July 2012 Volume 40 Number 7 $5.00 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

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Contents Contents RSI JULY 2012 INDUSTRY NEWS

FEATURES 7 Babolat introduces ‘interactive’ Play & 17 State of the Industry Connect racquet The 2012 edition of this key TIA report, 7 Prince Sports reaches highlighted here, compiles data that can help you identify market trends licensing agreement and run your business better. 7 Show slated for 20 Taking Stock Aug. 24 in NYC How should you select and manage your string inventory? A longtime MRT 8 Q1 racquet sales increased offers his advice. in units, dollars 22 Stringer’s File: Lucien Nogues One of Babolat’s top stringing experts 8 Register now for USTA and racquet technician trainers talks Tennis Teachers Conference with RSI about the business of strings. 8 GSS Symposium to offer 2012 GUIDE TO special bag promotion BALL MACHINES 8 Denver set to host 86th Public Parks Championships 27 Cash Machines Of all the tools that can help your 9 TNT net tension business, your ball machine may be system used at NCAAs the most important. 28 Ball Machine Selector 10 Peoplewatch Our annual guide lists all the specs 10 Har-Tru website and features so you can pick the unit that’s best for you. receives honors 11 Ashaway adds Dynamite 17 Natural string 12 Short Sets 12 PayPal accounts seized in counterfeiting victories

DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 32 Ask the Experts 7 Industry News 34 String Playtest: Ytex Protour 15 Retailing Tip 36 Your Serve, by Kevin Theos 17 TIA News 2 2 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

Our Serve We Need a ‘Restring’ Campaign (Incorporating Racquet Tech and Tennis Industry ) Publishers t’s time we discard that old saying, “Restring your rac - David Bone Jeff Williams quet as many times a year as you play in a week, but a Editorial Director minimum of twice a year.” Let’s consider that old saw Peter Francesconi

done, dead, kaput. Associate Editor We all know that from the moment you put new strings in a racquet, Greg Raven Ithey start losing tension. Sure, some strings maintain tension longer than Design/Art Director others, and some don’t break as quickly as others. But that’s beside the Kristine Thom point. Strings go dead—that’s just what they do. They lose resiliency and Contributing Editors elasticity. They may look perfectly fine, but old strings don’t help—and Robin Bateman may hurt—a player’s game. (In fact, playing with dead strings may actu - Cynthia Cantrell Joe Dinoffer ally hurt the player, too.) Kent Oswald There’s a reason why pro players use freshly strung racquets every Bob Patterson time they play—because it helps them play at their best. Shouldn’t recre - Cynthia Sherman ational players play at their best as much as possible? Think about it: If Mary Helen Sprecher Tim Strawn rec players are playing well, and comfortably, they’ll probably play more. So here’s the thing: We need to make sure consumers know they RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY should restring their racquets more frequently. In short, we need a uni - Corporate Offices PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096 fied, industry-wide “restring your racquet” campaign. And we need to get Phone: 760-536-1177 Fax: 760-536-1171 everyone in this industry behind it—stringers, retailers, facility man - Email: [email protected] agers, teaching pros, manufacturers—even league and team captains. Website: www.racquetTECH.com The goal is for players to play better, so they’ll play more frequently. Offic e Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Pacific Time

In 2011, the 4.8 million “frequent” players spent a total of $56 million Advertising Director on strings (not including stringing)—that’s actually slightly less than what John Hanna they spent the year before, which is not a good direction to go in, partic - 770-650-1102, x.125 ularly when racquet sales slipped in 2011, too. Frequent players, of [email protected]

course, are more likely to realize the value of restringing their racquets Apparel Advertising more than the 22.3 million other “regular” players. But we all know that Cynthia Sherman many frequent players probably still use their strings longer than they 203-263-5243 [email protected] should. Now think about this: What if we were to get a million tennis players to restring their racquets just one more time each year? Can you imagine Racquet Sports Industry is published 10 times per the impact that can have on string makers, retailers, facilities, and your year: monthly January through August and combined issues in September/October and November/ business? December by Tennis Industry and USRSA, PO Box 3392, Like a car’s engine, strings “drive” a racquet. For optimum performance Duluth, GA 30096. Periodcal postage paid at in a car, you need to get the engine serviced and tuned regularly. Consumers Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offices (USPS need to realize the same is true of a racquet’s “engine.” And the interesting #004-354). July 2012, Volume 40, Number 7 © 2012 by USRSA and Tennis Industry. All rights thing with restringing is that more is always better for the player. reserved. Racquet Sports Industry, RSI and logo are Let’s put together a campaign now to urge players, at every level, to trademarks of USRSA. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone restring their racquets more frequently. It can impact this industry at advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation and editorial: 760-536-1177. Yearly subscriptions many levels, including leading to increased tennis participation. Let me $25 in the U.S., $40 elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send know your thoughts and ideas at [email protected]. address changes to Racquet Sports Industry, PO Box 3392, Duluth, GA 3009.

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

4 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

RSI JULY 2012 IINNDDUUSSTTRRYY NNEEWWSS

INFORMATION TO HELP YOU RUN YOUR BUSINESS

Tennis Show Babolat Introduces ‘Interactive’ Play & Connect Racquet Slated for Aug. 24 t the in May, Babolat presented the prototype of what it says is the world’s first in New York City interactive racquet, Babolat Play & Connect. The demonstrations featured amateur and profes - Asional players including and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. “The Tennis Show 2012: Cel - The racquet “is a major innovation that will create a before and after reference point,” says Babolat ebrating the Sport of Oppor - Chairman and CEO Eric Babolat. “Babolat Play & Connect is tunity,” will be Friday, Aug. taking on the challenge of changing the way tennis lovers play 24, on the ballroom level at and live the game of tennis. This is a connected and communi - the Grand Hyatt in New York cating racquet that will give players information they can use City. The one-day celebration of tennis will run from 3 to 9 to improve performance or just have fun sharing with other p.m. and is free to industry passionate tennis players.” attendees. The company says the racquet, which won't be available until sometime in 2013, is for all levels of player, whether The Tennis Show, a prime beginners, advanced or professional, who can use the frame to networking opportunity for all involved in the industry, obtain information about their game, such as: the types of strokes they’re hitting, ball spin, position of will include the Tennis Forum the ball on the string bed, power during play, serve speed, and length and intensity of play. and the Tennis Industry Hall The racquet handle is equipped with sensors that record the data. Once the training session or of Fame Induction Ceremony match is over, players can transfer and read the information on a computer, tablet or smartphone with for Nick Bollettieri, in addi - a wireless connection or USB. The primary objective, the company says, was to create a racquet identi - tion to an exhibitor area cal to a standard model, with no change to the sensations during play. with more than 35 industry Babolat says players and coaches can then analyze games, set goals, and follow and compare data exhibitors and a demo court, daily, weekly and monthly. “The range of possible data collection is very large,” says the company. The allowing attendees to try out data also can be posted and shared online, to show, compare, challenge, and receive advice with others. products. The Tennis Show will be followed the next “The Babolat Play & Connect racquet is a tremendous tool. Having this new technology to capture morning with the opening information from my matches will mean a new way of analyzing my game,” says Nadal. session of the 42nd Annual Babolat’s technological partner is Movea, a company that specializes in capturing and analyzing USTA Tennis Teachers movements. Visit www.babolat.com. Conference. The show’s industry exhibitor Prince Sports Reaches Licensing Agreement area will be open from 3 to 6 p.m., then will close from 6 rince Sports, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May, has entered into a deal to to 7 p.m. for the TIA Tennis Plicense its products to Battle Sports Science. The six-year agreement provides guaranteed minimum Forum, held in the same royalty payments of $15.1 million between 2013 and 2017. area. The Forum will include The agreement, if approved by a Delaware bankruptcy judge, allows Battle Sports Science the right an update from the TIA on to source, market and distribute Prince products in the U.S. through the end of 2017. The U.S. Bank - the state of the industry, ruptcy Court in Delaware was scheduled to hold a hearing on the proposed licensing agreement after then Bollettieri, who was the May 31 deadline. named the next inductee “We’re excited to be involved in a great brand,” Battle Sports Science CEO Chris Circo told RSI. into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame last year, will be for - “There are some great innovative things coming in the next six to 18 months. We want to make sure mally honored. Following the we have the right product at the right time, in the right place.” Forum, the Tennis Show will Battle Sports Science (www.battlesportsscience.com) was started in 2009, making products to re-open and include a cock - address sports safety challenges. The company markets innovative helmets, face shields, mouth guards tail reception and prize and more to help prevent injuries in sports such as football, hockey, baseball, lacrosse and more. drawings. “R & D remains a mainstay in the business. We need to get the Prince brand back in the game and For more information, includ - deliver great products,” Circo added. “We’re committed to this long-term. We have a group of people ing the current schedule, visit committed to re-energizing the brand and taking it to the next level. I think you’ll see some changes in www.TennisShow.com. motion that will really broaden out our commitment to the brand, and I think everyone will be pleased.” www.racquetsportsindustry.com July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 7 JULY 2012

S Q1 Racquet Sales Up in Units, Dollars GSS Symposium to Offer W Special Bag Promotion E arch capped off a promising first quarter in the tennis spe -

N Mcialty market, posting increasing racquet unit and dollar he GSS Symposium will again offer a spe - Y numbers not seen in 2011. The 2012 first quarter saw racquets R Tcial bag promotion to attendees. “Last year, T increase 14% in units and 12% in dollars compared to Q1 in several major companies participated in our bag promotion, S 2011. U in which attendees each received a triple racquet thermal

D For just the month of March, racquet units were up 15% and back, a premium racquet, and 12 sets of premium string,” N dollars up 12% compared to March 2011. The TIA Specialty I says Tim Strawn, founder of the GSS Symposium. “That bag, Store Retail Audit details unit and dollar share of racquet sales at along with other items from various sponsors, offsets the pro/specialty stores of the leading tennis racquet brands and cost of registration for the event.” analyzes the market by price point, racquet type and size. The For the 2012 event, to be held Sept. 22-26 at Saddle - Specialty Store Retail Audit is produced monthly by the TIA's brook Resort in Florida, Strawn says Babolat, Gamma, Wil - research partner, Sports Marketing Surveys USA. son and Yonex have so far committed to participate in the bag promotion. Register for Tennis Teachers Conference This year’s seminar line-up includes several new topics, including a Cardio Tennis session plus a review of Dartfish he 42nd Annual USTA Tennis Teachers Conference is sched - presented by Master Racquet Technician Ben Porter, who is Tuled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Grand Hyatt a territory manager for Prince Sports. Dave Bone, executive New York and will run through Aug. 27. The event brings director of the USRSA, also returns and will be conducting together hundreds of tennis teachers, coaches, tennis advocates USRSA certification testing on the last day of the and industry partners. World-class speakers will provide cur - symposium. rent, cutting-edge educational opportunities for all tennis For more information go to www.grandslamstringers providers. For more informa - .com, call Strawn at 540-772-4418 or email crazydia - tion and to register, visit [email protected]. www.usta.com/ttc. Also, if you’re SGMA’s Wholesale Study Tallies planning to attend the TTC, make $77 Billion in Sales, a 4.2% Increase sure you arrive on ccording to SGMA’s Manufacturers Sales by Category Friday, Aug. 24, in AReport (2012 edition), manufacturers' (wholesale) sales time to attend the free, of sporting goods equipment, fitness equipment, sports one-day Tennis Show 2012, also held at the Grand Hyatt. The apparel, athletic footwear, and sports licensed merchan - Tennis Show will start with an industry exhibitor show at 3 p.m. dise in the U.S. totaled $77.31 billion in 2011—a 4.2 per - Aug. 24 and will include the Tennis Forum at 6 p.m., then the cent increase over 2010 when wholesale sales were $74.19 exhibitor show and cocktail reception will start again at 7 p.m. billion. Visit www.TennisShow.com. "For the most part, sales in the sports and fitness indus - try continue to be a mirror image of the U.S. economy," Denver Set for 86th Annual NPPTC said SGMA President Tom Cove. "As the economy begins or players participating in the 86th Annual National Public Parks to improve, Americans are more likely to spend more FTennis Championships, July 21-29, the city of Denver has lined money on fitness equipment, sports gear, athletic clothing, up some fun, free benefits, including tickets to a Colorado Rockies and footwear. Overall, sports participation remains strong baseball game (vs. Cincinnati Reds), passes to the Denver Zoo, and solid in the U.S., though there is room for growth." and weeklong passes to one of 28 area recreation centers. Entries The Manufacturers Sales By Category Report is an for the tournament will be accepted up to July 14, but to receive industry overview that gives topline wholesale market size these benefits, participants must enter by June 30. data by category, which is derived from industry submis - Tournament officials say they’re extremely pleased with the sions and survey data. Sporting goods equipment sales host city’s commitment to adaptive and wheelchair tennis divi - rose slightly—up 2.5 percent—from $20.37 billion in 2010 sions for the NPPTC. Adaptive tennis divisions are men’s and to $20.87 billion in 2011. The five largest categories of women’s singles and doubles and unified doubles, held July 23-25; sporting goods equipment are: firearms/hunting ($2.9 bil - wheelchair tennis divisions include men’s and women’s singles lion); golf ($2.5 billion); fishing ($2.0 billion); camping and doubles and junior singles, held July 27-29. There also will be ($1.80 billion); and optical goods ($1.3 billion). a 10 and Under Tennis PlayDay on July 22 for all youngsters (USTA Wholesale sales of sports apparel were $31.4 billion in membership is not required). 2011, a 6.1 percent increase from $29.6 billion in 2010. NPPTC play will take place at Denver City Park and Gates Ten - Athletic footwear sales increased 4.5 percent—from nis Center. For more information and to register, visit www.den - $12.61 billion in 2010 to $13.18 billion. Running topped vergov.org/parksandrecreation. the category, increasing 7.6 percent to $3.89 billion.

