USPTA Southern Division: Where Excellence is STANDARD The USPTA Southern Division

Volume 19 Issue 1: January 2018

INSIDE: 4 Conventions in 2018...... pg 2 Transform Your Biggest Weakness...... pg 3 Awards Nominations are Open...... pg 4 Pigskin Classic –­ Super Fun Event...... pg 5 The Volley Challenge ...... pg 12 Page 2 Volume 19 Issue 1 President’s Message By Lane Evans-USPTA Southern President

Happy January Everyone! are going to try a ‘virtual conference’ with a better use the funds and time spent to bring I hope this note finds you well and braving 4-part webinar series and select video semi- the entire board into Atlanta in better ways this cold weather we have had to endure of late. nars for our members. Since we are not going that will benefit the states and the USPTA I have recently been in Louisiana, Mississippi, back to Memphis this year we decided that Southern organization. This is contingent Georgia, North and South Carolina and have we would offer some educational opportuni- on a returning board this year. Don’t worry, seen snow in all those states at the same time. ties for our members. our USPTA financial health is great. We just Hopefully, it will not last too much longer and We are already well into the planning stages want to continue that trend and being fiscally we can get back to the business of tennis. for our May convention at the Atlanta Athletic responsible with your money is as always of I want to thank those state presidents who Club. USPTA Vice-president, Keven Theos is the utmost importance. We hope you agree. have hosted workshops in 2017 and most working hard to put that event together. We As always, thank you all for your continued recently this winter. Our workshops were well- look forward to having you there. support of the USPTA and of USPTA Southern. attended, and we are truly leading the way here Finally, in leu of our January Board meeting We value your support. If I can be of service in the south in education. Thank you all for your in Atlanta, we are going to hold the January to anyone in our division, please reach out to participation and let’s keep that trend going. meeting via conference webinar. Pat has me. I am always glad to listen and help where We have a few goals on the horizon for done a great job organizing this event. The I can. our division going forward. In February, we management committee felt that we could Stay Warm and Well, Lane

Virtual Convention to Replace Memphis Convention The Memphis tournament has moved to Video webinar every Tuesday - 1:30-2:30 et. will be able to watch New York, removing the big draw to Memphis Speakers will be Sean Drake (new RacquetFit them at any time (still BBQ though). For this year, we are plan- program director), Doug Cash (former Tennis during February ning a Virtual Convention during the month of Corp of America director), Kirk Anderson, and and receive credit February, which will allow you to earn at least 5 Feisal Hassan. Additionally, 6 videos from our automatically education points. Full details will be released by USPTA Southern YouTube channel will be through the USPTA the last week of January. Current plans include: featured on the USPTA Tennis Resources. You National system.

May Convention Returns to the Prestigious Atlanta Athletic Club We are proud to announce that our May Convention Chairman Kevin Theos has 17-19 convention will be returning to the already confirmed Gigi Fernandez and AAC. This is one of the top clubs in the country, Emilio Sanchez as our keynote speakers. and we are most fortunate to be guests at Cari Buck will be our national board rep. this world class host. The Marriott Peachtree She is a master of marketing and commu- Corners will be our hotel (same that we used nications, recently with the Tennis Channel. last time at the AAC). They have undergone a A new and exciting addition will be Tennis major refurbishment over the last 2 years, so Ted Talks. These will be 15 minute talks. It’s we are getting a new hotel. Rates are $109, a first for us, and probably for the country, which will include the full breakfast. (conven- and will allow you to absorb ‘the best’ of tion and hotel registrations details posted information in short bursts. Do you have soon on Setteo) a great topic you would like to present?? SPEAKERS - we will have a few new ones. Reach out to Kevin at [email protected].

Summer and Fall Conventions But wait - there’s more!! Since we missed year. First will be the Summer Convention at Stone Creek Club in Covington, LA. 2017 the Memphis Convention, we had to find in Nashville, TN at the beautiful Richland was the first year, and it was highly success- alternates. In order to bring first class Country Club, the first weekend in August. ful with an amazing selection of speakers programs closer to each member, the board Next we will team up with the Tennis Haus and topics. We are already working with has opted to hold two additional events this Convention the weekend of November 10th Davor to top last year. Standard Page 3

How to Transform Your Biggest OUTSIDE Weaknesses into Incredible theLINES Strengths by Embracing the Shake The TED Talk guide that will change your limitations.

