April 2013 Volume 41 Number 4 $5.00 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Annual Racquet Selection Guide

Two-Piece Stringing Or One-Piece? Soft-Court Award Winners

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INDUSTRY NEWS

7 Study: Tennis has positive FEATURES influence on students 7 PTR Symposium set 20 Is Two Better Than One? for May on HHI A Master Racquet Technician considers the advantages of using two-piece 7 IART schedules Stringers stringing Symposium 22 Racquet Selection Map Our exclusive guide enables you to find 8 Five programs named the perfect frame for your customers USTA regional centers quickly and easily. 28 Soft Landing 9 Evans named Aer-Flo These outdoor ASBA facility winners sales manager are excellent examples of soft-court construction. 10 Wilson partners with TGA Premier Youth Tennis 10 Peoplewatch 10 Indian Wells OKs Tennis Garden expansion 11 Roddick, Stephens top WTT player draft 12 Short Sets 12 Infographic shows increase in 10U statistics 13 US Open Series events coordinate ticket sales

Cover photo by Bob Patterson

DEPARTMENTS 16 TIA News 4 Our Serve 18 Retailing Tip 7 Industry News 32 Ask the Experts 14 Tennis Coaching 34 String Playtest: Tecnifibre ATP Razor Code 16 15 Retail Sales 36 Your Serve, by L. Jon Wertheim 2 2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Our Serve Take A Second Look at 10U Tennis (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry ) Publishers recently was talking with a very highly regarded teach - David Bone Jeff Williams ing pro in the USTA Southern Section who was telling Editorial Director me about his first encounters with the 10 and Under Peter Francesconi Tennis initiative. In short, he was not a fan. [email protected] He was skeptical of the rule change that mandated the use of lower Associate Editor Icompression balls and shorter racquets on shorter courts. He was getting Greg Raven complaints from parents of some of his talented 9- and 10-year-olds, Design/Art Director upset that they would be forced to either play events with lower compres - Kristine Thom sion balls, or play up to stay with the yellow ball. Contributing Editors The pro had other reservations, too. The initial cost of having to buy Robin Bateman baskets of red and orange balls, having to put down taped lines to create Cynthia Cantrell Joe Dinoffer 36- and 60-foot courts—it all was a hassle. Then when the time came to Kent Oswald put permanent lines on 78-foot courts, how would adult club members Bob Patterson react? Cynthia Sherman But then, it all just clicked. Suddenly, his junior programs were boom - Mary Helen Sprecher Tim Strawn ing. And importantly, his 10 and under players were playing amazing ten - nis, hitting strokes properly because the ball was no longer bouncing over RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY their heads—and having more fun than ever. Within a couple of weeks, Corporate Offices PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 adult players didn’t even notice the lined courts. This pro did a complete Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 180—he’s now a huge proponent of 10U tennis because he can see the Email: [email protected] positive results. Website: www.racquetTECH.com He admits that for some young players, and their parents, there was Offic e Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time

a rough transition, as they fell in that range where they either had to play Advertising Director with a ball they weren’t used to, or play with older kids to stay with the John Hanna yellow ball. But he says it was something that had to happen, there had 770-650-1102, x.125 to be one group that would end up being more affected during the tran - [email protected]

sition, in order to reach the point where now, all the kids are playing with Apparel Advertising the racquets and balls that truly help them develop proper strokes and Cynthia Sherman technique. 203-263-5243 [email protected] What’s important is that this pro says “mandating” these changes, and working through the rough patch to get to the other side, was the right Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per thing to do—if it hadn’t been required, then pros wouldn’t do it. year: monthly January through August and combined From my perspective, anything we can do to get more people playing issues in September/October and November/ December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO Box 3392, this game is a good thing, and 10U tennis gets more people into the Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage paid at game. Kids have a lot of options when it comes to sports, and getting Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS them involved in tennis earlier, and actually playing the game and enjoy - #004-354). April 2013, Volume 41, Number 4 © ing it, is a huge key in keeping them playing throughout their lives. It cre - 2013 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are ates players, frequent players, and tennis consumers. trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone The bottom line about 10U tennis is the bottom line… it simply makes advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation good business sense. If you’re a tennis provider and you haven’t yet got - and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send ten involved in 10 and Under Tennis, you need to take a second look at address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box how it can help your business. 3392, Duluth, GA 30096.

Peter Francesconi Editorial Director RSI is the official magazine of the USRSA, TIA,and ASBA

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

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INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS PTR Symposium USTA Study Shows Positive Influences of Tennis Set for May STA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the USTA, recently released the results of the The 2013 PTR Interna - USTA Serves Special Report, “More Than a Sport: Tennis, Education and Health.” The study, con - tional Tennis Symposium Uducted among high school students, is the first nationwide study to analyze the educational, & Championships will be behavioral and health benefits to adolescents who participate in tennis. April 30 to May 6 at the Results from the study show that, when compared to non-athletes and participants in many other newly renovated Sonesta sports, young people who participate in tennis get better grades, devote more hours to studying, think Resort on Hilton Head more about their future, aspire to attend and graduate from college, and Island, S.C. have lower suspension and expulsion rates. The Symposium attracts Key findings from the report include: tennis teachers and w Tennis is a unique catalyst for educational advantage. Tennis players coaches from more than spent more time doing homework, and were more likely to report 50 countries. Many of receiving “A” grades. A full 48% of students in the report have an “A” the industry’s notable average and 81% say they will attend college. speakers, including Dr. Jim Tennis players had significantly lower rates of suspension from school Loehr, Pat Etcheberry, w Butch Staples, Leo Alonso, and other disciplinary measures than participants in other sports and Lorenzo Beltrame, Doug non-athletes. Cash, Mike Barrell, Anne w Educational advantages among tennis players occurred across all Davis, Michele Krause, socioeconomic levels. Jorge Capestany and Dr. w Adolescent tennis players are well-rounded. Participation rates within Mark Kovacs, will be extracurricular activities and community involvement were higher among the more than 50 among adolescent tennis players. In fact, 82% volunteer in their com - presenters who will con - munities. duct classroom and on- Tennis contributes to adolescent health. Tennis players reported lower court presentations. w Subjects range from 10 rates of unhealthy behavior such as drinking and smoking, and are less and Under Tennis to ten - likely to be overweight or become obese. nis business to teaching w Adolescent participation in tennis varies by race/ethnicity and gender, as well as across geographic tactics and techniques. regions. Among all adolescent tennis players in the U.S., whites constituted 77%, Hispanics 14%, and There is also a special African-Americans 9%. high school coaches’ “While most people may not be surprised to learn that the majority of adolescent tennis players score track sponsored by the better than most other athletes (and all non-athletes) on education and social behavior, what is less USTA that will be held known is that those benefits also cross all socioeconomics levels in varying degrees,” said Deborah Slan - over the weekend to er Larkin, executive director of USTA Serves. “Hopefully, this evidence-based research will encourage accommodate scholastic schedules. more educators, health policy makers and parents to promote tennis in physical education classes as well as in school and community-based sports programs.” The PTR International For the full executive summary and report, visit www.ustaserves.com. Championships, held in conjunction with the Symposium, will start on IART Schedules 2013 Stringers Symposium in Florida April 30. The Symposium also offers a Tennis Trade he International Alliance of Racquet Technicians (formerly GSS) will hold its 2013 training sympo - Show. Professional Devel - sium Sept. 21-25, again at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa, Fla. The event will offer a variety of semi - opment Courses will be Tnars covering all aspects of racquet service, including a four-hour specialty course on customization. held May 1, 6 and 7. Other seminars include beginning, intermediate, and advanced stringing plus the Wilson speed-stringing Visit ptrtennis.org for contest. Supplemental courses on business planning, marketing strategies through social media, USRSA information or to register. and ERSA certification testing, and 10 & Under Tennis are also planned. For information, contact IART founder Tim Strawn at [email protected] or 540-632-1148. www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 APRIL 2013

S RSI’s ‘30 Under 30’ Presented by CareersInTennis.com Tennis Racquet Performance

W ominate now for Racquet Sports Industry’s “30 Under 30” honors, recognizing some Specialty Stores E N

N of the young movers and shakers in the tennis industry. The 30 individuals we pick January - December, 2012 vs. 2011

Y will be featured in an upcoming special section in the magazine. UNITS 2012 731,346 R

T RSI’s “30 Under 30” section is presented by CareersInTennis.com, the industry’s 2011 719,490

S largest database for connecting job seekers with tennis employers. The TIA’s free % change vs. '11 2% U Careers in Tennis initiative had over 40,000 website views in 2012 and has more than DOLLARS 2012 102,432,000 D

N 1,000 tennis-specific job postings. Nearly 2,000 job seekers are registered on the site, 2011 101,748,000 I which also has 200 registered employers posting jobs—all for free. % change vs. ’11 1% Anyone can nominate potential “30 Under PRICE 2012 $140.06 30” honorees (you can even nominate yourself), 2011 $141.42 and nominees can come from any segment of % change vs. ’11 -1% this industry. Nominees can even be volunteers in tennis; they don’t have to be employed in this industry. The only restriction is that the nominee Top-Selling Racquets cannot have turned age 30 before June 1, 2013. at Specialty Stores To nominate, send us a brief email by April 1 By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-Dec. 2012 describing your choice for “30 Under 30” hon - Best Sellers ors. Also include the nominee’s birthday (month 1. Babolat Aero Pro Drive GT (MP) and year is fine) if you know it, and con - 2. Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 (MP) tact information for both you and the 3. Wilson BLX Juice (MP) nominee. Put “30 Under 30” in the subject 4. Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2012 (MP) line and email [email protected]. 5. Babolat Pure Drive GT (MP

