really enjoy it,” says Randy Futty of Lee Tennis. “They’re truly in it for the long run. Their father passed down

a set of values that they live by and manage the company by. Their culture is to work hard, do good work, and service their customers as best as they can.” Adds Rob Righter of NovaSports, “Mike and Pete are like extended members of our family. They build premiumquality tennis courts with an honesty and integrity that is often rare today.” And their approach to the business of building tennis courts is paying dividends. Mike says that over the last five years, they’ve seen about a 40 percent jump in business. “The tennis business is a lot of word of mouth,” he says, “and that’s really been growing for us. If you put out a quality product, your name gets around and you start getting more calls.” The Courtsmiths frequently are hired as the general contractors for their jobs, “where we come in, consult with the owners, and design the courts or facility for them,” says Mike, who is the main designer and also does sales. Pete runs the work crews. The company has about 15 employees, including seasonal workers. “We do a lot of high-end jobs, especially in the northern Ohio area and around Detroit,” says Mike. “And we rehab a lot of courts, too.” Currently, the Courtsmiths are working on rehabbing the TIPS FOR SUCCESS eight hard courts at Wayne Q Weed out your subcontractors. State University, and also putting Make sure they know exactly in six subirrigated clay courts at what to expect. the Corazon Club in Dublin, Q Give customers different options, Ohio. The company recently depending on what they want to completed renovating the 10 spend, and make sure to give them the pros and cons of each hard courts at the Detroit Counoption. try Day School and the eight at Q “Teaming up” with customers will Detroit Mercy High School. give them the best job possible. “My biggest thing when we deal with customers is that I’m not working for them, I’m working with them,” says Mike. “It’s my job to educate the customer as much as possible so he can make an educated decision on the options he has. It’s not us vs. them—it’s a team effort.” —Peter Francesconi

Courtsmiths’

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

27

t wasn’t so long ago when a sales representative’s job typically involved selling a company’s products to a store whose customers had limited alternative methods of buying those goods. Exceptional customer service included returning phone calls and following up on orders when the sales representative returned to the office after spending days on the road. Sales representatives still spend days on the road, but their jobs are now assisted—and complicated—by technology, according to Jim Willwerth of Jupiter, Fla., a racquet sports territory manager for Wilson Sporting Goods. Willwerth uses a Blackberry to organize contacts and appointments, as well as instantly respond to email and voice-mail messages. While the internet speeds communication, however, a myriad of technology-highway-bred online and mail-order companies threaten to usurp his accounts’ customers—consequently affecting his business as well. As a result, Willwerth doesn’t simply send his apologies to an account that needs a particular Wilson product more quickly than it can be shipped from the company. Instead, he gets on the phone and then in his car, tracking that product down whenever possible so he can then pick it up from a different account and deliver it to the store in need. “Sales representatives still sell products, but now we’re also responsible for promoting them, marketing them, and making sure they get sold to consumers,” says Willwerth, who freely shares his expertise on any topic that may benefit an account. If a store’s racquet sales are lagging, for example, he’ll suggest offering free string or another incentive with any racquet purTIPS FOR SUCCESS chase. Q Embrace technology. Learn new “It’s my job to help my programs, use a PDA or other accounts [combat] the perception technology to speed communication and become more organized. that an internet or mail-order company is cheaper or easier to Minutes saved throughout the do business with,” Willwerth says. day add up quickly—and prof“You have to be willing to go itably. Q Your account’s problems are your above and beyond for your problems. A sales rep’s job today account so you can both be sucextends beyond product knowlcessful.” edge into marketing and other And it’s this willingness to go areas. Sharing your accumulated above and beyond in servicing his expertise will help your accounts accounts that has prompted RSI to sell more products and develop name Willwerth as our 2006 Sales loyalty. Rep of the Year. Q Exceptional customer service Jeffery Adams, South Central goes a long way in keeping regional sales manager of racquet accounts happy and motivated. sports for Wilson, says Willwerth

I

Jim Willwerth’s

demonstrates sales excellence and unwavering customer service while managing the biggest volume territory in the company. “The ability to plan, organize and execute is key when you’re dealing with a large, diverse account base, and he does it as well as or better than anyone,” says Adams, noting that Willwerth oversees close to 150 advisory staff members and more than 250 accounts ranging from small pro shops to specialty dealers along Florida’s east coast. “Jim is easygoing, but shifts gear and becomes very focused when it’s time to achieve our goals,” Adams adds. “He cares about his family, Wilson, and his customers, and maintains strong convictions as to how best manage his territory. He is an exemplary individual.” “Jim does all the basics well, and also understands his accounts’ business needs,” says Jon Muir, U.S. director of sales and marketing for Wilson. “Territory managers are the front-line ambassadors that drive the industry. A strong territory manager certainly helps strengthen Wilson’s brand, but it ultimately helps grow the industry overall. Jim is one of those people who exceeds expectations at all levels.” —Cynthia Cantrell

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

PGA Tour Superstores’

W

hen the first PGA Tour Superstore opened, in Roswell, Ga., just outside of Atlanta in March 2005, CFO Jorge Cora was disappointed. Never mind that the place offered a huge selection of tennis gear—racquets, shoes, and accessories numbering in the thousands—to satisfy even the most hard-core player. It just didn’t quite cut it. “We wanted to include a full-size tennis court in the store,” Cora says. “Unfortunately, there wasn’t enough room.” That “problem” was addressed with the next two stores, which have opened in the last year in Duluth and Kennesaw, both suburbs of Atlanta. Each one features a full-sized tennis court so customers can demo racquets and participate in clinics and lessons. “We wanted to give players the ultimate shopping experience,” Cora says. And that’s exactly what the burgeoning chain does. Currently, three of its six stores (two in Myrtle Beach and four in the Atlanta area) have fullsize courts. But it’s not just this unique feature that makes the PGA Tour Superstores RSI’s choice for 2006 Chain Retailer/Mass Merchant of the Year. It’s also everything else they do for customers—all in a big way. In each store, you’ll find more than 2,000 pairs of shoes and 1,100 racquets (performance and prestrung). Bags, balls, and strings? Check, check, and check. There’s a special section for juniors and a racquet diagnostic center. Unlike most large sports chains, where the sales staff is about as helpful on questions about tennis gear as John McEnroe is on questions about tennis etiquette, a PGA Tour Superstore employs three certified teaching pros. “The experience is just … to some people

TIPS FOR SUCCESS Q Cora says customers enjoy the “interactive experience.” it’s close to overwhelming,” says Q Use store personnel who are Cora. experts in their fields to provide And if you like to golf, too, there products and services to cusare putting greens, dozens of simutomers. lators Q At PGA Tour Superstores, to “You’re immersing yourself in an pracobsession,” says Cora. “We sell the entire lifestyle.” tice your chips and drives, sand traps to hone your bunker skills, and, of course, a large assortment of products. “Combining golf and tennis makes sense,” says Cora, whose background includes a stint at mega-store Home Depot. “Many people play both sports, or have one person in their family who hits the links and the other the court.” “They offer a whole new superstore concept to tennis, which has never been done before,” says Kai Nitsche of Head/Penn, citing the stores’ wide selection of products and knowledgeable staff both on the court and on the sales floor, along with the expert stringing services available. The PGA Tour Superstores are the largest golf and tennis specialty shops in the country. Those in Kennesaw and Duluth are 65,000 and 76,000 square feet and occupy two-thirds of what were once Wal-Mart stores. Cora also plans on expanding well beyond the Atlanta area. In the spring, two stores will open in the Dallas area, and Cora is talking about entering markets in San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix/Scottsdale, Houston, and Florida. “Our tennis business has been increasing since day one,” Cora says, though he won’t discuss sales numbers. “We’re happy with the results.” —James Martin

