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THERMOPLASTIC 0 ELASTOMER Contents Contents R S I A U G 2 0 1 3 INDUSTRY NEWS FEATURES 7 Two-day conference set 25 New Balls, Please for 10 and Under Tennis Red, orange and green balls are not only helping develop young players, 7 Tennis Show, TTC on they’re also helping players of all ages hiatus for 2013 enjoy the game. 28 Don’t Add, Multiply 7 PTR launches PTRtennis.tv To increase your business, take advan- educational site tage of the social aspect of tennis. 8 2 NY clubs install 32 How Natural Gut Strings Are Made analysis courts From selecting the raw materials, to 8 USPTA board ballots treating them, drying, finishing and packaging, here’s how natural gut due Aug. 14 gets into a racquet. 9 New 10U ‘DeckZone’ at BJK NTC 2013 GUIDE TO 9 Bollettieri, Braden, Wilkinson STRINGING MACHINES into USPTA Hall of Fame 34 Repeat Business— 10 Get kids playing at a Key to Success USTA Free Tennis Play Event Your stringing business depends on convincing more players to restring 10 Penn, Dasani team up their racquet more frequently. on recycling effort 36 Stringing Machine Selector 11 Pacific offers stringing Our exclusive guide offers features, prices and more for dozens of string- stats from Halle ing machines. 12 Dunlop enters racquetball market 12 Head launches new bag collections 12 USTA redesigns, relaunches website

DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 20 Executive Points: Dave Haggerty, USTA 7 Industry News 22 Youth Tennis 14 Letters 40 Ask the Experts 16 TIA News 42 String Playtest: Gamma RZR RX 16 18 Retailing Tip 44 Your Serve, by Bruce Knittle 2 2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Our Serve Playing Up PlayTennis.com (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry) Publishers e hope that as a part of the tennis industry, you’ve David Bone Jeff Williams been aware of the site PlayTennis.com. More than that, we hope you’ve listed your business or services Editorial Director Peter Francesconi on the site (it’s free) and that you refer people to the site to help [email protected] them get into the game and become consumers of tennis play, W Associate Editor products and services. Greg Raven Why is PlayTennis.com important? It was created with one simple goal in Design/Art Director mind, to get people to do exactly what it says: Play tennis. Kristine Thom From its beginnings, TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer envisioned PlayTen- Contributing Editors nis.com as the simple url that all industry stakeholders can use to get people into Robin Bateman tennis, in all ways—by connecting them to players, courts, facilities, programs, Cynthia Cantrell instruction, teaching pros, retailers, and much more. Kent Oswald Importantly, PlayTennis.com is “unbranded”—visitors aren’t assaulted by Bob Patterson company logos and marketing hype. The site only pushes “tennis,” the one thing Cynthia Sherman that all companies, organizations and people in this industry have in common. Mary Helen Sprecher Tim Strawn Many executives in other sports have remarked at how unique the tennis industry is. Under the TIA umbrella, manufacturers and others put aside the com- Contributing Photographers petition that marks their daily business lives, and they come together to simply Bob Kenas David Kenas grow the game, grow participation, and grow business for everyone. PlayTennis.com does exactly that—and it belongs to this entire industry. RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY And the site is gaining momentum. During Wimbledon, Visa, which has more Corporate Offices PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 than 7 million “likes” on Facebook, linked to PlayTennis.com on its Facebook Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 page and Twitter feed, after their research showed the site aligns nicely with the Email: [email protected] hundreds of millions of consumers with Visa cards. Website: www.racquetTECH.com In many ways, PlayTennis.com is a social media-based marketing platform for Office Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time the sport, creating awareness and connectivity to tennis. It will provide greater Advertising Director visibility for campaigns to help grow the game, it will engage retailers and con- John Hanna sumers through common promotions, and it will grow the base of players through 770-650-1102, x.125 partnerships and expanded search and player functionality. [email protected] How can you help? Go on PlayTennis.com now and see what’s there, including marketing materials you can use. Make sure, also, that your information is in Apparel Advertising the database of searches that consumers will use to find you. It’s easy and free, Cynthia Sherman 203-263-5243 just go to the “Get Listed” tab. And make sure consumers you’re in touch with [email protected] also “get listed,” so that when the “Find A Game” player match service goes live in the next month or two, they’ll help populate a nationwide, searchable database Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per of thousands, and at some point hopefully millions, of players. year: monthly January through August and combined PlayTennis.com will continue to be enhanced and improved, so it can offer issues in September/October and November/ December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO Box 3392, the best experience for providers, consumers and the industry overall. This uni- Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage paid at fied, single-stop gateway to tennis is doing its part to help this industry grow Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS because, in the long run, if we’re not growing, we’re hurting—or dying. #004-354). August 2013, Volume 41, Number 8 © Help out your industry and support PlayTennis.com. No matter what you do 2013 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights in this business, it all comes down to one brand: T-E-N-N-I-S. 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, PO Box Peter Francesconi, Editorial Director 3392, Duluth, GA 30096. [email protected]

RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

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*Penn 1n t ernal core softening data- new Pro p enn Marathon vs· p ro Penn+ pennracquet .com RSI AUGUST 2013 INDUSTRYINDUSTRY NEWSNEWS INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS PTR Launches USTA, PTR, USPTA to Present 10U Conference PTRtennis.tv he USTA, together with the PTR and USPTA, will host a two-day 10 and Under Tennis conference Educational Site that will feature coaching/teaching presentations from world-renowned speakers on topics such Tas how to work with young players, growing your business, and player competencies. Patrick PTR has launched PTRten- McEnroe, general manager of USTA Player Development and nis.tv as an online resource the U.S. Davis Cup captain, will be a featured speaker and to provide members with presenter. educational and continuing The conference, “Developing Your 10 and Under Players education opportunities. and Program,” will be Aug. 12-13 at the Boca Raton Resort & The idea behind PTRtennis.tv Club in Boca Raton, Fla. is to help spread the educa- Tennis industry experts from the U.S. and around the tional content that is being world will be on hand to help educate coaches on how to use presented at PTR events 10 and Under Tennis formats in teaching and training young around the world beyond the players in ways that cultivate a love for the game and maxi- audience in attendance at mize kids’ long -term development. Presenters include the time. With increasing job Wayne Elderton (Canada), Simon Gale (U.S.), Laramie Gavin demands, it can be difficult (U.S.), Rita Gladstone (U.S.), Craig Morris (Australia), Anne for teaching professionals to attend the PTR Symposium, Pankhurst (England), Bernard Pestre (France), and Butch Sta- one of the PTR conferences, ples (U.S.). or PTR Professional Develop- The conference will be held in conjunction with the Amer- ment courses. PTRtennis.tv icas Games, a competition for 10 and under players featuring provides an affordable way teams from the Caribbean and U.S. The players from the to view some of these pre- Americas Games will also be integrated into the on-court presentations. sentations. The conference also is in partnership with USTA Florida and with the Blackman Tennis Acad- Currently, there are 20 pre- emy. sentations available on "Tennis is indeed a sport that grows upward from its grassroots, and by making the sport easier for PTRtennis.tv. Most are one kids to play and enjoy, they're much more likely to get involved in it and stick to it,” McEnroe says. hour. Once a presentation is “We've only begun to scratch the surface of our potential.” downloaded to a computer, The two-day conference rate is $150 for USPTA/PTR members and $180 for non-members. The daily smartphone or tablet, it can rate is $90 for USPTA/PTR members and $100 for non-members. The two-day rate and the daily rate be accessed at the viewer’s include daily lunches. Hotel rates at the Boca Raton Resort and Club are $125/night plus tax. Visit convenience, without expira- tion. PTR will continually www.usta.com/youth-tennis. upload new videos. “PTRtennis.tv was the brain- Tennis Show, TIA Tennis Forum on Hiatus; Will Return in 2014 child of Jorge Capestany, a he Tennis Show, which debuted in New York City last year just before the US Open, and tied into the PTR International Master Professional and chairman of 2012 USTA Tennis Teacher’s Conference, will not be held in 2013. However, the Tennis Show will the PTR Education Commit- Treturn to New York in 2014. The TTC, also on hiatus for 2013, will resume in 2014 with expanded tee,” says PTR CEO Dan San- plans. torum. The Tennis Show, coordinated by the TIA and supported by the USTA and the tennis industry, was timed to offer the hundreds of Teachers Conference attendees, along with all segments of the industry, a look at upcoming products and services from dozens of tennis companies, organizations and manufacturers. For tennis teachers, coaches and the industry in general, plans are in the works for the industry-supported 2014 Tennis Show to be a bigger and broader event. In addition to the return of the Tennis Show, the TIA Tennis Forum and Tennis Industry Hall of Fame will also return to New York in 2014. Visit TennisIndustry.org for more information about upcoming industry events. www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 AUGUST 2013

2 New York Clubs Install Computerized Analysis Courts CR, The Club of Riverdale, N.Y., and Port Washington Tennis Acadamy are the first clubs in the U.S. Tto offer PlaySight Interactive Ltd.’s “SmartCourt” computerized tennis analysis system. Using a five- NEWS camera system, SmartCourt digitally records and analyzes every aspect of a tennis match. In addition to line-calling, SmartCourt gives real-time, post-match or post-lesson instant video review with debriefing solutions, automatic stats, bio-mechanical analysis and 3D tactical game management. SmartCourt can instantly isolate specific video segments. Players can watch video clips whenever they want, accompanied by statistical analysis previously available only to professionals. The touch-screen

INDUSTRY system is self-operated by the players and coaches. “TCR members who are trying to improve their game will have a distinct edge thanks to Smart- Court,” says TCR President Jeff Klipstein. “All tennis players work on their game to improve. SmartCourt gives TCR members tools like the pros use, analyzes the best and worst aspects of their game and helps them make the necessary adjustments.” Match activity is recorded, analyzed and uploaded to Playsight.com, where it is stored in members’ personal accounts. Data can be reviewed and shared by them via email or social media. “SmartCourt will change the tennis world at the club level,” said Chen Shachar, CEO & founder of PlaySight Interactive. “Starting with tennis, we aim to globally revolutionize the coaching process in all ball sports and enhance the game experience, making it more challenging and fun.” Shachar says CourtSense in Tenafly, N.J., was scheduled for an installation in July. PlaySight SmartCourt uses advanced algorithms and image-under- standing software to know where the ball and players are, determine whether players hit a serve, forehand or backhand and can call shots in or out. It can even measure ball speed, player mileage and calories burned. Visit Playsight.com.

USPTA Board Ballots Due Aug. 14 Cardio Tennis Makes an Impact Overseas Ballots for the election of USPTA national board ardio Tennis did a quick tour in Europe in June, with key training cours- members must be postmarked on or before Ces held for teaching pros in Brussels, Belgium, and Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 14. In mid-July, ballots were mailed out to before ending with informal meetings in London during Wimbledon. all certified members in good standing. USPTA- TIA Cardio Tennis Manager Michele certified pros who did not receive a ballot should Krause went to the Tennis Club La Reserve email [email protected]. The four du Roseau to deliver the first-ever Cardio nominees for national vice Tennis education in Belgium. The training presidents on the course, supported by the Association Fran- proposed 2013-2015 cophone de Tenis (AFT), brought in 35 teaching pros. Former Belgian Davis USPTA board of direc- Cup Coach Phillipe Dehaus participated, and the administrative director of tors slate have one challenger the AFT also attended. each. The candidates for the “The course was a huge hit and the coaches were very receptive,” Krause vice president slots are: says. “Club owner Tarek Francis was responsible for bringing Cardio Tennis w Slated nominee: Jeff to his beautiful club, and he was instrumental in the success of the course.” Hawes — Challenger: Jack Michalko In Dublin, the Brookfield Lawn Tennis Club hosted the Cardio Tennis w Slated nominee: Nancy Cox — Challenger: training course, which attracted nearly 30 coaches and teaching pros. Also in Diane Selke attendance was the world No. 1-ranked woman player in the 45s, Lesley w Slated nominee: Alan Cutler — Challenger: O’Halloran. It was the first Cardio Tennis training in Dublin since 2006. Bunny Bruning “The course exceeded my expectations,” said Irish Fed Cup Coach w Slated nominee: Raul Saad — Challenger: Dan Yvonne Doyle. “There are so many benefits to be gained from an hour of Car- Moster dio Tennis. I can see why it’s so popular in the U.S.” The positions of president and first vice pres- “It was great to see the interest for Cardio Tennis in Belgium and Dublin,” ident cannot be challenged. The USPTA nominat- says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “Not only are more than 1.4 mil- ing committee submitted Tom McGraw for lion people in the U.S. participating in Cardio Tennis, but the program is in president and Chuck Gill for first vice president more than 30 countries.” Visit CardioTennis.com. for the 2013-2015 term.