Five Programs Named as USTA Certified Regional Centers “Hot New Racquets” (introduced in the past 12 months) STA Player Development announced that five junior development programs have 1. Babolat Pure Drive GT 2012 (MP) Ustarted new, three-year agreements to serve as USTA Certified Regional Training 2. Wilson BLX Juice (MP) Centers (RTCs). The programs will train junior players in four USTA sections. 3. Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2012 (MP) Eagle Fustar Tennis Academy in Santa Clara, Calif. (USTA Northern California), Dar - 4. Babolat Pure Drive 107 2012 (OS) ling Tennis Center in Las Vegas, Nev. (USTA Intermountain), and T Bar M Racquet Club 5. Wilson BLX Juice (OS) in Dallas (USTA Texas) each are renewing their partnerships as USTA Certified Regional Training Centers, Five Seasons Sports Club in Northbrook, Ill. (USTA Midwest) and The Smiths, LLC., in Indianapolis, Ind. (USTA Midwest), are joining the USTA Certified Regional Training Top-Selling Tennis Shoes Center network, setting the total number of USTA Certified Regional Training Centers at Specialty Stores across America to 17. By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-Dec. 2012 As USTA Certified RTCs, the programs will enhance the training and development 1. Prince T22 of junior players in their respective areas of the country. USTA Player Development will 2. Adidas Adipower Barricade 7 use these partnerships as vehicles to educate and collaborate with junior tennis coach - 3. Asics Gel Resolution 4 es in these four USTA sections to work toward developing the next generation of world- 4. Babolat Propulse 3 class Americans. 5. Nike Zoom Breathe 2K11 NY Knicks’ Chandler Praises Allen Fox’s ‘The Winner’s Mind’ Top-Selling Tennis Strings ew York Knicks center Tyson Chandler, in an article in at Specialty Stores Nthe New York Times in February, said that Dr. Allen By year-to-date units, Jan.-Dec. 2012 Fox’s book, “The Winner’s Mind: A Competitor’s Guide to 1. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraflex Sports and Business Success,” helps him collect his 2. Babolat RPM Blast thoughts and perform at his best. 3. Wilson NXT “I recently read ‘The Winner’s Mind,’ by Allen Fox,” Chan - 4. Wilson Sensation dler was quoted as saying. “It calmed me because it put me in 5. Luxilon Alu Power a place where I had the satisfaction that I’m working towards my goal. And then I could go on to the next day.” “The Winner’s Mind” is published by Racquet Tech Publishing and available in the online store at racquettech.com. (Source: TIA/Sports Marketing Surveys)

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS

USTA President Keith Evans Named Aer-Flo Sales Manager Dave Haggerty Sends Aer-Flo Inc., manufacturer of the Tuffy windscreen, has named Keith Evans as its ‘Chairman’s Update’ national sales manager of its Tennis Division. A former NCAA All American at the University of Mississippi, Evans played on the ATP Tour for six years and won 17 pro n late February, new USTA Chairman satellite events. A USPTA-certified pro, Evans has served as tennis director at five private Iof the Board and President Dave clubs over the last 14 years, most recently at the University Club of Memphis. Haggerty sent out his first “Chair - “Keith understands the many demands on club professionals and college coaches, man’s Update” to USTA volunteers which will be helpful as he manages Aer-Flo’s nationwide network of tennis equipment and staff. Here is part of what he had dealers,” says Aer-Flo President Bill Henning. Aer-Flo is headquartered in Bradenton, to say: Fla., with a second production plant in Anniston, Ala. “Since I assumed my new role in January, you know that one of the top priorities of my administration will be communication. It is vitally important to me that all of us within the USTA commit ourselves to keeping all lines of communication open among ourselves and among our constituents and part - ners in the sport. It is only through open dialogue that we can learn from each other and improve as an associa - tion, as a sport, and individually. To that end, I will be sending out these “Chairman’s Updates” on a regular basis, so that all of you will be aware of our activities, priorities, and the vari - ous important developments in the sport that impact us as an association. “In terms of priorities, I want to stress that we have one set of five pri - orities that are uniform and consistent across all areas of the USTA. This is the best and only way to maximize our efforts and ensure that all staff and vol - unteers are aligned with our mission. These five priorities will be structured upon the foundation of Leadership, Management and Partnership, and include: 1) Listening and communicating effec - tively. 2) Embracing and leading change. 3) Growing tennis participation. 4) Improving our financial perform - ance. 5) Focusing on fewer things and doing them better. “These are the things that matter, because these are the things that will make our sport and the USTA stronger, more robust and more vital. You’ll be hearing more from me on each of these areas, but this is an outline by which we must shape all that we do going for - ward. If we do, then we will have a bright future.”

www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 APRIL 2013

S PEOPLEWATCH

W • Dutch wheelchair tennis phenom Esther Vergeer, 31, has retired from the winning streak to 665 straight days with a win at the 2013 Winter Classic in E game. She leaves pro tennis with an active win streak in singles of 470 Kansas in late February. She now has a record 17 straight titles on the Ladies N

Y matches, her last loss coming in January 2003. She lost only 18 sets during Professional Racquetball Tour.

R that streak and won more than a third of her sets by a 6-0 score. T

S • Head Penn junior racquetball sensation Jordan Cooperrider of Florida won

U • After reaching a career-high ranking of No. 6 on the International Rac - the Women’s State Open title at the Florida State Racquetball Champi - D quetball Tour in early February, Head Penn’s Tony Carson of Denver, along onships recently. She plays with the Head Scorpion 170 frame. N

I with his partner, won the 2013 Men’s Doubles National Championship and captured his first USA Racquetball National Adult title. With the win, Carson • After their contracts with IMG expired at the end of last year, Rafael earned a one-year appointment to the USA Racquetball National Team Pool. Nadal and his longtime manager, Carlos Costa, started a new company that will manage athletes, including tennis players, soccer players and golfers. • Frenchman Brice Leverdez, playing his first tournament with the new Wil - son Recon badminton racquet in February, won his sixth men’s singles title in • Ashaway Racket Strings has announced the addition of New a row at the French National Badminton Championships. Zealand's rising squash star, Joelle King, to its roster of spon - sored players. King currently is ranked No. 7 on the Women's • Head Penn racquetballer Paola Longoria of Mexico extended her match Squash Association World Tour.

Stringlet Expands to Canada Wilson Partners With TGA tringlet Brand magnetic tennis string bracelets has expanded to Canada via Premier Youth Tennis Sits work with the Ontario Tennis Association and retail launch at Ontario’s ilson Tennis has formed an The Merchant of Tennis shops. The Stringlet (www.stringlet.net) is a durable Wexclusive partnership with and feather light magnetic tennis string bracelet constructed of colorful synthet - TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA) ic gut string and a powerful magnetic clasp and made for tennis players and in a deal that includes Wilson becoming the fans. official equipment and apparel provider for Stringlet comes in 27 varieties to represent team colors, player favorites, TGA programs and providing funding to country colors or tournament colors. Custom options are also available for qual - TGA’s 501c3 Foundation. The deal includes ified partners. Contact [email protected]. Wilson providing 10 and Under Tennis equip - ment and apparel for TGA’s programming. “The partnership is a great fit for Wilson Racquet Sports and our shared vision to attract more youth participation,” said Jon Muir, general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “TGA’s pathway programs have proven to be successful in providing youth an entry into sports and the tennis industry.” The partnership will include Wilson con - Indian Wells OKs Tennis Garden Expansion tributing funds over the next three years to he Indian Wells City Council has OK’d a $70 million expansion of the Indian the 501c3 TGA Sports Foundation in an ongo - TWells Tennis Garden, home of the BNP Paribas Open. The expansion is part ing effort provide all youngsters access to the of a five-year plan aimed at boosting attendance to 500,000 people. The 2012 sport of tennis through school-based pro - event drew about 370,000 fans. grams and beyond. The goals of the TGA The proposal includes an 8,000-seat stadium built 27 feet sunken into the Foundation are to develop under-resourced ground; an additional 2,000 parking spaces; three restaurants; and more than and special needs youth by making tennis 700 palm trees to keep the garden feel. accessible in all communities while transi - BNP Paribas Open CEO Ray Moore said the project should be completed in tioning students and families to local tennis about 10 months, in time for the 2014 tournament. facilities and USTA programming. “This is a partnership that will impact the long-term growth of the tennis industry,” ✘ Correction said Joshua Jacobs, co-founder and CEO of The phone number to order “Tennis Courts: A Construction and TGA Premier Youth Tennis. “We are already Maintenance Manual” listed on page 28 of the March issue should be working with Wilson to develop opportuni - 866-501-2722. The manual also can be downloaded as a pdf at ties for our franchises to grow tennis in the www.sportsbuilders.org. communities we serve.” For more informa - tion on TGA, visit www.playtga.com.

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS Roddick, Stephens Top WTT Player Draft ormer world No. 1 Andy Roddick was Fthe top pick recently in the Mylan World TeamTennis Marquee Draft. Rod - dick will play for the Springfield Lasers. Sloane Stephens, a young American who is currently ranked No. 17 on the WTA Tour, was selected by the Philadel - phia Freedoms with its first-round pick. The newest Mylan WTT franchise, Texas Wild, will bring the world's best doubles team to their new home court in Irving, Texas. The Wild, who relocated to Texas this year after 20 seasons in Kansas City, protected the rights to Bob and Mike Bryan who are back for their 11th season. Venus Williams, who led the Wash - ington Kastles to its second straight undefeated season and championship title in 2012, returns to the nation's cap - ital for her 10th Mylan WTT season. The three-time champion Kastles will be tak - ing a 32-match win streak into its 2013 season opener. Two of the top Americans on the ATP Tour will once again play for the Sacra - mento Capitals. The Caps protected their rights to Sam Querrey and Mardy Fish. The eight WTT teams will compete in two conferences during the regular sea - son, which concludes on Wednesday, July 24. The 2013 Mylan WTT Finals will be contested on the home court of the Eastern Conference Champions. For more information, visit www.WTT.com.

Congratulations To the Following For Achieving MRT Status

New MRTs Matthew Bolin Concord, NC

New CSs Cameron Davitt San Diego, CA Cole O'Neill Argyle, TX Michael Vernon Sunnyvale, CA

www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11 APRIL 2013

S SHORT SETS W > Unique Sports has announced multi-year its official apparel sponsor for the tournament. As Rafael Nadal. IMG also runs tournament sand E Tourna Grip agreement with top-ranked ITF part of the agreement, Antigua will outfit the offi - other events. N

Y junior Taylor Townsend of Georgia. Townsend, cials, staff, volunteers and ball kids in addition to R who recently turned pro, joins fellow WTA having a retail presence on site. Rich Johns of Saratoga Springs, NY, RSI’s T >

S Tour Tourna Grip endorsees Christina McHale, 2009 High School Coach of the Year, has U Yaroslava Shevedova, Genie Bouchard and The Middlebury (Conn.) Racquet Club hosted launched a new website, www.actwithrespectal -