By Elle Kaplan

hen famous artist and TED Talk treadmill together, there’s two things: You’re to harness those upsides today, and let in snow- Star Phil Hansen was in art school, he getting off first, or I’m going to die. It’s really that ball from there. You’ll be amazed at how those W developed a tremor in his hand that simple, right?” flaws suddenly become your biggest allies. inhibited him from drawing a straight line and We often look at our flaws and assume seemingly brought his dreams to a screeching “perfect” people that lack those weaknesses Find your creativity through limitations halt. He was only able to produce squiggles are on the fast track to success. But success is Theodor Geisel — better known as Dr. and as an aspiring artist, this seemed like an a marathon, not a sprint. Even Will Smith has Seuss — wrote “Green Eggs & Ham” after betting enormous bridge to have to cross. better looking and more talented actors to that he couldn’t produce a story using less than It became so troublesome and painful compete with, so like him, make a determi- 50 words. He produced a timeless classic. and that Hansen eventually left art school. When nation to never get off that treadmill. Shed research shows that he was onto something leaving art behind became too emotionally the myth of overnight success, and realize more than just a lifetime of royalty checks. difficult, Hansen went to see a neurologist, that it’s not your weakness that will hold you O.C. Tanner studied the award winning work who gave him the best advice he could have back — it’s your determination that will take of 1.7 million creatives, and what they found received: you to the top. was pretty surprising: “Why don’t you just embrace the shake?” “Awards are frequently given because people Hansen returned home and did just this. He You have to know what your weaknesses are, performed Great Work within their constraints. embraced a limitation that he initially thought and accept them They solved problems. They overcame hurdles. would handicap his ability to make art, and Hansen finally went to a neurologist because And, they made a difference that someone turned his biggest weakness into his greatest avoiding the problem was causing him so much loved.” strength. pain, and by actually confronting his problem, Just like Hansen or Dr. Seuss, instead of Hansen was able to transform his limitation into shying away from your weakness, embrace the How can you harness what Phil Hansen did, a real strength. This allowed him to produce art hidden well for creativity it presents. Sometimes and also transform your limitations into like never before, and he found himself inspired when we need to harness creativity, it is better strengths? by his limitation instead of encumbered by it. to think inside the box rather than outside it. Sometimes we hit a wall with what we per- As Micheal Jordan says, “My attitude is that ceive to be weaknesses, and assume they are if you push me towards a weakness, I will turn Seek help and advice when you need it. insurmountable. We let these weakness become that weakness into a strength.” While you need to push yourself, and trans- the elephant in the room that holds back our Embrace the weakness, discover it and love forming a weakness to strength is never easy, lives instead of addressing it head-on. it. Aggravation is the mother of invention. Take sometimes you may need help when deciding Here’s how Hansen and other success what aggravates you, or what you see as your the right path. Having people in your corner stories made the massive 180-degree turn to weakness, and make an effort to create real who are there to support you is not a weakness change these weaknesses into strengths, and change instead of ignoring it. in itself, but rather a mechanism that will help you can too: you achieve your goals. No massive success story Find the hidden upside happened overnight, or involved one individual. It’s not your strengths that will take you to Hansen found the hidden upside to his weak- People need help, especially in these circum- the top ness by making an incredible array of artwork stances. You may become overwhelmed, and When asked what made his career so success- that pushes the limits of what anyone can you may fail. Having a support system in place is ful, Will Smith said: accomplish with Starbucks cups or hamburger crucial for the realization of your end goals. “The only thing that I see that is distinctly grease. Transforming weakness into strength different about me is I’m not afraid to die on a As author Dave Kerpin put it, “ Every weak- involves coming to terms with many aspects of treadmill. I will not be out-worked, period. You ness has a corresponding strength.” For instance, who you are that you may not want to face. It might have more talent than me, you might you’re not inflexible, you’re organized. You’re not takes strength to get there, and it takes greater be smarter than me, you might be sexier than weak, you’re humble. strength to continue pushing yourself. But once me, you might be all of those things — you got Write down three of your biggest weak- you get started, you’ll find out your weakness it on me in nine categories. But if we get on the nesses, and try to find upsides. Find three ways isn’t so bad after all. Page 4 Volume 19 Issue 1

ALAN HENRY SOUTHERN PRO OF THE YEAR 2018 SOUTHERN AWARDS NOMINATIONS This award shall be presented for achieving excellence in performing the duties of Nominations are now being accepted for the USPTA Southern Annual Awards a USPTA Tennis Professional. Areas of achievement might include teaching and Program. The winning nominees will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon held coaching, management and administration, competitive play, research and pub- May 19th at the Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek, GA. lication, and community service. Relevant criteria for this award would include contributions to national, regional and local tennis organizations and programs as You can either self-nominate or nominate others. You are the most familiar with an officer, director, founder, committee member, project leader, speaker, partici- your accomplishments, and the most likely have sole access to any supporting pant and the like. Other criteria would be contributions as a teaching professional documentation for your nomination. and coach in regard to innovative programming, notable students, continuing education, and player rankings. NEW-EASIER NOMINATION PROCESS! FRED BURDICK USPTA PRIDE OF THE SOUTH We have made it easier for you to nominate other worthy candidates! The This award is appointed by the awards committee and is not up for nomination. process is as follows:

U30 Pro of the Year NOMINATE A DESERVING CANDIDATE This award shall be presented to the individual who has made an impact to the WE GET THE DETAILS tennis industry. Relevant criteria should include contributions, notable accom- plishments, and involvement in tennis activity throughout the state, the south, and • Email: [email protected] the nominee’s contact information or Com- nationally. This person should also be a member of the U30 team. plete and send us the nominee’s information on the right side of this page.

HIGH SCHOOL COACH, COLLEGE COACH, TOURING COACH ­­­ • The Southern Awards committee will contact that individual directly to have These three awards shall be presented for excellence in contributing to the them send us their supporting documentation notable accomplishments of your team(s) or student(s). Relevant criteria for this award would include competitive record, demonstrated improvement in skills It’s that easy! and accomplishments, and other achievements and distinctions earned by your team(s) or player(s) in which the nominee is wholly or partly responsible, such The deadline is as Scholar-Athlete and Sportsmanship Awards. February 28, 2018 Any questions should be directed to: PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kaitlin Flaherty This award shall be presented for excellence and achievement in competitive [email protected] men’s and women’s play. Relevant criteria for all above competitive men’s and women’s player’s awards should include results and rankings from ATP, USPTA National and Division, USTA, STA, and/or District. Tournament record should be NOMINEE INFORMATION provided. Nominee:

CHARITY EVENT OF THE YEAR Address: This award is given to the Professional that raises money for a charity. Please verify the event on the letterhead of the charity or with a newspaper clipping. City: State Zip

SOUTHERN ASSISTANT PRO OF THE YEAR Phone: (H) (W) This award shall be presented for achieving excellence in performing duties of an Assistant Tennis Professional. Areas of achievement might include teaching and Club/Facility: coaching, competitive play, research and publication, and community service. Relevant criteria for this award would include contributions to national, regional USPTA#: and local tennis organizations and programs as a committee member, project member, or an active participant. Other criteria would be contributions as a tennis E-Mail: professional and coach in regard to innovative programming, notable students, continuing education, and rankings. Nominated Award:

