Looking to a Bright Future Our Champions of Tennis Tell Us Their 2017 Wishes to Strengthen and Grow the Game’S Grassroots

Home , 2016 Fed Cup, 2016 US Open (tennis), Brian Vahaly, David Hall (tennis), Groundstroke, Lob (tennis)

Racquet Tech Product Intros Teaching Tool New USRSA Racquets and strings BALL MACHINE CERTIFICATION focus on COMFORT use will enhance for sales and service AND CONTROL your lessons

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 / VOLUME 44 / NUMBER 10 / $5.00 Looking To a Bright Future Our Champions of Tennis tell us their 2017 wishes to strengthen and grow the game’s grassroots

DAVID LASOTA: JULIAN LI: JEFF RODEFELD: PHIL PARRISH: CARRIE CIMINO: “Continue to build “It’s time for the “We need a focus on “More one-day “I’m looking forward smaller courts for industry to point out pro/specialty retail and tournaments for entry- to seeing more products youth, beginners and the beneﬁ ts of its importance to level players throughout that will help players seniors alike.” multiﬁ lament strings.” brand awareness.” high school.” play better.”

Nov_Dec_TI_COVER.indd 1 10/19/16 11:39 AM ads.indd 1 4/29/16 12:43 PM 2016 Babolat Strike Ad8.375x11.125 R1.indd 1 AND ACCESSORIES OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS, WIMBLEDON BABOLAT - OFFICIAL TENNIS RACKETS, SHOES*, BAGS

(AUT)

Supplier Official BALLS OFTHEFRENCH OPENROLAND-GARROS BABOLAT –OFFICIALRACKETS, STRINGSAND 9/15/16 9:42AM

*Except in Japan TEAM BABOLAT PRO PLAYERS MAY PLAY WITH A CUSTOMIZED OR DIFFERENT MODEL THAN THE EQUIPMENT DEPICTED. Te nnisIndustry www.tennisindustrymag.com NOV/DEC 2016

DEPARTMENTS 4 Our Serve 7 Industry News 12 Letters 16 TIA News 18 Racquet Tech 20 Retailing Tip 32 String Playtest: MSV Go Max 1.25 34 Your Serve, by Kevin Theos

INDUSTRY NEWS 7 USPTA, Wilson reunite in multiyear agreement 7 Adams nominated to repeat as USTA president p.28 8 Adidas, USTA partner for Lake Nona, leagues 8 Tennis pioneer Seena Hamilton FEATURES passes away 9 Playmate introduces iGenie 22 Tech Support ball machine Teaching pros should view technology not as 10 Rome Tennis Center opens competition, but as a tool to help grow revenue. 60 courts 11 Wilson creates Serena Williams 24 Wish List for the New Year autograph frame We asked last year’s Champions of Tennis winners 11 USTA presents annual awards in New York what they’re looking for in 2017. p.24 12 Sockwise debuts women's line 28 Comfort and Control 12 Peoplewatch 13 Clijsters, Roddick, Braden, New technology emerges for racquets and strings. Fink nominated for HOF 14 Short Sets 31 Smarten Up! 14 Legacy Building Solutions With cutting-edge technology, PlaySight designs OKC facility SmartCourts are helping players of all levels. COVER PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK COVER

2 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

TOC.indd 2 10/13/16 10:04 AM PREMIUM COURT SURFACING PRODUCTS Contact us for referrals to qualified installers in your region. SportMaster Products are installed by sport surfacing professionals throughout the United States and around the world.

sportmaster.net

OFFICIAL PLAYING SURFACE OF THE CITI OPEN® TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Citi Open is a registered service mark of Citigroup Inc. PUBLISHER Our Serve JEFF WILLIAMS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR PETER FRANCESCONI

MANAGING EDITOR SCOTT GRAMLING

CREATIVE DIRECTOR IAN KNOWLES

SENIOR EDITOR ED M GROGAN

ART DIRECTOR CRHISTIAN RODRIGUEZ

Framing PRODUCTION EDITOR SAM CHASE

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Our Future BOB PATTERSON CONTRIBUTING EDITORS DURING THE US OPEN, THERE with this sport at every level. Across ROBIN BATEMAN, CYNTHIA CANTRELL, are always a lot of meetings and presen- the board, we need to fi nd out what PEG CONNOR, KENT OSWALD, CYNTHIA tations with members of the industry approaches will make tennis appeal to SHERMAN, MARY HELEN SPRECHER and the USTA. These gatherings, while everyone in a sustainable way. As a top CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS perhaps not barn-burners, are interest- sales consultant recently told me, it’s BOB KENAS, DAVID KENAS ing to me because they celebrate the not about making one sale—it’s about sport, look to increase business and generating repeat business with that WEBMASTER allow you to connect with others work- same consumer. GREG RAVEN ing to grow this industry. The retail landscape is much dif- ASSOCIATE EDITOR During TIA meetings and at the ferent now than it was 10 years ago. TIM M ARTHUR USTA Semiannual Meeting, Craig Consumer attitudes, habits and desires Morris, the USTA’s general manager of have changed. And technology contin- EDITORIAL DIRECTION 10TEN MEDIA Community Tennis and Youth Tennis, ues to change how we get information, made it a point to connect with as many buy products and create experiences. TENNIS INDUSTRY industry members as possible. Morris, As an industry, we often talk a good 48 W 21st St., New York, NY 10010 who came to the USTA last fall from game when it comes to the future, but 646-783-1450 Tennis Australia, was looking to push we tend to be glacially slow in making [email protected] his important message of focusing on key changes and course adjustments— the tennis “customer” to help grow this and, quite simply, in reading the signs. ADVERTISING DIRECTOR sport at all levels. (See the September/ Many of the issues and challenges that JOHN HANNA October issue for a Q&A with Morris.) we’re just now “fi guring out” were 770-650-1102, x.125 [email protected] The TIA also sponsored an excel- raised years ago. lent roundtable with retail expert Dan The USTA National Campus and APPAREL ADVERTISING O’Connor (see page 17). O’Connor the renovations at the National Tennis CYNTHIA SHERMAN covered a wealth of information, but Center seem to be well in hand. So 203-558-5911 the crux of his message was that the let’s open up that throttle and focus on [email protected] fundamentals of retail are shifting to the changes we need to make—now- stay current with consumer habits. to increase participation of new and Tennis Industry is published 10 times per year: monthly, January through August with combined Businesses and organizations, includ- existing players, sell more racquets, get issues in September/October and November/ ing the sport of tennis, must adapt more courts built and reframe how we December, by Tennis Media Company, 48 W 21st St., New York, NY 10010. Periodical postage paid in quickly to be able to survive and grow. market this sport. Duluth, GA and at additional mailing offi ces (USPS Adding to all this, at the TIA Tennis #004-354). Nov/Dec 2016, Volume 44, Number 10 © 2016 by Tennis Media Company. All rights Forum, was a message that Dr. Jack reserved. Tennis Industry, TI and logo are trademarks Groppel is bringing to this industry: the of Tennis Media Company. Printed in the U.S.A. Phone advertising: 770-650-1102 x 125. Phone circulation need to convey the health and fi tness and editorial: 646-783-1450. Yearly subscriptions benefi ts of tennis. Groppel, who has a Peter Francesconi $25 in the U.S., $40+ elsewhere. POSTMASTER: Send long history in the science of human address changes to Tennis Industry, 48 W 21st St., Editorial Director New York, NY 10010. Tennis Industry is the offi cial performance—but who admits tennis [email protected] magazine of the USRSA, TIA and ASBA. is his fi rst love—is now the “health and Looking for back issues of Tennis Industry/Racquet wellness advisor” for the tennis indus- Sports Industry? Visit the archives at our website try (see page 16). at TennisIndustryMag.com for free digital versions. What does all this mean? We need to re-examine how we go to market

4 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_OurServe.indd 2 10/3/16 1:09 PM “PLAYSIGHT GIVES USC TENNIS A HUGE EDGE”

Peter Smith Head Coach, USC Men’s Tennis 5-Time NCAA Champion 2-Time ITA Coach of the Year

CONNECTING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES

playsight.com

PS Tennis Industry-PETER SMITH-SEP2016.indd 1 2016-09-19 4:27 PM A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR COACHES & ORGANIZERS

Whether you are looking to promote your programs and events, take a course or learn the latest coaching tips, the USTA Resource Center has what you’re looking for.