8 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS TNT Net Tension System Used at NCAA Championships he TNT Gauge system, which measures the tension on a net cord, was used for the first time on all courts at the NCAA Division T1 Championships, held in May at the University of in Athens. In the first full year of the system’s availability, the courts at the University of Georgia’s Magill Tennis Complex have joined all the courts at the upcoming 2012 US Open, several US Open Series and World TeamTennis venues, three SEC schools, and many high-end clubs in utilizing the TNT Gauge system to remove the last remaining variable from the courts. The TNT Gauge, manufactured in Knoxville, Tenn., was developed in cooperation with the University of Tennessee’s tennis program in early 2011. “Tennessee has been fortunate to use the TNT Gauge all season,” said Vols’ Head Coach Sam Winter - botham. “I believe it is the first time we have been able to say confidently that the nets are all the same tension. In men's tennis we play let cords, so knowing that the bounce off the net will be uniform really helps.” The gauge is available with club or team logos imprinted and made in models that ensure compatibility with nearly all net posts. Visit www.tightcable.net. ‘State of the Industry’ Report Available he 2012 edition of the “State of the TIndustry” is now available from the TIA. The 16-page SOI is an analysis of the more than 70+ reports produced each year by the TIA and identifies key trends and research that can affect your business. The State of the Industry nar - rates the story of the tennis industry from the past year by focusing on four key segments—the economy and ten - nis, tennis supply, tennis demand, and media & pro events. “Industry”-level members of the TIA and above have access to the report. For information, or to obtain a copy, contact the TIA at [email protected].

Congratulations To the Following For Achieving MRT and CS Status

New MRTs Michael Goolsby Atlanta, GA Bryan Hodge Williamson, NY Kurt Robinson Hickory, NC Jamie Stevenson Bonita Springs, FL

New CSs Ivo Ljubibratic Manchester, VT

www.racquetsportsindustry.com July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 9 JULY 2012

S PEOPLEWATCH

W • Two USTA sections named new executive directors tieri Tennis Academy. A native of Australia, Goetzke joins IMG from the Dutch E recently. Jill Fonte will lead USTA Eastern and Tennis Federation. N

Y Matthew Warren is the new ED at USTA Pacific

R Northwest. • Kris Dent is the new executive director of Professional Tennis for the Inter - T

S national Tennis Federation, overseeing three ITF departments: and

U • Three-time French Open champ Fed Cup, Professional Tournaments, and Officiating. D has a five-year deal with Lacoste to serve as a brand N

I ambassador. • Former pro player Charlie Pasarell is leaving as managing partner of the BNP Paribas Open held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California. He’s • At the French Open in May, world No. 1 started a five- been a partner in the tournament since 1981. Pasarell will develop Royal year partnership with apparel brand Uniqlo, which also includes input in Isabela, a resort property in Puerto Rico, with his brother. product development. • Deborah Slaner Larkin, executive director of USTA Serves, has been pre - • Head Penn’s Paola Longoria, the world’s No. 1 female racquetball player, sented with a 2012 Women of Distinction honor sponsored by the New York completed a perfect season by winning the Women’s Professional Racquet - State Senate. ball Organization’s final event of the season in Southern California. It was her third career season-end title as a professional and she finished the 2011- • Chris Wallace is the new vice president, communications 2012 WPRO season with nine tournament victories and an overall match at the WTA. record of 36-0. • Wilson Advisory Staff Member Holvy DePauw (right) • Former pro and USTA board member Todd Martin, who retired from the won his third consecutive men’s doubles title at the Wil - pro tour in 2004, will open an academy in the Jacksonville, Fla., area, work - son Boston Open badminton event. ing with junior players. • Superagent Tony Godsick and his longtime client, , have left • Former WTA No. 1 Doubles Player and US Open Doubles Champion Lisa the giant sports agency IMG. Speculation is that Godsick and Federer have Raymond will serve as a national spokesperson for ThanksUSA, which aims not split, but that the duo will announce a new deal with another agency. to thank America’s troops through the gift of education. Ms. Raymond is partnering with Men’s Doubles Champions Bob and to team • is launching her own underwear collection this fall, with tennis clubs, professionals, players and fans around the world to help partnering with the family-owned Danish company JBS Underwear provide ThanksUSA scholarships to military families. • Brewer Rowe has been named Director of Special Events and Assistant • Rohan Goetzke has joined IMG Academies as director of the IMG Bollet - Tournament Director at the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

✘ Correction Har-Tru Website Honored by Webbys On page 36 of the June issue, we listed incorrect ar-Tru Sports’ website, www.hartru.com, has information next to the photo of the Kirslis Resi - Hbeen recognized as an Official Honoree in the dence court in our story on Distinguished Facility- 16th Annual Webby Awards. Presented by the of-the-Year Award winners. The correct information International Academy of Digital Arts and Sci - (with apologies to the companies involved) is: ences, the Webbys honor excellence in design Kirslis Residence, Norwell, Mass. and content on the internet. Out of the 10,000 (Nominated by Boston Tennis Court Construction sites submitted this year, less than 15 percent were given nom - Co. Inc., Hanover, Mass.) inations or honoree awards. Specialty Contractor: Boston Tennis Court Designed and developed by Baltimore-based advertising Construction Co. Inc. agency Planit, the Har-Tru website was honored in the Profes - Surface: Nova Sports USA sional Services category. Websites are selected for recognition Net, Posts: JA Cissel based on excellence in criteria that include, but are not limited to: content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity and overall experience. The Webby honor isn’t the first industry praise the Har-Tru website has received from the online community. The American Advertising Federation of Baltimore awarded Planit with a Gold ADDY Award in the Interactive Media category for its work on Hartru.com.

10 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS

Ashaway Adds Dynamite 17 Natural Tennis String shaway Racket Strings has fine- Atuned its Dynamite line of tennis strings with the addition of Dynamite 17 Natural, designed to provide an opti - mum combination of power and dura - bility. Dynamite 17 Natural's Zyex multifilament core balances toughness and touch with exceptional tension holding characteristics to offer a string that plays and feels more like natural gut, the company says. “Recent advances in material tech - nology have produced Zyex filaments that are even finer and stronger than before,” says Steve Crandall, Ashaway's vice president. "We've been able to use these to customize our core packages, and fine-tune our Dynamite string line to maximize specific playing character - istics for different gauges. Overall, Zyex core packages produce thinner, stronger, lighter-weight strings that pro - vide superior feel, more power, and improved ball control." Optical green in color, Dynamite 17 Natural is a 1.25 mm string (17 gauge) available in 40-foot sets and 360-foot reels. Ashaway recommends stringing Dynamite 17 Natural at approximately 10% to 15% less than normal tension, up to a maximum of 60 lbs. Visit www.ashawayusa.com.

MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS WANTED: “Babolat Star 4” stringing machine. Please contact Jim at [email protected]

www.racquetsportsindustry.com July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 11

JULY 2012

S SHORT SETS W > On May 9, Australian Sam Groth, 24, director at JMTA since September. Additionally, > Tennis Warehouse and the ATP have E ranked 340th in the world at the time, hit an JMTA announced its expansion to Long Island expanded their online retail partnership to N

Y recorded at 163.4 mph in a Challenger in and Westchester, NY, with new annexes of the include Tennis Warehouse Europe in the ATP - R South Korea. The ATP, which says it doesn’t Academy at Sportime Bethpage, a six-court WorldTourStore.com official website. T

S officially recognize service speed records indoor facility, and at Sportime Lake Isle, a new U because of variance in radar guns, confirmed eight-court facility in the town of Eastchester. The International Tennis Hall of Fame &

D >

N on its website “that the event used approved Museum’s Legends Ball event will be Friday, I equipment, and that other data gathered > The USTA has launched the Create Your Sept. 7, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York appeared within a normal range.” Groth’s Own Tennis Court photo contest. Until July 8, City. The Legends Ball will pay tribute to the serve beats the previous high of 156 mph hit U.S. residents 18 and older can submit a photo Hall of Fame Class of 2012: former world No. by Ivo Karlovic. at www.createyourowntenniscourt.com. Judges 1's and Guga Kuerten, will select the top 10 photos and the finalists Spanish tennis great Manuel Orantes, tennis > Yonex is the supplier of tennis and bad - will be placed in a photo gallery on the website industry innovator and promoter Mike minton stringing services to the London 2012 for the public to vote for their favorite by Sept. Davies, and wheelchair tennis star Randy Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company 12. Grand prize is a trip for four to the 2013 US Snow, who will be inducted posthumously. uses its ES5ProTech stringing machine. Open. > Each month, USTA Player Development > "World Tennis with Harry Cicma" returns > Time is tight, but nominate by July 2 for will issue a Player Honor Roll, to recognize for a fourth season nationally on New England USPTA awards honoring fellow USPTA profes - players who have achieved specific results Sports Network (NESN) with 12 high definition sionals by going to www.uspta.com. on the professional or junior levels. The shows. This season's series includes interviews recognition program also will include a bi- and features on tennis stars such as Serena > Of those with a gym membership, 38 per - annual Coaches Honor Roll for outstanding Williams, , , John cent said they hardly ever use it, according to a results. McEnroe, Billie Jean King, , Jim survey by The Biggest Loser Resort. Thirty-two Courier among others. Excerpts will also be percent of those surveyed who belong to a gym > Arantxa Sanchez Vicario received the available at www.WorldTennisMagazine.com use it three times per week or less with only 30 ITF’s highest accolade, the Philippe Chatrier and on the World Tennis Magazine YouTube percent claiming to use it more than three times Award, at the 2012 ITF World Champions channel. per week. In the survey, which was conducted Dinner held in Paris during the French Open. as part of an online contest, some 10,000 fans The dinner also celebrated the achievements > USPTA pros have until July 2 to register responded to questions about their exercise of the 2011 ITF World Champions—Novak their Tennis Across America event so that their routines and their diets—or lack thereof. Djokovic, Petra Kvitova, Bob & Mike Bryan, division receives credit. Visit www.uspta.com. and Kveta Peschke & ; > Donnay USA, manufacturer of multi solid- junior champs Jiri Vesely and Irina Khro - > The John McEnroe Tennis Academy named core racquets, is the racquet sponsor of the Adi - macheva; and wheelchair champs Maikel Lawrence Kleger as its new director of tennis. das Tennis Camps. The camps teach tennis to Scheffers and . Also, 81-year- Kleger, a 25-year coaching veteran, has been more than 2,000 kids ages 8 to 18 in 30 mar - old Lorne Main of Canada received the inau - the executive director of tennis at Sportime kets across the U.S. each summer. Visit gural Award for Outstanding Achievement in Clubs since 1998, and an assistant Academy www.donnay.com. Seniors Tennis. PayPal Accounts Seized in Counterfeit Victories Post Open Jobs for Free n a key development in anti-counterfeiting, two apparel brands recently ennis businesses and organizations have the Iwon millions of dollars against websites selling counterfeit products and Topportunity to post an unlimited number of were awarded the money from the defendants’ PayPal accounts, a practice open job positions free on the previously not possible. The action gives a boost to all anti-counterfeiting CareersInTennis.com job site. One of the indus - campaigns, including those by the Tennis Industry Association (visit try’s largest and most active job sites, CIT has www.tennisindustry.org/alert) and the SGMA. Previously, it was nearly more than 1,300 registered job-seekers. Employ - impossible to recover money from defendants. ers can set filters and criteria so they receive only UGG's parent company, Deckers Outdoor Corp., won $686 million in the most qualified applicants for their specific lawsuits against more than 3,000 China-based websites selling counterfeit jobs. UGGs. Hermes won $100 million and permanent injunctions against web - In 2011, more than 1,000 jobs posted on the sites selling counterfeit bags online. site received over 30,000 job views. Posting jobs The seizure of funds from PayPal accounts was done in accordance online is a simple process for employers. For job- with Operation In Our Sites, an initiative by U.S. Immigration and Customs seekers, registering on the site and posting your Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the National Intellec - resume is free, too. Visit CareersInTennis.com to tual Property Rights Coordination Center. get started.