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

29

ost specialty shops stand out for one or two things. Maybe it’s the wide selection of products available. Or it could be the knowledgeable and helpful staff. Or possibly frequent sales, which keep customers coming back. But when you walk into Swetka’s Tennis Shop in Mountain View, Calif., you’re getting the whole package—excellent service, knowledgeable staff, innovative programs, regular sales that offer value to customers, and much more. It’s this combination of A-pluses that makes Swetka’s Tennis Shop RSI’s 2006 Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year. And when you provide great service, selection, and sales, business just keeps getting better. “We haven’t had huge increases in business,” says owner John Swetka (right), “but we’re up consistently a few percentage points each year. This year, we had our best August ever.” There are a number of things that Swetka’s does to stand out. For starters, the 2,800-square-foot shop set up a regular schedule of sales (in April, July, late August to early September, and November), which have proved hugely popular with customers. Another innovation is having a ball machine to rent to customers. For $20 a day, players can rent a Tennis Tutor portable machine. It’s not a huge moneymaker, says Swetka, but it does bring in players and cusTIPS FOR SUCCESS tomers, and it also has led to Q Offer a frequent stringing prosome Tennis Tutor sales, too. gram. Swetka’s Tennis Shop But even more innovative is gives customers a card to fill in; Swetka’s racquet demo proonce they have 10 string jobs, gram. For $40, a customer can the 11th is free. Q Swetka’s took a cue from retailer try as many racquets as he’d like Dale Queen in Atlanta and offers for up to four months. They’re customers buying a new racquet allowed one week per racquet, the chance to buy a second racuntil they find the perfect frame, quet of the same model for 20 and if they buy within that fourpercent off, when purchased at month period, the $40 goes the same time as the first frame. toward the purchase of the rac“It’s been a real success,” says quet. It’s a program that SwetJohn Swetka. ka’s has offered for more than Q Work with teaching pros in your area. Swetka’s directs customers 25 years. “There’s always new product to teaching pros, and pros send coming out and people get curicustomers to their store. ous about it and want to try it out

M

before buying,” says Swetka. “We figure over 80 percent of people on the demo program make a purchase.” Currently, the store has 700 racquets to demo, and there are 300 customers involved in the demo program. “Our demo program helps us get to know the people who come in each week to drop off a racquet and pick up another one,” Swetka says. And that customer-staff relationship works for both parties. “At Swetka’s, it’s a very personal buying experience for the consumer,” says John Rushworth, the Prince territory manager for Northern California, who’s done business with the shop for 20 years. “It’s a unique situation. There’s hardly any turnover in employees, and it’s a really nice family-run business, the opposite of some of these big-box stores. It’s just really nice to do business with them.” Rushworth first dealt with John Swetka’s father, Alex, who started the store with his wife, Sally, in 1969. “They were both schoolteachers, then my dad

Swetka’s

really got into tennis,” says John. The Mountain View location is about 45 miles south of San Francisco, near a public tennis facility, which is convenient because the staff are avid players. The store also provides top-notch stringing, with three stringing machines that “are going nonstop,” says Swetka. “Right now, we string 30-plus racquets a day.” Ken Arnold, who’s been with the shop for 20 years, is the U.S. Racquet Stringers Association certifier in the region. Jim Miller, a Master Racquet Technician who has been with Swetka’s for more than 10 years, is the main stringer. And Thanh Huynh has also been stringing for the store for many years. “John and his staff are knowledgeable, passionate guys, totally focused on tennis,” says Sean Frost, the area’s rep for Völkl Tennis. “They really know the sport.” —Peter Francesconi

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

n a legendary town, Bwana Chakar Simba is a Los Angeles tennis program legend. For the past 13 years, “Chakar,” as he is known in the tennis community, has been at the Rogers Park facility, introducing youngsters to the game. For the eight years before that, he ran Amateur Athletic Foundation Southern California Tennis Association/National Junior Tennis League activities at both Rogers Park and Jim Gilliam Park. And it’s Simba’s special “give them love” talent that TIPS FOR SUCCESS has earned him recognition Q Get the parents involved. Simba as RSI’s Junior Development offers parents a free lesson so they’ll Champion for 2006. bring the kids along. “I’ve worked with thouQ Get a commitment from the park sands of kids,” Simba says. director. Simba lets park directors “We have 150 in the yearknow that he will work with them, round program, and at least not above them. 225 in the summer. We deal Q When working with kids, be flexible with kids between the ages of and willing to improvise. “It’s made 7 and 17, but we have had me a better person,” says Simba. them younger if an older

I

Chakar Simba’s

brother or sister is in the program.” Simba uses Junior Team Tennis to move NJTL youngsters into the competitive arena. Having taught school and been involved with the Department of Corrections, Simba understands kids. And working with Simba is more than about tennis—he provides direction for young lives, influencing their futures. Many in his programs have gone on to enjoy intercollegiate success at colleges such as Clark Atlanta, Howard, and Morehouse. “You have to earn their trust,” says Simba. “A lot of instructors are, ‘It’s my way or no way.’ This doesn’t make a successful instructor. When I’ve come up with change, I’ve found a changed person.” “Chakar is a great guy,” says Arlene Barco, the director of the AAFSCTA/NJTL program. “He puts a lot of kids through the program. And he makes it possible for kids to have someplace to go to all the time—after school and during the summer.” —Mark Winters

uccess doesn’t always come easily, but Beverly Bourguet of Albuquerque, N.M., has proven that persistence, dedication, and passion are key. Bourguet’s launch of a National Junior Tennis League program in one of Albuquerque’s neighborhoods, and her continued efforts to grow the game across the city, has earned her RSI’s 2006 Grassroots Champion of the Year award. In the neighborhood of Barelas, others had tried TIPS FOR SUCCESS unsuccessfully to start programs to serve its underQ Be sure to have someone behind the privileged, at-risk youth. “I project that is 110 percent committed was resolved that we were to the time, energy, and effort it requires. going to get this started,” Q Find out your audience’s needs, set says Bourguet, a former some goals and objectives, and create high-school counselor. an action plan. And she did just that in Q Identify local, regional, and national the summer of 2005, when resources for your project. Be enthusiasshe started VAMOS NJTL tic and show gratitude to your commuwith the help of a nity. USTA/PTR grant. This past

S

Beverly Bourguet’s

summer, 30 children from 6 to 16 participated in the program, which not only focuses on tennis, but also on education and life skills. VAMOS has earned honors from the USTA Northern New Mexico Tennis Association, of which Bourguet is immediate past president, and the USTA Southwest Section. But her efforts to serve her community and grow the game don’t end there. Bourguet has played a significant role in securing funds for court renovations and construction, as well as other tennis needs in Albuquerque. Also, last April, she was part of a group that met with New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to make school courts available to the public and to tennis programs during the off-season. “We’ve made an impact in our tennis community,” says Bourguet. To help keep those courts staffed with capable instructors, Bourguet has hosted the PTR’s ACE Program, which stands for Advance the Commitment to Education. ACE offers educational workshops to coaches and teaching pros interested in teaching in multicultural neighborhoods. “Bev doesn’t give up,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. “She’s persistent and passionate about tennis.” —Kristen Daley

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

31

ccording to Money magazine, Cary, N.C., is among the top five places to live in the U.S. In this Research Triangle city of 106,000 people, the economy is strong, arts and culture are thriving, and great schools and beautiful parks abound. Now, though, Cary has something else to promote: The 30court Cary Tennis Park is RSI’s 2006 Municipal Facility of the Year winner. TIPS FOR SUCCESS The versatile complex, Q Invest in quality people. It will help in which opened in 2002, all aspects of your programming and includes a stadium court facility management. (seating 2,500) and a teachQ Provide quality programs with a clear pathway for player development—and ing court, a pro shop, lockers, and backboards. The don’t compromise. Q Develop a niche, such as a tournament park’s landscaping and layor a program, that your facility will be out enhance the experience recognized for and will set you apart for players and spectators from everybody else. alike. Programs are plentiful Q Invest in quality people. It can never be for all ages and skill levels, repeated enough. including a development