USPTA MANAGER OF THE YEAR SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION This award shall be presented to the club manager who has shown dedication to You must send in supporting documentation if you are self-nominating. If you are the USPTA and its members. Criteria may include USPTA membership, hiring and nominating others, we will contact that individual to have them send us their sup- supporting USPTA members. porting documentation. The Southern Awards committee does not have the time or resources to research every nominee submitted by name only. INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE This award recognizes those USPTA-certified members who have done the most USPTA SOUTHERN AWARDS to promote tennis at the grassroots level and thereby increased player participa- Kaitlin Flaherty tion in the sport. Entrepreneurial initiative also is an important criterion. [email protected]

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL AWARD NOMINATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2018 This award is presented for having demonstrated excellence in teaching. Con- siderations include: use of the ROGY pathway for juniors and adults; consistent It is to the best of my knowledge, all material(s) I have forwarded to the Southern use of teaching aids such as ball machines, video analysis, as well as any other Awards Committee is truthful & accurate. implements to help players grasp concepts; demonstrated ability to modify teach- ing styles based on the learning needs of students; and success in having inspired Signature: beginners of all ages to become lifelong tennis players. Print Name:

Phone: (H) (W) Standard Page 5 PRO PLANS Poaching Practice By Kaitlin Flaherty Level: 2.5-4.5 Live Ball Play: Play: Theme: Poaching • Progression 1: Put players in the tradi- • Have players choose a partner and start a Definition: When the net person moves across tional “1 up, 1 back” doubles format. Have the set of doubles the center of the court to take a volley players play out a point cross court ONLY using • Tell the players that if they hit a poach for a When to Poach: the singles court. If the net player poaches and winner they win the entire game • When your partner hits a shot down the wins the point their team receives 2 points. By center of the court past the net person taking away the alley this allows for the net per- • When your partner serves down the “T” son to poach more easily and become comfort- End of Practice Review: • Be sure to make your move to the center able with the new concept. Depending on how When to Poach: once the baseliners head drops down to hit many players you have rotate players quickly • When your partner hits a shot down the the ball and to various positions of the court. center of the court past the net person • Hit your poach in the same direction that • Progression 2: Complete the same drill, • When your partner serves down the “T” you are moving/ aim to hit your volley just past however, add the alley back in and allow • Be sure to make your move to the center the service line and keep it low baseline players to mix in alley shots. Make sure once the baseliners head drops down to hit that players are not leaving to soon to poach the ball Warm-up: and choosing the right opportunities to move • Hit your poach in the same direction that Dead Ball Drills: towards the middle. you are moving/ aim to hit your volley just 1. Groundstroke cross-court/ short ball down past the service line and keep it low the middle Warm-up Serve: 2. Short ball down the middle/ volley down • Let players warm-up their serves Mix it up: the middle • Place a target on the “T” of each service box • Do not poach every time 3. Poach across the middle/ volley cross court and have players try to place their serve at the • Be sure to “fake” every once in a while to 4. Poach cross court/ Overhead target keep your opponent guessing • Serving down the “T” should set-up partner to poach The Social List

By Tom Parkes “The Pigskin Classic” ere’s a great social for any time of the Step 3. The Event. (Time frame 2.5/3 1hr to 1hr and 15mins. year. I run this particular social in early hours) This event is run with two components. Corn Hole: I totally change the rules to fit HNovember. The thought behind this Choose from one of these for part 1: platform my time frame. We play, the first team too 11 timing is it allows me a (Thanksgiving/Christ- tennis, pop tennis, or 60 foot orange ball court or timed on that round and whoever is ahead mas/Hanukkah) social and I’m not fighting the with 25 inch rackets. Part 2: Corn hole, bocce wins. The time limit is 15 to 18 minutes. different seasonal parties everyone attends. ball, or another type of game will work. The End: The Finals: You will have 2 winners Step 1. Food & Beverage. This is key to I ran my event this year with major help from each event. Group AFC and group NFC. most social. My menu for this event differs from Peg Connor, who loaned me 12 pop ten- The winner in Pop Tennis played a 10point tie- each year but a combination of these items: nis paddles. Thank you Peg. Our events were break and the Corn hole winners have a play- pulled pork, baked beans, chicken wings, pigs Pop Tennis and Corn hole. In the past I have off. The Winners in each event received Turkeys in a blanket, chips, dip, salsa. Get the theme? used the 60foot court and the 25 inch rackets. and the Runner-ups receive large chickens. Tailgating food. Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks, and We keep this social capped at 32 participants. I would like to take credit for the idea for Water. That breaks down into 16 male/female teams. this event but Chris Stevens & Tom Cascarano Step 2. The Dress Code! Everyone must I set up (2) 8 team compass draws. I split my have done this event using Platform Tennis wear a team uniform, preferably football. It draws the best I can on combined NTRP rating coupled with bocce ball or regular tennis. In does not have to be a jersey. A t-shirt/ polo of the teams. full disclosure, I borrowed Corn hole boards shirt with college or pro logo works just fine. I Pop Tennis: The format I find that has from members and pop paddles from Peg keep extra shirts and jersey just in case some- worked for me is a 7point tie-break. This format Connor. It’s something different and members one forgets. should allow you to run a full compass draw in will eat it up. Page 6 Volume 19 Issue 1

Serving Up Our Southern Master Pros Share Sagacity Give Them Choices By Mark Reardon, Master Professional