BRING USTA JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS TO YOUR COMMUNITY

usta.com/jtt

CATCH A RISING STAR TODAY! PROCIRCUIT.USTA.COM

COACHING & EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES • MARKETING MATERIALS, INCLUDING CUSTOMIZABLES • VIDEOS • TIPS • COURSES • DRILLS • MEDIA ADVISORIES • RULES & REGULATIONS • PROGRAM GUIDES

RESOURCES.USTA.COM

12315 CT Resource Site Promotional One-Pager.indd 1 9/20/16 12:04 PM Industry News Information to help you run your business USPTA and Wilson Reunite in Multiyear Agreement he USPTA and Wilson Sporting grassroots tennis and deeper partnership Goods have entered into a three- with teaching professionals are essential.” Tyear agreement in which Wilson “I was fortunate to be a part of the Wil- will become the official equipment suppli- son team 20-plus years ago when USPTA er of the USPTA, providing racquets, balls, and Wilson were partners,” says USPTA strings, grips, bags, 10 and Under Tennis CEO John Embree. “I feel like the USPTA Adams equipment and stringing machines, along has returned home. I am excited about with platform tennis paddles and balls for what this endorsement will mean to our Nominated USPTA members and programs. membership and to the tennis industry.” “We are excited to rejoin forces,” says Wilson equipment and signage will be To Repeat as Hans-Martin Reh, general manager of showcased at all official USPTA events. Wilson. “As a brand, our mission is to Wilson will join seven other endorsees in USTA President become the undisputed champion in contributing to the USPTA Retirement tennis. We recognize a renewed focus on Gold+ program. • fter the US Open, USTA First Vice President Andy AAndrews notified the USTA Nominating Committee that, for Celebrating the USPTA- personal reasons, he was declining Wilson deal are (from left) the nomination for USTA presi- Mickey Maule, Wilson commercial director for the dent for the 2017-2018 term. Americas; Hans-Martin Reh, The Nominating Committee general manager for Wilson Global Racquet Sports; “determined it to be in the best Tim Buwick, Wilson USA interest of the organization promotions manager; and John Embree, USPTA CEO. to nominate Katrina Adams to serve an unprecedented second consecutive term as USTA Presi- dent,” according to Committee Chair Charlotte Johnson. The full slate nominated for the he USTA Southern Section has 2017-2018 term is: ‘Making released a 28-page online publica- President: Katrina Adams tion called “Making Tennis Matter: (Eastern) Tennis Matter’ TA USTA Southern Facility Toolkit,” aimed First VP: Patrick Galbraith at supporting Community Tennis (Pacific Northwest) Associations, facility owners and grass- VP: Joan Baker (Northern) Released by roots advocates as they work to build more VP: Mark Ein (Mid-Atlantic) tennis courts in local communities. The Sec-Treas: Thomas Ho (Texas) USTA Southern publication includes information on how Directors at Large: Fabrizio to make a case for building more courts Alcobe-Fierro (Florida), Jeffrey and includes case studies, tips and other Baill (Northern), Laura Canfield important resources. (Middle States), Dr. Brian “We hope other sections will feel free Hainline (Midwest), Michael to customize this compilation of best McNulty (Southern), Andrew practices for their own use,” says USTA Valdez (Intermountain) Southern Advocacy Subcommittee Chair Elite Athletes: Lauren Barnikow Robin Jones. To link to the tool, visit (Northern Calif.), Liezel Huber southerntennis.com/makingtennismatter. (Texas), Brian Vahaly (Mid-

COURTESY USPTA/FRED MULLANE/CAMERAWORK USA MULLANE/CAMERAWORK USPTA/FRED COURTESY pdf or southern.usta.com. • Atlantic) •

www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 7

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 8 10/3/16 1:53 PM Industry News

ITF Considers Changes Adidas, USTA To Davis, Fed Cup Formats The International Tennis Federation is Partner for looking to change the Davis and Fed Cup formats “to make the appeal of tennis broad and wide,” says ITF President David Nat'l Campus, Haggerty. The ITF wants to select cities to host the final in advance, rather than Leagues waiting until the two contenders for the championship emerge. The ITF hopes to n a new partnership, Adidas have this new hosting system in place will become an official sponsor by 2018. of the USTA National Campus, Other possible changes include reducing I the length of matches from best of five sets USTA Player Development and USTA League Tennis. In addition, Adidas to best of three, and expanding the top-tier will become the exclusive presenting Fed Cup from eight nations to a 16-nation sponsor of the USTA National Junior field, similar to Davis Cup. The ITF member- Rankings and newly named “USTA ship will vote on the plans next August. Adidas Junior Championship Series,” comprised of junior tournaments that will feature some of the top young players in the country. At the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla., the Adidas Performance Center will serve as home to the USTA’s Player Development division. Adidas will also become the official outfitter and apparel partner for USTA PD. “The success of our sport depends on the success of the international tennis industry as a whole,” says USTA Player Development General Seena Hamilton, Tennis Manager Martin Blackman. “We are Pioneer, Passes Away fortunate that our game is supported Tennis pioneer and Easter Bowl by world-class brands that produce founder Seena Hamilton (pictured tennis racquets, tennis balls, apparel above with Arthur Ashe) passed away and footwear.” • on August 6 after a lengthy illness. She was 92. Hamilton’s commitment to junior tennis helped generations of top players make their initial mark in the ITA Unveils sport. The roster of Easter Bowl par- ticipants reads as a “who’s who” of the sport, and includes a 15-year-old Jimmy New Look Connors at the inaugural event in 1968. Hamilton's career included stints as a radio scriptwriter, record publicist, radio show host and magazine editor. She founded two marketing companies: Seena Hamilton & Associates and Creative Tennis Marketing. She is sur- vived by her son, Bryan Fineberg.

he Intercollegiate Tennis Fromuth to Run Pro Shop Association has rolled out a at USTA National Campus new logo and enhanced brand Fromuth Tennis will operate the tennis T pro shop at the USTA National Campus in colors. The ITA worked with PlanIt

Studios for the new design. • Orlando, Fla., scheduled to open in January. KENAS ROBERT COURTERSY

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 9 10/3/16 1:53 PM Industry News

Top-Selling Racquets at “Operating the pro shop at the USTA tennis pro shops, teams, coaches and string- Specialty Stores National Campus is a great fi t for us as we ers in all 50 states with a variety of tennis January-June, 2016 vs. 2015 can help train interns and Professional Ten- brands, servicing thousands of tennis retail- Units 2016 280,559 nis Management students before they go ers a year. —E.J. Crawford 2015 306,092 out into the tennis world and run pro shops, % change vs. ’15 -8% stringing businesses and tennis clubs,” Playmate Introduces iGenie Dollars 2016 $41,639,000 says Fromuth President Pat Shields. “For a Ball Machine 2015 $45,069,000 company like ours that’s been committed to Playmate Ball Machines has intro- % change vs. ’15 -8% the tennis industry for over 40 years, this is a duced iGenie, which the company says is Price 2016 $148.42 huge opportunity to be on the forefront the easiest ball machine to use. Players 2015 $147.24 of innovation.” can choose a “player level” (easy, me- % change vs. ’15 1% Since 1972, Fromuth has been supplying dium, hard) then “select shots”— from Top-Selling Racquets at Specialty Stores By year-to-date dollars, January-June 2016 1. Babolat Pure Drive 2015 (MP) 2. Babolat Pure Aero (100) 2016 (MP) 3. Babolat Pure Aero Team 2016 (MP) 4. Babolat Pure Drive Lite 2015 (MP) 5. Wilson Pro Staff 97 (MP) “Hot New Racquets” (introduced in the past 12 months) 1. Babolat Pure Aero (100) 2016 (MP) 2. Babolat Pure Aero Team 2016 (MP) 3. Wilson Ultra 100 2016 (MP) 4. Babolat Pure Aero Lite 2016 (MP) 5. Head XT Radical MP (MP) Top-Selling Tennis Shoes at Specialty Stores By year-to-date dollars, Jan.-June 2016 1. Asics Gel Resolution 6 2. Prince T22 3. Nike Zoom Cage 2 4. Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour 2015 5. Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 Top-Selling Strings at Specialty Stores By year-to-date units, Jan.-June 2016 1. Babolat RPM Blast 2. Prince Synthetic Gut Duraﬂ ex 3. Wilson NXT 4. Wilson Sensation 5. Luxilon Alu Power