A

Cary Tennis Park’s

program for new players starting at age 4, a junior academy program, and a high-school team tennis program, among others. The Challenge Singles ladder has more than 120 adult players. Also, the facility hosts about 20 big events each year. Linda Smith supervises the facility, and nine teaching pros operate under the direction of Sean Ferreira. Jonathan Fralick is the head pro and Donny Weed is the juniors coordinator. “The staff understands the community, which results in something very vibrant,” says Virgil Christian, the USTA’s director of community development, who used to work at the Cary facility. “The outstanding management skills of Linda and Sean, coupled with the vision of Parks Director Mary Henderson, result in a very well-designed, outstanding facility. They really get it!” —Cynthia Sherman

ruce Karr, a wheelchair athlete himself, has dedicated more than two decades to helping others get just what they need to compete at their highest level. To do this nationally, he established the National Wheelchair Sports Fund (www.nwsf.org) in 1986, TIPS FOR SUCCESS which helps defray the costs of Q Appeal to corporations and their travel and other expenses for charitable foundations, especially wheelchair tennis players. those in your area. Also, hospitals But that’s not all. Karr and and rehab centers often are willing the NWSF also sponsor wheelto be identified with proactive prochair events and are advocates grams and may have a budget for for wheelchair players. And for donations. all his efforts, Karr is RSI’s Q Start a fund-raising campaign, which can build a base of individual 2006 Wheelchair Champion of donors and ensure future contribu- the Year. tions. Apply for USTA grants at the Karr, who competed in four district, section, and national levels. Paralympic Games including Q Appeal to companies in the busithe first one in Rome in 1960, ness of supplying to the needs of says he often saw top athletes the disabled population. turn down an offer to partici-

B

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

C.J. Head

Bruce Karr’s

pate in the prestigious event because they didn’t have the funds for travel. “It was getting to the point where I was helping to raise money for athletes,” he says. He and his wife, Verena, founded the NWSF to help wheelchair athletes across the U.S. in tennis and other sports by providing for equipment, travel, training, and other needs. With an annual budget of $250,000, raised through donations and contributions, the NWSF also presents the Florida Open International Wheelchair Tennis Championships in Boca Raton, which is also the USTA National Wheelchair Hardcourts. Considered the biggest wheelchair tourney in the world, the event attracts 200 players a year, and the NWSF provides for lodging and meals. “The NWSF is a leader in creating opportunity for people with disabilities,” says Dan James, the USTA’s national manager for Wheelchair Tennis. —Kristen Daley

ow would you like to play your softball championship at Yankee Stadium, or a pickup basketball game in Madison Square Garden? Well that, says Bill Mountford, is exactly what it’s like when you play tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., the home of the US Open. “Anybody can play on the same courts that the top pros TIPS FOR SUCCESS play on,” says Mountford, the Q Compliment profusely. Make sure to offer seven encouraging com- director of tennis. That’s ments for every one constructive because the NTC is the country’s ultimate public park. And it has criticism. an amazing array of junior, Q Be concise. Strive to get your adult, senior, wheelchair, and message across quickly and precisely. Too much talking means special populations programs, students hit fewer balls. clinics, lessons, leagues, teams, Q Choose your spots wisely to offer Cardio Tennis, and tournaments advice. Wait for patterns to (including, last spring, the 80th emerge before trying to correct National Public Parks Tennis students, as opposed to offering Championships, which drew input after every single mistake. over 1,200 players).

H

USTA BJK NTC’s

All of this is why the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is RSI’s 2006 Public Park of the Year. The NTC currently has 20 field courts and nine bubbled indoor courts. A new indoor facility, featuring 12 courts, is scheduled to be completed in 2008. There are 15 teaching pros on staff year-round—more during spring and summer. “It’s so fitting that the world’s largest public tennis facility be named in honor of Billie Jean King,” says Marcia Bach, the park and recreation tennis coordinator for the USTA. “We have a program for every class of player,” says Danny Zausner, the USTA’s managing director of facility operations. “During 11 months of the year, there is an overwhelming amount of activity here that is all public.” —Peter Francesconi

hen it comes to developing tennis at the grassroots level for all players, you want to copy the best. And in terms of community tennis, the best is the Montgomery County Tennis Association in Silver Spring, Md. The MCTA is committed to promoting the growth of tennis in Montgomery County for players of all ages and levels. The organization’s recent accomplishTIPS FOR SUCCESS ments include increasing adult Q Go beyond typical league and junior participation, forming recruiting efforts by diligently a foundation that includes academatching adults with existing teams while creating new ones, mic support, mentoring, advocacy, and much more. For all its and expanding the junior proaccomplishments and initiatives, gram into the summer. the all-volunteer MCTA is RSI’s Q Establish a web presence, and keep it updated. A continual Community Tennis Association of stream of relevant information the Year. keeps members coming back for For example, USTA Adult more—online and on court. League play soared from 2,500 Q Become an advocate for tennis participants in 2003 to more than infrastructure and programming. 5,000 players in 2005. And this

W

MCTA’s

past year, the MCTA formed the Montgomery County Tennis and Education Foundation to provide support in multicultural communities. Additionally, its TEAM program (Tennis, Education And Mentoring) offers tennis and academic support for at-risk middle-school students. The MCTA’s Community Tennis Advocacy Committee successfully advocated for $1.4 million to save from demolition the public Wheaton Indoor Tennis Facility. “Before we got involved, the Montgomery County Council thought tennis was dying,” says MCTA President Frank Hatten. “They needed to be educated about how tennis can grow and prosper when given the right opportunity.” It is this commitment to advocacy that impresses David Slade, the USTA’s national manager of CTAs. “The MCTA is leading the way for developing tennis at the grassroots level,” he says. “They’re doing a lot of what we want to emulate across the country.” —Cynthia Cantrell

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

33

f there’s one characteristic that Ajay Pant believes is vital for a tennis teaching pro to have, it’s consistency in word and action. In his own career, this PTR master pro’s focus has not only been on continually helping his students to grow in the game, but also on supplementing his own knowledge and experience. For these reasons, Pant has been named RSI’s 2006 PTR Member of the Year. Pant’s résumé is extensive and impressive, including work TIPS FOR SUCCESS alongside Nick Bollettieri and Q Continually work on developing your own professional personality. Arthur Ashe. For the past two years, he has been the national Q Show continued support for your director of tennis for the Tennis students. Corporation of America, where Q As a representative of your company or facility, always put your for 13 years he has worked his best foot forward. way up the ladder from his first Q Frequently review how you’re role as a staff pro to now overdoing as a teacher, and rememseeing 11 clubs nationwide. ber, you are only as good as your Away from his full-time job, last lesson. Pant is a mainstay in many of

I

Ajay Pant’s

the major tennis organizations, including the USTA and TIA. He has spent countless hours offering his time and energy as a clinician, tester, and speaker for the PTR. Since the 1990s, Pant has conducted 10-hour certification workshops for potential PTR pros, all followed by a test for certification. In the workshops, Pant says the role of the instructor is to de-emphasize the stress of taking the test. If he feels a student isn’t ready, he’ll let the person know and offer his continued support. “It’s easy to say, ‘He or she was not a good student,’” says Pant. “The better question is, ‘Am I doing a decent job as a teacher?’” And he always follows through. “There has to be consistency in what you say and what you do, otherwise it’s just talk,” he says. PTR CEO and Executive Director Dan Santorum says the organization receives many positive responses to Pant’s workshops. “He’s very detailed and very professional,” says Santorum. “It’s nice to know there is someone out there representing us who is held in such high regard.” —Kristen Daley

uring his 30-year teaching career, USPTA member Brett Hobden of Naples, Fla., has worked with Andre Agassi, Tommy Haas, Iva Majoli, Meredith McGrath, and Anne Miller. Now as director of tennis for the Greater Naples TIPS FOR SUCCESS YMCA and CEO of Q Keep an open mind. Tennis is a sport of tradi- Modern Tennis LLC, tion, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t he is helping juniors remain open to new technology and teaching and adults of all levels technique. play more like the Q Build it and they will come. Shortly after takpros. ing his post at the Greater Naples YMCA, A USPTA member Hobden helped establish the Academy of since 1985, Hobden Modern Tennis On the Rise for junior instruction, leagues, and camps. In just seven weeks, has long been respectthe number of participants had swelled to 40. ed as a coach, proQ Promote the game by promoting yourself. If gram developer, you have a new tennis product or service, author, and speaker. don’t keep it a secret. Create a website. Give Because of these lectures and write articles. Get your ideas out accomplishments, he there. is also RSI’s 2006