12 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com INDUSTRY NEWS BRD Sport Offers Orthopedic Braces new line of orthopedic braces may be Ajust what some of your ailing players may need. BRD Sport, a family-owned company based in New Jersey, developed a proprietary three-dimensional knitting process that it says can pro - vide added compression, support and therapeutic relief for athletes. “Most recreational ath - letes undervalue the impor - tance a brace can make in their performance and recov - ery,” says Dr. Daniela Walsh, a physical therapist specializing in sports injuries. BRD Sport’s braces—for ankles, knees and elbows, all made in the U.S.—come in black with orange striping, in seven sizes. The braces are flexible, latex free and made from high-quality fibers including medical- grade silicone. They can be hand-washed with warm water and mild soap. For more information, including an easy-to-use size guide, visit www.BRDSport.com. Host a Veterans Day Tennis Play Day ooking to increase tennis participation Lin your community while honoring our veterans and military service men and women and their families? Consider hosting a “Tennis Play Day,” in conjunc - tion with the USTA’s military outreach initiative. The USTA’s Tennis in the Parks Com - mittee, working with other USTA com - mittees and departments, is urging park & rec agencies, CTAs and other tennis providers to host a Play Day on or near Veterans Day, which this year falls on Sunday, Nov. 11. “A lot of communities around the U.S. have Veterans Day activities, and this is a great add-on,” says Mary Henderson, chair of the Tennis in the Parks Commit - tee. “A Veterans Day Play Day is open to all, not just military, but importantly, it will honor our veterans and military men and women and their families for their service to the country.” For more information and to register your Veterans Day Play Day event, visit www.usta.com/veteransday.

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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 13

RSuedtadielinn gIm pact Your customers are using instant communication to help them shop on their terms, but you can use technology to your advantage, too.

ou’ve probably had this experi - store’s advantage. If this type of compar - an ongoing dialog with your customers is ence, or something like it: A ison-shopping is an issue for your essential to your creating uncontested shopper walks into your store store—bundle! market space for your store in the minds and you greet them within minutes For example, create tennis lifestyle and tennis lifestyles of the consumers in Yand have a brief but pleasant exchange bundles by merchandising racquets with your community. about their tennis needs. Then you strings, balls and shoes, or include a Make your competition irrelevant. leave them to look around while you package of sessions with a teaching pro, The new wave of handheld technology answer the phone. The shopper stops all under one store bar code and retail has, and will continue to have, a huge at your racquet or apparel display, price generated by your point-of-sale sys - impact on your consumers, and it is takes out a smartphone or handheld tem. Consumers can scan your store within your financial capability, no mat - digital device and calls a friend to ask generated POS bar codes for the bundles ter what your store size, to take advan - their opinion of the racquet they are you are offering—and not find anything tage of some aspect of this technology to looking at, and takes a picture and online to compare with. help make your store’s competition irrel - sends it to their friend to look at so evant in your market space! they can continue their discussion. From April 2010 through January APso a wlocealr s moafll rPetlaail nbunsininessg, you can 2012, Apple sold over 50 million iPads, plan how you will use the new wave of fueling a revolution that some experts technology to your advantage. An exam - predict has ended the PC era and her - ple is using QR, or “quick response,” alded a wave of new technology con - codes. QR codes are affordable and sisting of portable handheld easy to employ in hard- computing, instant communication copy promotional and apps that further empower con - pieces, online ads sumers. and store commu - Every day your store is open, you nications—and as experience first-hand the impact of a part of your store technology on consumers. The key for displays and mer - specialty tennis retailers is how you chandise hang tags. can take advantage of this technologi - Encourage shoppers to cal wave. scan your QR codes to learn more about the prod - ucts they are interested in and Empowered the bundles your store offers to meet TChoerne iss unomthinegr nsew about consumers tennis lifestyle needs. DCigoitmal ainnd gem Uail pm:arketing for a hand - being empowered by the internet and Use technology to create uncontested held world. w the ability to know everything there is market space. There are affordable web to know about the products you sell and service companies and agencies that before they enter your store. What is can provide your store with proactive Sign up for the TIA Retail Webinar new is the ability consumers now digital messages and e-mails to your opt- “Making Your Business More Con - have, through the new wave of hand - in list of customers’ handheld devices as sumer-Friendly,” on Tuesday, July 10. held technology, to go online while they pass by your store, or as they come Visit www.tennisindustry.org/webinars they are in your store. Empowered by through the front door, alerting them to apps that allow them to scan bar your latest tennis lifestyle bundles, spe - This is part of a series of codes, they can comparison shop as cial promotions and events. retail tips presented by they’re standing in your store, looking Your store is important to your local the Tennis Industry at your merchandise. community of tennis players, and using Association and written by the Gluskin Townley But you can use technology to your technology to stay in contact and have Group (www.gluskintownleygroup.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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 15

RESEARCH TIA State of the Industry The 2012 edition of this key report compiles data that can help you identify market trends and run your business better. Here's a snapshot of the full report.

In May, the Tennis Industry Association stopped," Muir reports. "Frequent players of frequent players and play occasions," released its second annual "State of the account for more than 70% of tennis she says. Industry" report, which comp iles key find in gs expenditures. Our goal as an industry is to The TIA also will be promoting the from the TIA's more than 70 in-depth research increase th e number of frequent players to 10 consume r portal playtennis.com, a brand ­ studies and surveys completed annually into a million by 2020, which would add about $3.9 neutral site designed to get consumers in the top-line document that helps to show how billion to the tennis economy." game and playing more ten nis. On th e site, interconnected the industry is. The SOl report The total tennis economy at the end of consumers can search fo r partners, programs, includes 2011 data on the value of the overall 2011 is valued at $5.4 billion, down slightly courts and teaching pros, see gear reviews and tennis economy, participati on and play from the $5.6 billi on a year earlier. Components instruction videos contributed by Te nnis freq uency trends, equipment sales, pro events, that help make up the total tennis economy Magazine and Tennis Channel, and more. and more. figure include player participation data, "Like every other industry, the ten ni s equipment sales, facil ity revenue, lesson FOCUS ON GROWTH industry has faced a series of challenges over reve nu e, media revenue and TV coverage, and Other goals and areas of focus for the TIA the past few years due to the overall economy pro tour sponsor and spectator revenu e. The include supporting growth in the youth market and co nsumers continuing to evaluate th eir industry is now tracking the tennis economy with 10 and Under Tenn is; supporting and discretionary spending," says TI A President through the TI A Economic Index, a measure developing fu rther tools for retaile rs, faci li ties, Jon Muir. "While these challenges continued that started in 2008 with an index of 100. The certified te nnis instru ctors, and others across through 201 1, we are see ing signs that change 2011 in dex is at 98. the industry's provider network; and creating and growth are ahead." "Last year seemed to mark a turning more awareness for tennis as a healthy point in several respects, as key initiatives and lifestyle choice (including promoting Cardio POSITIVE SIGNS goals were rolled out or ramped up," says TIA Te nnis) and promoting the reasons to play and Some of the !POSitives signs Muir points to are Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. "Some stay in the sport. wholesale tennis equipment shipments, which growth is reflected in our State of th e Industry "One hundred perce nt of the TIA's increased significantly in the first quarter of report, and as we contin ue to monitor th is resources goes to supporting and promoting 2012 compared to 01 last year in several industry through our comprehensive research the growth of tennis and improving the categories, combined with positive anecdotal and data collection, we look to see more signs economic vitality of the sport," says de Boer. evidence of an increase in frequent play and of an upturn." "Our larger efforts in 2011 were in laying the total play occasions so far in 2012. The TIA has established key focus groundwork for areas we fee l will support "The number of freq uent players declined areas for 201 2 and beyond. "Clearly, we as stronger, more sustainable growth in the in 2009 and 2010, but in 2011, that slide an industry need to increase the number years ahead."

TIA Strategic Platforms In 2011 , the TIA developed a clear vision of its strategic platforms: 1) Gro,.1h o~ Ten.nls 1: 11'-e Te:nnl-s Ecooomy: Promoting frequent player growth and the economic growth of tennis by developing and provid ing technology and tools for the industry and supporting grow-the-game activities with th e USTA and industry partners. 2] The No. 1 Sa.11rce tor fennls Rcsearetl: Ed ucating the marketplace, fu nding research and providing market inte lligence, inclu ding more than 70 annual research studies and surveys. 31 Co.mmunh:itiOilS & PQslth:tnlno: Keep ing a pulse on the industry and its needs, an d facilitating advocacy and awareness in pursuit of growth and economic vitality. ·4J ll'lll1ylng, the lndu\'llry UncterOPe- Elri ll~Tf C'f NIS: Working toward common goals to help unify the tennis industry involved in the manufactu ring, marketin g, promotion and sales of tennis products and services.

OF THE INDUSTRY Join the TIA . .. Increase Your Profits . .. Grow the Game ... www.Tennislndustry.org HIGHLIGHTS THE INDUSTRY IT A GLANCE - 2011

Total Tennis Economy $5.4 billion (\,anufm:IUFIU V~arr End \Vholesale Shipments., ~ n !UnHf Total Tennis Participation 27.1 million Tennis Racquets 3.4 million Total Youth Tennis Participation 3.2 million Tennis Balls (unit= 1 ball) 123.6 million Frequent Tennis Players (21+ times/year) 4.81 million Transition Balls (unit= 1 ball) 3.3 million

2008 2009 2010 2011

Total Tennis Economy $5.5 billion $5.6 billion $5.6 billion $5.4 billion Index Value 100 (base year) 101 101 98

TENNIS PARTICIPATION Overall Frequent Players • Total tennis participation in 2011 was 27.1 million players, • In 2011 , "frequent" players (who play 21 ti mes or more a down slightly fro m 27.8 million in 201 0. year) increased slightly, to 4.81 million of total participants, vs. • 52% of tennis players overall were male and 48% female. 4. 77 million in 2010. It was the first increase in frequent players sin ce 2008. • Growth was seen in the "new" and "rejoining" player categories in 201 1, but was offset by a decrease in • 52% of frequent players were female and 48% male. ''continuing" players. • Frequent player "play occasions" in creased to 390 million in • 6.84 million "new" players tried tennis in 2011 . 2011, vs. 361 million in 2010. • Tenn is leads traditional sports in participation growth rate, • Of freque nt players who played more tennis in 2011, the top increasing 37% from 2000 to 2011 , according to data from reasons were: 1) Found someone/someone new to play with, the Physical Activity Council. 2) Had more time to play this yea r, 3) Joined a tennis league, 4) Took te nnis lessons. • In 2011 , tennis participation was highest among Whites, at 77% of the 27.1 million total participants. Hispanics accounted • Of frequent players who played less in 201 1, the top reasons for 12%, Asian-Americans 10% and African -Americans 8%. were: 1) Not enough time, 2) No one to play with, 3) Injury/ health problem, 4) No one at their skill level to play with. • As ian-Americans had the highest rate of participation among all ethnic groups: 20% in 201 1. • Frequent tennis players who elected to do other activities rather than tennis listed increased wo rk/school commitments as the top "choice."