(Source: TIA)

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 10 10/13/16 2:44 PM Industry News

rally balls, to short balls, lobs, spins and more. Or don’t select anything, and iGenie will start feeding an “easy rally ball” straight ahead. For teaching pros and coaches, Play- mate says it’s easy to create drills. The pro selects a “player level” based on the users' skill and experience, then selects shots in order. For example, for a two-line group drill, the pro can hit Medium Player level, and then High Short Ball two times then Lob two times. On the picture of the court, set directions for a two-line drill by pressing the button left of center and then the button right of center. The iGenie also includes iPlaymate Tennis for iPhone and iPad, so pros can create and save drills, track workouts, Rome Tennis Center compare results with others and more. Pros can also control the ball machine on their iPhone and iPad. Opens 60 Courts Visit playmatetennis.com for more. he Rome Tennis Center at Berry College in Rome, Ga., the nation’s largest hard-court tennis facility, held its grand opening over the summer. It has a Industry Veteran Launches total of 60 lighted courts, including six NCAA regulation courts, three cen- Tennis Court Consult Tter courts for tournament and collegiate play, and one exhibition court. There are Tennis industry veteran David Meharg has also eight permanent 36-foot courts, in addition to 10 courts with blended lines.

Braces/Supports • Massage Therapy • Kinesiology Tape • Hot/Cold Therapy 800-779-3372 • [email protected]

10 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 11 10/3/16 1:53 PM Industry News

launched a new company, Tennis Court Consult (TCC) of Cornwall Bridge, Conn., to provide an independent, comprehen- sive and cost-effective approach to tennis court and facility consulting. Meharg brings more than 30 years of tennis business experience in all segments of the industry to TCC. All TCC services are also supported by a network of technical tennis experts across the country. Visit TennisCourtConsult.com or contact [email protected] (phone: 860-484-9016). USTA Presents Annual Awards The USTA presented several annual awards at its Semiannual Meeting held in New York City during the US Open in September. * Eve Kraft Community Service Award: Delaine Mast, Lancaster, Pa. * CTA of the Year: Western Wake Tennis Association, Cary, N.C. * Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award: Buddy Up Tennis Inc., New Albany, Ohio * Faculty Member of the Year: Todd Dissly, Los Gatos, Calif. Wilson Creates * Janet Louer Junior Team Tennis Organizer of the Year: Oliver Summers, Serena Fargo, N.D. * NJTL Chapter of the Year: Gainesville Autograph Area Community Tennis Association Inc., Gainesville, Fla. Racquet * Barbara Williams Service Award: Barbara Fackel, Rock Island, Ill. ilson announced during * Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship the US Open that it will Award: Lane Leschly, Atherton, Calif., honor 20-year advisory and Tiffany Chen, Naperville, Ill. W * Featured Outstanding Facility Award: staff member Serena Williams with an Autograph racquet. The The Candy Erickson Tennis Center at Blade Serena Williams (SW) 104 the Park City Municipal Athletic Autograph marks the 16th time in Recreation Center, Park City, Utah. the brand’s 102-year history—and * League Volunteer Award: Pat Devoto, only the second time in the last 38 Decatur, Ga. years—that it has celebrated an * National Junior Scholar Athlete athlete with an Autograph model. Award: Alexis Milunovich, Greenwich Williams will play with the new Academy, Conn., and David Horneffer, frame at the start of the 2017 season Brookfield East High School, Wis. in Australia. * President’s Award: Benjamin Woods The new Blade line of frames also Sr., Silver Spring, Md. includes new technologies from Wilson, including “Countervail,” USRSA Adds Two New which places carbon fiber in loca- Certification Testers tions throughout the racquet to Sharon Hall of Athens, Ga., and Mark improve performance, and the X2 Tarentino of Fayetteville, N.C., are the new- Ergo handle, to provide two-handed est certification testers for the USRSA. Hall backhand players with power, versa- is the owner and operator of Red Racquet

COURTERSY ROME TENNIS CENTER (PAGE 10); WILSON (PAGE 11) 10); WILSON ROME(PAGE TENNIS CENTER (PAGE COURTERSY tility and feel. Tennis in Athens and has been a Master

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 12 10/3/16 1:53 PM Industry News People Watch

In September, Dr. Brian Hainline received the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's highest honor, the 2016 ITA David A. Benjamin Achievement Award.

Har-Tru has announced four Sockwise Introduces New new hires. Andrew Frazier is the sales rep for the Mid-Atlantic and Women’s Line Canada; Kyle Utz is the sales rep for the Midwest and West; Chris ockwise Inc. has introduced U-Sox (u-sox.com), a new line of women’s Martin is now the company’s credit lifestyle socks. and collections manager; and Kita National Sales Manager Don Crusius says the new socks, which are made Ashurst is the company’s new S senior purchasing agent. in Italy, had a sponsorship arrangement with the Connecticut Open in August. “All the players received socks, and they gave us great feedback,” he notes. “There are 10 models in the current line and our plan is to introduce a new style every two weeks Kathy Woods has been named until the end of the year.” Director of Tennis at the USTA Crusius says he’s also looking to expand his network of national sales reps. For National Campus in Orlando, Fla., more information, contact him at 214-460-7681 or [email protected] leading and overseeing all programming and activities. Also at the National Campus, Chris “Mick” Michalowski has been LETTERS named director of Campus Laboratory, USTA University.

Focus on the Outgoing ATP Player Council president and former Top 20 doubles player Eric Butorac has Customer been named to the new position I enjoyed Peter Francesconi’s “Our The “Our Serve” column in the August of director of Professional Tennis Serve” in the August issue, “The Best issue was a wonderful reminder of what Operations and Player Relations Part of Your Day.” What tennis director really matters in our business (or any for the USTA. Adam Molda tells his coaches is very business): The customer’s experience. important. When a student feels that we actually The Intercollegiate Tennis Asso- When I was regularly conducting care about them, that we’re taking the ciation Women's Collegiate Tennis PTR certifi cation workshops, I would time to make an investment in their Hall of Fame will induct Alycia always mention to the coaches the enjoyment, it’s a game-changer to our Moulton, Gretchen Rush, Jane importance of what they do and that business. Goodman and Virginia Brown in a they need to always give the best lesson For years I’ve told my students, Nov. 12 event in Williamsburg, Va. possible every time they step onto the “I’m just the hired help.” While I’d like court. I would tell them that for many of to believe they don’t actually feel that Daria Kasatkina, 19, has their students, being on the court with way, it’s been a great way to convey the renewed her contract with Tecni- you is the hour of the week that they idea that, “it’s not about me, it’s all fi bre, building on their fi ve-year look forward to the most. about them.” partnership. The Russian-born If you can’t give your best in every Thank you for recognizing where Kasatkina is currently ranked 29th lesson you teach, then do yourself, your the focus needs to be if we ever hope to in the WTA world rankings. students and the game of tennis a favor grow our sport. It can’t be on the pros, and fi nd something else to do for a the facilities, or even on the USTA—it Americans Ryan Harrison of the living. Thankfully, most tennis coaches needs to be on the customer. San Diego Aviators and Nicole make a world of diff erence in their Mike Kolendo Gibbs of the Orange County students’ lives. Tennis Director Breakers won the 2016 Mylan Dan Santorum Tennis at Maple Ridge/Northampton World TeamTennis MVP awards.