D

Brett Hobden’s

USPTA Member of the Year. “Brett is one of the most knowledgeable teachers of the modern game of tennis,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. Hobden is the founder and developer of System 5, a system for developing tactical awareness in tennis that became the first teaching system to be sanctioned and adopted by the USPTA. He says he founded Modern Tennis (www.moderntennis.com) about two years ago in order to get the message out that players will be more excited to learn and stay with the game if they are taught the modern hitting techniques of their favorite players rather than traditional textbook-style strokes. Hobden travels nationwide on behalf of the USPTA and Wilson Sporting Goods. He is also working with the USPTA to write more articles and produce more DVDs in his Modern Tennis series. “The game has changed,” Hobden says, “and it’s time the way we’re teaching it does, too.”

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

uality plus quantity equals success. That’s the equation by which David Steinbach of Brookfield, Wis., has led his high school tennis teams for 25 years. And the results have been impressive in more ways than one. As a pioneer in no-cut team tennis, Steinbach is the inaugural winner of RSI’s High School Tennis Coach of the Year award. Steinbach accepted the coaching job at Brookfield Central High School under the condition that he be allowed to run a no-cut program. Last seaTIPS FOR SUCCESS son, the school’s girl’s tennis Q Discuss with the school’s principal team boasted 120 players, and athletic director how a no-cut program will be a positive influence and the boys’ roster was 95 strong. And the teams’ on the school community. Q Make it a positive experience for all record—12 state champiplayers, with daily instruction and onships and 13 final appearcompetitive play. ances between the Q Try to get team recognition through two—have other schools folschool announcements and local lowing suit. media. Steinbach’s men’s and

Q

Dave Steinbach’s

women’s programs are divided into six different teams, each with a full schedule and its own coach. Former players have expressed gratitude to Steinbach. Some have gone on to play tennis recreationally, at the college level, and as teaching professionals. “If they had been cut,” says Steinbach, “they probably would have gone on to a different sport.” In addition to his coaching duties, Steinbach also serves as chair of the USTA’s No-Cut Coach Advisory Team. Steinbach and two colleagues focus on convincing coaches that the value of running a no-cut program far outweighs any inconveniences. The advisory team also helps them figure out how best to run and organize a no-cut team. “He’s definitely been a leader,” says Kirk Anderson, USTA director of recreational coaches and programs, who runs the USTA’s No-Cut Coaches program. “He’s just a tremendous expert with groups and teams.” —Kristen Daley

o one will ever claim that USTA Texas is the Little Section That Could. They’re the third largest of the 17 sections and enjoy a climate that’s mostly tennis-friendly all year. That’s not to say the section faces no challenges. But lately their primary problem is managing their own success, easing the growing pains caused by their flourishing programs and membership. Those are good troubles TIPS FOR SUCCESS to have, and they’re why USTA Q Think long-term and provide room for growth. The new people Texas is the winner of RSI’s 2006 USTA Section of the Year Award. your programs attract will need Section Executive Director opportunities and places to play. Ken McAllister attributes much of Q Target youngsters—they’re the future of your section. Go to the their recent accomplishments to schools, educate physical educa- the USTA’s Tennis Service Repretion teachers, provide lots of sentative initiative. “Our program junior tournaments. with the TSRs has been the most Q Listen to your TSRs. When you significant thing that’s happened help locally, you help the whole to us,” McAllister says. “Our reps section. get in touch with people in local

N

USTA Texas’s

communities and try to do more listening and assisting than anything else. We’ve been able to add to our junior tennis numbers, we’ve been able to help CTAs, participation in our Lonestar introductory league programs has jumped, and we’ve seen a 5 percent increase in league tennis.” USTA Texas’s success last year is easy to measure: Membership surpassed 50,000 for the first time; high-school team tennis participation grew to nearly 40,000 players; and they increased the number of state junior tournaments by over 15 percent. “From the leadership on down, they have a clear definition of what they’re called to do, and they do it,” says Virgil Christian, director of community development at the USTA’s national office. “When I was a kid,” says McAllister, “if we wanted to go outside and play baseball, we could always find a place to play. That’s my dream for this sport, too—that if a kid gets turned on by tennis, there’s a place to go.” —Chris Nicholson

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

35

ADVERTISEMENT

LISTING BY COMPANY
10-S Tennis Supply 1820 7th Avenue North Lake Worth, FL 33461 P 800-247-3907 561-547-1772 F 561-547-3371 Email: [email protected] Web: www.10-s.com/ Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. 7335 SW 104th Street Miami, FL 33156 P 305-667-1228 F 305-667-6959 Email: [email protected] Web: www.agilecourts.com Alpha Sports 7208 McNeil Drive, #207 Austin, TX 78729 P 800-922-9024 512-250-1499 F 512-279-9454 Email: [email protected] Web: www.alphatennis.com/ ASBA
(American Sports Builders Association)

P 877-316-9435 303-444-5340 F 303-444-2088 Email: [email protected] Web: www.babolat.com/ Classic Turf Co., LLC. 437 Sherman Hill Road, PO Box 55 Woodbury, CT 06798 P 800-246-7951 203-266-4862 F 203-263-0275 Email: [email protected] Web: www.classicturf.org/ Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment 3441 S. 11th Ave. Eldridge, IA 52748 P 800-553-8907 F 800-443-8907 Email: [email protected] Web: www.douglas-sports.com/ Dunlop Sports Group America 116 South Pleasantburg Drive Greenville, SC 29607 P 864-552-4000 F 864-552-4032 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dunlopsports.com/ Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific PO Box 7087 Dallas, TX 75234 P 888-566-8966 F 888-455-3551 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cpacsports.com/ Evergreen Tennis Services 109 E. Garfield St., PO Box 136 Chambersburg, PA 17201 P 800-511-7272 717-263-4950 F 717-263-2969 Email: [email protected] Fancy Pants, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. 18700 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance, CA 90504 P 800-421-4474 310-768-0300 F 310-768-0324 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lbhgroup.com/

Fast Dry Companies 1400 North West 13th Avenue Pompano Beach, FL 33069 P 800-432-2994 F 954-979-1335 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fast-dry.com/ Forten Corporation 7815 Silverton Ave., Ste. 2A San Diego, CA 92126 P 800-722-5588 858-693-9888 F 858-693-0888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.forten.com/ Fromuth Tennis 1100 Rocky Drive West Lawn, PA 19609 P 800-523-8414 610-288-5024 F 610-288-5040 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fromuthtennis.com/ Gamma Sports 200 Waterfront Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 P 800-333-0337 412-323-0335 F 800-274-0317 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gammasports.com/ Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) 5445 Oceanus St., Suite 113A Huntington Beach, CA 92649 P 800-538-0026 714-379-7400 F 714-379-7099 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gosenamerica.com/ Har-Tru 2975 Ivy Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 P 877-4HARTRU 434-295-6167 F 434-971-6995 Email: [email protected] Web: www.leetennis.com/ HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports 306 S. 45th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85028 P 800-289-7366 602-269-1492