Youth Participation Competitive Tennis/Recreational Programs • In 2011, players ages 6-11 declined slightly, to 3.2 million • USTA Team Tennis continues to grow, up 9% fro m 2010 to 2011 from 3.5 milli on in 2010. and up 43% since the program began in 2004. • 65% of facilities surveyed in late season 2011 said th ey've had • Participation in USTA Leagues in 2011 registered a 1% drop increased 10 and Under Tenn is activity. from 2010; Tournament participation grew less than 1%. • Youngsters in 10 and Under Tenn is competitive events (U STA Long-term growth, however, has been positive, up 39% for tournaments, USTA Jr. Team Ten nis, PlayDays) increased Leagues and up 14% fo r Tournaments fro m 2003 to 20 11 . 320% in 2011. • The USTA's Te nnis On Campus continued its solid growth, with • 3,444 co urts fo r 10 and Under Tennis (36' and 60') were buil t 578 colleges and unive rsities participating, a 10% increase or lin ed in 201 1. from 2010 to 2011. Total participants rose 11% year-over-year to 35,000 students. • Nearly 3,000 people became qualified, registered 10 and Under Tenn is providers in 201 1.

18 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY July 2012 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits .. . Grow the Game . . . www.Tennislndustry.org EQUIPMENT Sales at Retail Manufacturer Wholesale Shipments • Racket sales at tennis pro/specialty dealers • In 201 1, wholesale shipments (in units) were down for rackets (-10%), strings were flat in 2011 re lative to 2010-units and (-6%) and balls (-3%). Ten nis specialty dealers appeared to be operating their dollars were both down less th an 1%. businesses with less inventory in stock. • Overall, te nnis specialty retailers forecast • Wholesale shipments of transiti on balls, used for 10 and Under Tenn is, saw a 2012 to be mostly the same, or slightly significant increase, up 62% in units in 201 1 vs. 2010, and up 192% since the better than, 2011. category was first measured in 2008.

10 and Under Tennis-Retail Impact • In a TIA "quick-pulse" survey of pro/specialty tennis retailers, about a third saw increases in sales of all three stages of transition balls. • Nearly two-thirds of specialty tennis retailers showed optimism about the 10 and Under Tennis equipment market and think it will gain traction.

TENN'IS TEACHING PROFESSIONALS COURT CONSTRUCTION

• In 2011 , the average number of private lessons taught per • In positive news, the percentage of court contractors indicating week rose to 12.2, from 10.5 in 2010. the industry was "weak" in 201 1 dropped significantly, wh ile • The average number of group lessons rose to 12.4, from 12.3. those indicating the industry was "average" or "strong" rose. • The average price for a private lesson rose to $53, from $50 in • Sin ce 2005, the USTA has issued over $7 million in grants, 2010; the average price for group lessons remained at $29. which has leveraged local investment and helped to build or refurbish more than 25,000 courts. • In other positive news, 10% fewer teaching pros reported a decrease in their on-court teaching business. • In 2011 , over 70% of court contractors in stalled 10 and Under Tennis lines on existing courts and 38% built 10 and Under • Also, 10% of teaching pros in 2011 indicated the current state Tennis courts, which is up 2% from the late season of 2010 of the industry as "weak," compared to 13% who rated the and up 31 % from the early season of 2010. industry as weak in 2010. • The USTA invested more than $1.3 million in 2011 to assist communities to create over 3,000 10 and Under Tennis Courts.

MEDIA AND PRO EVENTs·

• Th e number of unique viewers who watched te nnis on TV in GET THE FULL REPORT 2011 topped 83 million in the U.S., which is 27% of the U.S. popu lation-and a 2% increase over 2010. TIA members at the Industry • Total hours of TV coverage for tennis (live and taped) level (which starts at $1 00) and continued its strong growth in 2011, up 17% over 2010, to above have access to the fu ll 5,261 hours. State of the Industry report, • While 2011 US Open attendance slipped 7.5% in 2011 vs. valued at $1,000. 2010, the tournament set a Labor Day Weekend attendance record of 186,186, in addition to an all-time record of Join the TIA and receive a 24,713 on the grounds of the National Tennis Center during the men's final. copy of the State of the Industry, along with many • Over 53 million viewers watched all or part of the 2011 US Open on CBS Sports, a 17% increase from the other benefits and services. previous year. • In 2011, record purses were offered at each of the Grand Slams, with total prize money available for the four tournaments alone approaching $100 million. Contact [email protected] or 843-686-3036

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . .. www.Tennisfndustry.org July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 19 RACQUET STRINGING

TTHowA AshoulKdK youII seNNlect aGnGd ma naSSge yToTur sOOtring CCKK inventory? A longtime MRT offers his advice to help

you boost your business. BY TIM STRAWN ne of the biggest challenges for any racquet sports busi - coating. Multi-fiber strings consist of thousands of separate strands ness is selecting and managing string inventory. This isn’t within the core and sometimes multiple cores within the main as simple as just stocking what you may feel is the latest core, as opposed to one single solid core. and greatest string—it’s a multi-tiered process. A closer look at multi-fibers reveals that some are more compli - OTo start, you need at least a basic knowledge of strings, rac - cated and elaborate than others. Some are extremely soft (equals quets and playing styles. This isn’t an option; it’s a prerequisite. high elongation) while others are actually stiffer (typically those When a player comes to you for service, it helps to have a process with multiple cores within cores). Both, however, still fall into the in place to get you from Point A to Point Z. “soft” category and are often referred to as “comfort strings.” Soft - Racquet manufacturers produce racquets to address all playing er strings are typically used to address shoulder or elbow issues and styles and levels. It’s your job to fit the player with the correct rac - can offset the stiffness factor of some racquets. quet based on their playing style, then match the string and gauge Advice for nylon strings: With solid cores, 16-gauge will be your to that style, and then choose the correct tension. Ordering and “go to” string, so stock up on and pad your selection on either side managing string inventory should not be a guessing game, and with a little 15L and some 17 to start with. For multi-fibers, again, that’s why you need a broad-based understanding of strings, rac - 16-gauge will be in larger demand. Have some 17-gauge on hand quets and playing styles. as well since this size can easily be used for those with “soft” games Let’s put this all together and come up with a system that can who don’t use a lot of spin. help you become more effective when ordering string. (While the focus here is on tennis strings, if you string for other racquet sports, Natural Gut your options may vary.) If you break it down into four categories it Natural gut (primarily, beef intestine), simply cannot be perfectly becomes a little easier to understand: String Categories & Gauges, duplicated with synthetics—natural gut’s elasticity (recovery rate) is Procurement, String Cost, and Inventory Control. what sets it apart. Tension maintenance is superb and players often comment about the lack of effort in generating power when using 1. STRING CATEGORIES & GAUGES natural gut. This is definitely a category every racquet technician Taken as a whole, there are four familiar categories of string: Nylon needs to stock. However, there are no corners to be cut when it (or synthetic gut), Natural Gut, Polyester (often referred to as co- comes to cost. Online “bargain-basement” natural guts are no bar - poly based), and Aramid (Kevlar). There’s also another string type gain at all and you can get burned very easily. But if you’re pre - that often gets left out of the discussion—Zyex—so we’ll look at pared to invest top dollar for this string, you won’t regret it. that too. Advice for natural gut: Start with some 15L and 16 gauge and if Popular gauges for tennis range from 15 (1.41-1.49mm) to 19 needed, add 17 gauge later. Pay attention to tension recommenda - (1.00-1.10mm). The most widely used range falls between 15L tions on the package. (1.34-1.40mm) and 17L (1.16-1.20mm), and the most common gauge in that range is 16 (1.26-1.33mm). Polyester Often referred to as co-poly based string, this category has taken Nylon the tennis market by storm, primarily because many touring pros The vast majority of strings fall in the nylon category, often referred use it. Be prepared for players asking you about the “new” strings to as synthetic gut. There are two basic types: solid core and multi- that all the pros are using. However, racquet-head speed generated fiber. Most likely, the majority of your clientele will be serviced with by a touring pro is drastically faster than that of the average club play - nylon string, mostly from the solid core selections. Basic solid core er. Because of this, results are going to be different for rec players. nylons consist of a variation of wraps around the core, and then a Another critical point is how often to replace poly. Touring pros

20 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 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 restring before every match, cutting out the string within 48 to 72 3. STRING COST hours. But poly is expensive and average club players probably Cost has to be factored into the equation not only for you as a retail - won’t pay $40 per set to just cut it out after 72 hours. These points er, but also for your customer. Having a variety of string types also are why it’s critical to explain to your customers the difference means a variety of prices to offer. Some customers will not want to between use at the pro level and use at the recreational level. pay very much for a string job, while others are more receptive to Advice for polyester: Because these strings are quite durable with your suggestions and will consider your recommendations. low elongation, in many cases you can start by using a 17 or even A great way for you to buy string is to watch for specials, such as 18 gauge. Remember to explain clearly about time frames for “buy 12 and get 3 free.” These types of offers can be effective in restringing. Poly is here to stay, so make sure you have a good selec - many ways. First, it can net your overall cost down if that’s the way tion on your wall. you choose to go. Or, you might consider setting aside those 3 free sets and using them to introduce the string to prospective clients at Aramid a special promotional price. Or, those free sets can come in handy This is the Kevlar category, and the most widely recognized is the if you have a customer who broke a string prematurely; give that braided type. This string is rarely used in the entire string bed and player a free restring and get him up and running fast, and he’ll tell is typically found in many hybrid set-ups. It has a longstanding rep - his friends about your great service. It’s not always about what you utation for being very stiff, but there’s good news. Steve Crandall of can save up front; sometimes it’s how to convert that savings into Ashaway, a U.S. manufacturer of braided Kevlar, says, “Our focus is something you can use to drive new business. now on our new Kevlar+, which incorporates PTFE filaments in the Program buying or special “buy-in” offers can be tempting, too. outer braid. The PTFE enhances the softness of the string as well as “We try to be very careful when considering special ‘buy-in’ orders,” the durability.” Crandall says thinner gauges are now more common says Tobias Svantesson of e-Tennis in Orlando, Fla. “While a buy-in for braided Kevlar in hybrid configurations, and with the new may sound like a great deal, you have to ask yourself if this is really Kevlar+ the comfort level is now being addressed to a higher a product you can sell. You can get some tremendous deals on quan - degree. tity buy-ins, but it means very little if the string is still sitting on your Advice for Kevlar: This string is geared toward baseline and shelf two years later.” heavy spin players who tend to break strings frequently. If you have This doesn’t mean you should avoid buy-in programs. Just use chronic string-breakers, Kevlar is a great option, so consider stock - good judgment and look closely at these programs so that you’re ing it. Focus on 17 and 18 gauge, which should work well in most maximizing the dollars you have to invest in your inventory. hybrid applications. 4. INVENTORY CONTROL Zyex This is a critical part of any business. I highly recommend you incor - Zyex PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) is a unique product in today’s porate some type of business accounting software into your opera - market and one that shouldn’t be overlooked. The monofilament is tion. For example, QuickBooks and Peachtree are popular and easy a great alternative to polyester, yet significantly different than poly. to set up and use, or look to software designed specifically for string - The PEEK structure holds the molecules of the string together more ing and tennis retailing. tightly, which results in an elongation rate slightly higher than twice In QuickBooks, for instance, you can use purchase orders when that of a traditional polyester. ordering product. In turn, receiving against those purchase orders Another Zyex option is the multifilament core, which can be automatically updates inventory and makes keeping inventory lev - used to address players with arm or elbow issues and added to your els current. You can set re-order alerts, which can be helpful when “soft” line of strings. This product doesn’t fray like traditional multi - things get busy. At the end of the year you can run reports that show filament strings, has the same exceptional tension maintenance, the exact amount of product ordered, which can be used to deter - and is quite comfortable to play with. The string is a multi-stranded mine how much to order for the following year. core as opposed to a solid monofilament construction. “We use QuickBooks to determine how much string to order,” Advice for Zyex: Zyex Monogut is a nice alternative for players says Larry Hackney of Tennezsport in Union City, N.J. “Typically, we who use traditional polyester but desire better tension maintenance. find 50% is driven by customer demand, 25% constitutes new The multi-fiber Zyex is a softer string that doesn’t fray and has good products, and 25% is earmarked for discount strings for local col - tension maintenance. Stock 16 and 17 gauge in the mono and 16, lege players and others who are on a tight budget.” 17, and 18 in the multi-fiber. Zyex multi-fiber strings are marketed If you prioritize what needs to be done and stick to a plan, you as an alternative for softer strings that are more durable than tradi - can be very efficient with your string inventory as well as how you tional multi-fiber strings. manage that inventory throughout the year. This not only allows you to have the string you need when you need it, but also keeps your 2. PROCUREMENT customers happy. Happy customers are repeat customers, and Once you have a good idea of the types of strings you want to stock, repeat customers are what keep your business alive. w look for suppliers that can meet your demands. “Having a trusted source is important,” says John Gugel of Racquet Quest in Orlando, USRSA Master Racquet Technician and tour stringer Tim Fla. “If you can’t get it, you can’t sell it. Reputable companies can be Strawn owns and operates www.grandslamstringers.com trusted to deliver and this gives you peace of mind in keeping inven - and www.gssalliance.com and is the founder and owner of tory levels current.” the GSS Symposium, an annual global training event for racquet technicians. His tour stringing experience includes With so many companies to choose from, your top priority working for the Bow Brand team at Wimbledon and the should rest on their ability to deliver the product when you need it, Wilson team at the US Open and Sony Ericsson in Key Bis - not when they can get it to you. cayne. Contact him at [email protected].