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS Sport Court Chosen for NTC’s New 10U ‘DeckZone’ Bollettieri, Braden, n June, the USTA formally opened its new 10 and Under Tennis area at the USTA IBillie Jean King National Tennis Center. Named “DeckZone,” the 15,000-square- Wilkinson Will Enter foot terrace connected to the Indoor Tennis Center on the US Open grounds is USPTA Hall of Fame dedicated solely to youth tennis. ick Bollettieri (below), Vic Braden and Sport Court’s PowerGame modular tennis surface was chosen to transform the NSteve Wilkinson will join the ranks of area from a concrete deck to a state-of-the-art junior training center. For young only 13 others when they are inducted into players, PowerGame offers safety through its combination of shock absorption the USPTA Hall of Fame. They will officially and lateral forgiveness, Sport Court says. DeckZone has two 60-foot and three 36- be inducted on Sept. foot courts. 27 during the USPTA’s “Our new DeckZone has provided us with the opportunity to use a space that national awards lunch- was not being utilized to its fullest and really make it a special place for programs eon at the World Con- that will impact the children that play at the BJK NTC,” said Virgil Christian, the ference. USTA’s director of market devel- The USPTA World opment and collegiate tennis. Conference will be “This provides a huge oppor- Sept. 23-27 at the tunity for growth in our sec- Hyatt Regency Grand tion,” added USTA Eastern Cypress in Orlando, Executive Director Jill Fonte, Fla. who said more than 10 percent During the association’s April Executive of non-players in the section are Committee meeting, the USPTA Board and between 6 and 12 years old. Executive Committee voted unanimously to During the grand opening, rename the Hall of Fame Award in honor of the USTA provided free play-day the late Tim Heckler, who served as the

Photo by Jen Pottheiser/USTA sessions for kids, a cookout, and CEO of the USPTA for 30 years, from 1982 a ribbon cutting by 13-year-old to 2012. Arvind Mahankali, the current National Spelling Bee Champion, who plays tennis Bollettieri has been one of the most and trains three times a week at the NTC. influential people in tennis. He founded the “DeckZone is a special destination for our kids. They can use these courts to Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (now cement their learning while playing with peers or their parents,” said Whitney known as IMG Academy) in Florida in 1978, Kraft, director of tennis at the NTC. which was the first full-time tennis boarding school to combine intense training on court Growth of US Open Prize Money with custom-designed academic curricu- ack when the U.S. Championships went “open” in 1968, total prize money lum. Bollettieri was inducted into the Tennis Bwas only $100,000. This year, the US Open will pay out $33.6 million in Industry Hall of Fame in 2011. prize money, and that will rise to at least $50 million in 2017—a 96 percent Braden has impacted tennis as a player, increase from the 2012 tournament. teaching professional and broadcaster. He is the founder/director of the Vic Braden Ten- nis College in Coto de Caza, Calif., co- founder of Vic Braden Tennis College at Star Island Resort in Kissimmee, Fla., and co- founder of Vic Braden Tennis College in St. George, Utah. He has authored numerous books including “Tennis for the Future,” “Teaching Children Tennis the Vic Braden Way,” “Quick Fixes” and “Mental Tennis.” Wilkinson was the head men’s coach at Gustavus Adolphus College for 39 years New MRT from 1971-2009 and is the winningest Holly Chomyn Bonita Springs, FL coach in the history of men’s collegiate tennis with 923 victories. Congratulations The awards luncheon will feature To the Following For New CSs keynote speaker Pat Williams, the co- Achieving MRT Scott Hinkle Alexandria, VA founder and senior VP of the Orlando and CS Status Jennifer Mejasich Ambler, PA Magic. Visit www.usptaworldconference .com or call 800-877-8248.

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 AUGUST 2013 PEOPLEWATCH • Jamea Jackson has been hired as a USTA National Coach, Women’s Ten- STAR 94. She holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA from Western Carolina nis. Jackson will work with players in the USTA Player Development pro- University, where she also played varsity tennis. NEWS gram out of Boca Raton, Fla. Jackson, 26, was ranked as high as No. 45 in the world before a recurring hip • Two-time defending NCAA women’s singles champion Nicole Gibbs of injury forced her to retire before turning 23. Stanford and NCAA men’s singles finalist Jarmere Jenkins of Virginia were among the top American men’s and women’s college tennis players invit- • Hall of Famer Gene Mako, who won four major ed to the 2013 USTA Collegiate Team Camp/Playoffs, at which the 2013

INDUSTRYdoubles titles in the 1930s and was ranked in the USTA Collegiate Team was to be finalized. The women’s camp was held in world top-10, passed away on June 14 in Los Angeles. late June and the men’s camp in early July. He was 97 years old. • John Rushworth and Richard Mennig were named co- • Shelby Fitzpatrick has been named the director of winners as Babolat's Sales Reps of the Year recently at sales and marketing for the USTA Southern Section. a company meeting in Colorado. Rushworth covers the She previously worked as promotions director of 790 Northern California territory and Mennig is based in The Zone in Atlanta and promotions coordinator at Miami.

Get Kids Playing at a Free Tennis Play Event Penn, Dasani Team Up ennis providers across the country are encouraged to host a on Recycling Effort TUSTA Free Tennis Play Event in an effort to get kids active and enn and Dasani have created encourage them to lead a healthy lifestyle. The thousands of Pa limited edition tennis ball events will culminate during National Childhood Obesity Aware- pack that includes six cans of ness Month in September. Penn’s Championship tennis USTA Free Tennis Play Events are in celebration of Nick- balls and a co-branded elodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, which will be Sept. 21, however Dasani/Penn cooler made of the events can be held at any time. Nickelodeon, the top media recycled materials. The tennis brand for kids and families, is bringing tennis to more kids this ball pack also includes discount September. In 2012, tennis was Nickelodeon’s biggest partner by coupons for Dasani water and hosting over 1,300 Free Tennis Play Events, which welcome all Dasani Drops flavor enhancers. ages and skill levels and encourage families. Penn and Dasani teamed up after finding they attracted When you register to host a USTA Free Tennis Play Events from similar consumers and shared similar sustainability initia- Sept. 1 to 30 you’ll receive: tives. Penn has its “Keep It In Play” green initiative for recy- w Exposure: The USTA, tennis equipment manufacturers and ten- clable tennis ball cans. Both companies encourage tennis nis industry partners all endorse YouthTennis.com. In 2012, players to recycle their water bottles and tennis ball cans to there were more than 33 mil- reduce waste and ensure the materials are recycled to cre- lion media impressions. ate more coolers, bottles or tennis ball cans. For more w Support: Best industry prac- information, visit www.pennracquet.com. tices, helpful resources and customizable marketing mate- PTR Joins the Safe Sport Initiative rials to supplement your recruitment and retention PTR has announced the latest addition to its education efforts in growing the game. initiative—PTR Promotes a Safe Sport for All. “PTR is committed to increasing w Be one of the first 1,500 events to register and you’ll awareness, education and hopefully, receive a supply of a custom prevention of all forms of abuse against edition of “Bounce,” the children,” says PTR CEO Dan Santorum. USTA’s youth publication and PTR will focus its education on these premium items to share with seven areas:Bullying, Child Sexual Abuse, Emotional your event attendees. Misconduct, Harassment, Hazing, Physical Misconduct, In addition, the USTA is offering a “Schools Equipment offer.” and Sexual Misconduct. Updates and additions to pages By hosting a Kids’ Tennis Club and USTA Free Tennis Play Event, at www.ptrtennis.org/about/safesport will be ongoing. you will receive an equipment package of 12 racquets, 24 youth “PTR is taking a step forward to help bring to the fore- tennis balls, 1 portable net. front this troubling aspect that, unfortunately, far too To register or for more information visit YouthTennis.com/Host many children have to experience,” said PTR Board Pres- or call 800-990-8782. ident Jorge Andrew.

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS 2013 IART Symposium Kicks off Sept. 21 ART has announced the schedule for the 2013 training symposium for racquet tech- Inicians, which will run from Sept. 21 to 25 at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Fla. New courses will offer a fresh look on the training side. IART has always offered a four-hour racquet customization course led by MRT and 2012 RSI Stringer of the Year John Gugel, but this year, he’ll be joined by co-presenter Ron Rocchi, principal design- er at Wilson who also is the team leader of the Wilson Tour Services stringing team. New classes include a look into what it takes to successfully run a tournament stringing operation, presented by Bob Patterson, who has tournament stringing experience at all levels. His presentation also will include how to work as an independent contractor, based on his experiences running operations at professional tournaments. Mark Gonzalez of Alpha Racquet Sports and Ben Porter of Prince will host a class on what it takes to become a brand manager for one of the leading companies. USRSA certification testing will once again be conducted by USRSA Executive Director Dave Bone. Richard Parnell, MRT from Spain, will lead the certification for ERSA. The cost of registration for the five-day event is $495, but if you join the IART organization you will receive a 10% discount off of your registration fee. For information and to register, visit www.gssalliance.com or call Tim Strawn at 540-772-4418. Pacific Offers Stringing Stats from Halle acific was again the official stringing service for the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, PGermany, an ATP grass-court event held in June that this year was won by Roger Federer. The company had three full- tome stringers plus a desk person and used two Pacific DX8 stringing machines and one DX 6 machine. The stringing booth at the tournament also doubled as a retail selling booth, so fans were able to get a close-up view of technicians stringing the pros’ racquets. Pacific provided some interesting stringing stats from the tournament: w Total number of racquets strung: 316 w Player's with the most string-jobs: 1) Roger Federer, 27; 2) Tommy Haas, 26; 3) Philipp Kohlschreiber, 22; 4) Milos Raonic, 19 w Highest tension requested: Ernests Gulbis (64/61.5 lbs.) w Lowest tension requested: James Cerretani (39.5 lbs.) (Pacific Poly Force Xtreme, 1.25mm)

✘ Correction Information for one of the RSI/ASBA “Distinguished-Facility-of-the-Year Awards” listed in the May 2013 issue of RSI was incorrect. The correct information for the outdoor facility winner is: Koch Tennis Center Omaha, Neb. (Nominated by L.E.R. Inc., dba Renner Sports Surfaces) Architect/Engineer: Kennith W. Schmidt Jr. General Contractor: L.E.R. Inc., dba Renner Sports Surfaces No. of Courts: 7 Surface, Fencing: Renner Sports Surfaces Nets, Posts, Straps: Douglas Industries

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11 AUGUST 2013 SHORT SETS > New Balance Athletic has launched a new and CEO of the ATP Tour, the trophy at the year- Head Launches New Bag ad campaign, “America is for the Makers,” that end ATP Championships has been named in his

NEWS Collections celebrates New Balance’s 75-year history of honor. ead has launched domestic manufacturing. Htwo new bag col- The USPTA and USTA have partnered to make > lections, including a Fila, the official apparel and footwear spon- the Emirates Airline US Open Series available to > Maria Sharapova- sor of the BNP Paribas Open, donated $48,000 the USPTA and its members. With select events, designed bag that INDUSTRYin fitness and lifestyle apparel and footwear to USPTA members will be able to attend the tour- debuted at Wimble- the Armed Services YMCA Twentynine Palms, a naments early in the week as guests of the tour- don. The Maria non-profit beneficiary of The Champions Volun- ney. Visit www.uspta.com for more. Sharapova Tennis teer Foundation. Racquet Bag Court At Wimbledon this year, Novak Djokovic > can fit up to four rac- Ashaway Racket Strings has extended its launched his own clothing line, through Japanese > quets and includes a cos- contract to remain the Official String of USA sponsor Uniqlo. Djokovic has been with the com- metic/toiletry bag and wet Racquetball through the end of 2013. "As the pany since May 2012. clothes/shoe bag. The only U.S. manufacturer of racquet strings, we are Maria Sharapova proud to continue our longstanding relationship The Dallas Award Program has chosen Black > Combi bag can fit up with USA Racquetball," said Steven Crandall, Tennis Magazine for the 2013 Dallas Awards in to five frames and VP of Ashaway. the Periodical Printing & Publishing classifica- includes a shoe bag. tion. The limited-edition Fastcourts is a free online court reservation > Head White Bag collection, system that allows club members to book time Tonic by Martina Hingis has been named Offi- > which was used by Novak easily. The system is set up and controlled by an cial Clothing Partner of the Southern California Djokovic and Andy Murray at Wimble- administrator, and then each member can log-in Open, scheduled for July 27-Aug. 4 at LaCosta don, includes a White Monstercombi to book. It can be linked to a current website or Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif. that has three separate compartments can be used as a new site, with the ability for and can hold up to 12 frames. The 4 administrators to update and post news articles. In Interbrand's annual ranking of the 50 Best > Majors Club Bag, in white with green Visit fastcourts.com. Global Green Brands, Adidas came in first in the striped should straps, has a large main apparel category, landing at 15 overall. Second compartment and wet clothes/shoe In honor of Brad Drewett, the late chairman was Nike, at 31. > compartment. Visit head.com. Dunlop Enters Racquetball Market USTA Redesigns, Relaunches Website with Premium Products n mid-June, the USTA re-launched usta.com with a new Ilook. “This redesign is another step forward for our web- unlop is entering the racquetball field with a new line of site, and brings with it exciting new opportunities for the Dracquetball racquets, balls and accessories, and has added USTA to make our sport and its many benefits more acces- racquetball legend Sudsy Monchik as the category manager. sible,” said USTA President Dave Haggerty in announcing “With our strength in tennis, dominance in squash, and the web redesign. the emergence of the Carlton brand in badminton, the next, Haggerty said the usta.com homepage “is no longer a most natural market for us to enter was racquetball," says Kai destination—we are repositioning it as a pathway that will Nitsche, V.P. and general manager of Dunlop Sports Group allow people to find the right programs faster. Once inside Americas. "Over the next few months we'll be delivering pre- the site, people mium racquets, balls, and a full range of accessories. We have will find compre- focused our development on innovative product that we feel hensive and per- the sport has lacked, and we've hired the most qualified per- tinent son in racquetball to make this happen, Sudsy Monchik." information on Monchik, five-time world champion and holder of over 50 the USTA and its professional titles, has been in racquetball for 30 years. He wide variety of continues to compete in select events, including exhibitions programs, all and clinics and announces racquetball on TV. designed to help "My aim is to build on the brand's rich racquet sports tra- them ‘find them- dition by developing a racquetball line that matches my style selves in the of game: exciting, innovative, disruptive, and flat-out cool,” game.’” Monchik says.