F 602-484-0533 Email: [email protected] Web: www.head.com/ K-Swiss, Inc. 31248 Oak Crest Drive Westlake Village, CA 91361 P 800-938-8000 818-706-5100 F 818-706-5390 Email: [email protected] Web: www.k-swiss.com/ Klip America 13088 Caminito del Rocio Del Mar, CA 92014 P 866-554-7872 858-755-6174 F 720-559-3253 Email: [email protected] Web: www.klipstrings.com/ LBH, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. 18700 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance, CA 90504 P 800-421-4474 310-768-0300 F 310-768-0324 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lbhgroup.com/ Lee Tennis 2975 Ivy Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 P 877-4HARTRU 434-295-6167 F 434-971-6995 Email: [email protected] Web: www.leetennis.com/ Lobster Sports, Inc. 7340 Fulton Ave. North Hollywood, CA 91605 P 800-210-5992 818-764-6000 F 818-764-6061 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lobsterinc.com/ Master Sports 6206 Discount Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46818 P 800-837-1002 260-471-0001 F 260-490-7643 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mastersports.com/

8480 Baltimore National Pike, No. 307 Ellicott City, MD 21043 P 866-501-2722 410-730-9595 F 410-730-8833 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sportsbuilders.org/ Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. P.O. Box 549 / 24 Laurel Street Ashaway, RI 02804 P 800-556-7260 401-377-2221 F 401-377-9091 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ashawayusa.com/ ATS Sports 200 Waterfront Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15222 P 800-866-7071 412-323-9612 F 412-323-1320 Email: [email protected] Web: www.atssports.com/ Babolat VS North America 650 S. Taylor Ave. Louisville, CO 80027

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

37

ADVERTISEMENT

NGI Sports (Novagrass) 2807 Walker Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 P 800-835-0033 423-499-5546 F 423-499-8882 Email: [email protected] Web: www.novagrass.com/ Nova Sports USA 6 Industrial Road, Building #2 Milford, MA 01757 P 800-872-6682 F 508-473-4077 Email: [email protected] Web: www.novasports.com/ Oncourt Offcourt 5427 Philip Ave. Dallas, TX 75223 P 88-TENNIS-11 214-823-3078 F 214-823-3082 Email: [email protected] Web: www.oncourtoffcourt.com/ Prince Sports, Inc. One Advantage Court Bordentown, NJ 08505 P 800-2 TENNIS 609-291-5800 F 609-291-5902 Web: www.princetennis.com/ PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) P.O. Box 4739, 116 Shipyard Dr. Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 P 800-421-6289 843-785-7244 F 843-686-2033 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ptrtennis.org/

Putnam Tennis and Recreation PO Box 96 Harwinton, CT 06791 P 800-678-2490 F 860-485-1568 Email: [email protected] Web: www.putnamtennis.com/ Rocky Mountain Sports 650 South Taylor, #A Louisville, CO 80027 P 800-525-2852 303-444-5340 F 303-444-7526 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rmsboulder.com/ Tail, Inc. 3300 NW 41st St Miami, FL 33142 P 305-638-2650 F 305-633-7439 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tailinc.com/ Tecnifibre 4 S. Walker, Suite F Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 P 877-332-0825 630-321-0760 F 630-321-0762 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tecnifibre.com/ Unique Sports Products 840 McFarland Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 P 800-554-3707 770-442-1977 F 770-475-2065 Email: [email protected] Web: www.uniquesports.us/

USPTA
(US Professional Tennis Association)

Email: [email protected] Web: www.volkl.com/ Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. PO Box 7770, 4501 Old US Hwy 41 Sun City, FL 33586 P 800-282-4415 813-641-7787 F 813-641-7795 Email: [email protected] Web: www.welchtennis.com/ Wilson Racquet Sports 8700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, 10th floor Chicago, IL 60631 P 800-272-6060 773-714-6400 F 773-714-4585 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wilson.com Wimbledon, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. 18700 Crenshaw Blvd Torrance, CA 90504 P 800-421-4474 310-768-0300 F 310-768-0324 email: [email protected] Web: www.lbhgroup.com/ Yonex Corporation USA 20140 S Western Ave Torrance, CA 90501 P 800-44-YONEX 310-793-3800 F 310-793-3899 Email: [email protected] Web: www.yonex.com/

3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite 1 Houston, TX 77042 P 800-877-8248 713-97-USPTA F 713-978-7780 Email: [email protected] Web: www.uspta.com/ USRA (US Racquetball Association) 1685 West Uintah Colorado Springs, CO 80904 P 719-635-5396 F 719-635-0685 Email: [email protected] Web: www.usra.org/ USRSA (US Racquet Stringers Association) 330 Main Street Vista, CA 92084 P 760-536-1177 F 760-536-1171 Email: [email protected] Web: www.racquettech.com/ USTA (US Tennis Association) 70 West Red Oak Lane White Plains, NY 10604 P 800-990-8782 914-696-7000 F 914-696-7167 Email: [email protected] Web: www.usta.com/home/default.sps Volkl Sport America 19 Technology Dr. W. Lebanon, NH 03784 P 800-264-4579 603-298-0314 F 603-298-5104

LISTING BY PRODUCT
EQUIPMENT
Tennis Racquets 10-S Tennis Supply Alpha Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Squash Racquets Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. Dunlop Sports Group America Fromuth Tennis HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Wilson Racquet Sports Racquetball Racquets Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Fromuth Tennis HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Wilson Racquet Sports Badminton Racquets Alpha Sports Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. Dunlop Sports Group America Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Fromuth Tennis Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) Master Sports Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Strings-Gut Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) Klip America Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

ADVERTISEMENT

Strings-Synthetic Alpha Sports Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Klip America Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Strings-Hybrid Alpha Sports Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Klip America Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Accessories 10-S Tennis Supply ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Klip America Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Grips Alpha Sports ATS Sports

Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Gosen America (Sportmode, Inc.) HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Klip America Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Vibration Dampeners Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Klip America Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Stringing Machines 10-S Tennis Supply Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Stringing Tools Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Yonex Corporation USA Stringing Accessories Alpha Sports ATS Sports Forten Corporation

Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Sports Bags Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Tennis Balls 10-S Tennis Supply ATS Sports Dunlop Sports Group America Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Oncourt Offcourt Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports Arm Bands ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Knee Bands ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products

Wimbledon, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Yonex Corporation USA Women’s ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis K-Swiss, Inc. LBH, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tail, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Wimbledon, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Yonex Corporation USA Children’s ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis LBH, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Rocky Mountain Sports Wilson Racquet Sports T-shirts ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Klip America Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Socks ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports K-Swiss, Inc. Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tail, Inc. Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Hats/Caps/Visors ATS Sports Dunlop Sports Group America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports K-Swiss, Inc. Klip America Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tail, Inc. Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America

TENNIS APPAREL
Men’s ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports K-Swiss, Inc. Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Wilson Racquet Sports

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

39

ADVERTISEMENT

Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Wristbands Alpha Sports ATS Sports Babolat VS North America Dunlop Sports Group America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports K-Swiss, Inc. Klip America Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Rocky Mountain Sports Tail, Inc. Tecnifibre Unique Sports Products Volkl Sport America Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Tennis Panties ATS Sports Fancy Pants, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Fromuth Tennis Tail, Inc. Sports Bras Fancy Pants, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Fromuth Tennis Custom Cresting Fromuth Tennis Master Sports Tail, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Embroidery Fromuth Tennis Master Sports Tail, Inc. Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports Team Business ATS Sports
Fancy Pants, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd.