ww 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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 21 THE STRINGER’S FILE LLuuccIIeenn nnoogguueess

One of Babolat’s top stringing experts and racquet technician trainers talks with RSI about the business

of strings. INTERVIEW BY GREG RAVEN

ucien Nogues is one of Babolat’s top stringing experts. He an Around-the-World (ATW) or box pattern has worked as a stringer on the pro tour for many years, stringing technique? with a résumé that currently encompasses 55 major tour - A: This gets back to your first question. With either of these naments. In addition to his other duties, he trains Babolat person - methods, the string receives a lot more wear and tear as the sec - nLel, including members of the Babolat tour team. Recently, RSI ond half of the string must be pulled through the main string Associate Editor Greg Raven had a chance to interview Nogues grommets before it’s time to install the crosses. Then if you have about stringing technique and the business of stringing. a blocked hole to pass the string through (especially near the top of the frame when you still have the most amount of string un- Q: Do you recommend one-piece or two-piece threaded), the entire length of the cross string will be rubbing on stringing? the blocking string as you pull it through. From there it just gets A: I recommend two-piece stringing for three reasons: worse due to the normal friction of weaving the cross strings and 1) You achieve a more consistent and therefore a better final pulling the string through the mains, especially farther down result as there is less wear and tear on the strings: The cross when there’s a hard weave. strings are not pulled through half the racquet while stringing the mains. Q: Do you have a good trick to help to remember 2) It is easier for the stringer to deal with two shorter lengths to reset the tension between the mains and of string than it is to deal with one long piece of string. crosses on split-tension string jobs? 3) It allows you to string the crosses from top to bottom on A: I always loop an elastic band around the top of the frame at any racquet. the second or third open grommet so I see it when I start the crosses. I have to move the elastic band out of the way, which Q: What is the difference between bottom-up reminds me to change the tension. and top-down cross stringing? A: There is more stress on the frame when stringing the crosses Q: Are there any problems that might arise from from bottom up rather than top down. The frame is weakest near using a starting clamp outside of the frame when to the top at the 11 and 1 o’clock positions, so stringing the cross - pulling the first main, compared to the traditional es from the bottom up increases the stress on the frame. Babolat method of clamping inside the frame? Installing the crosses from the bottom up effectively focuses pres - A: : You increase the possibility of premature breakage. sure and stress into the weakest section of the frame. Q: Does today’s modern natural gut still need to Q: Isn’t it also possible to avoid this stress using be pre-stretched?

22 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 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 A: : Natural gut never did need to be pre-stretched. Natural gut was, wants to get started in customizing racquets? and is, easy to install, making a stringer’s job easier. A: Be humble. When you’re just starting, don’t be afraid to make mistakes—learn from them. It’s also very important to work on one Q: What is the role of power pads, and are they still parameter at a time (static mass, balance, dynamic mass). Write needed considering today’s strings and racquets? down everything you do. It’s important, too, that a racquet techni - A: Power pads can increase the radius angle and protect the lack cian have a racquet diagnostic center (such as the Babolat RDC) to of elongation and resistance of polyester strings. be able to measure the swing weight accurately.

Q: should the racquet technician straighten the Q: What tips do you have for someone looking to cross strings during installation, after installation, buy a new racquet or try a different string in his or both? existing racquet? A: Both. The racquet technician should straighten the cross strings A: When testing a new product, change only one parameter at a as much as possible during installation and then once complete. time. When looking at racquets, ensure that each new racquet is The strings will not be completely straight until the restring is com - strung with the same strings and tension that you use in your cur - plete. Make sure the angles are square. This will produce a far more rent racquet. Also, be sure to find the right balance of power, con - consistent string-bed tension and earn you respect with your cus - trol, and maneuverability so you can compare the advantages and tomer—this is your signature. drawbacks on each parameter. When trying a different string, use the racquet you normally play Q: What is the most important aspect of servicing with. Again, keep the gauge and tension the same with the new player racquets from the technician’s point of string as with your current string. Determine what you prefer in view? power, comfort, durability, and tension maintenance so you can A: Increase your technical image and create loyalty. compare the advantages and drawbacks on each parameter. When changing string, as with racquets, change one parameter at a time Q: What tips would you have for someone who (construction, diameter, or tension). And always write down every - wants to break into tournament stringing? thing you try. A: Be consistent and pay attention to details. I would recommend watching a stringer at a tournament, whether Q: What tips would you have for someone who is it a local tournament or, if possible, an ATP/WTA or wants to start experimenting with hybrid string event. You might think you are competent enough to string at a tour - sets? nament when in your shop or club, but there is a completely different A: Hybrids allow you to use the characteristics of two different pressure and atmosphere when stringing at a tournament. strings in one string bed. Therefore, experimentation is the key. Have a goal in mind of what you are looking for and then try differ - Q: What is the best way for the typical stringer to ent combinations. improve the quality of the finished racquet? The main strings are the primary string in the string bed; so if A: Simplify your methods and personal technique. you are looking for more durability, install the polyester in the mains and the gut in the crosses. If you are looking for more playa - Q: What is the best way to reduce stringing time bility and comfort, install the gut (or nylon) in the mains and the without compromising quality? polyester in the crosses. A: Repetition. When you string a racquet, you do exactly the same Another advantage of using hybrid strings, compared to all poly - thing every time. Over a period of time you will get quicker without ester, is that you can improve the tension maintenance of the string compromising quality. It is also quicker and easier to string in a two- bed overall. piece pattern rather than one-piece as you are dealing with less If the player is new to hybrids, I would recommend using a pre- string at a time. packaged hybrid so as to start with two strings known to work well together. Q: What tips do you have for someone looking to buy his first stringing machine? Q: What tips would you have for someone who A: Key considerations are ergonomics, after-sales service, and pre - wants to have his racquet customized to his playing cision. style? A: Power/control/maneuverability: make a precise ratio between Q: What tips do you have for someone looking to them with the customer. Consider advantage vs. drawback on every upgrade his stringing machine? parameter. A: I would suggest looking at the reason why they want to upgrade. Is it that they want a similar machine again or are they looking to Q: What is the most important equipment issue for go from a lock-out machine to an electric one? Also, have a budget the typical recreational player? in mind and then do research to find the best machine that meets A: Pay attention! Strings are more reactive and powerful than the your requirements as well as budget. frame. Most recreational players will spend a good amount of money Q: What tips would you have for a technician who on a racquet and use it maybe a couple of times a week during the

ww 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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 23 summer and then maybe once a ping the ball more, but rather week during the winter. They all from an octagonal cross section seem to be really proud of their string that allows the main strings lasting five years! In fact strings to “slide” with less effort this is bad as the strings will have over the cross strings, which lost all elasticity and the player will increases the spin. The spin have to work more to get the same comes from the movement of result as they did when the strings the main strings rather than the were new. You service the engine texture of the string. of your car regularly, so why not the engine of your racquet? Q: Is it correct that mod - The weight of the racquet is ern “player’s” racquets also important. Many recreational are stiffer than in the players want to use the same rac - past to recover some of quet as their favorite pro players, the power lost due to the but these are normally too heavy use of polyester strings? for the recreational player. For A: No, I wouldn’t say they are example, Rafael Nadal uses the using stiffer racquets for this rea - Babolat Aeropro Drive, but that’s son. As players are becoming too heavy for most recreational stronger and hitting the ball hard - players, so Babolat produces the er, they are using polyesters to Aeropro Lite and Aeropro Team reduce the power and gain con - for them. trol. If they needed more power they would be using natural gut. Q: What tips would you They are not using polyesters for give the typical recre - the durability as a lot of pro play - ational player in terms of ers are only using a string for 7 to optimizing his equipment? 9 games! A: Pay attention to the tension The big change in the mod - loss of your strings, and get into the habit of changing your strings ern game is players becoming physically stronger, and using lighter more often. Over 40 percent of the racquet’s playability comes racquets to give them more maneuverability, which means they from the strings—so speak to your racquet technician and make increase the racquet-head speed so they can hit with more spin, certain you have the right strings for you in your racquet. which increases the control. The stiffer frames help with power even though the racquets are now lighter. Q: What tips would you give recreational players who want to preserve and extend the life and Q: Are the pros really using lower tensions these playability of their natural gut? days, and if so, why? A: If the string does get damp, take the racquet out of the racquet A: Yes. They’re trying to find power on a type of string (polyester) holder and allow it to dry naturally. A good rule for preserving the that was not developed for this characteristic. life of all strings is to not expose them to extreme temperature change. Do not leave your racquet in the car overnight as the tem - Q: Do you think we’re going to see continued grad - perature can drop dramatically. ual improvements in racquets, strings, and string - ing equipment or do you foresee the possibility of Q: should recreational players worry about a “game-changing” improvement in some aspect straightening strings dur - of the sport? ing play? Babolat and the French open A: It is difficult to predict the A: No. future of the sport, and there is At Roland Garros, Babolat is the official equipment always a possibility that some - Q: How much do geomet - supplier for stringing service and balls. While num - thing new will appear, some - rically shaped strings con - bers aren’t yet in for this year’s French Open, during thing that doesn’t exist yet. In tribute to additional spin the 2011 tournament, 16 of the world’s top stringers, the meantime, Babolat is con - on the ball? with experience stringing at several dozens of Grand stantly working with players A: Geometric strings such at Slam tournaments, strung more than 3,500 racquets on court and with R&D teams Babolat RPM Blast and Pro Hurri - and used more than 42,000 meters of strings. TV dis - to incorporate new designs, cane Tour do help with additional plays were also set up to let fans follow the prepara - shapes, and materials into our spin on the ball but the reason is tion of their favorite champions’ racquets. The new equipment to allow play - different than what most people Babolat stringing team also offers stringing or repair ers to improve their perfor - actually think. The additional spin services at the Roland Garros “racquet clinic” all year mance and enjoy the game doesn’t come from the strings grip - long. more. w

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2012 GUIDE TO BALL MACHINES CCAASSHH MMOf all thAeA toolsCC thatH Hcan heIIlp NNyour bEEusineSSss, your ball machine may be the most important.