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS

USTA Serves Awards Grants, Scholarships TGA Expands Franchise in Colorado STA Serves, the USTA’s national charitable foundation, Mark Stangeland, a former aerospace engineer, has Uannounced that it has awarded more than $324,000 in acquired the TGA Premier Youth Tennis franchise in Dou- grants to 38 community tennis and education glas County, Colo. The youth sports organizations during its 2013 spring funding company TGA provides after-school cycle. USTA Serves also has awarded $395,000 in programs for youngsters with school- college scholarships to 58 high school students. based tennis programs. The grant recipients are chosen by a Grant Pro- “We are very excited about the posal Review Committee. Grants are awarded to pro- continued growth of our tennis fran- grams that successfully combine tennis and education and help chises nationwide and attracting strong business-minded children pursue their goals and highest dreams by leading people with a passion about the sport,” says TGA COO Steve healthier lives, succeeding in school and becoming healthier cit- Tanner. “Having a USTA member like Mark, someone who izens. To date, USTA Serves has awarded more than $11 million has been playing the game for a lifetime, is the perfect candi- to a variety of programs that support its mission. date to build a successful tennis business growing the sport The scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000. “For many and impacting the lives of youth in Douglas County.” years, USTA Serves has proudly awarded students throughout the country for their outstanding achievements on and off the tennis court,” said Dan Faber, USTA Serves executive director. Ashaway Kevlar Plus Now Available In Among the scholarships to high school seniors are: Bulk Spools w Marian Wood Baird Scholarship Award ($15,000), to Haley Bougher shaway Racket Strings of Indianapolis. Ahas now made its Kevlar w Dwight F. Davis Memorial Scholarship ($10,000 each), to Vivian Hao of Franklin, Tenn., and Vincent Ong of Cooper City, Fla. Plus tennis string available w Dwight Mosley Scholarship Award ($10,000 each), to Angela Chen of in bulk reels to allow play- Bellevue, Wash., and Marvin Pagayonan of Las Vegas. ers and stringers greater w Rosalind Walter Scholarship Award ($10,000 each), to Lauren Howe- flexibility in hybrid string- Kerr of Pueblo West, Colo., and James-Roland Markos of Jackson, ing combinations for all Tenn. racquet types and string patterns. w Eve Kraft Education & College Scholarship ($2,500 each), to Lara Ashaway's 1.25 mm (17 gauge) Kevlar Plus bulk reels Dedic of Jacksonville, Fla., and Cooper Josephs of State College, Pa. are available in small reels of 360 feet and large reels of For a list of recipients, visit www.ustaserves.com. 720 feet. Use of bulk reels minimizes string waste when stringing different hybrid patterns and racquet types. In Kevlar Plus, Kevlar fibers provide a powerful string USPTA Southern Offers Scholarships bed for heavy topspin players, while braided-in PTFE fila- For Methodist Univ. PTM Students ments produce a softer feel and enhance playability, says he USPTA Southern Division is donating a scholarship award Ashaway. Using braided Kevlar/PTFE main strings also Tto the Methodist University Professional Tennis Management maximizes durability and enhances string abrasion resist- (PTM) Program that will consist of two awards, per year, for three ance to increase string life. Visit www.ashawayusa.com. consecutive years to be disbursed to a total of six different award recipients. The awards will be granted during the fall semester of Six Tennis Players Make Forbe’s $$$ List the students’ sophomore years and applied to their Methodist iger Woods may have beat out his friend Roger Federer to University costs. Tbe No. 1 on Forbe’s recently released list of the World’s 100 The purpose of the scholarship is to honor the USPTA South- Highest-Paid Athletes, but tennis still had a nice showing. ern Division and to provide financial assistance to students who Six pro tennis players made the Forbe’s 100 list, and Fed- have demonstrated an interest in a career in the tennis industry erer claimed the No. 2 spot for 2013, earning a total of $71.5 and who are enrolled in the PTM concentration or minor at million, including $65 million off the court in endorsements Methodist University. and exhibitions. (Woods totaled $78.1 million.) The top “We are very grateful for the continued support and involve- woman tennis player on the list is Maria Sharapova, at No. ment of the USPTA with the Methodist University PTM Program,” 22, earning a total of $29 million ($23 million in endorse- said Kaitlin Flaherty, assistant director of PTM, Methodist Univer- ments). Sharapova also was the top woman earner on the sity. “This new scholarship provided by the USPTA Southern Divi- Forbe’s list for all sports. sion will allow for young, and passionate, teaching professionals Other tennis players making the Forbe’s 100 are: No. 28 to pursue their dreams of entering into the tennis industry with Novak Djokovic ($26.9M total, with $14M in endorsements); a college education, numerous teaching certifications, and No. 30 Rafael Nadal ($26.4M with $21M in endorsements); knowledge of the tennis business.” No 68 Serena Williams ($20.5M; $12M) and No. 85 Li Na For more information, visit www.methodist.edu/ptm. ($18.2M; $15M).

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13 Letters Grand Slams Are ‘Star-Struck’ Emphasizing Health & Fitness I fully agree with Peter Francesconi's “Our Serve” column in the I recently read the “Tennis . . . For Your Life!” opinion col- June issue regarding "A Tennis Balancing Act." I, too, fear that umn in the May issue of RSI (“Our Serve”), which made the scale is tipping too far in the direction of prize money for the me realize how correct Peter Francesconi is that we don't top players at Grand Slam tournaments at the expense of recre- market tennis for its health aspects nearly enough. ational tennis. When you realize the fitness business is the fastest He's correct in raising the question: “Will the top pros stop growing “sport type” business and that social media is playing the Grand Slams if they only win $2 million, vs. $2.5 mil- the hottest social trend through our obsession with our lion?” The extra million dollars could go a long way if spread at pads and phones, you have to wonder why tennis isn't the community level. booming. Working out on a machine has to be the most The organizations that run the Grand Slam tournaments are boring and antisocial time we spend. Tennis has the social star-struck. They should be struck by the fact that more money networking we seem to crave and is one of the best exer- should be spent to help grow the sport. cise activities to help us stay in shape. Jim Martz It doesn't make sense not to add the benefit of com- Publisher-Editor, Florida Tennis magazine petition and skill development in a lifelong sport like tennis when you step back and take a look at your time spent working out. Those machines you’re using every Improving Long-Term Prospects day won't give you the lifelong relationships of a good I read the "Distress Signals" Our Serve in the July issue with tennis foursome. great interest. The long-term prospects for tennis both inside and It’s time to dump the boring routine and get out and outside the USTA depend on how effectively we accomplish five play tennis. It will reward you for years to come and keep musts. First, we must strive to make tennis more diverse and the weight down. inclusive. As the demographics in the U.S. change, so too must John Welborn tennis. Director of Business Development, Har-Tru Sports Second, we must dedicate ourselves to facilitating positive and memorable experiences so people will want to spend time and money on tennis. Improving customer service and offering programs that are consistently of the highest quality are crucial. CareersInTennis.com Highlights Third, we must continue pushing 10 and Under Tennis. Our Industry Career Paths future champions and best promoters of the sport will come from ince its inception in 2009, the TIA's Careers In Tennis ini- this group. Fourth, we must recruit players who are between Stiative has been geared toward highlighting the viable about 12 and 16 years old. While less likely to become champions career paths in the tennis industry. Now, with more than 2,000 registered job seekers, and a constant "pool" of more than the under-10 crowd, older kids are more likely to have a than 1,000 jobs, the CareersInTennis.com website has healthy perspective on tennis and become our long-term frequent become a "go to" source for finding a career in the industry. players and volunteers. "Our goal was to not only develop a platform to highlight Fifth, green dot ball play must eventually become the stan- the viability of a job in tennis, but also help to easily con- dard for beginners and intermediates who are 11 and over. nect talented candidates with industry employers and ulti- Countless people try tennis and conclude tennis is not for them mately, create more future leaders for the industry," says TIA Research and Operations Manager Ryan Melton. because it is too hard to sustain a rally with yellow balls. If these The site is a free resource for both job-seekers and players were to use green dot balls instead, it could enhance the employers. Employers can post open positions on the job quality of their tennis experiences and inspire them to play more board, as well as search the 2,000 candidate profiles. When often. jobs are posted to they job board, they also are listed in the Together, by pursuing these five musts, we have the potential TIA's weekly Careers In Tennis job alert, which goes to job to elevate tennis participation and industry revenue to heights seekers. For the first half of 2013, there were nearly 15,000 job we have never seen. views on CareersInTennis.com. In addition, 350 new job- Kevin Theos seekers signed up on the site. Tennis Service Representative (Alabama), USTA Southern To view or post jobs, visit CareersInTennis.com. For questions or more information, contact Melton at (843) Please email your letters and comments to [email protected]. 473-4490 or [email protected].

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS

TRO Names Top Tennis Resorts and Camps ennis Resorts Online (www.tennis- Tresortsonline.com) recently released its annual rankings of the Top 100 Ten- nis Resorts and Camps worldwide, compiled from reviews submitted by tennis vacationers and based on their own first-hand experiences. This year they were asked to rate their experience in 20 categories, including overall tennis experience and the quality of the teaching staff and instruction. They were also invited to share their opinions about a wide variety of amenities and services. Kiawah Island Golf Resort on Kiawah Island in South Carolina repeated as our No. 1 Resort while the Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks at the Gstaad Palace in Switzerland once again snared the No. 1 Camp honors. The top resorts and camps are: Top 5 Resorts 1. Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC 2. La Quinta Resort & Club, CA 3. The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, AZ 4. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, CA 5. Wild Dunes Resort, SC Top 5 Camps 1. Roy Emerson Tennis Weeks at Gstaad Palace, Switzerland 2. Cliff Drysdale Tennis at Omni Amelia Island Plantation, FL 3. Topnotch Tennis Academy, Topnotch at Stowe, VT 4. John Newcombe Tennis Ranch, TX 5. Saddlebrook Tennis (Hopman), FL New Scorekeeper Available he new Tourn-a-Score from OnCourt TOffcourt features six score dials that are easily turned to change the score, with large, easy to read letters. The rustproof unit can be hung on a net (outside the doubles side- line) or on a fence. For info, visit www.oncourtoff- court.com or call 888-366-4711. www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15 PlayTennis.com Receives Social Boost PlayTennis.com received a boost during Wimbledon when Visa linked to PlayTennis.com on its Facebook page and Twitter feed. Accompanying the link was the text, "Love means nothing to real players. Tighten your laces and your strings and hit the coiU rt." Visa has over 7 million "likes" on Facebook and 65,000 Twitter followers. The TIA cont inues to enhance and improve PlayTennis.com for the industry, providers and consumers. To help in efforts to promote the site as the one-stop gateway to connect with the sport, promotional m aterials such as web banners, logos, videos and other resources and tools are being provided to all segments of the industry. Soon to be released will be the "find a game" player match service, and throughout 2013, there will be ongoing efforts to populate both the free player and provider ~-=:I> databases. --~,--- Tennis providers .. should visit ·?-:::~- PlayTennis.com and click on - "Get Listed" - -- to make sure their information is up to date, so consumers can find them when searching for programs, courts, equipment, etc. Also in development are consumer engagement ideas including contests, drawings and prizes. TIA Offers State of the Industry Meeting During US Open The TIA will hold a meeting on "The State of the Tennis Retail Division should visit TennisRetailers.org or email Industry" in New York City on Monday, Aug. 26, during [email protected]. the US Open. The meeting will update attendees on Prior to the US Open, in early August, the TIA will the different sectors, current tetnn is marketplace, key meet with business media in New York to share news initiatives, programs and research; plus take a closer look about t he industry, present storyli nes on initiatives, and at the makeup of f requent tennis players and consumers offer industry background for stories on tennis leading and how to get them more engaged with tennis. into the Open. The State of the Industry meeting will start at 8 a.m. In 201 4, the TIA plans to hold a meeting on the Future Space is limited; register and find more information at of Tennis, scheduled for March 12 and 13 in Indian Wells, Tennislndustry.org/Meeting. Following the State of the Calif., during the BNP Paribas Open. This event is designed Industry, the TIA will hold a Board Meeting, which w ill be to build on the information presented in the New York open to industry members. meetings and will include both tennis and non-tennis The next morning, Aug. 27, the TIA Manufacturer's business and sports leaders, presentations, and networking. Panel will meet to discuss industry-wide promotions, including PlayTennis.com and youth tennis equipment, along with a review of the resu Its from tennis equipment and ball surveys. Also, the TIA Retai l Division will meet, which is open to all Retail Division members. Discussions will include Retai l Division development, promotions to help tennis retailers, and the rollout of the TIA Retail Certification course. Those interested in joining the TIA

16 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 Join the T IA . .. Increase Your Profits ... Grow the Game .. . www.Tennislndustry.org a research article on how to TIA Updates and Revises pu rchase a POS system, and an extensive list of additional retail resources. The Retail Manager's 'Retail Manager's Manual' Manual also includes The TIA has updated its "Retail Manager's Manual" information about how to be with new and revised chapters, an appendix with nearly listed in the free online Retai l two dozen "tips," sample worksheets and an enhanced Locator at PlayTennis.com and "resources" section. how to join the new TIA Retail "We added more information to the manual about Division. customer service, since that is really the lifeblood of any The TIA is starting a retail business," says TIA Retail Development Manager Retai ler Certification program Marty Mohar. "Also, we updated sect ions on startup costs that will involve eight online and inventory costs, among other areas." study modules and online Another new section in the 72-page Ret ai l Manager's testing. Look for updates on Manual is an appendix with nearly two dozen "Retail retailer certification to be added Tips"- full pages that run every issue in Racquet Sports to future editions of the manual. Industry magazine and are prepared by retail consultant The TIA also has been updating the "Facility Gluskin Townley Group. As more tips run in RSI, they'll be Manager's Manual" with new chapt ers and material from added to future editions of the manual. industry expert and club manager Rod Heckelman. Visit Other new material includes information on 10 and Tennislndustry.o rg to download the TIA's Retail Manager's Under Tennis and how it can help tennis retail businesses, Manual and Facility Manager's Manual, which currently worksheets for starting or operating a small business, are free to all TIA members.