Fromuth Tennis K-Swiss, Inc. Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Other Ashaway Line & Twine Mfg. Co. Fromuth Tennis Prince Sports, Inc. Yonex Corporation USA Insoles ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis

Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis NGI Sports (Novagrass) Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Surface Repair Products 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis NGI Sports (Novagrass) Nova Sports USA Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Fencing Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. Classic Turf Co., LLC. Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Har-Tru Lee Tennis Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Tennis Nets 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. Alpha Sports ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports NGI Sports (Novagrass) Nova Sports USA Oncourt Offcourt Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports

TENNIS LIGHTING
Outdoor 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. Classic Turf Co., LLC. Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Har-Tru Lee Tennis Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Indoor 10-S Tennis Supply Classic Turf Co., LLC. Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Other 10-S Tennis Supply

Tennis Posts 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports NGI Sports (Novagrass) Nova Sports USA Oncourt Offcourt Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Scorekeepers 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports

COURT EQUIPMENT
Court Surfaces 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Classic Turf Co., LLC. Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Har-Tru Lee Tennis NGI Sports (Novagrass) Nova Sports USA Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Maintenance Equipment 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment

Fromuth Tennis LBH, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd. Master Sports Prince Sports, Inc. Tail, Inc. Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports
Wimbledon, div. of The LBH Group, Ltd.

Water Cooler Stands 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Oncourt Offcourt Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Windscreens 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc.

FOOTWEAR
Tennis 10-S Tennis Supply Babolat VS North America

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

ADVERTISEMENT

Alpha Sports ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports NGI Sports (Novagrass) Oncourt Offcourt Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Backdrop Curtains 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports NGI Sports (Novagrass) Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Netting 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Master Sports NGI Sports (Novagrass) Oncourt Offcourt Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Ball Retrieval Equipment 10-S Tennis Supply ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies

Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Lobster Sports, Inc. Master Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Ball Machines 10-S Tennis Supply ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Lobster Sports, Inc. Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports Backboards 10-S Tennis Supply ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis NGI Sports (Novagrass) Oncourt Offcourt Putnam Tennis and Recreation Rocky Mountain Sports Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Teaching Aids 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Fast Dry Companies Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Lobster Sports, Inc. Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Wilson Racquet Sports

Water Removal Equipment 10-S Tennis Supply Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ATS Sports Douglas Sports Nets & Equipment Edwards Div. of Collegiate Pacific Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Forten Corporation Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Har-Tru Lee Tennis Lobster Sports, Inc. Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Rocky Mountain Sports Wilson Racquet Sports

Sports Eyewear Fromuth Tennis Sports Watches Fromuth Tennis Sun Protection Fast Dry Companies Rocky Mountain Sports Sunglasses ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Tournament Prizes Dunlop Sports Group America Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports Towels Fromuth Tennis Rocky Mountain Sports Unique Sports Products Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Videotapes ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Oncourt Offcourt USRSA (US Racquet Stringers Association) Water Bottles ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Gamma Sports Rocky Mountain Sports Wilson Racquet Sports Yonex Corporation USA Associations/Certifications ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) ATS Sports Fast Dry Companies PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) USPTA (US Professional Tennis Association) USRA (US Racquetball Association) USRSA (US Racquet Stringers Association) USTA (US Tennis Association) Educational Workshops Fast Dry Companies Har-Tru Lee Tennis PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) Welch Tennis Courts, Inc.

BUILDERS & DESIGNERS
Court Contractors Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Classic Turf Co., LLC. Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Har-Tru Lee Tennis Putnam Tennis and Recreation Welch Tennis Courts, Inc. Facility Planners/Designers Agile Courts Construction Co. Inc. ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) Classic Turf Co., LLC. Evergreen Tennis Services Fast Dry Companies Welch Tennis Courts, Inc.

MISCELLANEOUS
Books ASBA (American Sports Builders Association) ATS Sports Oncourt Offcourt USRSA (US Racquet Stringers Association) Computer Software Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Gifts/Trinkets ATS Sports Fromuth Tennis Master Sports Oncourt Offcourt Unique Sports Products Nutrition/Food Fromuth Tennis

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

41

string Klip Detonator 16
Klip Detonator is another of Klip’s many Pro Doubles hybrid string offerings, this one combining Klip’s K-Boom poly with its Excellerator nylon. Klip recommends using K-Boom in the mains, and the Excellerator in the crosses. We’ve published playtest reports of four other Klip hybrids, Blast 17 (April 2004), X-Plosive 17 (November 2004), Screamer 17 (June 2005), and Lightning 16 (January 2006).
The K-Boom poly is a co-polymer with a carbon resin finish. In USRSA lab tests, we found that K-Boom 17 is one of the softer polys, with a dynamic stiffness of 234 pounds-per-inch. The Excellerator nylon is a DuPont high modulus PA66 multifilament, twisted and bonded together with a softer polyurethane resin. The result, according to Klip, is a high-end multifilament with 30 percent more fiber than most other multifilament strings. The unique bonding of the high-density filaments uses less resin, providing more of a gut-like feel. In USRSA lab tests, we found Excellerator to be about average in dynamic stiffness at 195 pounds-per-inch, with a tension loss of only 11.44 pounds. (See the September/October 2006 issue of RSI for full string lab test results.) According to Klip, Detonator is designed for string breakers who are looking for more feel than is typically available in an all-poly string-job, and for players just looking for a clean, crisp-playing string hybrid. Detonator is available in 16 and 17 in silver/natural. It is priced from $10.50 per set with 22-foot mains and 22-foot crosses. For more information or to order, contact Klip at 866-554-7872, or visit www.klipstrings.com. Be sure to read the conclusion for special pricing on Detonator for USRSA members. Detonator is made up of 18-gauge KBoom and 17-gauge Excellerator.) The coils measured 23’8” (K-Boom) and 24’2” (Excellerator). The diameters measured 1.17-1.21 mm and 1.24-1.27 mm prior to stringing, and 1.17-1.20 mm and 1.18-1.22 mm after stringing (KBoom and Excellerator, respectively). We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 73 RDC units immediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull machine. After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed stiffness measured 66 RDC units, representing a 10 percent tension loss. Our control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immediately after stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension loss. Detonator added 15 grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. The string was tested for five weeks by 37 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings from 3.0 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked strings in unmarked packages. Average number of hours playtested was 19.7. Our playtesters found Detonator easy to install. The bit of coil memory on the KBoom isn’t bad because you’re only working with half a set, and then only for the mains, where it glides through the grommets. The Excellerator is soft and easy to weave in the crosses, yet blocked holes are not a problem. No playtester broke the sample during stringing, six reported problems with coil memory, two reported problems tying knots, and none reported friction burn.

PLAYTEST

16-gauge strings. At the same time, it also scored above average for Playability, Control, and Spin Potential, which means that not only does it last, but it’s a pleasure to use. The bottom line is that Klip Detonator EASE OF STRINGING
(compared to other strings) Number of testers who said it was: much easier 1 somewhat easier 14 about as easy 20 not quite as easy 1 not nearly as easy 1

OVERALL PLAYABILITY
(compared to string played most often) Number of testers who said it was: much better 1 somewhat better 6 about as playable 10 not quite as playable 17 not nearly as playable 3

OVERALL DURABILITY
(compared to other strings of similar gauge) Number of testers who said it was: much better 5 somewhat better 19 about as durable 8 not quite as durable 4 not nearly as durable 1

ON THE COURT
If you remember how well other Klip Pro Doubles hybrids have rated in our playtests, you’ll not be surprised by the results for Detonator. Detonator scored well above average for Durability, Holding Tension, and Resistance to Movement, each of which is important for a string that you want to last. Twenty-four of our 37 testers told us that Detonator has better or much better durability compared to other

RATING AVERAGES
From 1 to 5 (best) Playability Durability Power Control Comfort Touch/Feel Spin Potential Holding Tension Resistance to Movement 3.2 4.1 3.1 3.4 2.9 2.8 3.2 3.6 3.8

IN THE LAB
We tested the 16-gauge Detonator, which is made up of 17-gauge K-Boom and 16-gauge Excellerator. (The 17-gauge

42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

TESTERS
This hybrid has wonderful feel and great control—enhanced no doubt by a combination that provides the proper amount of bite, comfort, and power. 5.0 male baseliner with moderate spin using Prince O3 Tour MS strung at 60 pounds CP (Prince Sweet Perfection 17)