while back I offered up a bit of praise Wow! Could I have been any more off the guy who controls the purse strings. But it did to one of our junior tennis players mark? What I have been using with this won- not end there. Aduring our High Performance Clinic. derful group of kids as my way of issuing a After they walked away Bill asked if I What she had done wasn’t really an ath- compliment has likely been heard as a slight. minded him giving me a bit of advice. After letic feat, but she had managed to stack an Not good. It is amazing how sometimes we the glowing report I had just received I was unbelievably large amount of tennis balls think we are putting a pretty ‘good effort’ out sure it would be some tidbit that would only on her racket while we were in the process there and really we may be stinking it up. add to the already wonderful lesson I had just of picking up. “Hey Mark, check this out”, Once again, one of my students ended up taught. Wrong. He went on to explain how she exclaimed. I responded with one of my teaching me and has caused me to pay more often I used the word “don’t.” I immediately pet expressions when someone performs attention to what comes out of my mouth. began my defense of why I use that ….. He admirably. “Good effort”, I said. “Good effort? As a coach and teacher I have always cut me off. “Mark, I am not criticizing you, I Are you kidding me?,” came her baffled reply. tried to be aware of how my language may just think there is a better word”. He was kind When we made eye contact I saw she was impact my students. Years ago, a good friend enough to make it about the training he had starring at me like I had two heads. At this who happens to be a Phd in Pyschology received in his profession rather than a coach point I was clueless as to where we were in gave me a wonderful lesson on how “not to of my years still managing to be inept. He the conversation so I just asked, “What were teach kids.” My friend has been the head of explained that kids go through much of their you looking for there? I told you I thought his department at every college where he childhood hearing the word “don’t” from their that was a good effort. How was that a miss?” has taught, so I took his advice as that of parents; sometimes to protect them, other “Mark, ‘good effort’ is what you say to some- an expert. Because we are good friends we times to correct them. But in either event, to one who has just lost a match or has failed at seldom minced words. the child it feels negative. Now we all know something, something you say to losers. It is One afternoon he arrived early at my club that we should stay positive when teaching, what you say as a consolation.” for a fun doubles match and sat courtside but for me Bill took it a step further. He said, WHAT? Has she lost her mind? We contin- while I finished teaching one of my young “As an example, use expressions like, Do this, ued to debate the subject while we finished students. I was pleased to have him there, rather than that and leave off “don’t.” It made the task of picking up the tennis balls. Neither because I wanted him to see that I was “good perfect sense. He went on to say it is better to she nor I gave much ground in defending our at what I do” too. Even the best of friends save the word “don’t” for when the student is position. Being that I teach tennis for a living I can still be competitive. When I finished my being stubborn or misbehaves. Good stuff. naturally have a bit of competitiveness about lesson I introduced my student and his dad to As teachers we must monitor what comes myself, so when the entire group stopped for Bill. They exchanged a few words and Bill did out of our mouth, even if it seems benign water I posed the question to the group. To what any good teacher will do. He made men- enough to us. If we pay attention we will a person, every one of them agreed she was tion of a couple of the student’s strengths continue to speak more precisely and choose right. Saying ‘good effort’ was, to their way he had observed as he watched, told him to the best word for the occasion. Regardless of of thinking, a manner of offering consolation keep up the good work and told his dad that whether the advice comes from a high school and maybe skirting on the edge of saying, he could find no better coach for his son than senior or from a professional educator we “You stunk it up out there today, but ‘good me. Good job Bill. He encouraged the student must hear with their ears. Mark my words, it effort’ is a more polite substitute.” and delivered the official endorsement to the will change the way you speak. Standard Page 7 USPTA Invited Guest Lights, Camera, Action … 3 Keys to a Better Lesson

By Bill Riddle – PTR/ USPTA Elite Tennis Professional

o there are plenty of views and opin- tennis but still could be missing the boat. on. Energy is contagious and the energy you ions on “How to teach and coach ten- The three key elements that I find missing put out can and will be picked up by your S nis.” You may subscribe to any of the the majority of the time in most lessons are students. It can come in many forms from abundant number of methods out there. Is passion, energy and creativity. Now if your playing music on court to just that smile you one method better than the other or should still reading at this point stay with me a little have on your face when the student or play- you combine a variety of methods. Well that longer and I may win you over. ers walk on the court. right now is neither here nor there. What I Most of you start your day of teaching with Often overlooked is creativity on the court. want to touch on are three key elements to optimism and energy but after a few hours of To me this takes many forms but where I see what I see is lacking in many lessons, clinics, saying the same thing over and over opti- the lack of creativity the most is in that coach camps or practices. mism goes out the window and energy starts that walks on to the court with the basket of Now I know there are a few of you that may to fade. Let’s be honest, by the end of the balls and just starts feeding away. No variety read this and say what I am proposing only day or week you may be going through the in activities, no targets and no direction. applies to beginners or kids or pick a group. motions. Its ok, we have all been there and Every tennis coach has a handful of their The reality is our job as a tennis coach or especially if you are old enough to remember favorite drills or games that is the “go to” day teacher is to educate, motivate, facilitate and wood racquets or you started your career in and day out. The most sought after items try not to irritate the process of learning to teaching in tight white shorts. Actually, you at conferences and workshops is always more play this awesome sport. Having spent right may be a young buck that spends all day drills and games. Get out of your box, get out at 30 years now teaching and coaching, with grinding away hitting balls with anyone that of your comfort zone and try something new many of those years as a clinician, tester or will give you a check. because it just might work. coach of coaches, I have seen my fair share of If any of this seems to be hitting home or Now if your still with me then thanks for bad lessons and uninspired students. you fear you will get to this point one day taking the time to read this far. Just a little One of the very best pieces of advice I have then keep the following key points in mind. more and we will bring it all home. Those ever received as a tennis coach luckily happened Tap into your love or passion for the game words of wisdom I got early in my career hold early in my career and has stayed with me ever as much as possible. That passion for tennis true to this day for me and can for you as well. since. This old pro said to me, “when you go on or that passion to share the sport can and Your will for sure have those days or hours that court to teach imagine you are on stage act- will get your through some of those tough where your mind is off somewhere else or you ing like the best tennis pro on the planet.” days or lessons. Without some passion for just are lacking one of the three key compo- For the longest time I did not totally under- what you are doing then why are you teach- nents that I touched on. If so then imagine stand those words until I took an acting class ing and coaching? you are on stage and for the next hour your and it all came together. You may have been Energy … you know, that stuff you get just going to channel your inner Brad Pitt and the best tennis player in the world or have when you drink a cup of coffee or turn on the do a little acting. Lights, camera, action you’re coached top players to championship level radio and your favorite Justin Bieber song is a new tennis coach!