In its continuing efforts to help drive t raffic to t ennis retail stores, the TIA has created "public service" advertisements to help promote the Tennis Tune-Up campaign and the availability of Red, Orange and Green tennis balls. The Tennis Tune-Up campaign urges players to visit a tennis retailer and USRSA Master Racquet Technician or

Certifiedget the most Stringe r to help th;~m~~~;j~:fi~~f.ijfj~---, out of their equipment, and to help them NEWColored Tennis Balls in Stores determine There are d Fun tor b ervoael E HfiA' an when to the Game is lu~ r Lt \[an. ;pc restring their ~o;ower, softer bouncin; balls racquets. , Balls are in play \~ngean play together The PSA • Different skill \eves c a e . Great lor new players atda~i Jxers workout sessions, for Red, Orange outh tenms, a u ' Ideal fo r Y . d ·\Is and more and Green balls Cardio TenniS, n ' points out that tennis is now easier to learn and play because of the slower, lower bouncing ba lls, which stay in play longer and are great for players of all ages. The balls are ideal for youth tennis, adult round robins and mixers, Cardio Tennis, drill sessions and more. Both campaigns urge consumers f d them at a tennis retai\er~~~rJn~~etai \ers in your area.. to visit PlayTennis. . '~search lor programs, \es com, where they can Go to p\aytenn".com p\aytennis.com search for retailers in playtennis.com t heir local areas.

J oin t he TIA . .. Increase Your Profits ... Grow the Game ... w ww.Tennislndustry.org August 201 3 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 17 & Retailing How to Find the Right Part-Time Employees

art-time, seasonal employees can provides coaching tips for education and make or break your selling season. training after you hire. Your customers expect a great Employee Manual and Operating retail shopping experience from your Spell out exactly how you want Manual: Pstore or facility, whether it is provided the business to be run and what you by you, a full-time employee or part-time expect from part-time employees con- seasonal help. cerning the level of customer service Here are some best practices we’ve employees provide, and the shopping learned over the years from our clients experience you expect your retail store and from living and working in retail to deliver. Both manuals become the environments where part-time summer textbooks for educating and training employees are often the only way local part-time employees. businesses can make it through the Make sure you Educate and Train: seaon. train part-time seasonal employees as if Make sure you have w Language: Words that are in common Job Application: they are full-time employees, starting as one for applicants to fill out, and make soon as they report for work. During the use by some generations, especially sure it provides a complete picture of an peak summer season, it is hard to con- younger folks, may be deemed inap- applicant’s background and expectations duct regular staff education sessions, but propriate or even offense by other for a part-time seasonal job, and the consistently meeting to educate and rein- generations that may be your store’s information needed to do a background force your retail customer-service stan- customers. Employees need to be check. dards and just as importantly answering courteous and aware of their language These should accu- at all times—not just when they’re Job Descriptions: questions and guiding staff behavior is rately and completely describe each essential to the success of your part-time working, but also during scheduled position in your business, and that you employees. breaks and at any times that they are require part-time employees to not just Full-time within hearing of customers. Be Mentors and Teachers: fill the position, but to embrace and ful- employees and managers need to be fill. mentors and teachers, and every part- It’s all about customers and shop- Don’t hire part- pers. Every employee represents your Interview Process: time employee should be assigned and time employees without an interview supervised by a qualified manager or store brand in the eyes of customers process that includes no less than two seasoned employee. and you are the representative of your interviews. Also, don’t hire based on gut- Part-time seasonal employee educa- store when you are wearing your store feel. Establish a process that asks question and training “hot spots” include, but brand and name tag. Be courteous, tions about the potential part-timer’s are not necessarily limited to: friendly and responsive to customers and fellow employees at all times, and customer-service attitudes and expecta- w Cell phone use and texting: All employ- tions. If face-to-face interviews aren’t ees should turn off their cell phones remember a smile goes a long way possible, you can use Skype or a similar during working hours and place them toward welcoming shoppers and making system to interview applicants. Just in their lockers. Cell phones may only them comfortable in your store. make sure you can look them in the eye. be used during scheduled breaks in the It’s all about the customers, and your For an afford- mission is to provide an extraordinary Online Assessments: store break room or outside the store. retail shopping experience every time. able price, small to mid-size businesses w Dress and name tag: All employees w can use pre-interview assessments and must conform to the store dress code post first-interview assessments of part- and wear their name tags at all times For upcoming TIA retail webinars, time applicants. At a minimum we rec- while on the clock. and to view previous webinars, visit ommend an online customer service w Music: Employees should not listen to TennisIndustry.org/webinars. assessment for all part-time applicants music on digital, electronic or other who will be touching your customers in This is part of a devices while on the clock. Personal series of retail tips any way. You’ll receive a report, often music may be listened to using ear- presented by the Ten- the same day, that let’s you know if the phones or similar devices during sched- nis Industry Associa- applicant is hard-wired to perform a cus- uled breaks in the store break room or tion and written by the Gluskin Townley Group (www.gluskintownleygroup.com). tomer-service related job or not, and outside the store only.

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com S GN-UP TO HOST EVENT ANY DAY FRO SEPTEMBER 1 - 30 TO KICK-OFF YOUR FALL PROGRA PROMO - ON AND YOU WILL RECEIVE:

• EXPOSURE: The USTA, tennis equipment manufacturers and industry partners all endorse YouthTennis.com. In 2012, there were over 33 million media impressions

• SUPPORT: We'll provide best industry practices, resources and customizable marketing materials to supplement your recruitment and retention efforts in growing the game SFREETENNIS :. PIA VENT-s • FREEBIES*: Receive a supply of a custom edition of Bounce, the USTA's youth publication

Visit YouthTennis.com/Host or call 1-800-990-8782 to register- it's that easy! & Executive Points Dave Haggerty, USTA

hen did you first start play- course, priorities under those impera- I started playing ing tennis? tives. The two priorities under leadership at age 6 and became a are to listen and communicate effective- nationally ranked junior. I received a ten- ly, and to embrace and lead change. Wnis scholarship to George Washington Under management, we have three pri- University [earning a bachelor’s in busi- orities: to grow tennis participation, ness administration] and played No. 1 improve financial performance, and singles on varsity, and was captain for focus on fewer things but do them well. three of my four years. I’m still a fre- How does listening and communi- quent player. cating translate into building and I You come to the volunteer job of enhancing the USTA’s relationships? USTA president with extensive experi- think oftentimes, the USTA is thought of David A. Haggerty ence in both the business side and vol- as the 800-pound gorilla, and unfortu- Chairman of the Board, CEO, President I started at Prince unteer side of tennis. nately, people tend to think the worst of U.S. Tennis Association in 1980, eventually becoming general our intentions rather than give us the Resides: Pennington, N.J. manager before leaving after 14 years to benefit of the doubt. I realize we’ve Honors: Inducted into Athletic Halls of join Dunlop as president of Racquet earned some of that, but I don’t see it as Fame at Pennsbury H.S., George Sports. I joined Head in 1998, serving as something we can’t overcome. If we Washington Univ., USTA Middle States, president of Head/Penn Racquet Sports clearly state our intentions and demon- Mercer County (N.J.) Tennis. RSI’s 2008 and Penn Worldwide, then became strate consistency, that will go a long Person of the Year. chairman and CEO of Head’s U.S. busi- way toward enhancing our relationships. nesses. As a volunteer, in addition to We’re not always going to agree, but well. We’ve shown good leadership at many local activities, I was on the board people need to know if they have a pas- every level. Many of our ideas, innova- of the USTA Middle States Section for six sion for tennis, they’ve got a partner in tions and programs help get people in years and served as president of the TIA the USTA. the game. Without a doubt, the USTA’s from 2007 to 2009. Nationally, I was a From my days in tennis manufactur- greatest strength is its people. No other USTA committee chairman (2005-’06), ing, I’ve learned that when you have cus- association in sports is as community- USTA director at large (2007-’08), vice tomers, you don’t just visit the ones who based as we are. We could never president (2009-’10) and first vice presi- tell you how great you are. You also visit accomplish all that we have if it weren’t dent (2011-’12). the customer who says you’re an idiot. for our volunteers. What is your approach to your role We need to get out there and hear those Will 10 and Under Tennis continue I’m approaching Absolutely. as USTA president? opposing views. It will only make us to be a point of emphasis? the job in a similar style to how I’ve run stronger. A few years ago, when we looked at businesses. I would call myself a “struc- how we introduced tennis to young What do you see as the biggest ture and process guy.” Much of my time One of the players, we realized it was a wonder challenges facing the USTA? in the tennis business was spent build- most important things is our strategic that we had any at all. It’s not about ing, introducing or reorganizing struc- vision for the US Open, especially given producing the next American champion ture, and I’ve found that having that the Open is our primary source of as much as it is about getting more kids processes and a well-defined structure revenue. But at the same time, we have playing tennis, and allowing them to helps to create a foundation for vision to be smart in our decision-making. have fun and be active. and strategy. Another challenge is player development. When your two-year term ends in In a lot of Do you feel the USTA’s vision is The U.S. is fortunate to have a lot of 2015, what will spell success? Certainly, our mission is clear— ways I’d say making the 800-pound clear? great entrepreneurial coaches and great to promote and develop the growth of academies. We have to be open and gorilla into a 400-pound gorilla. I want tennis. My role is to lead the association inviting to them and not feel that the the USTA to be approachable, respected, in pursuit of that mission and to help USTA is solely responsible for the devel- and looked at by all as a partner in focus our vision. opment of American players. I think if progress. When we accomplish that and have our culture become more open, How will the industry realize that we had more dialogue, we’d solve a lot I believe by focusing on three transparent and inviting, that will lead to vision? of misunderstandings. overall imperatives: leadership, manage- greater growth in the sport. That will What are some of the USTA’s ment and partnership. There are, of There’s an awful lot we do spell success to me.w strengths?

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

& Youth Tennis The More Things Change… 26 years ago, Arthur Ashe wrote about what it will take to develop young players. His ideas are as important now as they were then.

ranked junior is a member of a private n 1987, Arthur Ashe wrote an opin- club. … But clubs have not historically ion column in the Washington Post produced athletically gifted players, nor titled “More Young Players, Less could they possibly provide a critical Early Pressure Might Cure U.S. Tennis I mass of them from which would emerge Doldrums.” Ashe said how it was a large, permanent pool of talent. improbable that a U.S. man would win “All 17 USTA sections have tennis the Wimbledon title that year (Aus- introduced at selected elementary and tralian Pat Cash won), and how that junior high schools where a USTA/Nation- “has spawned a number of opinions on al Junior Tennis League follow-up sum- solutions to the current mediocre state mer program is available. These two of U.S. tennis at the highest levels of programs will help make tennis a natural the game.” option for talented youngsters.… Ashe at the time was co-chair of the “Along with overtures to public USTA’s “Special Committee on Player schools, attention should be paid to our Development,” charged with recom- public parks. … 90 percent of those mending how to “make the United claiming to be serious players said they some teaching professionals in holding States No. 1 again.” While he acknowl- played primarily on public courts. It onto their prized pupils. Few instructors edged he needed to provide a fair hear- would seem to follow that more junior or coaches have all the answers. So ing for all points of view, “I do have events and quality instruction in public many of our best juniors are woefully some ideas of my own,” he wrote. parks will result in more juniors in more deficient in the basics. … As it turns out, many of Ashe’s ideas, events at more sites. “One solution would be to have particularly related to youth tennis, are “Once this country’s youngest talent- groups of coaches assume responsibility as important and valid now as they ed group emerges … the players begin a for all the talented juniors in a particular were more than 25 years ago. In fact, destructive chase for a high sectional or a geographical area. … The collective pride some of his concerns, especially about national ranking at the expense of the of the group would force constant reap- young players having to “change their long-term development of an all-around praisals of their young pupils’ games. games” as they get older, are now game. “This collectivist approach leads me addressed with 10 and Under Tennis, as “It is difficult—impossible at times— to my final recommendation. Our best kids learn the fundamentals correctly to convince parents of promising 13- juniors are singled out much too early for using shorter, lighter racquets, on year-olds that their children need to their own good. shorter courts, with red, orange and change their games. … Yet we know that “The primary unit of competitive green balls. what wins at age 12 or 14 probably will junior programs should be a team of at Here, reprinted with permission, are not win at age 18 and up. … least a dozen boys and girls. Team excerpts from his column in the June “I also believe we could provide more integrity should remain as long as possi- 28, 1987, edition of the Washington competition for more juniors at much ble to assure three desired outcomes: 1) Post. “The problem, I believe, is two-fold. less cost if we made regional or sectional to keep a feeling of peer pressure that First, we need to create a much larger events just as important as a handful of forces all players to give their best efforts group of junior players between the ages national events. all the time; 2) to create an environment of 8 and 11. This automatically will allow “I believe something must be done to where improvement and a well-rounded for more selectivity for advanced play. stop juniors, parents and coaches in their game can be institutionalized; and 3) to Secondly, the most talented of these ill-advised, destructive pursuit of a rank- create a vehicle for which fund-raising is players need more and better coaching ing up to age 15. Another study of past easier. … and support earlier in their development. 12-and-under national rankings since “There are other solutions, of course, “Unfortunately, the United States 1972 showed no correlation whatsoever such as more clay court play and smaller simply has too few superior athletes between a high national ranking and pro- courts for beginners. … I hope our pre- learning tennis at an early age. Our stud- fessional success. sent leading professionals can hang on