“

TALK

”

swingers, meek pokers, or finicky touch artists: Just string it loose and let the soft crosses shine. 5.5 male baseliner with heavy spin using Babolat Pure Drive Roddick strung at 68 pounds CP (Kirschbaum Touch turbo 17)

”

“ “

I really enjoyed the spin and control. The playability was exceptional. 3.5 male all-court player using Prince Turbo Outlaw MP strung at 60 pounds LO (Gamma Synthetic Gut 16)

“

”

I really enjoy playing with this string. It is easier on the arm than many of its peers, and it has the right mix of control and feel. It is perfect for those who want durability with a multifilament feel. Playing with this string makes you look forward to using it again. 5.5 male all-court player using Prince Airstick OS strung at 58 pounds LO (Prince Premier w/Softflex 16)

With many years of playing and stringing behind me, I’ve found very few hybrids I really like. However, I like this one. There is no problem stringing or tying knots. This string holds tension well and the mains have very little movement. It not only provides plenty of punch and control, but exceptional ball bite. 4.5 male all-court player using Head Protector strung at 58 pounds LO (Wilson Sensation 16)

”

”

“For a hybrid, this is one of the softest I’ve ever used. It has good spin and
excellent durability. Surprisingly, it has very good touch and is comfortable on the arm. It is one of the best-feeling hybrids I’ve tried.” 5.0
male all-court player using Head i.Prestige MP strung at 56 pounds LO

“

This is a great string, with good power and control. The durability and tension maintenance are well above average. It is a joy to use. 4.5 male all-court player using Head i.Radical OS strung at 65 pounds LO (Alpha Gut 2000 17)

”

“

This has better feel than most other hybrids. More importantly, it is easy on the arm. This is proof that hybrids have come a long way in the last two years. 4.5 male all-court player using Prince Shark DB OS strung at 63 pounds LO (Babolat Conquest Ti 16)

“

”

This is a high performance hybrid, one of the nicest I’ve played. Though harsh at first, it has great pop, excellent tension maintenance, and very little movement. 5.0 male all-court player using Wilson nTour strung at 55 pounds CP (Luxilon Big Banger Alu Power Rough 16L)

”

“

This hybrid strikes a better balance (Babolat Pro Hurricane 17) This string holds up remarkably well. between durability and comfort than anything Excellent tension maintenance, comfort, I have ever played. The stiff mains provide and power. spin and depth control, while the softer crosses add some nice pocketing, 3.5 male all-court player using Babolat Pure Drive strung at 58 comfort, and power. The manufacturer is right on the mark, creating a pounds (Natural Gut 16) hybrid that bites the ball instead of the tendons. For dirt-ballers with

“

”

western grips, look no further: This is a confidence string designed for big swings and mindless, all-day spin. The poly is not a deal breaker for timid

For the rest of the tester comments, USRSA members can visit RacquetTECH.com.

(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in parentheses.)

garnered above-average overall ratings. Keep in mind that even though Klip recommends that tension of the K-Boom mains be reduced by 5 percent from normal tension, we had our playtest team install mains and crosses at the same tension. Dropping the tension on the mains would give more power and comfort, and might even increase the playability.

Seven playtesters broke the sample during play (presumably, the crosses).

CONCLUSION
Detonator seems to be another great-performing hybrid from Klip. And even though you get the same Excellerator for the crosses as you do in Klip’s premium Lightning Pro Doubles hybrid, Detonator’s per-package price is almost half that of the Lightning. Judging by the rankings it received

(and the high number of positive comments) from our playtesters, Detonator is a real contender. If you think that Klip Detonator might be for you, Klip is making a special offer to USRSA members only: Buy four sets of Detonator, get one at no charge. See page 45 for more information. (Limit one special offer per USRSA member.) —Greg Raven Q
November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

43

Readers’ Know-How in Action
PROFESSIONAL PRINCE STENCILS
After stenciling the strings using the Prince stencil, remove the stencil and fill in the non-inked portions of the “P,” where the support bars are for the inside of the “P.” Not only does the finished stencil look as if the strings were stenciled by the Prince factory, but you don’t have to work as hard to get the stencil ink right up to the edges and into the corners of the stencil where the support bars are, because there won’t be any lines there after you do your touch-up. 5 sets of Volkl Power-Fiber 18 to: Laura Hodges, Apple Valley, CA using but wish to hang on to, you don’t have to worry about cutting out the strings first (unless you have wooden racquets), because the strings will eventually lose so much tension that they won’t stress the frame. However, you need to pay attention to the replacement grips. Leather grips are fine as-is, but remove any overgrip, so that it doesn’t leach out the leather grip or, worse yet, become gummy and stick to the leather. If you have synthetic replacement grips, be aware that some of them can deteriorate into an awful, gluelike substance, given enough time and heat. You may be better off simply removing synthetic replacement grips altogether before long-term storage. 5 sets of Wilson NXT OS 16L to: Ed Condon, Oak Hills, CA

tips

and TECHNIQUES

MARKING DEMO RACQUETS
If you have a racquet demo program, it is important to be able to identify your racquets when they are out on loan. Stickers and tape are removable, so the local Head rep turned me on to his solution. I now drill a 1/16-inch hole at the butt cap, which makes it easy to identify my demos. 5 sets of Gamma Flex Core Control 16 to: Dan Kerr, Warton, ONT, Canada Editor’s note: On racquets with softer butt caps, you can also use a sharp awl to make an identifying hole. —Greg Raven Q

LONG-TERM RACQUET STORAGE
If you have racquets that you’re no longer

44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

45

ask
Q A

the EXPERTS

Your Equipment Hotline
HEAT-DAMAGED RACQUETS
I TELL MY CUSTOMERS NOT TO leave racquets in cars because the heat can harm the strings and eventually warp the frame. Nevertheless, some of my customers do just that. What kind of damage should I be looking for, and what tools are available to inspect and detect warpage in frames? ACCORDING TO RACQUET designers we contacted, heating a compression-molded racquet to less than about 350 degrees Fahrenheit does not affect the racquet itself in the short term. This is not the case for an injection-molded racquet, however, as it can virtually melt in the heat of a car on a warm day. Also, depending on the type of resin used, the lay-up, and the “flow rate” used during molding the racquet, one racquet can be more sensitive to heat than others. In either case, the strings will lose tension, the grommet strip may soften to the point of failure, and the grips, overgrips, and grip tape will each deteriorate much faster. Warpage is much less of an issue since the introduction of metal and graphite racquets. Wooden racquets require a press to keep them from warping, but that seems to be more an issue with the pull of the strings than with heat alone. Metal and graphite racquets should hold their shape as long as they are stored at reasonable temperatures, with nothing heavy on top of them. To check for warpage, simply sight down the frame. court, not enough to crack the frame, but certainly stressing it over time. How can I protect myself against the possibility of one of these "lightly stressed" racquets breaking while I string it?