CEO, Professional Tennis Registry (Mass.) Recreation Department 13) 12); TOURNA GRIP (PAGE (PAGE INC. SOCKWISE COURTESY

12 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 13 10/3/16 1:53 PM

FOR SALE Industry News Windcrest T ennis & Racquet Technician for more than 12 years. player during the 1990s and winner P ickleball C lub Tarentino is the assistant director of the of a Paralympic Gold Medal, is nomi- Professional Tennis Management program nated in the Recent Player Category for at Methodist University. An MRT, he is also Wheelchair Tennis. a Level 2 USPTA pro, a PTR certifi ed pro, a In the Contributor Category, the late Cardio Tennis/TRX Cardio Tennis Authorized Vic Braden, who was among the fi rst to Pro and is PPTA certifi ed. apply sports science to his instructional tactics, has been nominated, along Clijsters, Roddick, Braden, with Steve Flink, a distinguished tennis Flink Considered for HoF historian, broadcaster and journalist. Former world No. 1s Kim Clijsters and Andy Roddick have been nominated for USTA Foundation Awards induction into the International Tennis $408K in College Scholarships Hall of Fame. Both are on the 2017 ballot USTA Foundation, the national charitable in the Recent Player Category. Monique foundation of the USTA, awarded 49 high- Kalkman, a Dutch wheelchair tennis school students a variety of college

Located in San Antonio, Texas 6 lighted tennis courts 2 lighted pickleball courts 1 unlighted pickleball court All courts recently resurfaced New nets USTA league teams

Cibulkova, Tourna Grip 1000 square foot club house, Sign Multiyear Agreement stringing machine and a ball ourna Grip has entered into a multiyear deal with WTA pro Dominika machine. Cibulkova, who has used the grip for her entire career. Cibulkova, who has Treached as high as No. 10 in the world, joins Tourna’s roster of pro players Contact Ed Beyster at offi cially endorsing the brand and will be featured in advertisements, packaging 210-326-6780 for additional and promotional material. Tourna Grip’s trademark light blue color can be seen on the racquets of hundreds of touring pros. Visit uniquesports.com for more. • information.

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 14 10/3/16 1:53 PM Industry News

Famers Cliff Swain and Legacy Building Solu- the offi cial ball of the Short Jacqueline Paraiso. tions, a pioneer in the Ladies Professional use of a rigid steel frame Racquetball Tour. The Sets Head Penn has for fabric structures, multi-year deal includes The U.S. will host partnered with Greater is on the 2016 edition an extension of Head as Switzerland in the 2017 Midland (Mich.) Tennis of the Inc. 5000 list of the offi cial Tour Partner. Davis Cup World Group Center. Head will be fastest growing private First Round, which will be the offi cial brand and companies in the U.S. The Since its purchase held Feb. 3-5. Penn the offi cial ball of rankings are determined by Sinclair Broadcast Peter Burwash the facility. by the rate of revenue Group in March, International (PBI) will The Chicago Tribune growth over three years. Tennis Channel says it operate the tennis pro- reported in September Tecnifi bre was the Visit legacybuildingsolu- has added 10 million gram at the Mandarin that Wilson Sporting offi cial stringer for the tions.com for more info. viewing households Oriental, Kuala Lumpur Goods will move its head- ATP 500/WTA Inter- and is now reaching 47 hotel. Angel Gyorgievs- quarters from Chicago’s national Tier Citi Open Golfsmith Interna- million households as of ki (above) will head the far northwest side to the Tournament in Wash- tional, headquartered in this summer. new program. PBI will Prudential Plaza in the ington, D.C., in July— Houston, fi led for bank- direct the tennis pro- city’s Loop neighborhood. the company’s fi rst ATP ruptcy on Sept. 15 as part Sportsmen’s Tennis & gram at The Buccaneer The move, which will event inside the U.S. of a debt restructuring Enrichment Center in resort on St. Croix in the affect about 400 employ- More than 900 racquets plan. Golfsmith, which Dorchester, Mass., has U.S. Virgin Islands. ees, is set for December were strung during the also sells tennis equip- received a three-year, 2017. The company 11-day event. ment, is the largest spe- $150,000 grant from TGA Premier Youth reportedly signed a 12- cialty golf retailer in the Tufts Medical Center Tennis recently year lease for two ﬂ oors of world and has 109 stores for the Volley Against launched its fi rst the 41-story building. in the United States Violence Police/Com- international franchise operating as Golfsmith munity Engagement in Sault Ste. Marie, Ashaway Racket Strings OnCourt OffCourt Golf & Tennis, and 55 Initiative. Tufts has Canada. In addition, has renewed its sponsor- has recently rebranded, stores in Canada. supported Volley TGA has new franchises ship agreements with with a new logo and Against Violence for the in Nashville, Tenn., and racquetball Hall-of- new spelling. Penn has been named past six years. Fairfi eld County, Conn.

scholarships totaling $408,000. Each year, the Foundation awards scholar- Legacy Designs, Builds ships to deserving youth who have participated in USTA and other organized youth OKC Indoor Facility tennis programs, such as an NJTL chapter, have demonstrated high academic achieve- hen the USTA named ment and require fi nancial assistance for the Oklahoma City college. The scholarships range from $1,000 WTennis Center at Will to $15,000. Rogers Park as an Outstanding Tennis Facility, part of the credit USRSA Announces was due to the new six-court New MRTs and CSs indoor tennis facility construct- Master Racquet Technicians ed by Legacy Building Solutions. John Currie—London, England The structure uses ﬂ ame- Neil Dennis—London, England retardant fabric that reﬂ ects the David Hall—Clacton by the Sea, England LED lighting system for a bright, Gary Homer—Solihull, England even background. Designed for Rob Leahy—Cork, Ireland year-round use, the building’s Sorin Miller—Portland, Ore. roof and walls are fully insulated. Justin Patt—San Luis Obispo, Calif. After working with the tennis Michael Thompson—Birmingham, England center staff , the custom-designed William Wert—Charleston, S.C. building was installed by Legacy Ron Williamson—Melton, England in less than 30 days. For more Certifi ed Stringers information, visit legacybuild- Brooke Fix—Kingman, Ariz.

ingsolutions.com. • Minchao Wu—Flushing, N.Y. • LEGACY BUILDING SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL, BURWASH PETER COURTESY

14 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_IndustryNews.indd 15 10/3/16 1:54 PM TI MAG AD pg.indd 2 5/26/16 12:53 PM Human Performance Expert Dr. Jack Groppel Named Health & Wellness Advisor for the Tennis Industry

Dr. Jack Groppel, an internationally recognized authority and pioneer in the science of human performance, will become the Health & Wellness Advisor for the Tennis Industry. As the representative and spokesperson for the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) Board of Directors, Dr. Groppel will work with industry partners, including the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), International Health, Racquet, & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), and others, on strategies to best convey the health and fitness messaging of tennis.

Dr. Groppel, who is the co-founder of the at the Surgeon General’s Call to Action on at the U.S. Capitol. During the announcement, Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Walking and Walkable Communities. the sport of tennis was cited by Dr. Groppel as Institute, has a long history in tennis, including “We are very fortunate in the tennis industry “the first of hopefully many entire sports to 16 years as chair of the National Sport Science to have someone of Dr. Groppel’s experience endorse this pledge and this plan.” Committee for the USTA. and caliber helping to push all the great benefits This past August, Dr. Groppel participated “I’m thrilled to be able to give back to the of tennis and reasons to play this sport,” said in the annual TIA Tennis Forum in New York game that has given me so much,” Dr. Groppel TIA Executive Director Jolyn de Boer. “No one City during the US Open. As the National said. “I look forward to working with the Tennis has published more articles and research on Spokesperson for the CEO Pledge for Physical Industry Association and all of the industry the health benefits of tennis than he has.” Activity (part of the National Coalition for partners in helping to highlight the health, In March, Dr. Groppel was a key presenter Promoting Physical Activity), Dr. Groppel fitness and wellness benefits tennis can offer at the TIA State of the Industry Forum during expanded the Pledge with the signing by people of all ages.” the Miami Open, held in conjunction with the International Tennis Federation President David “With Jack’s background and expertise in third annual TIA Tennis Owners & Managers Haggerty and USTA President Katrina Adams. fitness performance and health, the entire tennis Conference, on using the health and fitness Along with his position with the Johnson industry will benefit from the strategic support benefits of the sport to get more people active & Johnson Human Performance Institute, he’ll bring,” said TIA President Jeff Williams. and playing tennis. Dr. Groppel is the co-chair of the Health Dr. Groppel is the co-chair of the Global In April, the tennis industry became the first Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) Alliance for Health & Performance and is sports industry to endorse the new National Health, Performance & Productivity Study professor of Kinesiology & Community Health Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) and the CEO Committee. He wrote the book “The Corporate at the University of Illinois. He’s addressed the Pledge for Physical Activity when the plan was Athlete” on achieving the pinnacle of corporate issue of worksite wellness and performance unveiled in Washington, D.C. The NPAP was performance, he’s been featured in New York at U.N. and U.S. Congress policy events, and announced in a press conference at the National Times, Fortune, Forbes, Shape, Fast Company represented the worksite wellness industry Press Club, followed by a Congressional briefing and Huffington Post, among other publications. 2017 T.O.M. Conference to be March 27-29 in Orlando