Photo by: Bob Kenas ies show that the typical nationally “Another dilemma is the tenacity of until our fortunes are revived.”w

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

TENNIS BALLS

NEWNEW BALLS,BALLS, PLEASE!PLEASE!Lower compression red, orange and green balls are not only helping to develop young players, they’re also being used to help

players of all ages enjoy the game. BY PETER FRANCESCONI

ower-pressure, lower-bouncing tennis balls have been often use the orange ball, and many of our junior players in the around for many years, but as the USTA and ITF moved to 10-to-14 age group like the green balls. ROG balls enhance play, standardize 10 and Under Tennis, the types of “introduc- points last longer, and players have more fun.” tory” balls and their specifications, along with rules for their use, haveL become more formalized. ROG As ‘Development’ Tool Now, these red, orange and green balls—or ROG—are being For 10 and Under players, most coaches recognize that using the manufactured by a number of different companies. As many appropriate ROG ball will help increase participation in tennis tennis providers have found, using appropriate ROG balls will because they help kids enjoy the game more, sustain rallies and, help beginner and recreational children and adults learn the hopefully, continue on in the sport. But some coaches have been game faster, improve faster, and increase their enjoyment of hesitant to use ROG balls as a player development tool. tennis, moving them on to further tennis programming. ROG However, a recent research study by Tennis Australia, led by balls are designed to be slower and bounce lower, which allows that organization’s Kim Kachel and Bob Leeds, compared the use players a greater chance to sustain, and enjoy, rallies. of the green ball vs. the yellow ball at a camp for Australia’s top “It was not that long ago when red, orange and green balls 9- and 10-year-olds. The report showed interesting results that were rarely seen on tennis courts or in teaching carts,” says Bill help support the use of the lower compression balls for develop- Mountford of USTA Market Development. “That has changed ing youngsters. dramatically. In fact, now they have become the norm and a In the study, each young player alternated playing a match wider range of players, not just 10 and under kids, are benefit- with the green ball (at 75% compression) and the yellow ball ting from using ROG balls.” (100% compression), and the matches were videotaped from “We use red, orange and green balls for all types of tennis seven different camera angles. Each shot was recorded, as were programming,” says Bruce Levine, general manager of Court- how every point ended, and maps were developed to show where side Racquet Club in Lebanon, N.J. “For instance, we use red players hit from and to. foam balls with our youngest players—they can rally with it and After each of their matches, the players were asked questions it doesn’t hurt if it hits them. But we don’t limit use of ROG balls about their play. The coaching team was looking to compare sev- to just 10 and Under Tennis. Seniors and Cardio Tennis players eral indicators, including the height at which players contacted the

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 25 ball, the distance from the net the players met the ball, approach shot opportunities, The Specs on ROG etc. Whether you’re a tennis retailer, teaching pro or coach, facility Some of the major findings include: manager, or park and rec director, when it comes to growing your w Rallies using green and yellow balls lasted tennis business, it’s pretty certain that red, orange and green balls the same amount of shots, but were will play an increasingly important part. played at a higher tempo using green “The use of red, orange and green balls is extremely important balls. to the growth of tennis, participation and tennis businesses,” says w Players contacted the ball twice as often above shoulder level using yellow balls. TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “If players—whether kids or w Players contacted the ball at a “comfort- adults—are going to enjoy the game more, play longer, and devel- able” height more often using the green op proper technique, it just makes sense for retailers, facilities, and ball. teaching pros and coaches to stock and use ROG balls.” w Players made more “bad” errors (approx- Many manufacturers offer ROG balls, and it’s important to note imately 5 feet out or more) using yellow that, like yellow tennis balls, ROG ball specifications fall within a balls. “range.” Standard tests are conducted on all tennis balls, including w Players were able to hit from a position in dropping them from a height of 100 inches onto a concrete surface front of the baseline more often using to determine rebound height. A standard yellow ball, which is 2.575 green balls. to 2.7 inches in diameter, will rebound to a height of between 53 w Players directed the ball down the middle and 58 inches. of the court more often using yellow w Red balls (Stage 3 balls) can be either foam or standard felt con- balls. struction. They have a lower rebound height, in a range of 33 to 41 w The total number of volleys was the same inches, and are 3.15 to 3.54 inches in diameter. For kids 8 and under, with the green ball and yellow ball—the conclusion is that since this study took and for beginning adults, a red ball moves slower, bounces lower and travels less distance. place on a 78-foot court, young players w are still challenged when it comes to Orange balls (Stage 2) are of standard felt construction, 2.36 to 2.7 approaching and volleying, compared to inches in diameter, and rebound between 41 and 47 inches. The playing on a shorter 60-foot court. orange ball, which works well with 9- to 10-year-olds, moves a little faster and travels farther than the red ball, but it still has a lower Controlling the Ball bounce than the yellow ball. The orange ball also is great to use Importantly, when queried after their with adult clinics and Cardio Tennis. matches the youngsters were overwhelm- w Green balls (Stage 1), also of standard felt construction, are 2.48 to ingly positive in their reaction to using the 2.7 inches in diameter and rebound 47 to 53 inches. Green balls are green ball. They said they enjoyed being great for youth tennis tournaments and events, particularly for able to control the ball and therefore stay kids in the 10- to 12-year-old range. They’re also great to use with in a rally. beginning adults, too, and for activities such as round-robins. Giv- “Their growth mindset was instructive,” ing children and adults a better chance to hit the ball and keep ral- the report concludes, “and demonstrated it lies going will help sustain interest in tennis. is often parents and coaches who have closed mindsets and are the ‘wall’ to trying The range of ROG specifications, like yellow balls, also include something new…. If you could use a tool weight, too, which we didn’t include here. (You can find all the that helps your players rally at a higher specs on the International Tennis Federation website, www.itften- tempo, hit more balls at comfortable nis.com. Click on “development” then “Play and Stay.”) height, hit the ball in a more aggressive Manufacturers are being urged to make green balls with only a court position and hit more often to the green dot on them, so they look very similar to standard yellow corners, would you use it?” tennis balls. And packaging is also important—with cans preferred “The tennis I observe being played by over “bags.” When looking for the right ball for your programs, it 10 and under children with ROG balls is would make sense to order samples from various manufacturers to really impressive, light-years ahead of see what might work best for your players. where it was during the 1990s, for “Even though ROG balls are lower compression than yellow instance,” says Mountford. “Change is dif- balls, it’s important to note that they don’t last forever,” de Boer ficult, but it is evident that teaching pros in says. “In fact, you may be doing your young—and adult—players a the U.S. have, by and large, really disservice by not changing out ROG balls regularly.” Now, all sanc- embraced ROG balls and consequently tioned 10U tournaments are required to use new balls. Also, the ITF programs are growing and the success kids enjoy is encouraging them to stick with our recommends that yellow tennis balls be replaced every 30 days, and sport longer.” w that ROG balls be replaced at least every 90 days.

26 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

FACILITY MANAGER’S MANUAL Don’tDon’t ADD,ADD, MultiplyTakeMultiply advantage of the social aspect of tennis. BY ROD HECKELMAN

he recent growth in tennis’s popularity has provided a The game seems to have had a rebirth. great opportunity for organizers to increase attendance in This is the direct result of many organizations working togeth- events and activities. Now instead of adding more to a er toward a common goal. The Tennis Industry Association, the program, we can expand exponentially, multiplying participa- USTA, USPTA, PTR, ITF, and others (including tennis media) have ttion. That’s the nature of our sport—the more the merrier. all collaborated to create this growth. In addition, the develop- In the past, if you had a program with only a dozen juniors, ment of programs like Cardio Tennis, 10 and Under Tennis, Tennis it was difficult to organize good matchups in the level of play on Campus, flex leagues and many more have all contributed to and age. With 50 juniors, it is much easier to create good the recent tennis boom. This increase provides us with a great matchups and, in turn, more enjoyment. It’s a simple fact about opportunity to increase the number of players and reap the bene- the game; it takes at least two to tango. fits of this momentum. This fact is highlighted every time a tournament comes to an To better understand this opportunity, we need to understand end. In no other mainstream sport do both the winner and the a little history about recreation, health and the tennis industry. runner-up jointly receive closing match awards. It sends the Recreation has always, and will always, provide a wonderful message of recognizing the appreciation of the opponent, a hall- escape from the demands and pressures of our day-to-day strug- mark of our sport. gles. As our daily demands have become more emotionally chal- In 2009 it was reported that over 30 million people enjoyed lenging, the need for recreation has grown. the sport, a record number since such a statistic has been kept. Our concerns for health have been elevated and indoctrinated While participation had slipped a bit in following years, by the into our society for quite some time. Some say it started when end of 2012, tennis participation was again approaching that 30 President John F. Kennedy ask Americans to walk 50 miles in a million mark. And importantly, research continues to show that day. Millions took on the arduous challenge of getting up by sun- tennis still is the fastest growing traditional sport in the country. rise, taking to the road, and then hopefully getting home by sunset.

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com For the tennis industry, the launch- produce a greater variety of competition. ing moment was the Battle of the Sexes Most of these characteristics are the in 1973 between the older, but still result of the makeup of the community. A crafty, Bobby Riggs and the challenging facility in the suburbs would be very dif- Billie Jean King. All of these events ferent than one located in a city. You were successful because the timing was might focus on family activities and just right. This good timing is also events. Some communities are geared to applicable to the recent growth in retired folk; this could mean programs tennis. that cater to the 60-plus crowd are more In the ’70s, many took to individual likely to succeed. On a more specific cri- sports and recreation such as walking, terion, there are clubs located in areas running, swimming and biking—activi- where the population is very busy from 9 ties that one could do by themselves at to 5, so you may need programs that relatively any time of day. There was still time in the day for a attract players on the weekends and evenings. person to go their job, home to their family, interact with co- With communities that are just getting started, hooking up workers and friends, and in general, enjoy a social atmosphere. with the real estate market to capture these newcomers may be When our lives changed to the computer world, so did our the ticket. It’s the nature of people in every community to want to social world. Children have to make play dates; adults need to socialize; you just need to know which buttons to push. join local community organizations in order to meet others. The family structure is being challenged by the need for both parents Capitalize on Success to work. Schools have dropped athletic programs and families are There is seldom too much of a good thing for your members or trying to fill that void with local programs. Team sports provided customers. You will be surprised how much you can provide that a social atmosphere, but are hard to organize and find proper will continue to grow participation and interest. When you score venues. These conditions have made it perfect for a sport like big with any event, don’t look just to add, look to multiply. Many tennis that is recreational, healthy and social. times very successful events require a tremendous amount of With this in mind, the opportunity is there to capitalize on this work in preparation and managing. The staff, and you for that recent momentum, taking advantage that an increase in num- matter, may feel the need to take a break for a while. It’s under- bers is perfect for the continuing growth of the social aspect of standable, but not good timing. Call for backups or recruit who the game. Here are a few steps to consider as we make this move you need, do whatever it takes, but don’t lose the momentum you in our industry. have built.

Match people, not players tech it up If you are in a position at a tennis facility that allows you to match Take advantage of all the new technology that is available to help up tennis players, you need to think much more like a dating ser- you to accomplish the task of getting players together. In recent vice. It’s not enough to put two 3.5 players together. You have to years the industry has introduced a number of great tools that are match their character and personalities as well. available to you to help build your attendance and, in turn, mem- This is especially true for those just getting into the game. An bership. experienced player will realize that a bad match, or an uncom- Websites such as the consumer tennis portal PlayTennis.com, fortable opposing player, is a passing thing, but for someone just online tennis software, and online tennis fitness programs like getting into the game, a run-in with the wrong person can be dis- Cardio Tennis Interactive are just a few of the newly established astrous. As an example, you match up two players who are just industry offerings. getting into the game at a 2.5 level. One person is very competi- Even the internet can be your ally. Use mass e-mails for pass- tive and the other is not. The competitive player will wonder why ing on information. Twitter or Facebook can help get the word out you did not provide a greater challenge, and the less competitive about any event. Publicize the success of events and promote the player will be intimidated to the point of not wanting to try anoth- events through photos of who will, or did, attend. er of your recommendations. On the flip side, if you match two people together and they With so many people flocking to the game, the sheer numbers really hit it off, you have created a bond that will not only help can work in our favor to build the social aspect tennis provides. them pursue there tennis endeavors, but will also create a greater After all, who wants to go to a party with only a handful of people? attachment to your facility. Remember that matching the level of It’s much more fun when more people attend; all we are doing is play, along with the personalities of the players, will require you substituting a handshake with the hit of a tennis ball. w to become more acquainted with your customers.

Don’t Be a Match-Maker, This article is one of the latest additions to the Be a Group-Gatherer “Facility Manager’s Manual,” which is available as We have at our disposal many new leagues and programs that part of Tennis Industry Association membership at are already populated with many tennis enthusiasts. This pro- the associate member level or above. Visit Ten- vides a perfect opportunity to get large groups together that can nisIndustry.org for more information.