D >

N Alexa Glatch, among others. a fund-raising event, Serving Up for Sandy Hook, ways.com. The Act With Respect Always cam - I in late January, after the elementary school paign he created has picked up the endorsement > The U.S. Fed Cup team will host Sweden in tragedy. "As a club that serves a number of sur - of Duke University basketball coach Mike the 2013 Fed Cup World Group Playoff April rounding communities, we have many members Krzyzewski. 20-21 in Delray Beach, Fla. Winning nations and several staff from Newtown," said Patricia in the World Group Playoff qualify for the Decker, owner of the Middlebury Racquet Club. > Volkl has launched its new website at volkl - 2014 World Group to compete for a Fed Cup "We are grateful that we have the opportunity to tennis.com. title. The U.S. fell to Italy, 3-2, in the 2013 support the healing process in these communities World Group first round in Rimini Feb. 9-10. by coming together through the sport of tennis." > Emirates Airlines is extending its sponsorship More than 450 people attended the event that of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, CA, > The Sarasota Open, a USTA Pro Circuit raised more than $6,500. until 2015. Emirates has been the Official Airline event, will now be called The Nick Bollettieri of the tournament since 2010. Sarasota Women’s Open. It will be April 13-21 > Reports say that the sports management com - at the Longboat Key Club. pany IMG is up for sale, possibly worth more than > Second-seeded Kenyon upset top-seed $2 billion. Among its tennis clients are Novak Emory on Feb. 24 to win the ITA Division III > For the second consecutive year, the Fam - Djokovic and Maria Sharapova; the company National Men's Team Indoor Championship, held ily Circle Cup has named Antigua Apparel as recently lost management of Roger Federer and at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. Infographic Shows Increases in 10U Statistics n the most recent USTA/TIA ten - Inis participation study, the age demographic that saw the greatest percentage increase in 2012 was young players 6 to 11, which increased 13% from 2011. Clearly, messages about 10 and Under Ten - nis are reaching kids, their parents, and tennis providers—and all of that is having a positive influence in other industry segments, too.. For instance, there are now more than 10,000 courts in the U.S. lined for youth tennis, includ - ing standalone 36- and 60-foot courts and blended lines on 78- foot courts. Sales of red, orange and green balls and graduated rac - quets continue to increase, as does the number of facilities offering 10 and Under Tennis programs and the number of kids in youth tennis competition. The USTA recently produced the infographic at left to showcase some of the latest stats to tennis providers.

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS US Open Series Events Coordinate Ticket Sales ickets for all nine of the 2013 Emi - Trates Airline US Open Series events went on sale in March at www.emi - ratesusopenseries.com—the first time that US Open Series events are coor - dinating their ticket sales. The USTA is running a national marketing cam - paign to push the Series, as well as a satellite media tour with American teenager Sloane Stephens, who is cur - rently ranked No. 17 on the WTA Tour. Now in its 10th season, the Series consists of: w July 22-28: Bank of the West Classic, Stanford, CA w July 22-28: BB&T Atlanta Open, Atlanta, GA w July 29-Aug. 4: Mercury Insurance Open, Carls - bad, CA w July 29-Aug. 4: Citi Open, Washington, DC w Aug. 5-11: Rogers Cup, Toronto, CAN w Aug. 5-11: Rogers Cup, Montreal, CAN w Aug. 11-18: Western & Southern Open, Cincin - nati, OH w Aug. 18-24: New Haven Open at Yale, New Haven, CT w Aug. 18-24: Winston-Salem Open, Winston- Salem, NC

www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13 Tennis Coaching How the GPTCA Is Changing

Coaching and Pro Tennis BY PAUL FEIN

ou may not have heard of the The GPTCA’s mission is “to unify all players. Level C is intended for coaches Global Professional Tennis Coach world-class coaches in one association for working with junior and Futures-level Association, but sooner or later this the first time in history and to foster high - players. new organization will come to an acade - er standards of professionalism and Ymy, club or tournament near you. The ethics,” says Castellani. GPTCA grew out of an idea that Alberto The association is already represented IGn PApTrilC, GAPT CAo cuourrsees swill be conduct - Castellani and Dirk Hordorff had bandied in 40 countries by national presidents who ed in Morocco, Germany and Brazil, around for years. Why not assemble a are well-known and respected in the ten - while Italy, Germany and France will host group of world-class coaches to teach less nis coaching profession. A complete list of sessions in May. During the rest of 2013, experienced coaches the finer points and the presidents and members, plus other the U.S., Russia, Spain, Serbia, Taiwan, subtleties of the game? With their exper - important information, appears on the Myanmar, Dubai, Colombia and Finland tise, a corps of local coaches could GPTCA website (gptcatennis.org) and on will have courses. The GPTCA recently improve aspiring pro players and help their Facebook page. finalized an agreement with Patrick take world-class tennis to a high - Mouratoglou, Serena Williams’ er, even more exciting level. coach, to hold courses at his Their ideas came to fruition famous tennis academy near when the GPTCA was founded at Paris. a meeting of renowned tennis The GPTCA’s growing prestige coaches during the US Open in in the tennis-teaching world was 2011. “The meeting exploded underscored when it and the Pro - with ideas, proposals, and com - fessional Tennis Registry signed mitments,” recalls Rainer an agreement to partner from Schuettler. “The idea to go to the 2013 through 2015. The PTR has ATP and ask for their certifica - approximately 14,000 members tion came straightaway, and that in 117 countries. PTR CEO Dan was one of the many Santorum says, “It’s a good com - brilliant ideas the meeting At the Australian Open, Dirk Hordorff (from left), PTR bination because they’re dealing generated.” board member Leo Alonso, Dan Santorum, and GPTCA's with information about how to Castellani, a 64-year-old Ital - Giorgio Di Palermo agreed to a two-year partnership. coach on the tour. And the perfor - ian, became GPTCA’s first presi - mance education we provide is dent. He has coached the Moroccan According to Schuettler, GPTCA coach - more detail- and technical-oriented. So Davis Cup team, Janko Tipsarevic, Ivo es are focusing on the three most impor - we felt we could help them and they Karlovic, and 1992 Olympic gold medal - tant areas in professional tennis: could help us. ist Marc Rosset. technique, mental strength, and physical “High-profile coaches Toni, Dirk, Rain - Hordorff, Toni Nadal, and Schuettler skills. “In the next 10 years, every stroke er, Alberto and others will be affiliated were named to the GPTCA’s board. Hor - will become better because everyone will with PTR and also be speakers at our dorff is No. 9-ranked Tipsarevic’s current work to make strokes even more sound conventions. That raises the profile of the coach and guided Schuettler for many and efficient,” Schuettler predicts. PTR, and we want our members to be as years. Nadal is superstar Rafael Nadal’s The GPTCA accredits three levels of educated as possible.” w uncle and only coach. Schuettler is the coaching proficiency. Level A certification 2003 Australian Open finalist and former is attained solely on the basis of achieve - Paul Fein has received more than 30 writ - world No. 5. ments, such as coaches of Grand Slam ing awards and authored three books, Ten - Supplementing that leadership nucle - winners or runners-up, coaches who nis Confidential: Today’s Greatest Players, Matches, and Controversies ; You Can us are knowledgeable and experienced reached at least Grand Slam finals as ten - Quote Me on That: Greatest Tennis Quips, coaches Jose Perlas, Marcos Gorriz, Jean- nis players, and all former Top 10 players. Insights, and Zingers ; and Tennis Confiden - Philippe Fleurian, Claudio Pistolesi, Boris Levels B and C certification is gained tial II: More of Today’s Greatest Players, Sobkin, Alexander Waske, and Larri Pas - through successful completion of courses. Matches, and Controversies . Fein is also a sos, who guided Gustavo Kuerten to three Level B is designated for coaches working USPTA-certified teaching pro and coach French Open titles. with Grand Slam, ATP and Challenger-level with a Pro-1 rating.

14 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com & Retail Sales Expiration of Payroll Tax-Cut Holiday May Impact Your Business

BY RYAN MELTON

ccording to a recent survey con - w 25% say they’ll delay the purchase of ducted by the National Retail luxury items. Federation, over 70% of Ameri - w 46% indicate they will simply spend cans are planning to adjust their spend - less overall. Aing due to the recent expiration of the What does this mean for tennis payroll tax-cut holiday. In fact, 46% of retailers? Chances are, your business is consumers indicated they will be spend - likely to see some impact from the pay - ing less overall in 2013 because of the roll tax-cut holiday expiration in one bite out of their take home pay, while form or the other. But the key to reduc - others say they’ll delay purchases and ing its impact is to plan ahead. watch for sales more often. This may If you are planning to put products clearly affect tennis retail, too. on sale prices in 2013, consider extend - The tax-cut holiday expiration will ing how long those sales run. Also keep impact consumers’ take-home pay by in mind that ultimately, your shoppers roughly 2%. For the average household have less money to spend on discre - income earning $50,000, that's a direct tionary purchases, so they will be more impact of $1,000 a year, and even attentive to when sales are running. more in households with higher annual You can also capitalize on this height - incomes. ened attention to retail sales by effec - “A smaller paycheck due to the fis - tively communicating your sales to cal cliff deal early last month, higher gas your customers through various mar - prices, low consumer confidence and keting channels and media. ongoing uncertainty about our nation’s In addition, think about the compet - fiscal health is negatively impacting con - itive advantages you may have over sumers and businesses across the coun - other retailers. Keep in mind, a quarter try,” said NRF President and CEO of all shoppers will comparison shop Matthew Shay. “We cannot grow the more in 2013. You need to focus on nation’s economy until consumers con - your competitive advantages during sume. Every day we hear about building these times and capitalize on them to the middle class. We can only do that if ensure that consumers complete the we tear down barriers that prevent con - sale at your store. sumers from investing their hard-earned Another key factor to consider are money back into our nation’s economy. your inventory levels. Considering that It’s really that simple.” (Visit nrf.com for 46% of consumers plan to spend less more details.) overall in 2013 to help offset the Some key points from the NRF impact of the payroll tax-cut holiday report relative to retailers include: expiration, appropriately monitoring w Of those who say they will spend less your inventory levels will become in 2013, 25% say they’ll do so by extremely important. w "comparison shopping" more. Ryan Melton is the Operations Manager for w 36% say they’ll watch for sales more the Tennis Industry Association. Industry often. research, and interpreting the data, are 24% say they’ll delay major w among the areas he deals with at the TIA. purchases.