The fourth annual Tennis Owners & Managers (T.O.M.) Conference, presented by the TIA, will be March 27-29, 2017, at Rosen Shingle Creek, a 230-acre resort in Orlando, Fla. The T.O.M. Conference will bring together leading experts in facility management, development, programming, staffing, and other key areas to provide vital information that will address the needs of all types of tennis facilities—public, commercial, private, country clubs, resorts. The event also will focus on looking to the future ORLANDO 2017 and to innovative business models that will help to increase tennis engagement and growth at the facility and club level. The 2017 conference in Orlando also will include a site tour of the USTA National Campus at Lake Nona—the new Home of American Tennis—with its 102 courts. For more information, visit TheTOMConference.com or contact [email protected] or 866-686-3036.

16 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org TIA Tennis Forum Hears from Global, U.S. Execs Jeff Williams

More than 300 attendees heard top U.S. and international tennis executives present key industry Retail Expert Dan research, initiatives, issues and challenges at the O’Connor Leads ninth annual TIA Tennis Forum, held on Aug. 29 in New Katrina Adams Industry Roundtable York City, the first day of play at the 2016 US Open. Tennis Industry Association (TIA) President Jeff Williams Top retail expert Dan O’Connor, the founder and CEO welcomed attendees and introduced USTA Chairman, CEO & of RetailNet Group (RNG), spoke to tennis retailers, President Katrina Adams, who spoke about the renovations manufacturers and others in the industry at a roundtable at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, sponsored by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) during the including the new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe Stadium, opening week of the US Open. RNG is a leading advisory and along with important developments at the insights firm that works with large-scale retailers and brand USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla., leaders worldwide, including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and and other USTA initiatives. Home Depot, among others. TIA Executive Director Jolyn de “The business question I get asked all the time is, Boer then presented industry research ‘What’s next?’” O’Connor said. “The fundamentals of retail on participation, equipment sales, are shifting in a way that I’ve never experienced. It’s all and more, and discussed issues the about the merchandise and execution.” Jim Baugh, Polly Scott, Anne O’Connor described five areas of change that are affecting tennis industry is facing, including Humes , Kirk Anderson a challenging retail and changing retail: societal change, such as how people are interacting consumer market. De Boer also Dr. Groppel, with stores, experiences and lifestyles; technologic change, introduced Dr. Jack Groppel, co- David Haggerty which includes changing processes within companies and founder of the Human Performance changing how consumers experience retail; economic change, such Institute at Johnson & Johnson. as factors affecting consumer liquidity; changes within the retail Dr. Groppel is the global industry itself that have a ripple effect up and down the chain; and spokesperson for the CEO Pledge political change, including regulatory changes such as minimum-wage for Physical Activity (in April, tennis requirements. became the first sports industry to “We’re in a ‘real time demand generation,’ not a 52-week sign the CEO Pledge). After he spoke calendar” when it comes to retailing, O’Connor said. “Content is about how tennis is the perfect activity the most important thing in this model—creating on-the-fly digital for health, fitness and wellness, the promotions.” Retailing is moving “from the demand generation USTA’s Adams and International Tennis team to fulfillment.” Federation (ITF) President David Haggerty O’Connor predicted, “Wholesalers will come back. Retailers don’t want to came up on stage and signed the CEO Pledge on behalf of hold any inventory,” so wholesalers will hold it for them. The prevailing thought their organizations. will be, “I’m going to sell it, but I can’t own it,” he says. “The economics are going Haggerty, a former USTA president who was elected ITF to really change. We’re moving out of this world of traditional retail.” president last fall, then addressed the crowd about important O’Connor says consumer habits and behaviors are changing. “The time to sell initiatives the ITF is involved with, then introduced Kurt has gone from 30 seconds to 16 seconds and is on its way to 8 seconds.” Kamperman, the USTA’s chief executive of Community Tennis He also says consumers are trying to limit how big work is in their life, which and USTA National Campus. Kamperman teamed with the is putting a lot less cash into their pockets. “They’re behaving as if they will have USTA’s new general manager of Community Tennis & Youth 30 jobs in their lifetime, not four or five. For the retailer, this says these aren’t Tennis, Craig Morris, to help set an agenda for growth of the consumers with growing purchasing power, but they’ll be buying to the need.” sport through focusing on tennis consumers and youth. Another trait, O’Connor noted, is that in most merchandise categories, The Forum concluded by honoring the two 2016 inductees consumers are “spending on experiences, rather than on owning something.” into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame: Eve Kraft and Gene Personalization and customization is a growing trend among consumers, he Scott. Kraft, who passed away in 1999, was a visionary when said. This includes feedback from devices, and also the way a retailer messages it came to bringing tennis into local communities and was to consumers. “Consumers want to know what racquet they need, as fast as you honored by longtime friends and colleagues Kirk Anderson can tell them. What does 8 seconds mean to your product?” and Anne Humes. Scott, who died in 2006, was the founder, Accountability is becoming more important, O’Connor noted, because “the publisher and editor of Tennis Week magazine, and was web makes everyone a fact-checker. People care about who the company is; celebrated by longtime friend Jim Baugh, who presented a reputation matters.” plaque to his widow, Polly Scott. Health and wellness is important, too, he said, but “people don’t pay up for For more information, please see the State of the Industry health and wellness. Health and wellness has a perception where consumers video at TennisIndustry.org or call the TIA at 866-686-3036. have a very high willingness to pay, but the reality is the opposite.”

Join the TIA . . . Increase Your Profits . . . Grow the Game . . . www.TennisIndustry.org Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 17 Racquet Tech

was launched in 1986. In 1993, the Cer- tified Racquet Technician program was launched, later renamed the Master Racquet Technician (MRT) program. Over the decades, there have been few changes to the CS program. Our goal is to recognize individuals with basic levels of stringing and racquet- service competence. While things within the industry have certainly changed over 30 years, those basic skills and competencies remain the benchmark. The MRT designation was created to reward individuals who demonstrate superior technical competence and product knowledge. We’ve made changes and updates to keep our MRT tests current with the industry. Now, after careful consideration and input from veterans and others in the industry, we are making some changes that we feel will not only be a better measure of the designations earned, but also benefit our entire industry.