A

RESTRINGING ABUSED RACQUETS

Q

SOME OF MY CLAY-COURT customers have the bad habit of hitting the racquet lightly against the

THE CARBON FIBER/GRAPHITE IN racquet frames is pretty durable stuff. It takes a lot of stress with no ill effects. When it does fail from too much stress, it's usually pretty obvious. If an over-stressed (but not yet broken) frame is mounted and strung correctly, it should not break during stringing. Just inspect each frame as you should be doing anyway. If you find a crack (or even obvious signs of abuse) during your

46 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
1. 2. 3. Publication Title: Racquet Sports Industry Publication Number: 347-830 Filing Date: 10/10/2006 Issue Frequency: Jan-Aug Monthly, Sep-Dec Bi-Monthly Number of Issues Published Annually: 10 Annual Subscription Price: $25 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Tennis Industry Inc., P.O. Box 428, Hurley, NY 12443 Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Same as #7 Full Names and Complete Mailing Address of Publisher and Editor: Publisher: Jeff Williams, 79 Madison Ave, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016. Publisher: David Bone, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084. Editor: Peter Francesconi, 937 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Editor-in-Chief: Crawford Lindsey, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084

pre-stringing inspection, we recommend you contact the customer before proceeding. Tell him about the crack (or abuse) and explain that you won’t be held responsible if the condition grows worse during or after stringing. Depending on the customer, you may want to get more than a verbal waiver before you continue work. If the frame cracks during stringing, there was probably a problem with the way the frame was manufactured, or the frame was damaged somewhere along the line. If the frame does not appear to have been abused, you can send it back to the manufacturer for warranty replacement. If it does appear abused, you will be very happy that you discussed the matter with your customer first.

having the clamps much too tight. If you’re crushing the string, you’ll also see a change in the string’s appearance, but the indentations from the clamps will not return to normal. If this happens, the string may be damaged, which typically results in shorter string life.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

CLEANING TEXTURED CLAMP FACES

Q

SETTING CLAMPING FORCE

Q

BESIDES BEING A NEW USRSA member, I am also a new stringer. I have strung about 10 racquets so far, and I think my string jobs are starting to look pretty good. The problem comes when I try installing certain strings: I can’t figure out how to set my clamps. If I get the clamp too tight, the clamps deform the string. When I loosen up the clamp, the string slips and the clamps chew up the string. I have even tried using a business card in the clamp, but that seems problematic too—the string managed to slip through and when I try to increase the clamp pressure—it still deforms the string. IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH YOU are bruising the string when the clamps are set tightly enough to prevent slippage. This means that the string is compressing enough to change its appearance, but returning to very close to its normal shape after the clamp is released. If that's the case, you don't have anything to worry about. You need to have the clamps tight enough that the string doesn’t slip. If the string bruises at that point, then it bruises. As you’ve already found out, some string is more susceptible to bruising than others. Bruising will not affect the string’s playability or durability. However, you have to make certain that you’re not crushing the string by

I HAVE BEEN CLEANING THE teeth on my machine’s string clamps fairly regularly, using alcohol and a toothbrush, but the last time I did it I looked closely and saw that there was some string residue still embedded in the texture of my diamond-coated clamp teeth, and it is very difficult to remove. At this point, I am completely disassembling the clamps to clean them as best as I can. Is there a better way? THERE ARE A COUPLE OF options you can try. First, Gamma offers a product called Cleaning Stones, which are specially

10. Owner: Tennis Industry Inc., P.O. Box 428, Hurley, NY 12443. USRSA, 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. Tax Status: Has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication TItle: Racquet Sports Industry 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Sep/Oct 2006 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation
Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

A. Total No. Copies (net press run)

13,615

14,486

A

B. Paid and/or Requested circulation 1. Paid/Requested 12,116 Outside-County Mail Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541 2. Paid In-County Subscriptions Stated on form 3541 0

12,987

0

3. Sales Through 0 Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales, and other Non-USPS Paid Distribution 4. Other Classes Mailed Through USPS C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation 0 12,116

0

0 12,987

A

designed to clean diamond-coated clamp teeth such as yours. Second, Babolat recommends using a wire-bristle brush to clean the teeth on the titaniumoxide-dusted clamps that come on its machines. This method should work with other textured clamp teeth, although we recommend you buy brass-bristle brushes, rather than those with steel bristles. —Greg Raven Q
We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected].

D. Free Distribution by Mail (Samples, complimentary and other free) 1. Outside-County as 674 674 Stated on form 3541 2. In-County as Stated on Form 3541 0 0 0 325

3. Other Classes 0 Mailed Through the USPS E. Free Distribution 325 Outside the Mail (carriers or other means) F. Total Free Distribution G. Total Distribution H. Copies Not Distributed I. Total J. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation 999 13,115 500 13,615 92.35%

999 13,986 500 14,486 92.86%

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership Printed in the November/December 2006 issue of this publication. 17. Signed, Jeff Williams, Publisher, 10/10/2006 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true. and complete.

November/December 2006 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY

47

Your Serve
A Local Tie
The Davis Cup Cares Initiative, designed to promote tennis at the local level, can be a blueprint for success with smaller events, too.
BY SCOTT HANOVER

I

n early April, when the US Davis Cup team was wrapping up a hard-fought victory over Chile in the World Group quarterfinals, most of the action was happening on the grass court at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. But behind the scenes, there was excitement, too, thanks to the Davis Cup Cares Initiative. The Cares Initiative is designed to leave a lasting impression of the Davis Cup in a community where a tie is held. William Kellogg, the current volunteer chair of the US Davis Cup committee, says there are four objectives: 1) Maximize the impact of community activities; 2) Leave a legacy that stimulates tennis growth; 3) Generate positive exposure for Davis Cup; and 4) Include multicultural communities in the activities and growth initiatives. During this year’s first Davis Cup home tie in Kellogg’s backyard, La Jolla, Calif., the activities were many and varied. The initiative raised more than $20,000 for Youth Tennis San Diego for the purpose of adding about 20 new after-school tennis sites around San Diego County to their existing, highly successful program. Additionally, a community clinic was held at the Barnes Center for more than 800 kids, which featured Mike and Bob Bryan, and father Wayne. Among the other efforts were: free tickets to matches for select clinic participants, using local youngsters as ball kids, an advanced clinic for tournament-level players, and a Davis Cup hitting wall donated for a selected site in the community. The Davis Cup committee and staff works with other groups, such as Community Outreach, Community Tennis Development, and Fed Cup, as well as local and section resources. “In both locations, the key people involved in organizing the clinics made a terrific contribution by finding and organizing an army of volunteers to support

the tie itself,” says Kellogg. “This drew adults, as well as kids, into the fray.” Davis Cup and Fed Cup have done community events for years, including clinics, assemblies, high performance camps, and more. The USTA Pro Circuit committee endorses a number of community involvement days. But this blueprint is also something local tennis leaders can copy for themselves to create enthusiasm for community-based tennis. And, for local pros, facilities, and shops, generating this type of interest in tennis will also generate customers and business. USTA Southern California Section Executive Director Henry Talbert says there are plenty of tennis events where CTAs, schools, clubs and parks can capture this same enthusiasm, for instance, at high school and college matches, World TeamTennis pro matches, section tournaments and league events, and generally anywhere tennis spectators gather. “The [USTA] section staff can broker something between the event and the individual groups and CTAs,” says Talbert, “but the organizations have to have responsible people show up and be eager about tennis.” Thinking about what you might plan? Your USTA section may have resources to help you, from grants to Tennis Block Party Kits to a volunteer network. Here are some steps to help you get started: 1. Pick a community tennis event to partner with. 2. Conduct an organizational meeting to discuss like goals, such as increased attendance at the event and/or fundraising for a new program or project. 3. Contact your USTA section staff or volunteer liaison for Community Development, or local CTA. 4. Think about a volunteer meeting and develop subcommittees and job

descriptions as needed. 5. Think of who outside your tennis circle (multicultural groups, Girl Scouts, etc.) might want to get involved. 6. Is there a local celebrity who plays tennis that you can invite? At the Mission Hills Davis Cup tie, “The kids made out like bandits and had a wonderful time,” says Tom Fey, the director of tennis at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. “There were all levels of ability from all different walks of life. It was like a party, a whole different tennis atmosphere.” “I'm excited and encouraged with the experience we've had this year and with the growing number of USTA entities that are supporting and contributing to the Cares Initiative,” says Larry Dillon of New York, the Cares Initiative chairperson. Whether it’s a Davis Cup tie or a local high school match, there are plenty of things you can do to capture, and expand upon, the interest and enthusiasm for tennis in your community. Q
Teaching pro and longtime USTA volunteer Scott Hanover is the general manager of the Plaza Tennis Center in Kansas City, Mo., and the chairman of the USTA Community Tennis Association Development Committee. We welcome your opinions. Please email comments to [email protected] or fax them to 760-536-1171.

48 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY November/December 2006