www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15 TIA State of Total Tennis Economy Grows the Industry Due in Spring 3.1% in 2012 to $5.57 Billion A spring release is planned for The total value of the U.S. tennis economy grew by just the third edition of the TIA's over 3% last year, up to $5.57 billion. The data stems from State of the Industry report. the Tennis Industry Association's annual "Economic The 2013 edition will Index," created to evaluate the total worth of the U.S. synthesize data from tennis industry to the overall economy. The 2012 index the past year that the TIA value measured 101, meaning the industry is in a collects through its nearly slightly better position than it was in 2008 when the 80 surveys and research first Economic Index value was released. studies into an easy-to-read According to advanced estimates from the Bureau report. of Economic Analysis, real GDP in the U.S. grew 2.2% in 2012, indicating the growth in the tennis The State of the Industry economy outpaced growth in the overall economy takes a top-level view of a by nearly 1%. variety of trends and segments Helping drive growth in the 2012 Tennis in the industry to tell a Economic Index value over 2011 (which was comprehensive "story" of the $5.4 billion) was the 4% growth in total tennis tennis industry. The report will participation, 10% growth in frequent players, analyze the tennis industry via and increases in lesson revenue from teaching four segments: professionals and in sponsor revenue and • The Economy and Tennis- spectator spending at pro tournaments. The This section will include trends in increase in spectator spending was a large contributor to the Dow Jones Industrial Average the Economic Index's growth in 2012. and the Consumer Confidence "2012 was a good 'rebounding' year for the tennis industry," says TIA Index and compare those to Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. "We saw growth in overall participation overall trends in the tennis and an increase in frequent players, the industry's key revenue generators, which had been down or flat the previous few years." economy with the TIA Economic Player spending on equipment in 2012 was up about 5% over 2011 and Index. wholesale dollars shipped into the market were up 7%. Although neither • Demand-Among other areas, of these values have reached the pre-recessionary levels seen in 2008, this section will highlight they nonetheless helped contribute to the overall growth seen in the TIA participation trends as well as Economic Index. playing habits of the industry's "What we've seen in the overall economy is a normalization of consumer key revenue driver, frequent and commercial spending," says Keith Storey, Vice President of Sports players. Marketing Surveys USA. the TIA's research partner. "Consumers have learned to cope with lower discretionary income and businesses have • Supply- The report will highlight adapted to become leaner and more efficient. These more sustainable trends in wholesale shipments for growth rates of 2% to 3% that we are seeing in tennis and overall U.S. GDP manufacturers, trends affecting are typical of what we have expected and are likely to continue into 2013." the retail market, tennis facility A complete overview of the TIA Economic Index will be included in the performance, business trends 2013 TIA State of the Industry, which is slated for release in early spring. from court contractors, and the For more information on TIA research, contact Ryan Melton, TIA Operations current state of the industry Manager, at (843) 473-4490 or via email at [email protected]. from the perspective of teaching professionals. • Competitive Tennis-This section TIA Cost of Doing Business Report Slated for Release will highlight competitive tennis at the recreational, collegiate, and professional levels. Every two years the TIA releases areas in which they may be able to its Cost of Doing Business Study improve. This year's report should The State of the Industry report is for Tennis Retailers, providing be released by spring and will be an annual release made available key performance indicators and available to Associate TIA Members to TIA Industry Level members and other industry averages. Retailers and above. To reserve a copy ofthis above. For information on how to who utilize the report have the year's Cost of Doing Business Tennis obtain a copy when it is released, opportunity to see how they are Retailer report, contact TIA Retail contact the TIA at research@ performing against the rest of the Manager Marty Mohar at 843-473- tennisindustry.org or 866-686-3036. retail landscape, as well as identify 4505 or [email protected].

16 RACQU ET SPORTS INDUSTRY April 2013 Join t he TIA ... Increase Your Profits .. . Grow the Game . .. www.Tennislndustry.org PlayTennis.com Relaunches With New Look and Feel

Are you ready to move your business up a level? The relaunch of PlayTennis.com this spring offers a new look and feel, and will help to make it easy for consumers to get into the game and find playing opportunities, partners, equipment, lessons, courts and more. All the major tennis companies and organizations are supporting PlayTennis.com, which is a free, "brand neutral" site that focuses on increasing tennis play and business. Tennis providers-teaching pros, retailers, facilities, court builders, etc.-need to make sure they're a part of PlayTennis.com, and they can easily do so by updating or creating their free provider listing. "One of the unique aspects of this industry is our unified effort to promote this sport, which also helps to promote your business," says TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. "One way the TIA does this is by maintaining the free GrowingTennis System, the industry's largest database of local tennis providers. The information in this database is available to consumers through search engines and tennis websites, so when potential customers are looking for a place to play, buy equipment, take lessons, or more, they can easily find your business." To make sure your information in the GrowingTennis System is accurate and up to date, the TIA recently sent out a Facility and Retail Census to providers across the country, with easy to use links to update information. If you missed the email, you can quickly and easily update or create your free database listing by going to GrowingTennis.com. "We want people to play tennis- that's the simple message of PlayTennis.com," says TIA President Greg Mason. "It's a message that's the core of this industry and something we all should get behind." Retailers Consider romotions to Boost Business At meetings in New York City in • Try tennis for free: A lso a topic early March, the TIA and a among retailers was a possible group of tennis retailers "try tennis for free" promotion, considered ways to help which would be designed to bring boost the retail business people into stores and tennis in the U.S. faci I ities. "We want to help • "Tennis event": A national "tennis retailers bring more event" exclusively for pro/specialty customers into their stores retailers also was discussed, which and generate more sales," would involve presentations and says TIA Executive Director educational seminars for retailers Jolyn de Boer. "The ideas we along with manufacturers displaying discussed in New York, and products and services. many more, can help us on that • Tennis fashion show: Another path. But we'd also like to hear consideration is a possible tennis from other retailers and tennis help their business," de Boer says. fashion show, to highlight apparel providers about what they think can "We discussed a 'restring campaign' designers and manufacturers, where help promote tennis retail." Contact that would focus on changing the it could attract mainstream media t he TIA at [email protected] thinking of consumers, so that they'll coverage and help drive customers to with your reta il ideas. restring more often to get the most out tennis retailers across the country. Among the ideas considered by the of their racquets and play their best." • Tennis fan promotion: The retail retailers at the meeting were: One possibility might be to promote group also discussed a retailer/tennis • Restring campaign: "Retailers have a "personalized racquet tune-up" that fan promotion that would help connect told us getting players into their stores would send consumers to PlayTennis. consumers to pro events, such as the more often for a racquet tune-up can com to find a local retailer or stringer. Emirates Airline US Open Series.

Join the TIA ... Increase Your Profits ... Grow the Game ... www.Tennislndustry.org & Retailing

 Using ‘Benchmarks’ to Improve Your Specialty Retail Business After you have read the whole report, go n January, we talked about the TIA back and review your store’s weaknesses, improvement in Ownership & Manage - Retail Business Assessment, which is which are the immediate threats to your ment, he should commit to work on and a great way to get a check-up for retail business. This is where “benchmark - develop a passion for the retail business, your specialty retail business and ing” comes in. Benchmarking simply and project this passion to employees. Ireceive valuable input for your business means setting the standard for your retail For instance, at store closing time planning process. store performance and operations by which there are two shoppers still in the store. Taking the TIA Retail Assessment is you can measure or judge improvements. The part-time employees have had a long easy; it’s all done online and takes only In the example below, Store Operations day and grumble that they wish the shop - about 20 minutes. The assessment is and Ownership & Management should be pers would leave so they can get to the kept confidential—it’s evaluated and benchmarked against the four neutral court and play some tennis. The owner scored by independent retail consultant areas, and improved to an assessment has a golden opportunity to tell them: Gluskin Townley Group, which does not score between 40% and 64%. The bench - “We’re in the specialty retail business share the results with anyone, including mark this owner should then establish in first, and customers make it possible for the TIA itself. (To find out more about the store’s business plan for the neutral us to enjoy our sport. Our job is to deliver the TIA Retail Assessment, contact areas is improvement to an assessment an extraordinary retail shopping experi - Marty Mohar at marty@tennisindus - score of 65% or higher, into the strengths ence each and every time by making sure try.org or 866-686-3036 ext. 704.) area. they can enjoy the tennis lifestyle, too!” The Retail Assessment In your annual store investigates eight critical business plan, you need to areas of your specialty ten - Strengths & Weaknesses spell out how you are going nis retail business, all of Strengths Neutral Areas Weaknesses to correct your store operat - which are important ele - (65% or higher) (40%-64%) (39% or lower) ing weaknesses, who is ments to your store opera - Staff Recruiting & Hiring Financial Benchmarks Store Operations going to do it, what the tions and annual business Store Environment Business Technology Ownership & expected results will be and plan, including: Business & Reporting Management when you are going to Technology & Reporting, Marketing & Promotions make the improvements Financial Benchmarks, Customer Service and what the anticipated Store Operations, Staff cost will be. Recruiting & Hiring, Ownership & Man - Drilling into the detail of benchmarking, How do you measure improvements agement, Store Environment, Marketing in the assessment we are using as an exam - to the assessment benchmarks you set? & Promotions, and Customer Service. ple, let’s say this store owner has several Simple: Set up another online Retail Busi - After you take the Retail Assess - part-time employees, but his answers on ness Assessment in six months or a year, ment, you will get back a complete the Retail Assessment indicate he does not after you’ve implemented recommenda - strengths and weaknesses analysis. have a store operating manual. An operat - tions that can move up the weak and You’ll also get recommendations for ing manual would state how the owner neutral areas. w what aspects of your business to focus expects the business to be run and makes on during the year so that you can elim - sure there is consistency in the level of cus - inate the identified weaknesses that tomer service delivered whether the owner What’s Next? threaten your business, and move up is present in the store or not. In bench - The April TIA Webinar is “Merchan - the neutral operating areas. marking an assessment score between dising Your Specialty Tennis Store Your store’s strengths and weak - 40% and 64% for Store Operations, this for More Sales.” Visit TennisIndus - nesses analysis will include a chart simi - owner should commit to writing down how try.org/webinars for details and to lar to this example, which looks at each the store is be run and the level of cus - register. of the eight critical areas of a retail busi - tomer service the owner expects part-time ness. Strengths receive 65% or higher employees to consistently deliver. This is part of a series marks; neutral areas are 40% to 64%; Also, in this example, the owner indicat - of retail tips presented and weaknesses in your business ed on the assessment that he has a passion by the Tennis Industry Association and written receive marks of 39% or below. for tennis, but not an equal passion for the by the Gluskin Townley Group retail business. In benchmarking an (www.gluskintownleygroup.com).

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com -7GHTsERIES For the next generation of baseline players. Power and spin. RACQUET STRINGING

IISS TTwwoo BBeeTTTTeerr TTA Mahshter Raaacquet nnTechnic iaono consindners theee adv??antages of using two-piece stringing.