• A New Certification Starting in January, we will offer a new A New Level of Service certification: Professional Racquet Advisor (PRA). A PRA has everything to The new Professional Racquet do with servicing and selling racquets, but the key difference is that for PRA Advisor certification focuses on certification, there is nodirect, or selling and servicing racquets and hands-on, involvement with racquet service like there is for a CS or MRT. strings. By Bob Patterson, To become a PRA, applicants will need to take a written exam adminis- Executive Director, USRSA tered by our worldwide certification staff. One way to describe the PRA test would be to think of the existing MRT have every issue of U.S. Racquet “The Tennis Manufacturers written exam, then remove any ques- Stringers Association publications Association held a meeting during tions regarding the actual installation Idating back to the very beginning, the January '85 Tennis Industry of strings, grips or customization. The in 1975. I often look through old issues show at which some manufacturers PRA test focuses on how strings work, for industry information of a historical expressed concern over improperly the differences in construction and nature, but I also find myself looking strung demo frames and warranty what that means to players, frame tech- at the articles and advertisements and claims due to stringer negligence. nologies and how to fit a player with the marveling at just how much our On three separate occasions after correct frame for their game. industry has changed through the that meeting, I was approached by a years—and how much remains pretty manufacturer requesting some sort • Who Should Become a PRA? much the same. of certification program for racquet As the title indicates, a Professional Recently, I was leafing through the stringers. They wanted the USRSA to Racquet Advisor will be able to advise issues for anything related to the start insure a minimum level of compe- players with all things frames and of the USRSA Certification program, tence among stringers.” strings. Coaches and teaching profes- which led me to the February 1986 sionals should consider the new PRA edition of The Stringer’s Assistant. Jill Soon afterward, Jill assembled a certification. They may be able to teach Workman [Fonte], then the executive committee of industry veterans to the techniques for a perfect cross-court director, described how the program develop a test and standards for the backhand, but if the student is using the

came about: Certified Stringer (CS) program, which wrong frame or has the wrong string PHOTO FOTOLIA

18 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016

Nov_Dec_RacquetTech.indd 18 10/3/16 1:20 PM set-up for their game, they will never hit that beautiful backhand as well as they could. Others who would benefit from the PRA certification include retail or pro-shop staff who are expected to sell frames and racquet service and help customers, but may not actually perform the service themselves. This new designation will also affect MRTs. Because the PRA exam is essentially a part of the MRT test, PRA certification will now be a pre- requisite for those seeking to become an MRT. This will also mean that the written portions of the MRT exam will be abbreviated and contain only the information directly related to racquet service and customization. We will, of course, continue to tweak the content every year to make sure the test is up to date. Both the PRA and MRT will be required to submit an annual update test on current manufacturers’ technologies to show that they are staying abreast of the latest offerings. With this new PRA certification, we’ll be able to bring a new level of qualified, consistent service to players and customers. This is an exciting time for our industry. •

For more information about USRSA certification programs, including the new Professional Racquet Advisor designation, visit www.usrsa.com.

Nov_Dec_RacquetTech.indd 19 10/3/16 1:20 PM Retailing Tip

Sell the Experience! Holiday retail can be fun and profitable if you offer customers ‘experiential’ gift options. By Jay Townley

y now you should have your holiday planning in place—including Bstocking and replenishment, displays, merchandising and marketing outreach. And your holiday messaging (advertisements, email blasts, etc.) should already be reaching out to your market space and customer base. But there is still time to generate added revenue—and have some real fun— selling experiential holiday gifts. First, though, let’s dispel the false assumption that the internet and the ability to shop anywhere, any time means brick-and-mortar retail isn’t as important as it used to be. Nothing could be further from the truth. American consumers have made it clear that they are buying much more than “stuff”: They are purchasing experiences, enjoyment and relationships with experts who can help them realize their ideal tennis lifestyle. Combine this desire to purchase experiences with the bustling holiday season, and you have a unique opportu- to receive an experiential gift. gifts that can help lead them to your nity to package and sell tennis lifestyle “When we began examining the phe- shop. Be creative. If your shop is part of experience gifts such as tennis lessons, nomenon of experiential purchasing— a larger tennis facility with courts, link a trip to a tennis resort or tickets to a in which a retailer offers consumers purchases to on-court activities. If you tennis event. a chance to buy an experience rather have a standalone retail shop, consider than just an object or service—we were partnering with a local facility, parks & • Seeking ‘Experiences’ fascinated to see just how widespread rec department or teaching pro to offer According to the National Retail Fed- the approach has become at retail,” said on-court experiences. eration’s consumer holiday spending global research firm NPD about its 2015 American consumers go to brick- survey of the 2015 season, about 22 year-end review. and-mortar stores to do more than just percent of consumers planned to give shop. This knowledge gives specialty an experience-type gift, while 37 per- • Giving & Receiving tennis retailers a huge opportunity to cent wanted to receive one. However, How does this affect your retail busi- create a great holiday gift-giving retail those numbers jump significantly for ness? To the gift giver—who is your environment and to craft memorable millennials (Americans born between consumer—you want to make sure tennis gift experiences—all while 1981 and 1997): More than 35 percent to deliver an extraordinary shopping increasing revenue and profitability, of these 18- to 34-year-olds planned to experience, with all the hallmarks that and having some fun! • give an experiential gift, and over 50 make your store a tennis retail service percent said they would like to receive winner and keep customers returning. Jay Townley is a partner in the retail one. In addition, 43 percent of 35- to For the recipient, who may not be a consulting firm Gluskin Townley Group

44-year-olds indicated they would like customer, you want to offer memorable (www.gluskintownleygroup.com). PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK

20 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016

Nov_Dec_TI_Retailing_NEW.indd 20 10/4/16 5:10 PM Nova3221.RSI HAWAII.2016:Layout 1 3/14/16 9:21 AM Page 1 Ask for NOVA All-weather sport surfaces are all we do. We have to do it better!

2016 Fed Cup – Kona, HI

Brilliant Long Lasting Colors Enjoy your vibrant court surface for years to come with 2x the industry standard for color retention. Low Abrasive Texture All textured surfaces use a unique low abrasive texture reducing wear on shoes, balls and more importantly your body. Durable High Solid Acrylic Blends By using premium acrylic binders with high solids we are able to add more pigment, texture and filler. The surface will have greater U.V. resistance, film thickness and durability. Worldwide Dealer Network Authorized installers in all 50 states and over 40 countries committed to providing a higher level of quality and service. For more information or to locate a certified installer in your area please contact us at 800-USA-NOVA or [email protected]

Qualify for Simply, The World’s Best LEED Credits All-Weather Sports Surface www.novasports.com

TI MAG AD pg.indd 2 5/26/16 2:27 PM Teaching Tools

Tech Support Teaching pros should view technology not as competition, but as a tool that will grow revenue and help players improve. By Stan Oley

hroughout the 43 years since I be creative and innovative. We have groundstroke, as well as a neutral volley. fi rst picked up a racquet when to be willing to change and to accept Even if the pro is able to feed the T I was 8, I’ve noticed that lesson technology as a tool, not competition. correct ball from the correct spot on programs at tennis clubs have not Here’s how we can do it. the court, he or she is concentrating changed much. In a private lesson, on the feed and can’t focus on what the the teaching pro still stands at the net, • Stop Feeding From The Net! student needs. The pro can’t stand next feeding an easy ball, followed by some When you feed from the net, you’re to the player to observe, analyze and hitting with the pro. Group lessons are giving players a ball they never get in comment—in short, the pro can’t teach. similar: The pro feeds multi-line drills, a match. A player who is successful Using a ball machine in a private yelling a bunch of clichés or continually in this environment rarely has solid lesson gives pros the ability to actually saying the same thing. receiving or ball-recognition skills. teach and to help students improve. I’ve talked to and worked with In clinics I give around the country, The pro can be right next to the student, hundreds of club players over the last we ask players many questions to better demonstrating shots, off ering advice or few years. They want to be cared for, understand what their “tennis IQ” is. recording strokes on video. Ball and they want to get better. But the way Out of 857 players, not one knew where machines can allow the pro to create we’ve been teaching them is not help- their preferred strike-zones were for shot sequences. There are apps avail- ing them get better. When that particular shots. How can a player best able to control the machine and save happens, there’s a good chance they function technically if they don’t know data on phones and other devices. may leave the game. the desired zone in which they should This is a real concern, as overall play the ball? • Continual Assessment tennis participation has barely grown Continually feeding from the net is If you work with a personal trainer at a over the last few years. We’re having the main contributor to this problem, fi tness club, the fi rst thing they do is an trouble retaining players—for all the and it also contributes to the player assessment and goal-setting process. new players we get in, we’re losing just having only a one-dimensional ground- When a player books a tennis lesson, he as many existing ones. stroke or volley. The club player rarely or she usually calls the club and makes As teaching pros, we have an obliga- understands how to add “shape” on the an appointment. Upon arriving, the tion to help turn this around. But to ball or play a low volley because they are player generally begins rallying with

help our players get better, we have to micro-managed on a specifi c low to high the pro, who then starts feeding balls. BALL MACHINES (23) 22); PLAYMATE SHUTTERSTOCK (PAGE COURTESY