The USPTA Foundation assists programs that bring tennis to economically disadvantaged groups - including under served kids, veterans of war, and wheelchair. · Access at smile.amazon.com · Use your existing amazon account login · In YOUR ACCOUNT, YOUR AMAZON SMILE, choose the USPTA Foundation, typing the full name for USPTA. If you already have a charity, you can change to the Foundation · Buy lots of stuff · In the future, use smile.amazon.com instead of just amazon.com Page 8 Volume 19 Issue 1 State News As we look back at a fantastic 2017, we are our board as she joins us from Lafayette. Next month in February, we will offer Alabama thankful to all of the outstanding presenters: certification testing at River Ranch. Bill Phillips our TSR will offer certification Mike Barrell, Dean Hollingworth, Dominic King, and Allistair McCaw, and the opportunities to all new members and those who are looking to upgrade coaches who attended these workshops throughout the year.Thank you to our their certification. For those looking to attend, please read the following for all board members who helped support these workshops. We wish all the best to pertinent info: Raphael Rodrigues, who is leaving our board as he has accepted a new position February 24-25, USPTA Certification Testing, The City Club at River Ranch, 221 in Georgia. Thank you for your service, Raph! Congratulations to our 2017 Award Elysian Fields Dr. Lafayette, LA 70508. Please send all questions regarding test- Recipients: Anna Jackson, Assistant Professional of the Year; the Country Club of ing to Bill Phillips at [email protected] or 337-849-5821 Birmingham (Jay Weinacker), Program of the Year; The Blue Gray National Tennis Our LA Junior Grand Prix circuit has under gone quite the transformation this Classic, Event of the Year; and Ben Bradshaw, Professional of the Year. We are past year. Please consider hosting one of these events at your facility. For details looking forward to a fabulous 2018! Happy New Year! about our new format please check out our video on our Facebook page at USPTA-Louisiana, and while you’re there also “Like” the page to be up to date on Thank you to USTA and USTA Arkansas for work- all the latest news. ing with us to put on an excellent workshop at Arkansas This past December at River Ranch we handed out our annual USPTA-LA the USTA Arkansas Annual meeting. They were instrumental in helping us get awards. It gives me great pleasure to recognize these most deserving individu- Karl Davies, from the USTA National Campus, who brought fresh information als: on ROGY pathways and Net Generation. We also appreciate so much Manual • Educational Excellence (most education credits): Dan Beedle Cervantes, Master Pro from Arkansas, who brought us information on UTR and • U30 Pro of the Year: Will Huntington doubles inspiration. Twelve USPTA Arkansas Pros showed up to expand and • Manager of the Year: Ken Hambrick develop their abilities as professional tennis coaches. • Pro of the Year: Davor Dekaris An unending desire to be better at your craft is the ultimate in service Educational Merit Award to the individual with the most educational credits to your members, clients, staff, and peers. Wishing everyone a prosperous spring. —Bob Wagstaff We have just completed our 2018 State workshop event on January 12th at the We were very fortunate to have two of the best Mississippi Country Club of Jackson. Despite the freezing temperatures and the flu going tennis experts on the same day. Allistair McCaw is Georgia around, we still had a great participation. 52 pros were present and we had a a world renowned Sports Performance Consultant, Team Culture Builder, and great time! It is the largest attendance to date and I just want to thank our pros Mindset Coach. Emma Doyle has been speaking on the world stage inspiring for all the support. We were fortunate to have Emilio Sanchez as a keynote coaches and pros, and is sought after for her expertise in High Performance speaker. He stayed involved in our workshop throughout the day and he Coaching to enable coaches and pros maximize their potential having just presented two sessions.. Other speakers included Tom Daglis, Lane Evans and completed a Ted Talk. Robert Garrett. Big thank you to USTA MS, Emilio and all the speakers. Allistair’s first presentation was from his book 7 Keys to Being a Great Coach. The cornerstone of his presentation is that the most powerful performance Thanks to all the speakers and factor is people by how you connect, energize, and inspire them. North Carolina attendees who participated in Emma’s presentation was on the court. She used court drills and position- an outstanding workshop at Duke University. 40+ people were in attendance ing to communicate her points. Her presentation was about momentum. She and had the opportunity to gather some great take-home ideas. We look for- said as a coach you need to hear what the player is thinking. She said momen- ward to providing additional opportunities for education in 2018, and if your tum is a changing force in a match. It can be dictated by what to do when club would be interested in hosting please let us know. the score is up for a player, when the score is down, and what to do when the We would like 2018 to be the Year of Connection. How many pros in North score is even. Carolina do you know? How many are outside your city or community? Our Allistair’s second presentation centered around his book Champion Minded guess is not many. We would like to know how we can best help you con- co written with Jenny Robb. He said it all starts with culture, for it makes all the nect and find resources that allow you to become a better teacher, a better difference. If you’re in a positive culture, it is a dynamic environment between manager, and simply a better professional. Email our Board atusptanc@gmail. people. Culture drives beliefs and behaviors. comwith ideas on what the USPTA North Carolina can do for you, and more Emma’s second presentation was on the court again. This was on effective importantly what you would like to do to help USPTA North Carolina. Start coaching and communication skills for female players. In order to have suc- now by Liking the USPTA North Carolina Facebook page and feel free to share cessful performance, there must be strong communication between player your questions and achievement there. and coach. She emphasized coaching young girls is different than young boys I am sure most of you are still and understand the developmental needs of young girls. South Carolina trying to thaw out from our I am excited to assume the role of President frigid weather this past holiday season. Hopefully everyone has received Kentucky of USPTA Kentucky following the departure our survey for award nominations for 2017. We are shaking things up a bit of Michelle Jones. I am looking forward to growing and supporting the and renovating the awards process. This simple survey is a great way for you Kentucky USPTA members. I am currently looking for a couple of certi- to nominate yourself or another worthy professional for USPTA State pro fied members to serve on the board with me. Please contact me if you of the year. We have an independent committee who will be tasked with are interested or just to introduce yourself. Our joint workshop with the deciding the winner. We are going to accept online nominations till February Kentucky High School Tennis Coaches Association is set forFebruary 17at 15th. I would love to see a large amount of nominations. We have so many the Top Seed Tennis Club in Lexington. There will also be a certification test great professionals here in SC. On another note, the board would love to onSunday February 18. Please check our Facebook page for the agenda of have even more content for our newsletter. Anyone who would like to be the workshop. Southern President Lane Evans and Master Professional Bob published, please email me your articles at any time. We plan to publish our Love will be presenting at the workshop. The test is listed on the USPTA newsletter 4-5 times this year. We love all kinds of content as well. We will website. Please feel free to contact me David White atd.white@topseedten- take recipes, tech gear, personal experiences, drills, quotes, and anything nis.netor859-361-1536 related to the 10 and under pathway. This is a great way for you to get some exposure and also get your name out there for networking purposes. The I hope all of you are ready for 2018 after this board loves small articles that are clear and concise with pictures if possible. holiday season! The new year also brings us Louisiana Stay warm out there spring is fast approaching! our newest board member Lyndsey Kelly! We look forward to having her on Standard Page 9