BY TIM STRAWN

ou and your customer have chosen a frame, using our stringing pattern (not a version of an ATW), you would end up Racquet Selection Map (see page 22). Now, the frame stringing the cross strings from the bottom up to the top. Some needs to be strung. For years the debate has raged on manufacturers, Yonex for instance, recommend two-piece string - among racquet technicians as to whether one-piece or two-piece ing and their intent is to make sure that you install the cross sYtringing is better. strings from top to bottom. The reasoning behind this is that the This of course, is a personal decision that every technician is yoke of the racquet (the Y-shaped piece just above the handle) is faced with from the moment they decide to take up the challenge the strongest part of the frame. Each time you install a cross of learning to string a racquet. They will, through personal expe - string the stress on the racquet builds in the direction you’re riences and encounters along the way, decide for themselves weaving. The idea is to reduce the stress as much as possible, and which method they prefer. pointing it in the direction of the strongest part of the racquet is However, one point needs to be emphasized before we pro - a good place to start. ceed: The technician’s primary goal is to see that the racquet Through the years there have been enough arguments pre - maintains its original shape after the stringing process is sented and some thoughtful insights from fellow technicians that completed. I decided to do a little digging on the subject. Here are some of We know that the racquet is going to “breathe” and the shape the things I’ve uncovered. is going to change during the stringing process. But, if you were to take measurements of the racquet before and after stringing, Tournament Stringing you want those two measurements to be as close to the same as 1) No two tournament stringing teams do things the same possible. way. Wimbledon does it one way and the US Open does it anoth - Some technicians reading this probably are already saying er way because they are two different teams. As a result, tourna - that you can’t just do one method over the other all of the time. ment stringers often have to learn something new about how For the record, they’re right. There are touring pros who prefer things are going to be done at each tournament they work at, and patterns that are rarely, if ever, used in a typical tennis shop, like this usually involves the stringing pattern. a triple-box ATW (around the world) pattern. There are also some My point here is simple: If two-piece stringing is the standard, racquets that can benefit from bottom-up installation of the cross this problem is eliminated. An industry-wide change to two-piece strings. stringing would institute a new consistency from tournament to I’m making no attempt here to circumvent other available tournament. patterns. The purpose is to point out that in the majority of cases, 2) Why is this good? Racquet technicians have enough to two-piece stringing just makes good common sense. Let’s take a worry about in high-pressure situations such as a Grand Slam closer look. stringing room. With two-piece stringing, it simplifies things at We know that on many racquets the main strings end at the the front desk and it simplifies things for the technician. There’s throat. If you were to use one piece of string and a standard never any guesswork for the technician or worrying about

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com whether or not you read the label wrong. It’s two-piece all the time. 3) In addition, tournament players are notorious for picking up a racquet and pulling on the two outside main strings to see if the tension is equal on both sides. With standard ATW patterns (and no adjustments) one of those outside mains is always going to be looser than the other because it’s a tie-off string. In the player’s mind that’s just not acceptable. Yes we have ways to offset those outer main tension differences when we do a one-piece ATW pattern, but with two-piece stringing those work-arounds are not necessary. Both outside mains are tie-off strings and therefore, the tension is the same. 4) With the popularity of hybrid stringing on the tour (and elsewhere) this argument is almost a moot point. So many players are using hybrids that two- piece stringing is more the norm than the exception today. It’s not a matter of aesthetics or whether two-piece stringing affects overall play of the racquet. Don’t believe me? Roger Federer uses a hybrid. Try convincing him that the rac - quet plays poorly when it’s strung with four knots. 5) One last point with regard to tournament stringing and that’s the elimina - tion of counting crosses. With most ATW patterns the technician has to be aware of how to start the weave on the cross strings because there’s already one cross installed at the bottom. Should I go under or over the first main with that first cross at the top? In the heat of the moment, mistakes have been made and the technician is not going to realize it until they get closer to the bottom and it becomes obvious that they started the crosses wrong. With two-piece stringing that problem is eliminated.

other advantages of Two-Piece Now that we’ve talked about tournament stringing let’s talk about some other significant points to consider concerning two-piece stringing: w For any racquet technician, working with two shorter pieces of string is easier than working with one longer piece of string. w As mentioned above, the strongest point on a racquet is the yoke. Weaving cross strings toward the yoke ensures the stress is directed toward the stronger part of the frame. w ATW patterns leave the most used/worn string in the hitting area, so this is a concern, especially with natural gut. Think about that. The strings that are going to be used to install the crosses have just been pulled along behind as the main strings are installed. They’ve endured wear that can be completely avoided prior to ever being woven into their final resting place! w It is widely believed that two-piece stringing limits frame distortion. This, in and of itself, can be a major discussion on its own. w Certain racquets are more flexible than others and they benefit from top-down cross-string installation. w Higher tensions are more likely to cause frame distortion so top-down string - ing lends an additional security of frame protection since you are weaving toward the yoke. w Installing cross strings from top to bottom on a machine with a sub-par mounting system (yes, machines differ) is safer because there’s less chance of damaging the racquet during the stringing process. So … is two-piece stringing better than one-piece? Sure, in many situations. Does it warrant becoming the de facto process we all use? We may not quite be there yet, but we seem to be headed that way. w

Contributing Editor Tim Strawn is a USRSA Master Racquet Technician and Certification Tester. He has worked for many years stringing for the pro tour (including at Wimbledon and the US Open). He is the Owner/Founder of the International Alliance of Racquet Technicians (IART) and hosts the annual IART training symposium (formerly the GSS sympo - sium). Strawn can be reached through his website at www.gssalliance.com or via email at [email protected]. w w w . r a c q u e t s p o r t s i n d u s t r y . c o m April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21 RACQUETS rraaCCQQUUeeTT SSeeLLeeCCTTIIoonn

ur exclusive Racquet Selection Map enables you tMo locationa on the gP rid, you can narrow down the racquet’s feel help your customers choose the perfect racquet foMr attributeas by chooP sing from length, size, and flex specs coded them quickly and easily, with the features and per - into the racquet number. Oformance they want. Next, look up the racquet(s) by number in the accompany - The map on the following page presents the entire perform - ing table. Note, though, that the table on these pages lists every ance racquet universe on one grid that instantly locates each new performance racquet that came out in the last 12 months . racquet compared to every other in terms of power, control, If the racquet you find on the grid is not in one of these charts, and maneuverability. Simply locate the specs of your cus - you’ll find it online at www.racquetsportsindustry.com, where tomer’s current racquet on the map, then move outward in we have the complete list of every racquet that is currently on large or small increments in the direction of the customer’s pri - the market, both the newest and the older models. mary preference—relatively more or less power, control or Your customer will now have a handful of “choice-cus - maneuverability. Once you’ve zoomed into an approximate tomized” demos. And you’ll have a satisfied customer. RACQUET SELECTION MAP KEY 1. Power/Control (columns). (formula = length 8. Racquet Quadrants and the Center of the How To Use It index x headsize x flex x swingweight) ÷ 1000. Racquet Universe. The center of the racquet universe 1. Ask questions. What are you looking for Length index calculation: 27" = 1.0, 27.5" = 1.05; is located at the intersection of the two red lines. that your current racquet does not provide? 28" = 1.1, etc. Approximately half the racquets lie to the right and left, What do you like most and least about your cur - 2. Maneuverability (rows). RDC (Babolat and half above and below these lines. The lines divide rent racquet? What are the strengths and weak - Racquet Diagnostic Center) swingweight units. the racquet universe into four color-coded quadrants – nesses of your game? 3. Racquet ID. The number in the grid correlates clockwise from top left: (1) quick power, (2) quick con - 2. Locate current racquet on map. If the to the accompanying racquet list. trol, (3) stable control, (4) stable power. These charac - racquet is not in the list, take measurements. 4. Headsize. Midsize and midplus ( ≤104 sq. in.) terizations provide a general vocabulary for comparing 3. Locating potential racquets. Depending have no indicator. racquets. on the answers to the above questions, draw an Oversize (10 5 -117 sq. in.) = •. Superoversize ( ≥ 9. Racquet Finder List. The racquet list accompany - imaginary arrow (a wide or skinny one) from 118 sq. in.) = :. ing the map identifies all the new racquets and gives your present racquet in the desired direction for 5. Length. x = extended length. Standard length additional information. For a complete list of all current power and maneuverability. (27") racquets have no indicator. frames on the map, go to RacquetSportsIndustry.com. 4. Narrowing the field. Shrink the choices 6. Flex (RDC). a = < 60; b = 60-64; c = 65-69; d The map provides specific (very narrow ranges, anyway) using the length, headsize, and flex codes to = 70-74; e = > 74. The higher the number, the swingweight, flex and power statistics, and general size match customer preferences. stiffer the racquet. and length characteristics. The racquet list specifies the 5. Selecting racquet demos. Once the choic - 7. Company. Coded by number and color. See length and size and further specifies weight, balance, es are narrowed, locate the racquets by number accompanying racquet list on the following pages. and price. in the racquet list.

New Racquets from March 2012 to February 2013 Racquet Headsize Length Weight Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail (in 2) (in.) (gm) (oz) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm 2 Formula Price

A S I C S Asics 8 0 0 - 6 7 8 - 9 4 3 5 • w w w . a s i c s a m e r i c a . c o m 1 109 109 27.25 292 10.30 35.00 13.78 74 308 2546 $189 2 116 116 27.25 277 9.77 35.50 13.98 72 293 2508 $189 3 125 125 27.50 276 9.74 36.25 14.27 73 307 2941 $189 B A B O L ABT abolat 8 7 7 - 3 1 6 - 9 4 3 5 • w w w . b a b o l a t . c o m 13 Drive Max 105 105 27.00 278 9.81 34.80 13.70 69 293 2123 $200 14 Drive Max 110 110 27.50 275 9.70 36.30 14.29 67 294 2275 $199 15 Drive Z Lite (Mostly Pink) 100 27.00 272 9.59 36.50 14.37 66 295 1947 $169 B O L T Bolt 8 7 7 - 4 3 0 - 2 6 5 8 • w w w . b o l t a d v a n c e . c o m 29 B 100 Light 100 27.13 286 10.09 32.80 12.91 62 293 1839 $215 30 B 98 Light 98 27.00 317 11.18 33.20 13.07 63 332 2050 $215

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com w w w . r a c q u e t s p o r t s i n d u s t r y . c o m April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23 New Racquets from March 2012 to February 2013 (Cont.) Racquet Headsize Length Weight Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail (in 2) (in.) (gm) (oz) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm 2 Formula Price