22 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_TechTool.indd 18 9/29/16 1:50 PM Using a ball machine allows the pro see his student's shots up close, analyze them and offer tips in a short amount of time.

court time with their students over the years. Many pros have created a lesson culture where their students love to hit with them, but don’t like hitting off a ball machine. But if those pros would have originally focused on teaching rather than hitting, their lesson culture would probably be quite different—and they may not be afflicted with so many physical ailments. I recently did a clinic for eight members of a club. Through my ball machine app I was able to see that in one hour we threw 901 balls of all types of shots. I was able to stand on the same side of the court with the players, demonstrating shots and giving them meaningful corrections. When the clinic was over, I realized that was 901 balls I did not have to feed myself. If we extrapolate, If a tennis program is going to remain In reality, if the ball machine were in an eight-hour day that would be healthy, it needs to include assessment prescribed as part of the post-lesson 7,208 balls, or 36,040 balls a week, a and goal setting. The pro needs to find curriculum, the player’s learning total of 1.8 million balls a year! out why the player is taking the lesson experience would be accelerated, and Some of the best testimonials about and assess the player’s game. The player there’s a good chance that the player using a ball machine have come from needs—and will appreciate—a program would become motivated to become teaching pros who were injured and designed specifically for them. The even better. Today, some ball machines had to teach with the machine. They assessment and goal process should be have apps that allow the pro to share noted how much better their students updated frequently to show progress. post-lesson drills and allow students got with a ball machine. A ball machine and video are great to show the pro that they actually did It’s simple. We have to stop seeing tools to use as part of the assessment their homework. It helps augment the technology as competition, and instead process. The machine allows the pro to previous lesson and paves the way for a see it as a tool to improve the overall quickly get through a number of differ- future visit. lesson and player experience. For ent shots while recording the results. What I find effective is that, if a this industry, your business—and you player takes one lesson a week, they personally—to succeed, we need to get • Post-Lesson Curriculum should hit off of the ball machine twice uncomfortable at times and try new Golfers routinely go to the driving in between lessons. If they take two things. If our industry is going to turn range to work on shots or practice what lessons a week, they should use the around, it will depend on teaching pros they learned in a lesson. And they have machine once in between. When the embracing change and technology. plenty of company at the range; often player gets better, everyone wins—and The result? More players stay in the 15 or 20 other golfers are there, too. the pro makes more money! game, and tennis pros increase their Tennis clubs, though, generally have revenues! That’s a win-win. • only one ball machine that is used by • Teaching Pro Health and beginners, or players who can’t find a Injury Prevention Stan Oley is a USPTA Master match. Ball-machine use is typically The average age of teaching pros in the Professional and the 2016 USPTA not encouraged as part of the post-les- U.S. is around 50. Many of my teach- Florida Pro of the Year. He also is the son curriculum, as many pros view ing pro friends who are my age have Product Marketing Specialist for it as competition. suffered major injuries due to constant Playmate Ball Machines.

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 23

Nov_Dec_TI_TechTool_NEW.indd 19 10/4/16 4:54 PM Future of Tennis WISH LIST FOR THE NEW YEAR We asked last year’s Champions of Tennis winners what they’re looking forward to in the coming year. Their answers point the way toward an agenda to strengthen and grow our game’s grassroots.

Mike Woody David LaSota Bud Duksta Julian Li NATIONAL TENNIS DIRECTOR, DW LASOTA ENGINEERING INC. PRESIDENT, MARSHFIELD PROFESSIONAL TOUR GENESIS HEALTH CLUBS 2015 Tennis Industry TENNIS CLUB/PETER IGO PARK RACQUET TECHNICIAN 2015 Person of the Year Service Award 2015 Public Park of the Year 2015 Stringer of the Year

Through programming, With over 18,000 36-foot Our wish is to form My wish is that the ten- we can make all our tennis and 60-foot tennis courts additional partnerships nis industry and string dreams come true. If we roll being built over the past with organizations that will manufacturers develop and up our sleeves, have passion eight years, I hope we con- help in our e orts to expand promote more high-quality to make a di erence and we tinue to build smaller courts adaptive tennis. Tennis has multifi lament strings. relentlessly work to pro- for youth, beginners and se- a lot to give to the adaptive Polyester strings are not gram to all players—regard- niors alike. With the growth community, and we’re so made for the general public. less of age, playing experi- of other racquet sports on pleased to do what we can. What you end up with is a ence or level of fi tness—I smaller courts, it seems But with key partnerships, string that creates tennis believe we will grow beyond obvious that our population we know we can do even elbow and other muscle and our dreams. desires tennis, but not nec- more. joint damage. Over the past 15 years we essarily on a 78-foot court. After stringing at the Aus- have put to the test amazing I hope to see improved tralian Open, the Olympics programs such as Play Ten- asphalt concrete design and and the Cincinnati Masters, nis America, Cardio Tennis, construction techniques. It I noticed a shift from all- 10 and Under Tennis and is vital that we build tennis polyester string beds to Recreational Coaches Work- courts to last so that facilities hybrids of poly and natural shops. All have resulted in are attractive and playable. I gut or multifi laments. It's growth. Let’s knock the dust also want to see LED lighting time for the industry to o those programs and get and play-analysis technology point out benefi ts of mul- to work—together. become more a ordable and tifi lament strings that will more prevalent. keep our players playing.

24 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_Wishlist_SC.indd 1 10/3/16 2:52 PM Penny Maingot EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CORPUS CHRISTI T.A. 2015 Community Tennis Association of the Year

Choosing tennis play opportunities over other activities should ﬁ ll the wak- ing hours for adult, junior and 10-and-under players. The memory of once having to use 13 di erent sites to accommodate all the par- ticipants in a tournament challenges us to have that number of entries again. We need our middle schools to provide tennis both semesters, and for our middle school coaches to have a passion for tennis and be compensated fairly. Finally, just imagine if tennis balls would last longer during play, plus if the racquets had bigger sweet spots!

Je Rodefeld Rex Maynard Mark Kovacs Tim Blenkiron DIRECTOR–RETAIL OPERATIONS, VOLUNTEER, PERFORMANCE PHYSIOLOGIST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NO INDIANAPOLIS RACQUET CLUB USTA SOUTHERN/NATIONAL COACH, EDUCATOR, ITPA QUIT TRAINING ACADEMY 2015 Pro/Specialty 2015 Tennis CO-FOUNDER 2015 Grassroots Tennis Retailer of the Year Advocate of the Year 2015 PTR Member of the Year Champion of the Year

For the USTA, I’d like to see I look forward to everyone I’m really excited about I had the opportunity to continued and increased embracing the USTA Youth the future of coaching work with Andre Agassi in emphasis on promoting Progression for tennis. We and teaching in the tennis creating the Team Agassi tennis at the grassroots, need to engage many more industry. So many great program to help at-risk creating greater aware- kids in our game. When opportunities are evolving youth become high-level ness and opportunities for QuickStart tennis was intro- outside the traditional mold student athletes. Since then play, and driving new and duced in 2010, USTA South- for individuals who are we have worked with Bob younger players to the sport. ern was the only section to passionate and focused on and Mike Bryan to make For manufacturers, we require 60-foot courts and lifelong learning. The Team Bryan, a high-perfor- need to see the development orange balls for 10-and- advances in technology, mance education and tennis of innovative products that under competition. This social media, analytics and program. I have seen how encourage participation; a resulted in positive beneﬁ ts sport science allow tennis mentoring, academics and focus on the pro/specialty for younger players. coaches and teachers to high-performance tennis retail channel and its impor- After six years, it’s time to expand the types of work can transform children's tance to brand awareness, move forward and introduce they are doing to help lives and communities. I product exposure and prod- 78-foot green-ball tennis improve the quality of would like to see this e ort uct trial; and the willingness to our more advanced 10U service they provide to their grow to not only increase to customize purchase pro- players. And it’s even more clients and athletes. the number of children who grams that are geared to the important to o er fun entry- receive tennis scholarships, retailer’s business model. level competition for our but also as a pathway to

PHOTOS USTA new players. professional tennis.