U30 EXPERIENCE

Top 5 to Live By

By Kaitlin Flaherty Bisplinghoff

s a young professional in the tennis 2. “If you were to record a lesson that you 4. “People are paying a lot of money to take industry I have been lucky enough to taught and playback only the audio would a lesson with you, value that, and make sure A learn from so many great professionals another professional be able to set-up and run they get their money’s worth and more every through conference presentations, network- the practice exactly like you?” — Ajay Pant time they steps on court with you.” — John ing events, or casual conversations. Over the At the very first conference I ever attended Flaherty past 10 years there have been a few quotes Ajay Pant said this in his presentation. What My father is one of the most budget savvy that have really resonated with me and have he meant was that if you were to record a people I have ever met in my life and I love kept me motivated, focused, and humble lesson and play it back to another profes- that he gave me this advice the very first throughout my career. Below are my “Top 5 sional would they be able to replicate your time I told him how much I was charging for to Live By:” exact lesson. If not, then you are not giving an hour tennis lesson. It is important to give clear enough directions to your students. students above and beyond what they are 1. “We have a very special job and we need When this was brought to my attention for paying for. It is my goal during every lesson to remember that. As a tennis professional, the first time I realized how vague I was in to make sure that my students feel that they you are the person that people are choosing to my lessons and this changed the way that I are receiving value everytime they take a ten- spend their leisure time with. That is the big- taught. nis lesson with me. gest compliment anyone could ever give you.” — Unknown 3. “Always have a theme and a purpose for 5. “You’re 8th hour on the court is someone’s first I was at the USPTA Southern U30 Confer- your lesson before you walk out onto the court.” hour on the court with you.” — Bill Anderson ence in Charlotte two years ago hosted by — Tom Daglis I think this is a humbling reminder that no Todd Upchurch when a man attending the Although this may seem like common sense matter the day, the time, or the hour you must conference made this comment to me. Now to most seasoned pros for a lot of young pros always give 100% to your students. Even when whenever I may feel a little burned out or this is not. Always have a game plan before you may feel a little burnt out or tired, the need a little extra motivation I replay this walking onto the court. You may need to alter person you are teaching deserves the same quote in my head and it instantly inspires me. and adjust your game plan, but never step enthusiasm and quality of a lesson that you onto the court unprepared for a lesson. gave the first lesson you taught that day.

One Good Idea!

Brad Gilbert highlights from the GPTA comes off the racquet slower. • Speed kills. What he means is how slow meeting in 2017. • Become proficient in the neutral zone recovery, slow to get back in position and and the attack zone. slow moving side to side can really cost you • Youth players should play on clay • His answer to many players going to in matches. courts as much as possible. This is what team sports is to ask how much longer can • Gilbert discussed how important it all the European players are doing. This is you continue your team sport after gradu- is to get your child playing tournaments more difficult since hard courts have the ation? early. Competition really brings out larger court percentage in US. • Tennis can begin in a young child’s life strengths and weaknesses to improve, yet • The two most important teaching and be a lifelong pursuit. Players enjoy ten- kids want to drill for hours avoiding com- components a tennis pro should empha- nis in their 60s, 70s and 80s. petitive play. size are movement and technique. • Only think about the current point and • Important to excel in playing offense, • Use red balls in training, for they really current game you’re playing. It helps to keep defense and developing transition skills to help with technique because the ball your eyes focused only on your court as well. give you an edge in a match. Page 10 Volume 19 Issue 1

Fit to Hit RacquetFit Updates!

By Lane Evans-USPTA Elite Professional, RacquetFit Advisory Board

s I have stated in a past “Hit to Fit” by RacquetFit by visiting TPI facil- article, RacquetFit is coming! We ity for his screen and analysis. A have a few updates that I think Lorenzo states, “RacquetFit will everyone will be interested in. “RacquetFit be the next stage in our evolu- is an organization comprised of many of the tion as a tennis community while medical, and fitness professionals interested leading experts in tennis coaching, fitness, we all use it in our progress to become more in the tennis athlete and looking to take their and medical. With tennis continuing to push educated with the game.” skills and marketability being sponsored by for higher performance, it is the goal at So, who needs these courses? All tennis, the USPTA to another level would benefit RacquetFit to bridge the tennis pro- greatly from our RacquetFit Certifi- fessional, fitness professional, and cation. There are several tentative medical professional into a model sites and dates picked out for the that improves player outcomes certification rollouts listed below. and raises the level of the game,” states Sean Drake, Vice-President of • Orlando May USPTA RacquetFit and part of the team at Headquarters FMS(Foundational Movement Sys- May 25th and 26th tems, the developer of RacquetFit. • Chicago Drake continues, “Taking the July 20th and 21st guesswork out of the athlete’s abil- • Long Beach ity to perform and using state of the September 28th and 29th art technology and biomechanical • Atlanta analysis, we can better understand November 16th and 17th the strengths and limitations of the tennis athlete while working as a These locations will be finalized team will improve the player’s out- and posted at RaquetFit.com. The comes over the period of coaching site will be going live March 1st for and care. “ registration. If anyone has questions Conan Lorenzo, USPTA Past regarding RacquetFit, please reach President San Diego Division out to RacquetFit VP, Dr. Sean Drake participated in some data collection Conan Lorenzo, USPTA Past President San Diego Division at [email protected]. Standard Page 11 “Success Secrets” Emilio Sánchez Vicario