D O N N A DY onnay 8 0 0 - 2 6 4 - 0 5 0 9 • w w w . d o n n a y u s a . c o m 35 Formula Lite 100 100 27.00 280 9.88 34.20 13.46 66 293 1934 $229 36 Formula OS EXT 110 27.25 279 9.84 36.00 14.17 71 313 2506 $249 37 Pro One 97 (16x19) 97 27.00 325 11.46 33.25 13.09 67 318 2067 $249 38 Pro One 97 (18x20) 97 27.00 328 11.57 32.60 12.83 67 323 2099 $249 39 Pro One OS EXT 105 27.50 296 10.44 34.00 13.39 64 317 2237 $249 45 X Dual Silver Lite (27.5 inch) 99 27.50 300 10.58 34.60 13.62 66 321 2202 $229 D U N L O DP unlop 8 0 0 - 7 6 8 - 4 7 2 7 • w w w . d u n l o p s p o r t . c o m 56 Biomimetic Black Widow 102 27.00 275 9.70 33.90 13.35 68 290 2011 $150 57 Biomimetic F 2.0 Tour 95 27.00 336 11.85 32.20 12.68 67 319 2030 $210 58 Biomimetic F 3.0 Tour 98 27.00 325 11.46 32.40 12.76 63 313 1932 $210 59 Biomimetic F 5.0 Tour 100 27.00 321 11.32 32.60 12.83 71 306 2173 $210 60 Biomimetic M 2.0 95 27.00 333 11.75 31.70 12.48 73 317 2198 $210 61 Biomimetic M 3.0 98 27.00 317 11.18 33.40 13.15 66 319 2063 $210 62 Biomimetic M 5.0 100 27.00 293 10.34 34.40 13.54 69 303 2091 $210 63 Biomimetic M 6.0 102 27.00 293 10.34 33.30 13.11 69 305 2147 $210 64 Biomimetic Max 200G 98 27.00 329 11.61 32.70 12.87 67 317 2081 $210 65 Biomimetic S 3.0 Lite 98 27.00 285 10.05 35.10 13.82 66 300 1940 $210 66 Biomimetic S 5.0 Lite 100 27.00 264 9.31 36.50 14.37 67 294 1970 $210 67 Biomimetic S 6.0 Lite 105 27.25 287 10.12 34.30 13.50 70 297 2238 $210 68 Biomimetic S 8.0 Lite 105 27.25 287 10.12 34.30 13.50 70 297 2238 $210 F O X Fox 8 0 0 - P L A Y F O X • w w w . p l a y f o x . c o m 69 Evolution 2.2 100 27.00 327 11.53 31.00 12.20 60 302 1812 $150 70 Pro Class 1.9 110 27.00 347 12.24 32.00 12.60 60 323 2132 $140 71 SAR Plus 112 27.00 316 11.15 33.50 13.19 59 324 2141 $150 72 Target Plus 110 27.00 293 10.34 35.20 13.86 64 321 2260 $170 G A M M GA a m m a 8 0 0 - 3 3 3 - 0 3 3 7 • w w w . g a m m a s p o r t s . c o m 75 RZR 105 105 27.25 295 10.41 35.00 13.78 66 305 2166 $205 77 RZR 95 95 27.00 321 11.32 31.70 12.48 64 290 1763 $185 80 RZR Bubba 137 29.00 297 10.48 38.90 15.31 64 405 4261 $220 81 Thunder Power XL 100 27.50 319 11.25 32.70 12.87 68 328 2342 $190 H E A D H e a d 8 0 0 - 2 8 9 - 7 3 6 6 • w w w . h e a d . c o m 82 Youtek Extreme MP (Clear Bumper & Grommets) 100 27.00 316 11.15 33.40 13.15 66 320 2112 $190 83 Youtek Extreme Pro (Clear Bumper & Grommets) 100 27.00 330 11.64 32.30 12.72 68 320 2176 $190 84 Youtek Extreme S 107 27.00 293 10.34 34.50 13.58 70 303 2269 $190 85 Youtek Graphene Instinct MP 100 27.00 309 10.90 33.30 13.11 69 306 2111 $200 86 Youtek Graphene Instinct PWR 115 27.70 241 8.50 38.80 15.28 70 301 2593 $190 87 Youtek Graphene Instinct Rev 100 27.00 256 9.03 36.20 14.25 59 291 1717 $190 88 Youtek Graphene Instinct S 102 27.00 284 10.02 35.50 13.98 71 298 2158 $190 89 Youtek Graphene Prestige PWR 107 27.30 275 9.70 35.30 13.90 70 303 2338 $225 90 Youtek Graphene Speed MP 100 27.00 311 10.97 33.30 13.11 65 318 2067 $225 91 Youtek Graphene Speed Pro 100 27.00 333 11.75 33.00 12.99 66 338 2231 $225 92 Youtek Graphene Speed PWR 115 27.40 267 9.42 36.50 14.37 67 314 2516 $210 93 Youtek Graphene Speed Rev 100 27.00 269 9.49 35.60 14.02 62 304 1885 $210 94 Youtek Graphene Speed S 100 27.00 292 10.30 34.80 13.70 68 314 2135 $210 M A N T IMS a n t is w w w . m a n t i s - s p o r t s . c o m 106 285 100 27.00 304 10.72 32.80 12.91 68 295 2006 $169 107 300 100 27.00 312 11.01 32.80 12.91 68 306 2081 $169 108 Pro 295 98 27.00 306 10.79 33.10 13.03 62 297 1805 $189 109 Tour 305 95 27.00 316 11.15 32.40 12.76 65 301 1859 $169 110 Tour 315 95 27.00 326 11.50 31.60 12.44 66 301 1887 $169 P R I N C E Prince 8 0 0 - 2 T E N N I S • w w w . p r i n c e t e n n i s . c o m 140 EXO3 Warrior DB Team 100 100 27.00 286 10.09 35.00 13.78 64 310 1984 $169

24 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Racquet Headsize Length Weight Weight Balance Balance Flex Swingweight Power Retail (in 2) (in.) (gm) (oz) (cm) (in.) (RDC) kg x cm 2 Formula Price

S O L I N CSO olinco 3 1 0 - 9 2 2 - 7 7 7 5 • w w w . s o l i n c o s p o r t s .c o m 150 Tour 10 xtend 98 27.50 338 11.92 32.00 12.60 66 340 2309 $180 T E C N I FTIeBcRnE ifibre ( 8 8 8 ) T F T e n n i s • w w w . T F T e n n i s . c o m 153 T Fight 255 (Synergy Link) 100 27.00 275 9.70 34.25 13.48 66 281 1855 $169 154 T Fight 295 (16M Tour Prepared) 95 27.00 310 10.93 33.50 13.19 68 305 1970 $189 155 T Fight 295 MP (Synergy Link) 100 27.00 307 10.83 33.50 13.19 69 298 2056 $189 156 T Fight 305 (18M Tour Prepared) 95 27.00 317 11.18 33.40 13.15 69 310 2032 $189 157 T Fight 315 Limited (16M) 98 27.00 328 11.57 32.15 12.66 60 297 1746 $199 158 T Fight 315 Limited (18M) 98 27.00 332 11.71 32.50 12.80 59 305 1764 $199 159 T Fight 320 (16M Tour Prepared) 95 27.00 336 11.85 32.25 12.70 67 317 2018 $199 160 T Fight 325 (18M Tour Prepared) 95 27.00 338 11.92 32.25 12.70 66 317 1988 $199 163 T Rebound 265 Feel 105 27.00 284 10.02 34.25 13.48 70 295 2168 $169 164 T Rebound 295 Pro (Synergy Link) 100 27.00 313 11.04 33.75 13.29 68 309 2101 $189 V O L K L Volkl 8 6 6 - 5 5 4 - 7 8 7 2 • w w w . v o lk l - t e n n i s . c o m 168 Organix 1 115 27.80 271 9.56 36.40 14.33 72 304 2718 $300 171 Organix 10 Mid 93 27.00 334 11.78 32.50 12.80 59 318 1745 $240 172 Organix 2 115 27.60 293 10.34 36.00 14.17 70 324 2765 $260 173 Organix 3 110 27.80 286 10.09 36.00 14.17 69 322 2639 $250 175 Organix 5 100 27.13 274 9.67 34.50 13.58 68 291 2004 $190 177 Organix 7 (295g) 104 27.00 311 10.97 34.30 13.50 73 316 2399 $240 178 Organix 7 (310g) 104 27.25 316 11.15 34.00 13.39 72 318 2441 $240 181 Organix 9 98 27.00 324 11.43 32.50 12.80 66 309 1999 $230 182 Organix V1 MP 102 27.00 294 10.37 33.50 13.19 64 296 1932 $250 183 Organix V1 OS 110 27.50 302 10.65 34.00 13.39 67 317 2453 $250 W E E D Weed 8 0 0 - W E E D R K T • w w w . w e e d u s a . c o m 195 Open 135 135 27.00 265 9.35 35.40 13.94 63 286 2432 $250 W I L S O WN ilson 8 0 0 - 2 7 2 - 6 0 6 0 • w w w . w i l s o n . c o m 198 Blade Ninety Eight 16x19 (98 BLX) 98 27.00 319 11.25 33.50 13.19 67 322 2114 $230 199 Blade Ninety Eight 18x20 (98 BLX) 98 27.00 317 11.18 33.50 13.19 64 314 1969 $230 200 Blade Ninety Three (93 BLX) 93 27.00 339 11.96 32.25 12.70 67 325 2025 $230 201 Blade One Hundred Four (104 BLX) 104 27.50 307 10.83 33.75 13.29 56 309 1890 $230 205 BLX Juice 100L 100 27.00 292 10.30 36.10 14.21 74 327 2420 $220 217 BLX Steam 105 S 105 27.33 300 10.58 33.70 13.27 70 310 2354 $220 218 BLX Steam 96 96 27.25 307 10.83 34.70 13.66 67 322 2123 $220 219 BLX Steam 99 99 27.00 320 11.29 33.70 13.27 68 327 2201 $220 220 BLX Steam 99 S 99 27.00 320 11.29 33.30 13.11 70 321 2225 $220 223 Four BLX 105 27.00 258 9.10 37.00 14.57 71 297 2214 $210 224 Three BLX 117 27.50 277 9.77 37.50 14.76 41 313 1577 $260 225 Two BLX 110 27.25 239 8.43 39.50 15.55 67 305 2304 $230 Y O N E X Yonex 8 0 0 - 4 4 - Y O N E X • w w w . y o n e x u s a . c o m 231 V Core Tour 89 89 27.00 340 11.99 31.70 12.48 63 327 1833 $240 232 V Core Tour 97 97 27.00 351 12.38 32.00 12.60 66 336 2151 $240 233 V Core Xi 100 (280 Grams) 100 27.00 293 10.34 35.00 13.78 68 305 2074 $240 234 V Core Xi 100 (300 Grams) 100 27.00 312 11.01 32.90 12.95 70 297 2079 $240 235 V Core Xi 98 98 27.00 321 11.32 32.40 12.76 68 301 2006 $240 236 V Core Xi Team 98 26.88 287 10.12 34.10 13.43 65 289 1818 $190 237 V Core Xi Team + 98 27.38 295 10.41 33.90 13.35 65 305 2016 $190

w w w . r a c q u e t s p o r t s i n d u s t r y . c o m April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 26