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29 S T R I N G S

HOWHOW NATURALNATURAL GUTGUT STRINGSSTRINGS

AREAREBY GREG RAVEN MADEMADE

an has made strings out of natural gut for bows and Let’s take a closer look at the manufacturing process. The musical instruments for more than 3,300 years. basic process is simple, but there are many variations that Pierre Babolat manufactured the first set of natural determine the characteristics of the final product. Not all man- gut string for the then-new game of tennis in 1875. Natural gut ufacturers follow each of these steps, and some may do the sportsM strings are currently used in tennis and badminton. steps in a different order than outlined here. Manufacturers The raw material, animal intestine, is the most resilient need to combine the sensibility of the artisan with the attention material used to make racquet sports strings. It has better ten- to detail of the scientist. sion retention and greater softness than any other material. Compared to synthetic strings (“How Synthetic Strings Are Raw Materials Made,” RSI magazine, March 2011), making natural gut strings Modern racquet strings need high-tensile strength and long is labor-intensive: It takes 60 days for Babolat to make each set lengths. Although strings have been made of sheep and lamb, of natural gut. bovine or beef The manufacturing intestines best meet process can be broken both of these basic cri- down into five key steps: teria. Without the beef 1) Harvesting and select- industry, there would ing the raw materials be no natural gut 2) Chemical treatments strings, as the intestine 3) Winding and drying used in the manufac- 4) Finishing and coating ture of string is a 5) Packaging. byproduct of process- The characteristics of ing beef for food. the final string depend The outer layer of on the quality of the raw the intestine is the materials, the amount of serous membrane, or damage sustained by Intestine serosa, that surrounds the threads during pro- the muscle layer. cessing, the number of threads in the string, the twist applied Serosa is comprised of a fibrous protein called collagen. The to the string, the quality of the bonds among threads, and the serous membrane has both highly oriented and random colla- type of coating. gen fibers: The highly oriented fibers contribute tensile

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Photos courtesy Babolat strength; the random fibers (three threads of between 50 contribute elasticity. The and 60 degrees). Because the collagen fibers have intestine can break during tremendous strength and splitting, the threads can elasticity, allowing the Collagen triple helix come out with different underlying muscle sheath lengths. to expand to accommodate the passage of food, while prevent- Groups of 80 to 100 individual threads are gathered in “knots” ing the muscle from becoming constricted during contractions. (so-called because there is a knot at one end holding the group Because of its role in the complex process of digestion, beef together to facilitate handling), and coiled into barrels with salt as intestine has evolved into a preservative. a very sophisticated structure. Designed to last for Chemical the animal’s entire life, treatments this structure has to be Once string manufacturers strong, flexible, and receive the barrels of “knots,” durable, just like a premi- the intestines are inspected um racquet string. and sorted by length, with The actual collagen any that are fatty or discol- molecule is a “triple helix” ored being discarded. At this or three strands nestled point, the manufacturer has together. This triple helix the choice of leaving the is directly responsible for threads to cure in dry salt (re- natural gut’s elasticity and salting and re-barreling every ability to act as a shock couple of days) that is cooled absorber. Huge numbers or refrigerated, or rinsing the of molecules combine threads in salt brine and together to form collagen freezing them until needed. Cleaning fibrils. The “lay up” and the The next step is a heavy-duty secondary chemical bonding form a very strong elastic building wash to remove the preservatives, soluble proteins, fats, block. Natural glues bond the microscopic fibrils together into carotenoids, and other miscellaneous impurities from the threads, collagen fibers. These are the little leaving clean, undamaged collagen. hairs you see coming loose from the This is done in a series of painstaking, string as it wears. These fibers are labor-intensive water-based baths what make serosa special. involving caustic soda, soda ash, Each animal species and to some enzymes, and softening detergents. extent each breed within a species The knots holding together the has different intestinal composi- threads have to be loosened and tions. For this reason, manufacturers moved to allow the chemical process- have rigid standards regarding the es to penetrate the entire length of the breed, sex, and age of the beef, and threads. even where the beef is raised. In a Cows are not picky eaters, so sense, this is the first of many quali- cleaning goes on throughout the wet- ty-control checks that occur through- processing phase to remove bits of out the manufacturing process. sand, pebbles, small rocks, fencing One big enemy of natural gut at wire, and other foreign objects, along this stage is bacteria, so the slaugh- with other non-collagenous material. terhouse cleans and splits the Between baths, workers squeeze intestines immediately after the threads by hand to remove as removal. After surface cleaning, the much liquid as possible. Depending 160-foot-long intestines are sliced on the manufacturer, chemical treat- lengthwise, with roughly 40 to 60 ments can take up to 10 days. When percent of the circumference of the finished, the wet threads feel silky original intestine going to string pro- rather than slimy. duction. This section can be a single Typically, all chemical processes Soaking “split” composed of roughly 160 to are completed before assembling the 180 degrees of the original intestine, or it can be a double split threads into strings, so the threads in the bundles are left fully (two threads of between 80 and 90 degrees), or a triple split exposed to the chemicals. This includes any bleaching to mitigate

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31 or remove the natural orange color of the threads, and coloring if desired. Just like with human hair, bleaching weakens the strands. Every step of the process must be finely tuned and balanced to get the correct final properties.

Winding and Drying The “knots” of threads have now been cleaned, sorted, bleached, colored, inspected for quality, and oth- erwise readied to be made into string. Workers loosen the knots to permit the removal of however many threads are needed for the desired gauge, based on the width of each thread. The average animal provides between three and 10 threads, so it takes two to four animals to produce one string. The thread bundles are looped at each end for Thread bundles mounting on the measuring bench. For tennis strings, the starting length must be 42 feet, as 2 feet are lost in processing. It is critical that all threads in the bundle have the same tension to ensure that each thread carries its share of the load when under tension. The thread bundles are then mounted on the spin- ning bench, where they are wound into something that has begun to resemble a string. The gauge and desired elasticity determine the number of turns. The string then goes to a climate-controlled drying room, where it is held under tension for up to three weeks. During this time, workers apply additional twists to the strings. This is critical to the final product. Next the strings go to the holding room for up to two weeks—still under tension—until the gut is total- ly dry. It is then moved to a normal, uncontrolled environment.

Finishing and Coating Drying The dried string is rough at this point, more like a rope than a finished string, so it is passed through a sander or centerless grinder to give it a smooth finish and uniform dimension. Any string that fails the quality-control check at this point can be used for other, non-sports purposes. Strings that pass final inspection are ready for coating and packaging. Despite all the processing of the serosa to this point, it’s still a natural material that is vulnerable to environmental conditions, in addition to the normal wear and tear to which all tennis strings are subjected. In order to improve abrasion and water resistance (including reducing absorption in humid settings), a special polyurethane (PU) coating is normally applied to the string. However, some players forgo the protection of a PU coating for the extra performance of an uncoated string; in this case the Centerless grinding

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 string is finished with a light coating of coconut oil. To make it easier to weave the crosses, some manufacturers apply a thin film of lubricant.

Packaging To further protect the finished string from humidity and give it a longer shelf life, natural gut strings come in airtight packages. Seeing all the steps that go into creating a set of natural gut, it’s easy to see why it’s more expensive than synthetic string. For some players, though, the higher initial price is more than made up by the feel, playability, and longevity of natural gut.w

Thanks to Babolat, Bow Brand, Pacific, and Fred Schwacke of Performaxx Strings for supplying background information for this article.

Inspection

Babolat’s New BT7 String Babolat recently introduced its BT7 line of natural gut, the “7” designating that it uses seven 42mm strands of raw material instead of the thirteen 21mm strands previously found in Babo- lat natural gut. This change was made possible by using a different layering technique that results in a more homogeneous structure in the final string. Each of the wider strands has more surface area for bonding and cohesion with adjacent strands, and the 42mm strands have more resistance to stretch and robustness than the 21mm strands. This change also allowed Babolat to optimize comfort, power, and tension maintenance, while increasing durability by 15 percent. Quality control

August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 33 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES REPEATREPEAT BUSINESS—BUSINESS— THETHE KEYKEY TOTO

STRINGINGSTRINGINGBY TIM STRAWN SUCCESSSUCCESS

f stringing racquets is a part of your business plan, then When Should Strings Be Replaced? repeat business is a key to your success. In fact, the number In your own business, think about this: How much time is spent of racquets you string in any given year is not just an indica- presenting new strings to players each year, extolling the virtues tor of the health of your individual business, it’s also one mea- of the string, but without ever considering the subject of how sureI that can be used to determine growth in the game of tennis, often that particular string should be replaced? just like ball or racquet sales. The selling points of string are typically conveyed from the Data from the Tennis Industry Association shows there are manufacturer representative to the stringer/retailer as new prod- 5.3 million “frequent” players in the U.S., who annually play at ucts are introduced. They may point to a graphic on the string least 21 times and average 68 play occasions. If this industry package that shows ratings on durability, power and spin. So, if could convince frequent players to restring just one more time you have a player who is looking for more power and you rec- each year, think of the positive impact over 5 million more string ommend a string that has a high rating in the power category, jobs would have for your stringing and retail business, for man- you might assume that you’re on the right path. However, that’s ufacturers, and for players and the quality of their play. merely a start. But there’s one question in this scenario that needs to be What if we took it one step further and addressed the ques- revisited: How often should a player restring their racquet? tion of when that string is going to need to be replaced? Right Some say it’s not that now, we pretty much leave it up to the player to figure it out for Stringing Machine Selector complicated a question, themselves—or wait until their current string breaks. The major- while others see it as ity of players lack both the tools and the knowledge to know Whether you’ve figured out the deeply complex. The when their string is no longer performing at its best. What role secret to getting your customers longtime recommenda- do stringers, retailers and manufacturers have in telling the con- to restring more often, or are still tion has been to string sumer when the string they’re thinking of purchasing no longer looking for ways to increase your your racquet “as many will perform at its peak? string business, you need to make times per year as you As an industry, we need to put our heads together to come sure you have the right stringing play in a week.” We’ve up with something that can be messaged out to all players machine, with all the right features honored this axiom for through the media, manufacturers, teaching pros, league cap- for you. On the following pages, so long, I doubt anyone tains, facilities, retailers and stringers. The TIA has taken steps in RSI’s annual Guide to Stringing can even tell us where this direction with its Tennis Tune-Up campaign (see PlayTen- Machines lists dozens of models this idea came from. nis.com for more), which is in its beginning stages. The process from 12 different manufacturers, The advantage of is still ongoing, and needs to be continual—a never-ending cam- with their features, prices and con- that old maxim is that paign that involves all segments of this industry to urge players tact information. it’s a simple concept to to restring their racquets regularly and frequently. To repeat— grasp. But many who repeat business is a key to your success. service racquets believe in this day and age, that one saying simply is not going to get it done. The game has changed. Racquets Promoting the Idea of Repeat Business and strings have changed, the materials used have changed. It One way to look at how to increase the awareness of the impor- seems that it’s time to retire that saying and to find something tance of stringing more frequently is to take a look at what some better. racquet technicians are already doing to promote this idea. We The complexities involved in this endeavor are numerous, contacted various technicians from around the world and asked but if successful, the potential for a nice shot in the arm for them to answer a few simple questions about how they handle stringers and retailers is inevitable. But how do you convince the the subject of timelines on restringing. playing public to restring more frequently? There still are many Larry Hackney of TennezSport in Union City, N.J., said at his players who think the only indicator for restringing is when a business, they mark every string job per the customer’s tension string breaks. request in a personal file and then explain string types and lifes-

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com pan based on their own personal knowl- John Gugel (below), RSI’s 2012 edge of the string. They also ask their Stringer of the Year, also developed a customers to track the hours of play until program for tracking racquet data from breakage or they feel their strings are service to service, and which can gener- dead. ate and print racquet labels. Gugel uses As an added service, TennezSport the program to encourage frequent offers a free “tension check” with the restringing; it can automatically generate Beers ERT 300 device if the string is not email reminders to players timed to broken. They test the string’s tension when they last had their frame serviced. Gugel also utilizes the Beers ERT 300 to check a customer’s tension and provides more than one option for data on labels, one of which is the DT reading from the ERT 300. If a client shows up and wants to know if it’s time for new string, Gugel can glance at the label on the racquet, grab his ERT 300, take a quick reading for comparison to his original baseline measurement and make his recommendation. Larry Hackney immediately after the racquet is complete to acquire a baseline measurement and the information is tracked via a customized log. “We have more people coming back to check tension versus hours of play,” says Hackney (above). “This really opens their eyes on string performance and life, especially with many co-polymer strings. If there’s a loss of 30 percent or more, we suggest new string.” John Gugel Andrea Amaral (below), from Vas- These technicians have taken a proac- souras in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, takes a tive approach when it comes to restring- similar approach. She designed her own ing racquets for their clients. None of customized computer program to track them takes this issue lightly and all agree string jobs and, like Hackney, uses the that “string as many times a year as you Beers ERT 300 to take a baseline mea- play in one week” is outdated. The ques- surement once the racquet is complete. tions, however, remain: What can we “We place a label on the racquet with replace that simple maxim with? Can we the DT [dynamic tension] reading from do better with such a complex issue? the ERT 300,” says Amaral. “We encour- And beyond that: How best can this age our customers to let us check their industry as a whole encourage players to strings if they’re not broken. This allows string their racquets more frequently? w us to show them the actual tension loss since the racquet was strung. This method has increased our stringing rev- USRSA Master Racquet enue by 30 percent.” Technician and tour stringer Tim Strawn owns and operates the Interna- tional Alliance of Racquet Technicians at www. gssalliance.com and is the founder and owner of the IART Symposium (formerly called the GSS Symposium). The seventh annual IART Symposium will be Sept. 21 to 25 in Tampa, Fla. Visit www.gssalliance.com or contact Strawn at [email protected] or 540-632-1148.