By Lane Evans-USPTA Elite Professional

t our recent USPTA Mississippi Work- studies. The Academia Sánchez- contributing to tennis worldwide, shop in Jackson, we had the great Casal has a unique training system Emilio has been awarded with the A pleasure of welcoming and listening applied by a top-quality coaching prestigious status of International to one of the best tennis minds, coaches and team which includes renowned Master Professional by the RPT and players in the world, Emilio Sánchez Vicario. coaches like Sergio Casal, Angel Master Professional by the USPTA. Emilio is a former professional tennis player who Gimenez, Antonio Hernandez, Not one to miss a great oppor- led tennis in Spain during the 80s and part of Pato Alvarez, Lorenzo Fargas, Juan tunity when I see it, I asked Emilio the 90s. Emilio and his entire family have been Balcells and German Puentes among many to share his thoughts on success and what he a tremendous impact in Spanish tennis and he others, all directed by Emilio Sánchez. thinks are the keys to it. Here is what he had to as a player, coach, academy director, business- In its 10 years of existence, the Academia say. man and successful Davis Cup Champion Team Sánchez-Casal training system has developed My success comes from applying the lessons Captain 2008, has been an essential piece in the top professional tennis players such as Svetlana I learn in tennis to the rest of important things I development and success of Spanish tennis in Kuznetsova, Andy Murray and Juan Monaco. Cur- do in my life. the last 20 years. rently, distinguished professional players like Feli- 1. Effort, try to be the best version of your- As a player, Emilio reached the #7 position ciano Lopez, Janko Tipsarevic, Elena Bovina and self in everything you do in the world in singles. The six-time National Tamira Pascek practice year-round at the acad- 2. Respect, is something that I try to show Champion in Spain, winner of 15 major ATP emy, together with other top players who come to my family, my friends, my students, my rivals, tournaments, was 12 years a player of the temporary to the academy to train hard and my coaches or my colleagues Davis Cup and classified for the Masters Cup. boost their tennis game such as Anna Ivanovic, 3. Hard work, always give the 100% even In Doubles, Emilio Sánchez has been the best Daniela Hantuchova and Maria Kirilenko. The when you don’t feel like doing it player in Spain and the 3rd best doubles team in academy has also been developing top world 4. Discipline, consistency and creating the history partnering with Sergio Casal. Emilio junior players to make the step into professional a habit to always be present on your com- reached the #1 position in the world and has tennis, like Grigor Dimitrov, champion of the US mitments is something that came from my won 50 titles, including 5 Grand Slam tourna- Open Junior and Wimbledon Junior in 2008. matches. ments, being qualified 9 times for the Masters In 2007, Emilio opened a second academy 5. I am always in second place when it Cup. He won the Silver Medal in the Olympic in Naples, Florida, which is following the steps comes to coaching, my player always comes Games of Seúl in 1988. of the academy in Barcelona by applying the before me and you really need to understand After finishing his career as a professional Sánchez-Casal training system through a top him or her before you can help them. tennis player, Emilio has been actively involved qualified coaches team. 6. We have two ears and one mouth to in tennis in Spain. He has been a TV tennis com- Today, Emilio is fully dedicated to the develop- listen twice as much and speak less. These mentator for Eurosport and TVE1. He has also ment of players in his academies in Barcelona are important steps in understanding my organized major ATP events and has been the and Naples, spreading his knowledge through players better. director for several years of the Nations Senior tennis clinics worldwide about the academy 7. Creating opportunities through tennis Cup, considered the Senior Davis Cup. Emilio training system (he imparted clinics in Italy, is my biggest goal. Tennis gave me all I have has also collaborated with several prestigious Dubai, USA, Poland, Mexico, Brasil, Argentina, and has made me as a person. I use my sport to newspapers (La Vanguardia, El País, Sportlife, Chile, Portugal…) and conferences about tennis help others create opportunities, in coaching ABC…) and writes in numerous magazines and sports management in prestigious enti- kids and adults, in making journeys, in making worldwide such as Marca (Spain), Tenis a Fondo ties (IESE, University of Chicago, IQS, Universitat a difference, in creating programs for disadvan- (Spain), Tenis Italiano (Italy), Solo Tenis (Argen- Pompeu Fabra, Universidad de Navarra, Univer- tage people like my Foundation does in Spain. tina), Protenis (Portugal), Tennis View (Brasil), sidad de Alfonso X…). Also, last year Emilio was 8. Choose your own destiny. You must Quince Cero (Chile), Grip (Argentina), among selected as the National Coordinator of Tennis in write your own story and my biggest goal is to others. Brazil, a project in which he is restructuring the leave a legacy that my kids and grandkids will Emilio continued transmitting his knowl- national tennis system in order for that country to be proud of. I always hope of helping the tennis edge in tennis by coaching his sister Arantxa have a successful development of tennis players. world to become better and help more people. from 1997 to 2001. In 1999, Emilio founded Recently, the US TV Tennis Channel selected We thank Emilio for his contributions to the Academia Sánchez-Casal, one of the most the Academia Sánchez-Casal to release a series the Southern Standard and to tennis. We are prestigious tennis academies in the world, of videos about the unique training system of working on having Emilio at our May USPTA developing young student-athletes who the academy, which are currently shown on TV. Southern Convention at the Atlanta Athletic combine high performance tennis with quality As a reward of his long career actively Club in May. Look for details soon. Page 12 Volume 19 Issue 1

Play Tennis Month - May 2018 A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO GET AMERICA MOVING AND PLAYING TENNIS

It’s the first industry wide program in years. WHY?? We need to get people active. The couch has become the cigarette for our current genera- tion. We have an inactivity pandemic right now. The goal is to bring many players (and new players) burning over 10,000,000 calories. Another side benefit is fund raising for the USPTA Foundation and PHIT America. Advertising will be featured on the Tennis Channel, print magazines, and much more this spring. The USTA National Tennis Center is planning the largest cardio tennis event ever on 28 courts on April 20th, burning 1.000,000 calories!! Southern is tasked to hold 220 events. Many clubs will hold multiple events, so this will be EASY for us to accomplish. Make sure to register once full details are released. 1,500 USPTA events 20 participants at each event 350 calories burned by each participant 10,500,000 calories burned!