BY PETER FRANCESCONI

re you getting the most out of your ball machine? Is In fact, you can even create hype for the machine before it in constant use at your facility, both as an aid in it actually arrives at your facility, through emails, newsletters, your lessons and clinics, and also available in a pay- articles, postings on (literal and digital) bulletin boards, and to-play program where customers can rent time on it? through pros and staff talking it up. You want to make sure ABall machines are a great investment for your business your players know you’re getting a new machine and all the and for your facility. They can liven up lessons and clinics and features that it will have, and how those features can help keep customers hitting lots of balls, and that’s what you players’ games. want—you don’t want them standing around; you want them Then before you start renting out time on the machine, active, improving and wanting to come back for more. And have a ball machine “demo day” for your players. Even bet - when other players see the activity, they may well sign up for ter, get the ball-machine company rep to run the demo day a clinic, too. and showcase the machine and its features. Market the demo But also, with a ball machine pay-to-play program, you day in advance, through email lists, fliers, articles, staff, etc. can have customers off by themselves hitting on a machine, At the demo day, you can also sell discounted passes or with no supervision or time needed from you and your staff, memberships to a “ball-machine club.” and they’re paying you for that privilege. If you have the space for a dedicated ball-machine court, and you keep it in con - Join the Club stant use, your machine will pay for itself many times over. As part of a ball-machine club, customers purchase a pass Ball machines also are great for this sport. When players and can use the machine either on an unlimited basis, or for hit on a machine, they are constantly moving and get a great discounted pricing. You can set up your “club” parameters in workout, possibly losing weight and becoming more fit. Also, any number of ways that work best for your facility, such as ball machines provide consistent practice, so customers can a yearly fee that allows unlimited use, or so many times per “groove” their strokes and improve their tennis. All of this can year or month, or a frequent-user “punch” card that allows help retain players and members, and it can lead your players them to buy 10 sessions for the price of eight, etc.—or have to play more tennis—good for them, good for you, and good different types of ball-machine club memberships. Again, see for the sport. what pricing structure would work best for you. Once a cus - As you’ll see on the following pages in our 2012 Guide To tomer purchases a pass or joins the club, it is up to them to Ball Machines, there are many different types of machines schedule time with the ball machine. available, at all sorts of price points with all kinds of features. Also, though, have complimentary passes available, which In fact, some machines now have apps that allow you to pro - you can use to help entice customers to buying a ball- gram and run them remotely from your smartphone. Finding machine club membership, or for those players who may a machine that’s right for you, your facility and your players have never trained on a ball machine before, or if you’re try - shouldn’t be hard to do. ing to get new members to join your facility. You may want to give a complimentary pass to some of your most loyal cus - Work the Machine tomers, or tie it into equipment purchases to add value for So, what are some specific ideas you can use to put your ball players. You can even offer complimentary time on the machine to work generating more income for you? Well first, machine as “prizes” for tournaments or round-robins. if you’ve just invested in a ball machine, or if you just upgrad - Crank up your tennis activity by using a ball machine as ed to a newer model, with more features, make sure you much as you can at your courts. It will liven up the activity market your new machine to your players, and even to the and keep your players engaged. And it will help keep the cash community. flowing. w

www.racqu e t s p o r t s i n d u s t r y . c o m July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 27 . PROPU. LSION . p ) c s n . n 2012 GUIDE TO BALL MACHINES e r c o l a i e n e i E s M d s l p - ( - n

u s l ) l s U e ) p l o s y . H o d o r t a r b i P t & i s r t v o n . S n l P r c b M

o p e ( o l d d a L t s e C C e ( d e Ball Machine Selector n p p e I e e e n f t n f o a h e g o o T h i o p i o W n t C t t i t s g . S a l i a d d e v e l n v l p l e i e e Price Warranty Dimensions e e a l b p e o l b e

F T E A Brand Model (MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) B W S E A F Elite Freedom $799 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 36 X 2-12 70 XX X $ Lobster Sports lobstersports.com Elite Model 1 $1,089 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 42 X 2-12 80 XXX X $ 800-526-4041 Elite Model 2 $1,349 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 44 X 2-12 80 XXX X XX $ Elite Model 3 $1,599 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 44 X 2-12 80 XXX X XX $ Elite Grand IV $1,899 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 44 X 2-9 80 XXX X XXXX$ Elite Grand V $2,199 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 44 X 2-9 80 XXX XX66XXXXX$ Elite Grand V Limited Edition $2,499 2 21” x 14” x 20” 150 44 X 2-9 80 XXX XX66XXXXX$ Phenom $2,999 2 32” x 25” x 50” 250 99 X 2-9 90 XXX X XXXXXX $ Phenom 2 $3,499 2 32” x 25” x 50” 250 99 X 2-9 90 XXX XX66XXXXXX $

Match Mate Rookie $449 2* 11” x 11” x 22” 70 22 X 2-10 35 X Topspin MatchMateTennis.com Quickstart $558 2* 12.5” x 12.5” x 28” 80 29 X 2-10 30 X 800-837-1002 iSAM Value $759 2* 19” x 17.5” x 18” 250 34 X 2-8 65 XX X $ iSam Extend $799 2* 19” x 17.5” x 18” 250 39 X 2-8 65 XX X $ iSam Ultimate $999 2* 19” x 17.5” x 18” 250 39 X 2-8 65 XX X X 1 SAM P1 Value $1,099 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 2-8 85 XXXX X X $ Sam P1 Pro $1,199 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 2-8 85 XXXX X X $ Sam P1 Ultimate $1,299 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 2-8 85 XXXX X X X 1 Sam P 4 Trainer $1,599 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 2-8 85 XXXX XX XX $ Sam P 4 Pro Trainer $1,799 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 2-8 85 XXXX XX XX $ Sam P 4 Ultimate $1,899 2* 19.5” x 16” x 21.5” 300 48 X 85 XXXX XX XXX 1 Sam Coach $3,999 3 35” x 25” x 50” 250 87 X 1.5-8 95 XXXX XX77 X XX X X X XX1 Sam Robot $31,999 3** 84” x 36” x 36” 200 200 X 1-20 120 XXXX XXu

Half Volley $1,360 2L 19” x 21” x 25” 200 42 X 1-10 70 XXX X X 1 Playmate Volley $1,895 2L 19” x 21” x 25” 200 46 X 1-10 70 XXX XX2 X 1 playmatetennis.com Ace $3,670 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 200 85 X 1- 10 90 XXX X3 X X XXXX$ 800-766-6770 Smash $4,615 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 85 X 1-10 90 XXX XX7 X X XXXX$ Deuce $5,455 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 85 X 1-10 90 XXX XX7XXXXXX X XXXX$ Genie $6,295 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 85 X 1-10 90 XXX XX7XXXXXX X XXXX$ Genie PC $8,210 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 85 X 1-10 90 XXX XX8i Grand Slam $7,870 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 110 X 1-10 120 XXXX XX7XXXXXX X XXXX$ Grand Slam PC $9,445 3L 35” x 21” x 38” 300 110 X 1-10 120 XXXX XX8i

Robot Optimizer Boomer (with Camera) $14,450 2 38.5” x 31” x 21.5” 300 124 X 0.8-10 100 XXX XX3 tennisrobot.com Boomer (without Camera) $12,450 2 38.5” x 31” x 21.5” 300 124 X 0.8-10 100 XXX XX3 888-8BOOMER Lite (Edge Series) $799 2 24” x 22” x 16” 200 35 X 1.5-10 95 XXX X X 9 X $ Silent Partner Lite-R (Edge Series) $949 2 24” x 22” x 16” 200 35 X 1.5-11 95 XXX X X 9 X X X X $ sptennis.com Sport (Edge Series) $949 2 24” x 22” x 16” 200 46 X 1.5-10 95 XXX X X 2 800-662-1809 Star (Edge Series) $1,099 2 24” x 22” x 16” 200 46 X 1.5-10 95 XXX X $ Rival (Scoop Series) $1,399 2 28” x 22” x 18” 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 XXX X 3 $ Quest (Scoop Series) $1,799 2 28” x 22” x 18” 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 XXX XX23XXX$ Smart (Scoop Series) $2,299 2 28” x 22” x 18” 300 48 X 1.5-10 95 XXX XX2

*1 year battery 5 - iPhone Remote Control compatible. 13 - Comes standard with 2 8-amp 12-volt batteries **no hassle parts and labor 6 - 18 locations to choose from 14 - Lob Enhancer $30 1 - Fast Charger $99 7 - Great for youth and beginners to work on 15 - adjustable oscillation width 2a - Horizontal Oscillation, 2b - Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control, dealing with topspin 16 - Ships via FedEx Gnd, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground 2c - Triple-Oscillation (Horizontal/Vertical), 8 - Especially designed for 10 and Under tennis 17 - 10,000 shots in database to select from, Feed interval can be 2d - Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line narrow, Wide 9 - Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35 changed during a drill 3a - 3 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill) , 3b - 6 10 - 110/220 Volt AC converter $135 18 - Oscillation Upgrade $225, Remote Control Upgrade $310 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills 11 - Wireless Remote $100 19 - Additional Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $166.95 4 - 3 Position Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide). 12 - Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68 20 - Deuce Conversion Box $1185

28 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 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 OSCILLATION POWER REMOTE CONTROL MISC. l e c l d d n r d r n a o o i m m s o i e o n t . t a r y . r o l M g . r t C r a t o n d p o . d o t a i n i t p g g t n c l i t r y u o n d o n h h v i i t i l s o i s o o s t / p t r o e o t t l a g b o r r n i n d s p i r r i b s s i e t e p e s H a t O n w n R P p t / a e p e O e e s - e a I a S s o e l p - r o - - n o l m p g g d s i n D S H I y a e l . r e h t i u d l e r r r l i r u a P e n f e t n n r m l g a r e e e e n i w a a a b c e m r a W l s l l l l m d a o o o e o w l g i A L h h a s i t S d r o i i o O l r r w e b b b b s s t t o C i i o o S C C n c i c a a o O P o r a a y y y e F a a y a T t t t t r y a s l l h r r r r t t T r r r r C W f f d l l p t v r s s s s r r . i i s e e e e e e e e e - - o o O f t t t S a v v u e u u u u t t a a c c f y t t v v l j j j j t w t r r o t h c o s s o a a a C o o t d d a o a m m C C C C C e e d d l a n # N O O P B B B S S R R R R S S C C I O # A A A A P B B R R

X $119 X 8.5A 2-4h XX $49 X 1, 2a X $119 X 18A 4-8h XX$169 XX $49 X 1, 2b XXX$119 X 18A 4-8h XX$169 XX $49 X 1, 2c XXX$119 X 18A 4-8h XX$169 XX $49 X 1, 2d XXXXX$119 X 18A 4-8h XX $300 XXX $49 X 3a, 4, 5 XX66XXXXX$119 X 18A 4-8h XX $300 XXX $49 X 3b, 4, 5 XX66XXXXX$119 X 18A 4-8h XX $300 XXX $49 X 3b, 4, 6 XXXXXXX $300 XXX $99 X 3a, 4, 5 XX66XXXXX X $300 XXX $99 X 3b, 4, 6