DISTINGUISHED FACILITY-OF-THE-YEAR AWARDS

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here were nine outdoor tennis facilities that took honors in the Racquet Sports Industry/American Sports Builders Associa - tTion Distinguished Facility-of-the-Year Awards for 2012, and four of those we’re classifying as soft- court projects. The lone non-Florida winner, in California, involved building both a new clay court and a new hard court. But we’re including it here to help offset the stranglehold Florida seems to have on building award-winning soft-court facilities. We certainly applaud the number of amazing clay-court facilities in the Sunshine State and the skill of the companies building them, but we have to believe there are award-winning soft-court projects in other states, too, which we’d love to hear about (see box for details on the 2013 Facility-of-the-Year Awards). The Toscana Country Club in California is one such example. The contractor built a new fast-dry court and a new post-tensioned concrete court for Timber Pines Community Association Inc. the club. The project included site grading, utilities, Spring Hill, Fla. walls, curbing, fencing, lighting, landscaping, stor - (Nominated by Welch Tennis Courts Inc., Sun City, Fla.) age areas, walkways and tennis pavilions, and the Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc. finished project provides players with all the ameni - No. of Courts: 6 ties, including seating at the courts, shaded areas Surface: Har-Tru Sports Hydroblend and a spectator viewing area. Subsurface Irrigation: Welch Tennis HydroGrid The Doral Park Country Club in Florida added Nets, Posts: Welch Tennis four new HydroGrid courts (in two two-court batter - ies) to its existing facility. The new courts are adja - cent to the existing courts, so fencing had to be modified to provide the appearance that the whole facility was constructed during a single build. The centerpiece of the Sports Club at Mediterra is the new, recessed “coliseum court.” The club’s director of tennis, Tim Bauer, designed the court, pergola and terraced viewing area, surrounded by a stone wall and lush landscaping. The project had to overcome a flood when severe weather struck the site during construction. The Timber Pines Community Association took out asphalt courts and installed six new clay courts. For details on the 2013 Outstand - The facility was on two levels, with a retaining wall ing Facility-of-the-Year Awards, dividing the north three courts from the south contact the ASBA at 866-501- courts, so there needed to be two points of access ASBA or [email protected], for construction. —Peter Francesconi w or visit www.sportsbuilders.org.

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Doral Park Country Club Doral, Fla. (Nominated by Welch Tennis Courts Inc., Sun City, Fla.) Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc. No. of Courts: 4 Surface: Har-Tru Sports Hydroblend Subsurface Irrigation: Welch Tennis HydroGrid Windscreens, Nets, Posts: Welch Tennis Courts

The Sports Club at Mediterra Naples, Fla. (Nominated by Welch Tennis Courts Inc., Sun City, Fla.) Architect/Engineer: Global Design Specialty Contractor: Welch Tennis Courts Inc. No. of Courts: 1 Surface: Har-Tru Sports Hydroblend Subsurface Irrigation: Welch Tennis HydroGrid Windscreens, Nets, Posts: Welch Tennis Courts

Toscana Country Club Indian Wells, Calif. (Nominated by Zaino Tennis Courts Inc., Orange, Calif.) Specialty Contractor: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc. No. of Courts: 2 (1 soft, 1 hard) Surface: Har-Tru Sports, Plexipave Net Posts: Edwards Lights, Poles: Visionaire Fencing: Zaino Tennis Courts Inc. Court Accessories: Har-Tru Sports

ww w . r a c q u e t s p o r t s in d u s t r y . c o m April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 30 GET MORE KIDS ON YOUR COURT and showcase your programs by hosting a TENNIS FESTIVAL between MARCH 1sT -31sT

Be one of the first 1,200 registered Tennis Festivals and receive an event pack including a YouthTennis.com banner and items for event attendees.

Registered Tennis Festival hosts will receive: • Publicity! Tennis Festivals will be promoted within the YouthTennis.com searchable database allowing parents to find local events • Exclusive USTA Membership offer to increase program participation • Downloadable, customizable flyers, posters and press release template to promote upcoming Tennis Festival

For more information and to register youth events thr:oughout the year visit

YouthTennis.com : · :· :> ~ Get Active .... .~ .. ·. ." :' .. . ' ..... ? AYosku rt hEeq uEixppmeertns t Hotline

STRINGING NATURAL GUT PERFECT PING CHOOSING A RACQUET FOR CERTIFICATION IF YOU HAVE A SUPER oversize FOR A BETTER SERVE WHAT TRAINING DOES A stringer frame with 16 mains and 14 I WANT TO BUY A RACQUET need to go through to be proficient crosses, and a midsize frame that will improve my serve. stringing natural gut, and be prop - with 18 mains and 20 crosses, and they What attributes should I look for? erly prepared for CS certification? Any Q"ping" the same when you hit the Qadvice you can give us would be most strings, is the string bed stiffness the QBEFORE YOU BUY A NEW rac - appreciated. same on both racquets, regardless of quet, you should schedule some head size and string density? time with a serving coach. If the biome - THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR Achanics of your serve are wrong, it does - actually stringing natural gut. Com - WE ASKED STEN KAISER OF n't really matter what racquet you use. pared to other strings, you have to work appmaker.se (the programmer Your grip, toss, rhythm, timing, shoulder mAore slowly and pay attention to what's behind racquetTune and other great ten - turn, shoulder load, arm vector, contact going on. Before you start, you should nAis apps) for a technical explanation. point, and pronation are some of the key review the information we provide in Rac - “No, they are not the same. aspects that you must master first. quet Service Techniques. This and other “Take one string with a certain ten - Once your biomechanics are correct, relevant materials for certification tests are sion, and check the sound and stiffness. selecting a racquet to optimize your serve sent to applicants, so you'll receive them Then add a similar string in parallel. The is much like selecting a racquet in gener - when you apply. sound will be the same but the stiffness al. You typically want to use the heaviest You can also check the article back will be twice as high. racquet you can without altering your issues at usrsa.com, searching for “natural “If you look at a racquet you can sim - stroke timing, and for comfort and gut” (in quotes), as well as “Don’t Bust a plify the tension T and the stiffness S to: maneuverability you’ll probably want it to Gut,” which appeared in the March 2006 be head light (that is, with the balance issue of Racquet Sports Industry magazine. point of the racquet closer to the butt cap than to the head). NATURAL GUT BREAKAGE Because the racquet rotates through DURING STRINGING 180 degrees in a split second between I JUST HAD AN INCIDENT IN MY the “scratch your back” phase and shop where a set of natural gut impact, you will also have to pay atten - snapped while tensioning, halfway tion to the racquet’s swing weight, in through the mains. Is that uncommon in “A is racquet area, is string density, addition to its overall weight. This is espe - Qyour experience? What could have f is the sound frequencμy, n is the number cially true if you try an extended length caused the breakage, and what could we of strings, and C1, C2, and C3 are con - racquet. You can easily alter the swing have done to avoid such incidents? stants. The third equation comes from weight of your existing racquet through substituting the T from the top equation the application of temporary lead weights NATURAL GUT BREAKING halfway into the second equation and simplifying. inside the hoop at the 12 o’clock position. through the mains usually happens This is assuming small deformations, and The more weight you add, the higher the for one of two reasons. that all strings contribute equally to the swing weight. AFirst, there is a sharp edge inside the stiffness (which they don't, in real life). There is one racquet characteristic, grommet barrel that is damaging the gut. “As you can see from the bottom though, that will show up in the serve Depending on the condition of the grom - equation, two racquets with the same f before it shows up in your groundstrokes mets, you may be able to burnish any (ping) can have different stiffness and volleys, and that is the twist weight sharp edges using a large-diameter piece of depending on n, , and A. of the racquet. Twist weight is the rac - synthetic string that has a thin coating of “The stiffness μequation is very much a quet’s resistance to rotation in the hand wax on it, running it through the grommet simplification and only valid for small when a ball impacts away from the rac - several times to smooth the edges. deformations. For large deformations, quet’s centerline (that is, its stability). Second, there may be an issue with the e.g. when playing, it gets much more Twist weight is created by any mass that tension jaws on your machine. If the ten - complicated. This doesn't alter the con - is not on the racquet centerline, times the sion jaws are cutting too deeply into the clusion that you can't judge the stiffness square of the distance between the cen - string at a point where that section later from the sound only, but rather it under - terline and the mass. Because the mass is hits the grommet, the string can break. lines it.” multiplied by the square of the distance,

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com even fairly light racquets can be sta - ble (high twist weight) if they are wide. This is important on the serve because a biomechanically correct serve involves pronation, during which the racquet rotates around its axis. If the twist weight of your rac - quet is too high for you, either you won’t pronate properly on your serve, or you will attempt to recruit your “wrist muscles” to force prona - tion (as opposed to allowing the rac - quet to pronate naturally while you keep your wrist loose). To experi - ment with different twist weights on your existing racquet, add your tem - porary lead weights to the inside of the hoop at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions. The more weight you add, the higher the twist weight. Building consistency often means ensuring you get enough height over the net to get the ball into the other court, with enough spin to bring it down in the service box. To this end, you can experi - ment with different string bed densi - ties. USRSA testing shows that string bed stiffness is one of the most important characteristics in generat - ing spin: The higher the stiffness (whether through a dense string pat - tern or stiff strings or high string tension), the more spin potential, generally speaking. However, your particular string and tension prefer - ences and stroke production may mean you find you are more confi - dent using a racquet with a less dense string bed. The more confi - dence you have in your equipment, the looser your arm will be during stroke production, and the more racquet speed you’ll generate, so you’ll get more spin. —Greg Raven w

We welcome your questions. Please send them to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096; fax: 760-536-1171; email: [email protected].