Ladies Vantage The Volley Challenge

By Jenny Robb

he Volley Challenge - United in Tennis is a series of simple steps that anyone can and Sport will take place on International attempt. The movements slowly become T Women’s Day, March 8, 2018. The mission quicker and quicker until they turn into a fast is to engage girls and empower women around salsa-style movement finishing by bringing the world to participate in the Volley Dance, Vol- everyone together in a circle. The Volley ley Challenge in order to raise awareness within Challenge is a continuous partner volley the youth of today of just how far women have rally in which the ball cannot bounce. One come towards equality in sport and just how far partner remains in the same place (doubles ticipate as well, the activities easily translate we still have to go. sideline) while the other partner takes one to basketball, volleyball, soccer, etc. Emma Doyle, founder of the Volley Dance, step backward with each successful hit or This video was filmed during the USPTA Volley Challenge, explains, “We want to con- catch. How far can you go? Georgia Winter Workshop at Atlanta Athletic nect girls with sport and empower women All female coaches, teachers, leaders, Club, and shows the Volley Dance and Volley as role models in sport so that we make parents, volunteers, and athletes who recog- Challenge: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQEkR use of the talents of all.” The Volley Dance nize the need to engage girls and empower S1WMng&feature=youtu.be it can also be found women are invited to by searching “Volley Dance” in the YouTube participate. Although search bar. 8 players on half a tennis court is recom- Thursday, March 8, 2018 mended, the activi- 4:00pm in your state/country’s time zone ties do not have to Use hashtags: #VolleyChallenge and take place on a tennis #PressforProgress when you upload a video of court, and the rally your participation on social media does not have to be Registration is open on Eventbrite. tennis - other sports Join us in the #VolleyChallenge as we are welcome to par- #PressforProgress together!

Standard Page 15

Southern Officers USPTA Certification The “Standard” is the official newsletter for the Southern Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association. Tests & Upgrades President Bill Riddle KENTUCKY Feb 10, Southern Village Club Lane Evans [email protected] David White Chapel Hill, NC Levans290@gmail 615-243-6698 [email protected] 707-386-6206 859-361-1536 Feb 17, Top Seed Tennis Club Executive Director Nicholasville, KY 1st Vice President Pat Whitworth LOUISIANA Kevin Theos [email protected] Jason Hazley Feb 18, Haig Point Club [email protected] 800-438-7782 (phone/fax) [email protected] Hilton Head, SC 205-790-7256 225-247-3028 Head Tester Feb 24, The City Club at 2nd Vice President Ron Gwyn MISSISSIPPI River Ranch Kaitlin Flaherty [email protected] Bo Gard Lafayette, LA [email protected] 843-341-8114 [email protected] 832-656-4472 State Presidents 228-243-3110 March 3 - 4, Rome Tennis Center at Secretary/Treasurer ALABAMA NORTH CAROLINA Berry College Tom Parkes Jenny Robb Darryl Lewis [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] March 9, Camden Country Club 910-233-4755 205-902-1188 828-964-8490 Camden SC Past President/Regional VP ARKANSAS SOUTH CAROLINA March 16, Park Crossing Todd Upchurch Bob Wagstaff Kevin Jackson Charlotte, N.C [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 704-258-7220 501-922-5054 803-432-6711 April 14, Medlock Bridge Directors at Large GEORGIA TENNESSEE Tennis Club Ken Andriano Billy Uelze Michael Chamberlain Atlanta, GA [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 336-541-5876 901-765-4414

USPTA Welcomes Our C FAST FACTS New Members Australian Open Don’t cling to a mistake just Fintak, Jonathan...... Fayetteville NC because you took a long time Ken Rosewall is the making it youngest winner to win the Harrison, Andrew...... Wilmington NC ­— Aubrey DeGraf championship at the age of 18 Himes, Allison...... Fayetteville NC I never dreamed about success, Margaret Court is the leading Holloway, Jackson...... Moultrie GA I worked for it winner of most female titles —Estee Lauder of Australian Open Huntington, William...... Mandeville LA Rafael Nadal won the longest You can’t have a million dollar ever tennis match in 2009 Imwalle, Lisa...... Chelsea AL dream with a minimum wage against Fernando Verdasco Johnson, Jamison..... Lawrenceville GA work ethic Martina Hingis is the —Stephen Hogan Laukys, Tomas...... Marietta GA youngest woman to win the Luck is a word lazy people use game at the age of 16 Mitropoulos, Alexander..... Alpharetta GA to describe people that are 40,000 tennis balls are hustlin used every year in this Mueller, Eric...... Memphis TN tournament —Jon­ Acuff Typically there are more than Steinbach, Ralf...... Roswell GA Today I will do what others 300 ball boys and girls in Thompson, Clifford...... Fayetteville NC won’t, so tomorrow I can do attendance each year what others can’t Threadgill, Travis...... Braselton GA —Jerry­ Rice USPTA SOUTHERN DIVISION NEWSLETTER 337 Rhodes House Court SUWANEE, GA 30024

The Standard is published every 60 days by the Southern Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in The Standard are those of the authors and not necessarily those of The Standard, the USPTA or Southern Division.

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