XX8XXX7 Q XX8XXXXX8 i X $135 X8XXX X X X 9, 10, 11, 12 X $135 X 16 XXX X X X X 13 XX16 XXX X X X S XX$135 X 16 XXX X X X X10, 12, 14, 15 XX$135 X 16 XXX X X X X S XXX16 XXX X X X X S XX XX $135 X 16 XXX X X X X10, 12, 14, 15 XX XX $135 X 16 XXX X X X X X X S XX XX X 16 XXX X X X X X S XX77 X XX X X X XX16 XXunltd unltd XXXX X X X X X XX X XX X17

XX17 XXX X $94 X 18, 19 XX2 X 17 XXX X X $94 X 19 X3 X X XX XX $4,925 $94 X XX7 X X XX XX $4,925 $94 X 20, 21, 22 XX7 XXXXX X X XX XX $4,925 $94 X 21, 22, 23 XX7 XXXXX X X XX XX $4,925 $94 X 20, 22, 23 XX8inft XXXX X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 20, 21, 23 XX7 XXXXX X X XX XX $4,925 $94 X 20, 21, 23, 24 XX8inft XXXX X X X X X X X $4,925 $94 X 20, 23

XX30 1000 XXXX X X X X X X $3,895 XX25a XX30 1000 XXXX X X X X X X $3,895 XX25b

XX9X $40 X XX9XXXX$40 X 26a XX21 X $40 X X $249 $100 X 21 XX XX $40 X 26a X3 $249 $100 X 21 XXX XXX $40 X 26b XX23 XXX $249 $100 X 21 XXX XXX $40 X 26c XX20 3XXXXX$249 $100 X 21 XXX XXX $40 X 26d

21 - Genie Conversion Box $2025 25b - Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone Sys - 29a - Player Simulation $200, 22 - Genie PC Conversion Box $3940 tem ($500 or $50/month), iPod input with 29b - Player Simulation included, Multi-Function Remote $200 23 - Smash Conversion Box $345 speakers, Allows user to modify level, height, 30 - Multi-Function Remote $300 24 - Grand Slam PC Conversion Box $3940 frequency and speed during the drill 31 - The iPad controlled machine can deliver any type of ball (topspin, 25a - Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, 26a - 2-button remote, 26b - 16-button remote, 26c underspin, flat, lob) to any place on court in any sequence, all ball Cordless Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Print - - 20-button remote, 26d - 22-button remote parameters and timing customizable er for Analysis ($2000 or $100/month). Radar gun. iPod input with 27 - External Battery Pack $130, External AC Power speakers, Allows user to modify level, height, frequency and speed Supply $125 during the drill 28 - Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $45

ww 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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 29 .

. PROPULSION . p ) c s n . n e r c o l a i e n e i 2012 GUIDE TO BALL MACHINES E s M d s l p - ( - n

u s l ) l s U e ) p l o s y . H o d o r t a r b i P t & i s r t v o n . S n l P r c b M

o p e ( o l d d a L t s e C e ( d C e n p p e I e e e n f t n f o a h e g o o T h i o Ball Machine Selector p i o W n t C t t i t s g . S a l i a d d e v e l n v l p l e i e e Price Warranty Dimensions e e a l b p e o l b e

F T E A Brand Model (MSRP) (years) (Storage Inches) B W S E A F Ace Attack $5,999 1 34” x 53” 200 150 X 1.5-12 110 XXXX X4 X $ Sports Attack sportsattack.com 800-448-8867 Tennis Twist $229 2 10” x 11” x23” 28 11 5 15 X Tennis Tutor ProLite - Basic $699 2 12” x 19.5” x 18” 125 22 X 1.5-10 60 XX X XX9 X X $ Sports Tutor Tennis Tutor ProLite $799 2 12” x 19.5” x 18” 125 29 X 1.5-10 60 XX X XX9 X X $ sportstutor.com Tennis Tutor $1,099 2 12” x 19.5” x 20” 150 42 X 1.5-12 85 XX X 4 $ 800-448-8867 Tennis Tutor - Plus $1,299 2 20” x 19.5” x 20” 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 XXX X 4 $ Tennis Tutor - Plus Player Model $1,699 2 20” x 19.5” x 20” 150 46 X 1.5-12 85 XXX X 5XXX $ Tennis Tower $1,345 2 44” x 23” x 22” 225 60 X 1.5-8 85 XX$270 Tennis Tower - Prof. Player $2,195 2 44” x 23” x 22” 225 60 X 1.5-8 85 XXX X 5XXX X X XX XX2 Shot Maker - Standard $3,100 2 38.5” x 31” x 21.5” 300 96 X 1-6 95 XXX XX3 X $ Shot Maker - Deluxe $4,200 2 38.5” x 31” x 21.5” 300 96 X 1-6 95 XXX XX6X X X XXXXX3 Wilson Portable $1,095 2 22” x 14” x 20” 110 38 X 1.5-10 75 XXX X$ Tennis Cube $549 2 15” x 12” x 13” 70 24 X 2-10 50 XX X X 6 X X 2 Super Coach Tennis Cube - Oscillation Model $629 2 15” x 12” x 13” 70 24 X 2-10 50 XX X X 6 X X 2 tennismachine.com 623-581-6200 SuperCoach V3 $10,450 1 36” x 27” x 22” 200/300 121 X 1.4-5.6 65 XXX XX3

*1 year battery 5 - iPhone Remote Control compatible. 13 - Comes standard with 2 8-amp 12-volt batteries **no hassle parts and labor 6 - 18 locations to choose from 14 - Lob Enhancer $30 1 - Fast Charger $99 7 - Great for youth and beginners to work on 15 - adjustable oscillation width 2a - Horizontal Oscillation, 2b - Horizontal Oscillation + Spin Control, 2c - dealing with topspin 16 - Ships via FedEx Gnd, Feeds Balls from 30" above ground Triple-Oscillation (Horizontal/Vertical), 2d - Triple-Oscillation + 2-Line 8 - Especially designed for 10 and Under tennis 17 - 10,000 shots in database to select from, Feed interval can be narrow, Wide 9 - Extra Heavy Duty Battery $35 changed during a drill 3a - 3 Pre-Programmed Court Drills (6 ball sequence per drill) , 3b - 6 10 - 110/220 Volt AC converter $135 18 - Oscillation Upgrade $225, Remote Control Upgrade $310 Pre-Programmed Court Drills + 6 Custom Programmable Court Drills 11 - Wireless Remote $100 19 - Additional Non-Memory Battery Upgrade $166.95 4 - 3 Positionl Settings of 2-Line (Narrow, Medium, Wide). 12 - Water Resistant Cloth Storage Cover $68 20 - Deuce Conversion Box $1185

30 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 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 OSCILLATION POWER REMOTE CONTROL MISC. l e c l d d n r d r n a o o i m m s o i e o n t . t a r y . r o l M g . r t C r a t o n d p o . d o t a i n i t p g g t n c l i t r y u o n d o n h h v i i t i l s o i s o o s t / p t r o e o t t l a g b o r r n i n d s p i r r i b s s i e t e p e s H a t O n w n R P p t / a e p e O e e s - e a I a S s o e l p - r o - - n o l m p g g d s i n D S H I y a e l . r e h t i u d l e r r r l i r u a P e n f e t n n r m l g a r e e e e n i w a a a b c e m r a W l s l l l l m d a o o o e o w l g i A L h h a s i t S d r o i i o O l r r w e b b b b s s t t o C i i o o S C C n c i c a a o O P o r a a y y y e F a a y a T t t t t r y a s l l h r r r r t t T r r r r C W f f d l l p t v r s s s s r r . i i s e e e e e e e e e - - o o O f t t t S a v v u e u u u u t t a a c c f y t t v v l j j j j t w t r r o t h c o s s o a a a C o o t d d a o a m m C C C C C e e d d l a n # N O O P B B B S S R R R R S S C C I O # A A A A P B B R R X4 X $300 XX$200 X

XX6D Cells XXX9XX$70 X $35 XXX9XX$70 X $35 27 X4 $50 X 18 XX $200 XX $35 X 27, 28 X4 $50 X 18 XX $200 XX $35 X 27, 28, 29a X5XXX$50 X 18 XX $200 XXX $35 X 27, 28, 29b X4 X $200 XX X X T X5XXXX X XX XX29a XX3 X $200 XX X X S XX6 X X X X XX X X30 X $200 2 $50 X 12 XX $200 XX $35 X 27 XX6XX 27 XX6XX 27

XX30 unltd XXXX X X X X X X31

21 - Genie Conversion Box $2025 25b - Talks to Players, Cordless Headphone Sys - 29a - Player Simulation $200 22 - Genie PC Conversion Box $3940 tem ($500 or $50/month), iPod input with 29b - Player Simulation included, Multi-Function Remote $200 23 - Smash Conversion Box $345 speakers, Allows user to modify level, height, 30 - Multi-Function Remote $300 24 - Grand Slam PC Conversion Box $3940 frequency and speed during the drill 31 - The iPad controlled machine can deliver any type of ball (topspin, 25a - Plays Games, Rates Shots, Uses a Camera, Talks to Players, 26a - 2-button remote, 26b - 16-button remote, 26c underspin, flat, lob) to any place on court in any sequence, all ball Cordless Headphone System ($500 or $50/month), Wireless Print - - 20-button remote, 26d - 22-button remote parameters and timing customizable er for Analysis ($2000 or $100/month). Radar gun. iPod input with 27 - External Battery Pack $130, External AC Power speakers, Allows user to modify level, height, frequency and speed Supply $125 during the drill 28 - Smart Fast Battery Upgrade $45

ww 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 July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 31 ? Ask the experts Your Equipment Hotline

originAl String the name and spelling. I have had this String croSS-Section A NEW CUSTOMER CAME IN problem before, but I could usually manip - I JUST READ A PLAYTEST report with Wilson Hyper Hammer ulate my entries to get a find. I know that on a geometric string, but I 3.3 SOS (“The Limits”) for one of the issues is the complexity of hit - don't understand the gauge restringing. She’d had it restrung fairly ting just one out of the hundreds or thou - numbers. For instance, on a square Qrecently, but wasn’t happy with the sands of racquets stored in your data bank. Qstring, do the numbers refer to the side way the racquet played. She says that This is further complicated by the propen - of the square, or is this the measure - the racquet played great for years with sity of the manufacturers to use the same ment from corner to corner? the original string, but she doesn’t like or very similar names for multiple rac - On a string with an odd number of the new string. So, she wants me to quets. sides, does the number represent the restring the racquet using the original Let me know if there is a solution to smallest circle of the flats, or the diame - string. Unfortunately, neither of us my problem. Please keep it simple. I'm an ter of the circle of the apexes? knows what that string is. Can you excellent stringer but woefully inept when help? it comes to computers! IT DEPENDS ON WHAT number you’re looking at. The advertised AS WITH MANY FRAMES SOLD THE SIMPLE ANSWER IS TO KEEP it sizes come from the manufacturer, through pro shops, that racquet simple. That racquet happens to wAhether expressed as a gauge (for exam - was not strung at the factory. This appear in the Digest as the “Head Ti.Radical ple, 16) or as a measurement (for exam - mAeans that even though there might be AMP” (no space between “Ti.” and “Radical”). ple, 1.30 mm). Thus, these numbers a string recommendation printed in the Rather that attempting to memorize the could represent the design size, the mar - throat of the racquet, that’s not neces - unusual punctuation, intercaps, and other keting size, the actual size when the sarily what was originally installed. racquet naming oddities, your best bet is … string goes into the retail packaging, or It sounds as though the “original” as suggested in the “Quick Tips” section of any number of other situations, as string strings were so old that it’s not going to the Digest On-line … to enter less informa - sizing is self-regulated by each manufac - be possible to match them using new tion, not more. turer. strings, although you may be able to If you had searched for “Head” in the In addition to the manufacturer’s list - mimic the old strings through the use of company field and “Radical” in the racquet ed size, however, we also list the pre- a soft nylon at a low tension. Natural field, you would have found all 49 racquets and post-tension diameter. Because of gut would be another option on many in the Digest with that designation. Scrolling slight imperfections in cylindrical strings other racquets, but the two sets of string down, you quickly would have found your — and difficulties in measuring geomet - needed to ensure that you have the 44 specific racquet. Clicking on the line where ric and textured strings accurately — we feet needed for that Super Oversize your racquet appears reveals the full string - take several measurements and express frame would make this an expensive ing instructions. them as a range. option. Simple! To obtain these measurements, we . use a dial caliper, so on cylindrical Simple SeArcheS Stringer’S ApronS strings and geometrics with an even SEVERAL YEARS AGO I IN THE PAST YOU HAD A stringer's number of sides, this number can repre - stopped using the printed ver - apron for sale. The one I bought sent the minimum diameter of the prod - sion of the Stringer's Digest, from you years ago is now wearing uct. On textured strings, this and began using the On-Line Digest. I out. Are they still available?. measurement can range anywhere from Qhave found this to be mostly satisfacto - Q the minimum diameter to the maximum ry, but I have also noticed that the on- THE USRSA DOES NOT SELL aprons circle diameter. On odd-faceted geomet - line version is not very user friendly. or clothes any longer. However, we rics this measurement is going to be My most recent difficulty came this do have our logos on our website from a flat side to the opposite apex; in evening when I attempted to find the A(usrsa.com) that can be downloaded and essence, an “average” diameter. pattern for a Head Ti. Radical MP. I put taken to an embroidery shop to put on any —Greg Raven w the sport, racquet name, and company item you like. A lot of members tell us they We welcome your questions. Please send them to into the search box, but the on-line prefer this approach because they get to pick Racquet Sports Industry, 330 Main St., Vista, CA, Digest kept telling me that there were the base item. You can find our logos in the 92084; fax: 760-536-1171; email: no finds no matter how I manipulated Reference section under “USRSA logos.” [email protected].