www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 33 String Playtest Tecnifibre ATP Razor Code 16

ecnifibre ATP® Razor Code is a co- added 16 grams to the weight of our extruded polyester string. The unstrung frame. solid core utilitizes Thermocore The string was tested for five weeks technology, a Tecnifibre process to by 32 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP rat - iTmprove flexibility in polyester strings. ings from 3.5 to 5.5. These are blind The Thermocore process involves using tests, with playtesters receiving temperature control during the manufac - unmarked strings in unmarked packages. turing process to soften the string’s struc - Average number of hours playtested was ture for shock absorption and vibration 22.7. reduction. ATP Razor Code installs much like Tecnifibre’s target for this string is the other poly-based strings. We noted no advanced tournament-level player, and difficulties or special considerations. Tec - as such is offered as one of its “Perfor - nifibre recommends a 5-10% reduction mance Pro” strings alongside Black Code from your typical nylon reference ten - (July 2009 RSI), Ruff Code (Apr. 2012 sion, and we passed this along to the One playtester broke the RSI), Pro Redcode (Sep. 2006 RSI), and members of our playtest team. sample during stringing, six reported Polycode. ATP Razor Code was, however, problems with coil memory, two report - developed exclusively for the association EASE OF STRINGING ed problems tying knots, and none between Tecnifibre and the ATP — the (compared to other strings) reported friction burn. first such string from Tecnifibre — requir - Number of testers who said it was: much easier 0 ing three years of R&D. Tecnifibre’s ATP ON THE COURT players such as Janko Tipsarevic are somewhat easier 3 Our playtesters found a lot to like in ATP already switching to ATP Razor Code. about as easy 20 Razor Code, but most of all they liked not quite as easy 8 ATP Razor Code is available in the Resistance to Movement, rating it not nearly as easy 1 16/1.30, 17/1.25 and 18/1.20 in carbon 2nd best in this category of the 170 and blue. It is priced from $16 for 40- OVERALL PLAYABILITY strings we’ve playtest for publication. foot sets, $200 for 660-foot sets. For (compared to string played most often) They also gave it high marks in the Con - more information or to order, contact Number of testers who said it was: trol category (rating it 4th highest), often Tecnifibre at 888-TFTennis (888-838- much better 2 mentioning the great spin afforded them 3664), or visit tftennis.com. Be sure to somewhat better 8 by ATP Razor Code. The high-modulus read the conclusion for more information about as playable 11 polyester sheath no doubt had some - not quite as playable 8 about getting a free set to try for your - thing to do with ATP Razor Code’s 15th- not nearly as playable 3 self. highest rating in the Durability category. OVERALL DURABILITY Tecnifibre also performs a high-tempera - (compared to other strings IN THE LAB ture pre-stretch of ATP Razor Code dur - We tested the 16-gauge ATP Razor Code. of similar gauge) ing manufacture, which may have Number of testers who said it was: The coil measured 40 feet. The diameter helped it garner a 17th-best rating in much better 9 measured 1.31-1.33 mm prior to string - somewhat better 10 Tension Retention. In addition, our ing, and 1.24-1.27 mm after stringing. about as durable 10 playtest team rated ATP Razor Code We recorded a stringbed stiffness of 75 not quite as durable 2 excellent in the Power category, and RDC units immediately after stringing at not nearly as durable 1 well above average for Spin Potential. As 60 pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 a result, Tecnifibre ATP Razor Code RATING AVERAGES (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull comes in as the 16th-highest-rated string From 1 to 5 (best) machine. we’ve playtested. Playability 3.4 After 24 hours (no playing), stringbed Two playtesters broke the sample Durability (15th overall) 4.4 stiffness measured 69 RDC units, repre - Power (8th overal) 3.5 during the playtest period, one at nine senting an 8 percent tension loss. Our Control (4th overal) 3.9 hours and one at 18 hours. control string, Prince Synthetic Gut Origi - Comfort 3.1 nal Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units Touch/Feel 3.0 CONCLUSION immediately after stringing and 71 RDC Spin Potential 3.5 With years of experience making poly - units after 24 hours, representing a 9 Holding Tension (17th overall) 3.7 ester strings, on top of its decades of percent tension loss. ATP Razor Code Resistance to Movement (2nd overall) 4.3 experience making other types of premi -

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com player using Head MicroGEL Prestige MP (Gamma TNT2 16) TALK strung at 48/50 pounds CP (Tourna Big Hitter TEForS oncTe a EsoftR polyS with exceptional Blue 17) a“ll-around playability. This control string This is the best all-around poly I’ve hit does everything well, including touch! w“ith! It is the ultimate topspin string, with 4.0 male baseliner with moderate spin ” This one not only has a crisp and pre - the perfect combination of spin, control, and using Babolat AeroPro Drive GT strung at d“ictable response, the feel is decidedly above durability. It has incredible comfort for a 50 pounds CP (MSV Focus Hex 17L) average. Control and spin are top notch. One durability string. 4.0 male baseliner with of the better polys I’ve hit with. 4.0 male heavy spin using” Dunlop Aerogel 4D 1 Hun - all-court player using Babolat AeroPro Drive + dred strung at 40 pounds LO (Luxilon XP Very comparable to the soft co-poly I ” strung at 47 pounds CP (Tourna Big Hitter 16L) u“se. Extremely playable for monofilament Blue 17) control string. 4.5 male all-court play - er using Wilso”n K Blade strung at 57 Great option for string breakers. Recom - pounds LO (Wilson Enduro Pro 17) I cannot detect anything special about this m“ended to heavy hitters who want the con - s“tring. It feels like a standard polyester. 5.0 trol benefits of a poly. Big swings come male all-court player using Head Flexpoint Rad - down inside the lines! 4.0 male baseliner A pleasing and juicy feel for a co-poly, ” ical MP strung at 40 pounds CP (Polyester 16) with heavy spin using Babolat Pure Drive l“ike the kind experienced with Luxilon Alu ” Roddick strung at 60 pounds LO (Solinco Power or Babolat RPM Blast. Very pleasur - Tour Bite 16) able hit! 5.0 male all-court player using Playability is lacking. Tension does not Babolat P”ure Drive Cortex strung at 60 d“rop much but the strings do seem to lose pop (Strings normally used by testers are indicated in paren - pounds CP (Luxilon Alu Power 16L) over time. 3.5 male all-court player using theses.) For the rest of the tester comments, visit Wilson K B”lade strung at 52 pounds CP www.racquetsportsindustry.com. This string plays great after a short b“reak-in period. Comfort and power are FREE PLAYTEST high for a poly. 4.0 male all-court STRING PROGRAM player using Vo”lkl V1 Classic strung at 50 Tecnifibre will send a free set of Razor Code to USRSA pounds CP (Wilson Hyperlast Spin 17) members who cut out (or copy) this coupon and send it to: USRSA, Attn: Tecnifibre String Offer Much easier to string than most polys. T“he somewhat slippery exterior decreases PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 friction burn. This one has above average or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to [email protected] power for a poly. The spin is excellent. 5.0 male all-court player using Prince ” Offer expires 15 April 2013 • Offer only available to USRSA members in the US. EXO3 Red strung at 55 pounds LO (Wilson Name: Reaction 16) USRSA Member number:

Very impressive feel and control at a Phone: l“ower tension. Spin potential does not Email: waiver over time. After eight hours the feels diminishes. ” 4.0 male all-court If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent. um strings including its well-known polyurethane offerings, Tecnifibre has poly string manufacturing covered. And although Tecnifibre isn’t afraid to think outside the box (as shown in strings such as Promix and X-Code), even a rel - atively traditional offering such as ATP Razor Code still incorporates plenty of innovative thinking, with impressive results. If you think that Tecnifibre ATP Razor Code might be for you, fill out the coupon to get a free set to try. —Greg Raven ◗ www.racquetsportsindustry.com April 2013 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35 Your Serve Follow the Money A veteran tennis journalist says while money from Grand Slam tournaments are ‘reinvested in the game,’ the current prize money arrangement is flawed.

BY L. JON WERTHEIM

ennis’s Grand Slam champi - coaching of talented prospects. When the Majors’ make concessions onships are the four tent poles of For decades, players accepted this— to the players and increase prize the sport, the highest peaks on what should we call it?—quirk. Sure, the money—as each did in 2013 and will like - the landscape. Though the four business Majors devoted much less of their gross ly continue to do—it has consequences. mTodels are slightly different, each Major revenues to prize money than other Funding gets reduced. The federations operates as a non-profit. The proceeds tournaments; but even so the payout may have to cut staff. Fat must be from the events we’re told (and told and was much more. For the top players, trimmed. Sure, there is something dis - told) are “reinvested in the game.” their endorsements deals often con - tasteful about cutting funding so that mil - At first blush, anyway, this model is tained bonuses based on their results at lionaire pro tennis players can make still principled. Noble, even. At the pinnacle the Big Four; so that provided an eco - more millions. But how much less dis - of the sport there is an appreciation for nomic incentive. Yes, the profits were tasteful is it to ask athletes to take a pay the grassroots effort and underpinnings going to the federations of only four cut so the host federation—not even the that make it all possible. This model is countries; but those were also the coun - players’ own federation in most cases— socially responsible. This model makes tries that furnished most of the top play - can fill its coffers? us more comfortable with the vast ers. So there was an element of What happens now? Likely a cordial streams of revenue coursing briskly and noblesse oblige. game of chicken. The players will contin - conspicuously through Wimbledon and But lately, players have been less ue to gripe and threaten work stoppage. the Australian, French and US Opens. willing to accept the status quo. One The tournaments will make incremental This model is also absurd. envisions, say, Rafael Nadal, taking increases, hope to keep the barbarians at Today more than ever, the best play - stock of the US Open prize money and the gate, but operate on the assumption ers are international celebrities, able to saying: “So let me get this straight: that as long as they still offer the highest command vast sums of money for one- you’re paying less than market rate so purses on the circuit, players aren't likely night-only exhibitions, chosen by corpo - you can resurface courts in Topeka or to unify. rations to endorse products and serve as subsidize Sloane Stephens’ travel? None One would like to think—quixotically, “brand ambassadors.” There’s little of it even goes to my federation? Huh?” perhaps—that there’s a creative solution. debate that players are paid less than Or one imagines the 95 percent of the Perhaps the proceeds can be distributed market value at the Majors. But, we are non-native players at the Australian to federations in addition to those in Aus - quickly reminded, the Majors reinvest Open scratching heads and wondering: tralia, France, the U.K. and the U.S. profits, so purse increases would come “The profits I’m helping to generate are Maybe lavish federation salaries are at the expense of the little people. going toward racquets in Sydney and reconsidered and capped. And maybe Yet where else does this occur? flights juniors take from Perth to Bris - both sides devise a formula, so a certain Where do we distort the labor market bane? What?” percent of revenues are devoted to the and suppress wages in the name of phil - The players read about the terms of purses and both sides have incentive to anthropy? The fees paid to Hollywood the Majors’ TV deals. They see the rev - “grow the pie.” stars aren't stifled so that the movie prof - enue generated by suites and hospitali - Whatever, the current arrangement is its can be reinvested in the local play - ty tents and merchandising. They catch flawed. Ask the NCAA. You distort the house. Authors’ book contracts aren’t wind of lavish salaries being paid to market and you ask for trouble. w kept artificially low, so that part of the executives. Catalyzed by their tours, savings can go to school literacy pro - they have complained and even thrown L. Jon Wertheim is a senior writer for Sports grams. We don't ask NFL players to take around the dreaded B-word, boycott . Illustrated less than fair market value in order to They want a bigger slice of the pie, non- We welcome your opinions. Please email fund Pop Warner leagues and pay for the profit be damned. comments to [email protected].

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y April 2013 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

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