Andrea Amaral www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35 Sport Height Mounting Tensioning 2013 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES Stringing Machine Selector Price Warranty

Stand Available Turntable Lock 360 Rotation Electric Racquetball Badminton Stand Included Tabletop Standard Leveling Pads on TabletopLeveling Pads on StandHeight Adjustable 2 Point Mounting 5 Point Mounting 6 Point Mounting Turn Table Speed Control Drop Weight Ratchet System-Drop 2 Sided Crank Beeps On/Off Brand Model (MSRP) (years) Tennis Squash Tabletop Option 4 Point Mounting Full Clutch-Drop Hand Crank AG 601F $219 5xxxx xx x xxx x xx x x x www.gutermanintl.com 602F $269 5xxxx xx x x x xx x x x 800-343-6096

Alpha Pioneer DC Plus $469 5xxxx xx xx xx x xxx x xxxxxx [email protected] Revo 4000 $649 5xxxx xx xxx xx xx xxx x xxx x xxxxxx 800-922-9024 Axis Pro $799 5xxxxx xx xxx xx xx xxx x xxx$ Apex Plus $1,299 2xxxxx xx xxx xx xx xxx x xxxx$ Ghost $2,495 2xxxxx xxx xxx x xxxxx xx x xx x xxxxx x xxxxxx Phantom $3,350 2xxxxx xxx xxx x xxxxx xx xxxx x xxxxx x xxxxxx

Babolat Sensor $5,795 5xxxxx x xxx xx xxx xx xxxx x xxxxxx x xxx www.babolat.com Sensor Expert $8,500 5xxxxx x xxx xx xxxxxx xx xxxx x xxxxxxxx x xxx1 877-316-9435 Star 5 $3,695 3 or 5 xx xx x xx x xx xx xxx x xx xxxx x xxxx x x xx x

Gamma X-2 $179 Life xx xx $119 xxxx x xx x xx x x xx$ www.gammasports.com Progression 200 $174 Life xx xx x x x x x x x x x x x x x $ 800-333-0337 Progression 602 $369 5xxxx $119 xxx xx xx x xx x x xx$ X-6 $379 5xxxx $119 xxx xx xx x xx x x xx$ Progression 602 FC $499 5xxxx $119 xxx xx xx x xx x x xxx$ X-6 FC $509 5xxxx $119 xxx xx xx x xx x x xxx$ Progression ST II $749 5xxxx $119 xxx xxx x xx x xxxx x xxx$ X-ST $759 5xxxx $119 xxx xxx x xx x xxxx x xxx$ Progression Els $1,169 5xxxx $119 xxx xxx xx xxx x$ X-Els $1,179 5xxxx $119 xxx xxx xx xxx x$ 5003 w/6pt QM System $979 5xxxxx xx xxx x xx x xxxx x xxx$ 5003 w/6pt QM SC System $1,079 5xxxxx xx xxx x xx x xxxx x xxx$ 5003 w/2pt SC System $1,179 5xxxxx xxx xx x xx x xxxx x xxx$ 6004 w/6pt SM SC System $1,349 5xxxxx xx xxx xx xx x xxxx x xxxx x xxxxxxxxx 6004 w/2pt SC System $1,349 5xxxxx xxx xx xx xx x xxxx x xxxx x xxxxxxxxx 5800 Els w/6pt QM System $2,249 5xxxxx xxxx xxx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 5800 Els w/6pt QM SC System $2,349 5xxxxx xxxx xxx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 5800 Els w/2pt SC System $2,449 5xxxxx xxxxx xx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 6900 Els w/6pt SM SC System $1,949 5xxxxx xxxx xxx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 6900 Els w/2pt SC System $1,949 5xxxxx xxxxx xx xx xxx xxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 8800 Els w/6pt SM SC System $3,399 5xxxxx xxxx xxx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx 8800 Els w/2pt SC System $3,399 5xxxxx xxxxx xx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx

Klipper USA Klippermate $159 Life xx xx $115 xxxxx x x xx x x x x xxxxx2 www.klipperusa.com Klippermate Bad’ton $179 Life x $115 xxxxx x x xx x x x x xxxxx2 800-522-5547 280-CS $245 10 xx xx $115 xxxxx x x xx x xx x xxxxx2 440-CS $445 10 xx xx $115 xxxxx x x xx xx x xxxxx2

Pacific North America LLC Digital DX8 $9,995 2xxxx x xx xxx xx xxxxxxxxxxxxx xx x xx $ www.pacific.com or Digital 700 $7,995 2xxxx x x xxx x xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xx x$ [email protected] Tronic DX6 $6,495 2xxxx x x xxx x x xxxxxxxxx xx x x $ 941-795-1789

1 - Magnetic auto clamp base release 2 - Flying clamp starting pins

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Tensioning Clamping Extra Weight Tools Included Features

Manual Calibration Adjustable Diamond Coat Tension Head Grip Diamond Dust ClampsAutomated Base Release Clamps Awl Flying Clamps Pounds & Kilos Tension Self-Calibrating Knob/Dial Tension Settings LED/LCD TensionMultilingual Display Touchsreen Display Removable Electric Tensioner Unit Fixed Clamps onDual Glide Swivel Bars Double Action Fixed 360 Degree Clamps on Glide Bars No Tool Needed to Adust Clamps Tool Tray Cover Included String Measurer Built-in Ruler 50-75 lbs Over 75 lbs Starting Clamp Diagonal Cutters Needlenose Pliers Assembly Instructions/Video Guiding Awl Bent Nose Pliers Multiple Speed PullConstant-Pull Lockout Linear Pull Plus/Minus Touch Pad FullTension Keypad Set Tension Setting Knot Tensioning Flying Clamps Dual Swivel Sincle Action Fixed Cover Available Reel Rack Racquet Stand Cabinet with Drawers Under 50 lbs Owners Manual/Video Assembly Tools Prestretch Self Elevating LinearAutomated Pull TensionDiablo/Nosecone Release Rotational TensionerFoot Pedal Tension Activator Notes xxx x x x 6 xxx x x x

P xxxxxxxxxxx R xx xxx x xxx x xxxxxx A xx xxx x xxx$15 xxxxxxx A xx xxx x xxxx$15 xxxxxxx G xx xx x xx x xx x xxx xx x xxx xx x P xx xx x xx x x xx x xxx xx x xxx xx x

S xxx xx xxxx x xxxxx x x xxx S xx xxxx xx x x xx x x x xx xxx x x xx x1 S xxxx xx xxxx x xx xx x x xxx

X xxxxxxx$29 xxxxxxx P xxxxxxx$29 xxxxxxx P xxxxxxx$29 xxxxxxx X xxxxxxx$29 xxxxxxx P xxxx xxxx$29 xxxxxxx X xxxx xxxx$29 xxxxxxx P xx x xxxx x xxx$29 xxxxxxxxx X xx x xxxx x xxx$29 xxxxxxxxx P xx x x$35 xxxx x x xx x x x x $29 xxxxxxxxx X xx x x$35 xxxx x x xx x x x x $29 xxxxxxxxx 5 xx x xxxx x xxx$29 xxxxxxxxx 5 xx x xxxx x xxx$29 xxxxxxxxx 5 xx x xxxx x xxx$29 xxxxxxxxx 6 xx x xxxx x xxxx x xxxxxxxxx 6 xx x xxxx x xxxx x xxxxxxxxx 5 xxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xx xxxx x xxxx xxxxx 5 xxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xx xxxx x xxxx xxxxx 5 xxxx x xxxxxxxxx x xx xxxx x xxxx xxxxx 6 xx x xxxxxx xxx xx x x x xx x x x xxxx xxxxx 6 xx x xxxxxx xxx xx x x x xx x x x xxxx xxxxx 8 xx xx x xxxxx xxx xx x x x xx x x x xxxx xxxxx 8 xx xx x xxxxx xxx xx x x x xx x x x xxxx xxxxx

K xxx xxxxxxxxx2 K xxx xxxxxxxxx2 2 xxx xxx xxxxxx2 4 xxx xx xxxxxx2

D xx xx xx xx x xxx x xx x xx $895 xxxx D xx xx xx xxx x xxx x xx x $45 xxx $895 xxxx T xxxxxxxxxxxxxx$895 xxxx

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 37 Sport Height Mounting Tensioning 2013 GUIDE TO STRINGING MACHINES Stringing Machine Selector Price Warranty

Stand Available Turntable Lock 360 Rotation Electric Racquetball Badminton Stand Included Tabletop Standard Leveling Pads on TabletopLeveling Pads on StandHeight Adjustable 2 Point Mounting 5 Point Mounting 6 Point Mounting Turn Table Speed Control Drop Weight Ratchet System-Drop 2 Sided Crank Beeps On/Off Brand Model (MSRP) (years) Tennis Squash Tabletop Option 4 Point Mounting Full Clutch-Drop Hand Crank Neos 1000 $1,099 3xxxxx xxx x xx xx xxx x xxx x x x Prince Neos 1500 $1,299 3xxxxx xxx xx xx xx xxx x xxx x xxxx x www.princetennis.com Prince 5000 $3,499 3xxxxx xxxxx xx x xxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxx x x xxxx x4 800-283-6647 Prince 6000 $3,799 3xxxxx xxxx xxx x xxxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxx x x xxxx x4

ML90 - O92 - TH $708 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x Stringway www.alphatennis.com ML90 - O92 - T98 $903 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x 800-922-9024 ML90 - 092 - T92 $999 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x M100 - O92 - TH $767 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x M100 - O92 - T98 $962 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x M100 - O92 - T92 $1,058 10 xx xx xx x x x x x x x x x ML100con - O92 - TH $846 10 xx xx xx x x xx x x x x x x ML100con - O92 - T98 $1,041 10 xx xx xx x x xx x x x x x x xx ML100con-O92 - T92 $1,137 10 xx xx xx x x xx x x x x x x xx ML120con - O92 - T98 $1,179 10 xx xx x x xx x x x x x x x ML120con - O92 - T92 $1,299 10 xx xx x x xx x x x x x x x MS 200con T98 $1,394 10 xx xx x x x xx x xxx x x x x x xx MS 200con T92 $1,518 10 xx xx x x x xx x xxx x x x x x xx

Tecnifibre TF-6000 $6,500 2xxxxx x x xxx x xxx xx xxxx x xxx x xxx www.tecnifibre.com Ergo Pro (Pro Select) $7,500 3xxxxx x x xxx x xxxx xx xxx$ 888-838-3664 Ergo Touch $10,000 3xxxxx x x xxx x xxxx xx xxxxx xxxxxx x xxx6

Wilson www.wilson.com Baiardo $6,000 3 or 5 xx xx x xx x xxx xx xxxx x xxxxxxxx xxxx x x x xxxx xx xx7 800-272-6060

Wise USA www.tennishead.com 2086 Prof. Electronic Tension Head $545 2xxxx xx xxxxxx$ 888-836-7466

Yonex www.yonexusa.com ES5 Pro Tech $6,999 3xxxxx xxx xxxx x xxxxx xx xxxx x xxx x xx 9 800-449-6639

4 - Accessory Drawer 5 - Note 1: Electric Stand $850, Customizable Machine Color $500, Customizable Stand Color $150. Note 2: Pro Becomes Pro Select if one or more of the following upgrades are added (Dual Swivel Single Action Fixed Clamps $500, String Measurer $300, Multilingual Touchscreen Display $650, Electric Turntable Lock $500) 6 - Electric Turntable Lock - Upgrades Available (Electric Stand $850, Customizable Machine Color $500, Customizable Stand Color $150)

38 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com Tensioning Clamping Extra Weight Tools Included Features

xx xxx x xxx x x x N xx xxx x xxx x xxxx x P xx xx x xxx x x x xx x xx xx x x xxx x x4 P xx xx x xxx x x x xx x xx xx x x xxx x x4

M xx xxx M xx xxx M xx xx x M xx xxx M xx xxx M xx xx x M xx xxx M xx xxxxx M xx xx xxx M xx xxx x M xx xxx x M xxxxx xxx xxx M xxxxx xxx xxx

T xx x x x xxx x x x xx x xx x E xx xx x x xxx$650 xx$500 xxxx$300 xxxx5 E xx xx x x xxxxx xx x xx x x xx x6

B xx xx x xx x x xxxx xxxx xx x xxxx xx xx7

2 xxxxx x $40 xx xx x x x 8

E xx xx x x x x x xx x x xx x xx 9

7 - Multilingual touchscreen display, Dual roller ergonomic clamps, Automated motorized height adjust- 8 - Adapter available for drop weight machines ($25), Adapter available for ment, Adjustable turntable tilt, Motorized height adjustment for mounting/mains/crosses, Customizable Gamma machines ($25) with memory for up to six stringers, Angled stand for more leg room, Manager's security settings, Self 9 - Peripheral Acccessory Platform, Lighting, Mobility System with Wheel Lock, 3- guiding puller head, Logs string pulls by user, tension jaw plate limiting screw, Visual tension notification, D Turntable Rotation Cross tension +/- by percentage, Ability to recalibrate to factory settings, Mobile phone well, Pop out plug for quick clamp base removal, modular construction, 3-D Turntable Rotation, now ships with tool tray extenders to increase storage capacity 2.5 times, racquetball billiard adapters available upon request

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 39 ? AskYour the Equipment Experts Hotline

PROS USING plete (because some players have person- with enough power to DIFFERENTIAL TENSIONS al or off-site stringers), and second, push the staple through I AM WONDERING IF YOU HAVE because we'd have to winnow down the the polyurethane foam of the info about the percentage of players, so that players who had just one the handle. One example professional players who are racquet string would count the same as of this is the Arrow T18 using two different tensions in their rac- players who had dozens of racquets Tacker, which can handle Arrow T18 Qquets, one for the mains and a different strung. staples with 3/8-inch one for the crosses? However, just looking at the raw data (12F635) and 7/16-inch in our pro equipment database (left) since (12F636) legs. If you WE TYPICALLY DON'T DO THAT 2001 (when Luxilon first appears), there can’t find one at your type of analysis on the data we are 16,012 entries, and 8,178 of them local hardware or home get. First, any data would not be com- have differential tensions. improvement store, you A can buy them on-line Staples STAPLERS REVISITED through Grainger. WHAT SIZE STAPLES ARE USED A less expensive option is for securing the start of a the Arrow T2025 Dual replacement grip and what sta- Purpose Tacker, which pler uses them? The guy at Home Depot you can purchase Qlooked at me funny and shook his head. through ATS Sports. You can use either flat (T20) Arrow T2025 THE IDEAL STAPLER (or “tacker,” or round-crown (T25) sta- as manufacturers refer to them) ples in various lengths, colors, and materi- Auses 3/16-inch, rounded-crown staples, als, but the staple width is 5/16-inches.