32 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com

String Playtest Ytex Protour

tex Protour is a premium ratings from 3.5 to 6.0. These monofilament co-polyester con - are blind tests, with playtesters taining softer polyester and receiving unmarked strings in polyethylene. According to Ytex, Pro - unmarked packages. Average tYour provides a better response than number of hours playtested other conventional polyesters due to its was 26.7. exclusive patented Low Molecular Ytex recommends a 10 Weight Technology (LMWT), and its percent reduction in refer - added olefins and lubricants give it a ence tension compared to unique appearance and brilliance. nylon, so that’s what we Ytex says that Protour offers a soft recommended to our yet powerful feel, while maintaining playtest team members. control and a nice “pop” sensation on The smooth surface and flexibility impact. These qualities make it suitable made Ytex Protour Blue seem a bit eas - had no problems for younger players, mid- to high-level ier to handle than some polys, so we during installation. players, and even advanced players No playtester broke the sample dur - and touring pros. ing stringing, five reported problems Protour is available in 1.18mm, EASE OF STRINGING with coil memory, four reported prob - 1.20mm, 1.23mm, 1.25mm, and (compared to other strings) lems tying knots, and one reported fric - 1.28mm in “Fluo Yellow,” lime, blue, Number of testers who said it was: tion burn. white, orange, and black. It is priced much easier 2 from $5.85 for sets of 40 feet, $70 for somewhat easier 3 about as easy 25 ON THE COURT 660-foot reels. For more information or Ytex was correct about Protour being a not quite as easy 5 to order, contact Ytex at 786-280- control string, as our playtest team not nearly as easy 0 2138, or visit ytexstrings.com. Be sure ranked it 18th overall of the 165 strings to read the conclusion for more infor - OVERALL PLAYABILITY we’ve playtested for publication in the mation about getting a free set to try (compared to string played most often) Control category. Members of our for yourself. Number of testers who said it was: playtest team also rated Ytex Protour much better 0 Blue 1.25 well above average in Durabili - somewhat better 7 ty, Resistance to Movement, Tension IN THE LAB about as playable 9 We tested the 1.25 (16L) gauge Protour Retention, Spin Potential, and Power. not quite as playable 14 These scores combine to give Protour Blue. The coil measured 40 feet. The not nearly as playable 5 diameter measured 1.23-1.26 mm Blue 1.25 an overall average that is well prior to stringing, and 1.20-1.21 mm OVERALL DURABILITY above average. after stringing. We recorded a (compared to other strings Three playtesters broke the sample of similar gauge) stringbed stiffness of 74 RDC units during the playtest period, one each at Number of testers who said it was: immediately after stringing at 60 much better 2 six hours, 16 hours, and 25 hours. pounds in a Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 somewhat better 16 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull about as durable 15 CONCLUSION machine. not quite as durable 2 As good as the scores are, they almost After 24 hours (no playing), not nearly as durable 0 pale compared to the positive comments stringbed stiffness measured 68 RDC from our playtesters, which are just RATING AVERAGES units, representing an 8 percent ten - about off the charts in their praise for From 1 to 5 (best) Ytex Protour Blue 1.25. Considering its sion loss. Our control string, Prince Playability 3.4 Synthetic Gut Original Gold 16, mea - Durability 4.1 high scores, favorable comments, wide sured 78 RDC units immediately after Power 3.4 range of gauges, and selection of colors, stringing and 71 RDC units after 24 Control (18th overal) 3.8 in Protour Ytex may have created an hours, representing a 9 percent tension Comfort 3.3 entire string ecosystem in which any loss. Protour Blue added 16 grams to Touch/Feel 3.0 player can find his niche. the weight of our unstrung frame. Spin Potential 3.5 If you think that Ytex Protour Blue The string was tested for five weeks Holding Tension 3.5 might be for you, fill out the coupon to Resistance to Movement 3.8 by 35 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP get a free set to try. —Greg Raven ◗

34 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com pounds LO (Tecnifibre Black Code 18) TALK This is an average polyester that doesn’t TESThisT oneE gripRs thSe ball very well “shine in any one category. 4.5 male all- o“n groundies. Excellent pop on vol - Above average control and decent court player using Babolat ”Pure Drive strung leys and serves. s“pin, but too stiff. 4.0 male all-court at 56 pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 17) 4.5 male all-cou”rt player using Babo - player using Prince” EXO3 Hornet strung at For the rest of the tester comments, visit www.racquet - lat Pure Storm Team GT strung at 58 52 pounds CP (Wilson Sensation 16) sportsindustry.com. pounds LO (Babolat RPM Blast 16)

Comfort is quite high considering FREE PLAYTEST t“he exceptional durability. Spin and STRING PROGRAM control are excellent. This is a very Ytex will send a free set of Protour to USRSA playable poly. 4.5 male all-court members who cut out (or copy) this coupon and send it to: player using P”rinc e O3 Blue strung at USRSA, Attn: Ytex String Offer 55 pounds LO (Gamma Live Wire 17) 330 Main Street, Vista, CA 92084

Spin is simply fantastic. After set - or fax to 760-536-1171, or email the info below to [email protected] t“ling in, the power is excellent. This is Offer expires 15 July 2012 • Offer only available to USRSA members in the US. more comfortable than other polys I’ve tried. 4.0 male baseliner with Name: heavy spin using Yonex V Core strung ” USRSA Member number: at 52 pounds LO (Gamma TNT2 16) Phone:

Excellent balance between power Email: a“nd control. Exceptional all-around If you print your email clearly, we will notify you when your sample will be sent. playability for a poly. 4.0 male all- court player using He”ad Youtek IG Radical MP strung at 54 pounds LO (Babolat Xcel 16)

This string is for hard hitters look - i“ng for more control. Touch players with shorter strokes will not get enough feel. Spin is decent, but flat - ter strokes seem to work better. 4.5 male all-court player using V”olkl 10 strung at 54 pounds CP (Gamma Synthetic Gut 16)

This is a very balanced poly -- not t“oo stiff or soft. Excellent spin. Feels great and performs well on every swing speed. 5.5 male baseliner with heavy sp”in using Solinco Tour 10 strung at 43 pounds CP (Solinco Tour Bite 17)

This played like a typical “old s“chool” polyester. Low power and fast fading resilience. Spin, control, and durability are the main positives. 4.5 male all-court play - er using V”olkl C10 Pro strung at 50

www.racquetsportsindustry.com July 2012 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTRY 35 Your Serve The Value of Collaboration A longtime teaching pro says that when tennis providers find ways to work together, everyone benefits.

BY KEVIN THEOS

iscussions concerning collabo - be time-consuming, and pros who feel other’s events and having their juniors ration, or lack thereof, among too busy to reach out to other teaching play one another. In turn, these two pros large tennis associations is an professionals would do well to ask could eventually identify a third pro who ongoing feature of the industry. A less themselves a few questions. Would could join them, and so on. fDrequent topic of discussion, yet one that their sanctioned and charity tourna - One advantage of starting small is potentially has more relevance to indi - ments have more participants if one or that it may be easier to tell which pros viduals who work in tennis, concerns the more other pros in the area would actually follow through in supporting value of collaboration among local ten - directly (i.e., face to face and over the other pros, which could be more difficult nis providers. Regardless of what the phone) encourage their students to par - to do if one starts with a large group. large associations do, an increase in ticipate in the pro’s events? Would the Collaboration can help pros in many cooperation on the local level is so pro’s top juniors become better players ways. It can facilitate participation in a important, that alone, it can increase if the pro were to facilitate and encour - pros’ events, which can increase rev - tennis participation dramatically. age match play against top juniors from enue. It can improve the skill level of Teaching pros often lament the fact other local facilities? Are there other players through facilitated match play, that it is challenging, or in many cases possibilities of potential collaboration which can elevate the pros’ status for outright impossible, to get pros to work particular to one’s local tennis market? having many highly skilled players. And together. Indeed, as I began thinking For most pros the answers to these simply through building relationships, about writing this, I asked colleagues questions would be an unequivocal collaboration can help pros in unforeseen from around the country for solid exam - “yes.” ways. ples of local pros collaborating—long- A second reason pros don’t collabo - However, whether or not a pro will term and with results that are rate is they are unhappy with other pros commit to collaboration has nothing to recognition-worthy, or at least positive. they believe have tried to “steal” stu - do with money or status and everything The feedback I received was not encour - dents, usually accomplished juniors. To to do openness to possibilities and atti - aging. I heard story after story of failed be sure, pros who actively attempt to tude. Many teaching pros love their work attempts or no attempts at all to collabo - woo juniors from their coaches are easy and see their profession as more than rate. Nevertheless, pros who take a fresh to dislike, and it is understandable how “just a job.” Ultimately, it is out of love for look at the possibilities for collaboration pros would not want to work with these what they do and how they impact lives, have the chance to greatly enrich them - individuals. Nevertheless, the fact that as well as a simple desire to improve ten - selves, their students, and the tennis there are pros who attempt to poach tal - nis in the community, that pros reach out community. ented junior players is not a reason to to others to work together. Perhaps the most common reason reject all collaboration; there is still the Collectively pros have the ability to pros don’t work together more often is possibility of working with other peers. vastly increase the number of tennis they are busy. Lessons, leagues, tourna - players, but it all begins with a single call ments, pro shop operations and every - Starting Small from one pro to another about working thing else that goes into being a tennis Even when pros attempt collaboration, together. w teaching professional makes it easy to sometimes nothing comes of it because Kevin Theos is the USTA South - get into a routine. When one is trying to of how they approach the issue. When ern Tennis Service Rep for manage all the needs of one’s own facil - exploring cooperation it can be unpro - Alabama. He is a USPTA pro ity, it is understandable that reaching out ductive to try and get everyone in an with more than 20 years teach - to other pros might be low on one’s pri - area to work together because there ing experience and is the former ority list. may be too many antagonistic relation - executive director of the Birm - ships. It could be better for a single pro ingham Area Tennis Association. to think of a single other pro that he or Why Collaborate? We welcome your opinions. Please email However, collaboration does not have to she could work with in promoting each comments to [email protected].

36 RACQUET SPORTS INDUSTR Y July 2012 www.racquetsportsindustry.com BLACKRACQUET LABS ------OECLASSiriEO Allhar;tv ) " C1 ' z It 1'011· ·---·-- --- .ate, L. ._~Y...:... A_:.:..:...R __ _ BRL Daie

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