40 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com HYBRID THEORY MORE AND MORE customers longer than 40 feet? I have customers including some racquetball strings. Addition- are asking about hybrid string- with Weeds and Gamma Big Bubbas, as ally, it shows what strings are available in ing since they see many of the well as some E-Force racquetball racquets. reels as well as in sets. pros using hybrids. One of my cus- I’ve been using reels of string, but I’d like This doesn’t apply in your situation, but Qtomers has me install natural gut in to offer my customers more choices, if for the future you may need the other half the mains and synthetic in the cross- possible. of the information this tool provides: Color es. I have suggested the other way options. Type in the color you need, and the around as I think the mains should THE USRSA’S NEW STRING Colors tool will show what strings are available. be the more durable string, and the and Lengths tool is just what you’re —Greg Raven w crosses softer for feel/control, but she looking for. Currently, this tool (available We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet doesn't want to change. Aexclusively to USRSA members) shows 18 Sports Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096; fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected]. strings in lengths from 42 to 45 feet, IT DOES SEEM LOGICAL TO use the more durable string in the mains and the more comfortable Astring in the crosses, which is why most people who use a hybrid string job (that is, a string job that incorpo- rates two different types of string), do it this way. However, doing things the other way seems to be working for players such as Roger Federer. Of course, Fed- erer restrings his racquets every seven games, so durability isn’t a huge issue for him. Even though recreational players don’t restring as often as the pros do, they may still benefit from experi- menting with hybrids strung “both ways.” In our playtests of three different hybrid strings from Klip, we had one playtest team use the more durable string in the mains, and the other team use the more durable string in the crosses. In the gut/poly X- Plosive (November 2004) and gut/nylon Screamer (June 2005), playtesters preferred having the gut in the mains. With the gut/nylon Lightning (January 2006), playtesters preferred nylon in the mains. However, with both X-Plosive and Lightning, the dif- ference between gut mains and gut crosses was much smaller than it was for Screamer. The bottom line, then, is that you can’t be afraid to experiment, and you never know what combination is going to work for you until you’ve tried it.

LONGER SETS DO YOU HAVE A LIST OF strings that are sold in sets

Qwww.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 41 String Playtest Gamma RZR RX 16

amma RZR Rx is an oval-shaped 16 added 16 grams to the weight of our co-extruded monofilament made unstrung frame. of proprietary thermoplastic elas- The string was tested for five weeks by tomer (TPE), a material that can be 33 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings thoughtG of as being halfway between plas- from 3.5 to 6.0. These are blind tests, with tic and rubber. playtesters receiving unmarked strings in RZR Rx is like a composite polyester unmarked packages. Average number of string but the TPE is engineered to stretch hours playtested was 26.9. more upon impact for enhanced comfort None of our playtesters mentioned Rx also offers an intriguing clue and control. The TPE used in RZR Rx is noticing the shape of RZR Rx, but it is about itself when you cut the end, as you more resilient than a typical polyester noticeable without changing the way you can clearly see the light-colored core string. Thus RZR Rx transfers more energy string. The biggest clue that there is some- inside the black shell. to the ball and less impact to a player’s thing going on is that your clamps grab the No playtester broke the sample during arm. The oval shape provides excellent string differently depending on whether stringing, five reported problems with coil spin for the baseline player. Gamma tells you are clamping on the short axis, the memory, three reported problems tying us that RZR Rx is designed for players long axis, or somewhere in between. RZR knots, three reported friction burn, and who want the control and spin of a four reported other problems. monofilament polyester string without the EASE OF STRINGING harshness and arm problems associated (compared to other strings) ON THE COURT with the typical polyester string. Number of testers who said it was: The extra flexibility of RZR Rx seemed RZR RX is available in 16 and 17 much easier 0 not to detract from it in the Control or gauges in black only. It is priced from somewhat easier 1 Spin Potential categories, as the members $13.46 per set of 40 feet, $121.10 per about as easy 21 of our playtest team rated it 16th best of 360-foot reel. For more information or to not quite as easy 8 the 173 strings we’ve playtested to date not nearly as easy 3 order, contact Gamma at 800-274-0317, for publication in each of these two poly- or visit gammasports.com. Be sure to read OVERALL PLAYABILITY ester strongholds. However, our the conclusion for more information about (compared to string played most often) playtesters also rated RZR Rx excellent in getting a free set to try for yourself. Number of testers who said it was: the Playability category, which would be much better 0 highly unusual for a poly. Our playtesters somewhat better 7 liked the balance of RZR RX, rating it well IN THE LAB We tested the 16-gauge RZR RX. The coil about as playable 7 above average in the Durability, Tension not quite as playable 18 measured 40 feet. The diameter measured Retention, Power, Comfort, and not nearly as playable 1 1.24-1.36 mm prior to stringing, and 1.19- Touch/Feel categories. 1.25 mm after stringing, although at least OVERALL DURABILITY One playtester reported premature some of this variation is due to the oval (compared to other strings fraying or peeling, none reported buzzing, shape of RZR Rx. We recorded a stringbed of similar gauge) and two reported notching. Number of testers who said it was: stiffness of 77 RDC units immediately Two playtesters broke the sample dur- much better 3 ing the playtest period, one each at eight after stringing at 60 pounds in a Wilson somewhat better 16 Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a about as durable 9 and 29 hours. constant-pull machine. not quite as durable 5 After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed not nearly as durable 0 CONCLUSION stiffness measured 69 RDC units, repre- There seem to be a lot of players who RATING AVERAGES senting a 10 percent tension loss. Our con- really love certain aspects of traditional From 1 to 5 (best) trol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original polys, although they have to forgo them Playability 3.6 because they need the softer feel of nylon Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immedi- Durability 4.0 ately after stringing and 71 RDC units Power 3.5 strings. According to our playtesters, after 24 hours, representing a 9 percent Control 3.8 Gamma RZR Rx provides a string option tension loss. In lab testing, Prince Synthet- Comfort 3.4 for these “on the fence” players, without ic Gut Original had a stiffness of 217 and a Touch/Feel 3.2 having to resort to hybrid stringing. tension loss of 11.67 pounds, while Spin Potential (16th overall) 3.7 If you think that Gamma RZR RX Gamma RZR RX 16 had a stiffness of 217 Holding Tension 3.5 might be for you, fill out the coupon to and a tension loss of 15.7 pounds. RZR RX Resistance to Movement 3.4 get a free set to try. —Greg Raven◗

42 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM TALK Gamma will send a free set of RZR RX 16 to USRSA members who cut out (or copy) TESTERS this coupon and send it to: This string plays softer than its peers. USRSA, Attn: Gamma String Offer Great“ overall performance! 3.5 male PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 all-court player using Pro Kennex” Graphite Acclaim strung at 47 pounds CP or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to [email protected] (Head FXP/Babolat Tonic + 16/16) Offer expires 15 August 2013 • Offer only available to USRSA members in the US. Name: Great feel and very easy access to USRSA Member number: spin!“ 5.5 male all-court player using Phone: Head” Youtek IG Prestige MP strung at 58 Email: If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent. pounds LO (Tecnifibre Black Code 16)

Great bite for the topspin player, and very“ nice feel! 4.0 male baseliner with heavy spin using” Prince Triple Threat Hor- net strung at 60 pounds CP (Tecnifibre Black Code 17)

For a firm string, performance is impressive.“ There is ample power without a corresponding loss of control. 4.0 male all-court player using Wilson” BLX Pro Staff Six One strung at 50 pounds CP (Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 17)

This is a good all around string with decent“ comfort, control, spin, and power. There is some string movement though. 4.0 male” all-court player using Wilson nSix Two strung at 50 pounds CP (Tourna Big Hitter Black 7 16)

This string has good power, spin, and durability.“ Comfort is pretty good for a poly. Suffice it to say, polys have come a long way! 4.0 male all-court player using Head” Flexpoint Prestige MP strung at 55 pounds LO (Gamma Professional 18)

Holds tension well. Feels like a very responsive“ copolymer monofilament. Above average comfort and touch. The strings move a lot on spin shots. 4.0 male all-court player using Prince” Triple Threat Viper strung at 60 pounds LO (Gamma Ruff 16)

(Strings normally used by testers are indicated in paren- theses.) For the rest of the tester comments, visit www.racquetsportsindustry.com.

www.racquetsportsindustry.com August 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 43 YourPros Serveand Coaches as Role Models A sports consultant says tennis teachers and coaches need to do more to develop sportsmanship and good behavior in their young charges.

BY BRUCE KNITTLE

re tennis pros, coaches and men’s side, and the recently retired Kim Cli- exists today is more concentrated on administrators doing enough as jsters from the women’s tour. strokes and drills. There is not enough out role models for the tennis public? As great a champion as Federer is, his there, however, that pinpoints how spe- Are they positively influencing juniors true character reveals itself when he loses. cific communication methods affect ten- Aregarding sportsmanship, and how to act There is almost always praise for his oppo- nis students. Even when this data is on and off the court? nent, and rarely any excuses. It is easy to available, not enough emphasis is focused Concerning sportsmanship, in recent exhibit class when you win, but one’s here. years many governing organizations in integrity is displayed when defeated. I would even suggest a more standard- tennis have imposed stricter guidelines ized approach for how tennis coaches and sanctions. Junior associations, school ‘The bar is set high for gain rapport with players. Though each conferences, professional federations, individual is different, the coach should and others have all imposed their own coaches, and they know what works best for a particular standards. With this being the case, why need to be account- player. Notably, too many of these coach- does it seem as if these guidelines have es come from other sports, where the not had the desired effect? able for their own communication skills required are quite Last year, while attending the US different from tennis. Open, I was having a conversation about behavior. Modeling I have frequently seen coaches well- sportsmanship with a former college sound ethics is always versed in one particular sport, but without teammate of mine. He has daughters the prerequisite knowledge of working who play competitively, and I asked him the right path for any with tennis players. Supplied with more if things have improved with this issue standardized educational tools addressing over the years. He said it has been quite tennis coach.’ tennis issues, coaches would be more the opposite, with blatant cheating by aware of the subtle differences in com- players—and their coaches looking the In 2010, Federer was named the top municating with tennis players, rather other way. male sports role model in a survey by the than football or soccer participants. This took me by surprise, but increas- Barclays company. His fine reputation Overall, while tennis administrators ingly I keep hearing of similar incidents, extends throughout the sports world. have taken measures to restore sports- from all levels of the tennis world. With Regarding Clijsters, through her many manship and decorum to appropriate lev- social media such as Twitter and injuries, she never complained or employed els, our teaching pros and coaches still YouTube, these occurrences are frequent- them as excuses, but instead they served as must take on more responsibility for their ly difficult to keep private. motivational fuel. This was a prime reason role in this process. Once they realize it is Tennis instructors and coaches, assist- that during her comeback attempts, she not just winning that counts, but how the ed by parents, have a responsibility to was cheered by fans and players alike. game is played, improvements will inform their younger students how they If tennis pros and coaches are to preach follow. w should behave. When behavior goes about representing oneself on the tennis awry, juniors have to realize this cannot court, these same individuals need to make Bruce Knittle is the president of be tolerated. While working to develop sure they are living up to this ideal them- consulting firm Knittle Sports the individual’s tennis game is their selves. They cannot be discussing sports- Solutions Inc. (www.knittle- prime responsibility, helping him or her manship, and then berating officials and sportssolutions.com), which offers advisory services to ten- to behave with class and dignity should not respecting opponents. The bar is set nis and sports organizations. A be equally significant. high for coaches, and they need to be former highly ranked player and One of the first steps a tennis pro can accountable for their own behavior. Model- captain of the Florida State University tennis take to show his pupils how to comport ing sound ethics is always the right path for team, he was a successful tennis camp owner, themselves is to remind them of how any tennis coach. college tennis coach/pro, and director of sports programs. players they admire behave, especially Perhaps as significant, there needs to be when facing adversity. What better exam- sufficient educational tools available for We welcome your opinions. Please email ples to use than Roger Federer on the pros and coaches. The information that comments to [email protected].

44 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY August 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

IN A GAME OF INCHES, HERE'S 12 MORE.

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