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 25

Nov_Dec_Wishlist_SC.indd 2 10/3/16 2:52 PM Future of Tennis

Linn Lower Carrie Cimino PRESIDENT, DISTRICT SALES MANAGER, LOWER BROS. CO. INC. HEAD/PENN 2015 Builder/Contractor 2015 Tennis Sales of the Year Rep of the Year

I’d like to see a continuation We need more people play- of some encouraging things ing tennis at all ages and I’ve seen over the last few all levels, and then we need years. One is the construc- to ﬁ lter them into USTA tion of larger, tournament- programs, especially Adult friendly facilities in several Leagues and Junior Team cities throughout our region Tennis. When tennis players (the Southeast). Another is are placed on a team, they the rebuilding of some older show up for more practices, tennis complexes, large and have more fun and create small, because there is still team camaraderie. a high interest in play in the I’m fortunate to work for a community. company that takes pride in My third wish is to see introducing innovative tech- a grassroots parent-and- nology and products to help teacher-driven movement players improve, and I’m to build tennis facilities at looking forward to seeing smaller schools. These new more products that will help and rebuilt facilities should tennis players play better, be used to teach youngsters play more often and play for how much fun the game is. the rest of their lives.

Phil Parrish Laurie Stussie David Colby Paula Scheb TENNIS DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER, SETS IN THE DIRECTOR–JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, LONGFELLOW CLUB CITY SOUTHWEST MANCHESTER ATHLETIC CLUB BONITA BAY TENNIS CENTER 2015 Junior Tennis 2015 Adult Tennis 2015 Youth Tennis 2015 Private Champion of the Year Provider of the Year Provider of the Year Facility of the Year

I’d like to see more one-day My wish is for the tennis I’d like to see more kids out If we can assist people in tournament formats for industry to embrace the there playing tennis on their developing friendships entry-level players through business case for millen- own. When I was grow- through tennis, we can high school players. We need nial outreach programs like ing up, we always made up keep them in this game to get them in our game and Sets in the City. In addition our own games, made up for a long time. Our facil- keep them playing. Also, I’d to each season bringing in tournaments, and had so ity is a second home for love to see middle schools thousands of dollars in much fun devising di erent many of our members. o er a tennis program. In revenue to a USTA District, ways to compete. I try to They want to establish our area, the courts are the new players have the encourage my own kids to new connections, so our idle all fall as both boys’ potential to bring in much pick up the phone, call other programming is built with and girls’ teams play in the more over a lifetime. Millen- kids and get out there, make this in mind. spring. We could use the nials are looking for clinics a plan and play! Structured We are re-launching school courts for middle- for themselves as well as practices and play days are our PlaySight SmartCourt school programs. their young children—that’s great, but it's better if kids technology by rewarding Also, I want to see more 15 years with a family of are the ones who are out members for getting the college tennis showcases for consistent customers! there, making things happen mobile app or sending us D-2 and D-3 schools that And for manufacturers, on their own. their doubles video. It is may not have the resources sponsorship of young adult critical we stay current to go out and recruit and see programs can result in irre- and relevant while, at the high-school players that are placeable brand loyalty from same time, not letting

appropriate for their school. an entirely new base. technology rule. 27) (PAGE 26); USTA PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK (PAGE

26 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_Wishlist_SC.indd 3 10/3/16 2:52 PM Randy Ortwein Richard Zaino Danise Brown Jorge Capestany USPTA PRO, GRAND SLAM PRESIDENT, ZAINO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, COACH, EDUCATOR, SPEAKER, WINNER, HALL OF FAMER TENNIS COURTS INC. PORTLAND AFTER SCHOOL USPTA MASTER PROFESSIONAL 2015 Wheelchair Tennis 2015 Youth Tennis Facility TENNIS & EDUCATION 2015 USPTA Champion of the Year Developer of the Year 2015 NJTL of the Year Member of the Year

As a fan, I would love to see I would love to see a break- Our wish is that all our I am most excited about full seats at every profes- out of American tennis scholar-athletes will the new USTA University sional tennis match. Other players—a new generation grow in mind, body and initiative, where the goal is sports fi nd creative ways of rising U.S. tennis stars. spirit through year-round to add many more Profes- to fi ll their stadiums; we We need an emerging U.S. programs. Given the right sional Tennis Management should too. I wish every player who will take our opportunity and tutoring programs across the country. school had access to tennis breath away. That’s what resources, underserved chil- I know that the population equipment and every child will help grow this great dren can and will meet their of tennis teaching profes- could try tennis in PE or game at all levels. grade-level benchmarks. sionals in our country is after-school programs. On the construction front, We encourage our aging and the pipeline is not I wish more tennis people LED lighting continues to scholar-athletes to embrace nearly full enough to replace would give back to tennis grow in popularity; it is now a blend of physical activity all the experienced and qual- in their local communities. our go-to fi xture in courts outside of tennis, because ity teaching pros who will be Players, parents, coaches we build. I feel confi dent engaging in other activities retiring in coming years. and organizers have so that LED lights are good for will help create a healthier My goal is to help other much to o er and it doesn't court lighting and, although junior tennis player. Our teaching pros through the require a lot of time. Com- still pricey, will only get wish is that every commu- tennisdrills.tv website, munity Tennis Associations better. The benefi ts are nity recognize the potential which supplies more than are the heart and soul of our enormous, especially what it of underserved children—on 1,700 tennis drills to make sport and are always looking comes to energy savings. and o the tennis court. their practices better and for dedicated volunteers. their jobs easier.

Doug Booth EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, USTA FLORIDA

Nancy Horowitz PRESIDENT, USTA FLORIDA 2015 USTA Section of the Year

We’re excited about the opening of the USTA National Campus in Orlando and the impact of once again having a research and development arm of USTA, like we did in the 1970s and ’80s with Eve Kraft and Henry Talbert in Princ- eton, N.J. Some of our most inﬂ uential programs and leaders originated in Princeton. The new National Campus will help us impact the growth of tennis in many ways, and it will bring people from all over to this one area for education and events. Doing so will enhance the collaboration of tennis organizations. With USTA Florida moving to new headquarters adja- cent to the National Campus in Orlando, we hope to use the campus as an example to improve public tennis facilities and programs throughout Florida that will help grow our sport. We look forward to the continued teamwork between volunteers and sta to advance tennis for all, and increasing school participation on all levels to develop players for a

PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK (PAGE 26); USTA (PAGE 27) (PAGE 26); USTA PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK (PAGE lifetime. Our industry is poised to have breakout growth!

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 27

Nov_Dec_Wishlist_SC.indd 4 10/3/16 2:52 PM New Introductions COMFORT AND CONTROL Technology evolves for new racquets and strings. By Bob Patterson

s the sport of tennis continues to evolve, of the less desirable side effects of a given quality, characteristics like control and comfort and that is what we are seeing with many of the seem to suffer. In an effort to offset this, new products coming out on the market. As new manufacturers are constantly research- technologies are introduced, expect to see this Aing and developing new materials, construction story of comfort and control continue to evolve. techniques and engineering methods. Most new products are introduced in the Is it possible to have it all? Probably not, since spring, but we have several new strings and one playing characteristic often counteracts frames that are being introduced for the fall and

another. However, it is possible to mitigate some holiday season. PHOTO FOTOLIA

28 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_RacquetsStrings.indd 1 10/3/16 2:24 PM STRINGS

Diadem Velociti Tecniﬁ bre DIADEMSPORTS.COM RMSBOULDER.COM TECNIFIBRE.COM 844-434-2336 800-525-2852 888-301-7878 The company is releasing a new While the product isn’t new, Velociti The latest innovation from Tecni- gauge (18) for its popular Solstice is presenting a new concept for its ﬁ bre, Pro Red Code Wax is made by Power string, and launching a new synthetic strings by off ering bulk injecting polyethylene wax directly string: Elite XT, available in 15L, 16, packaging: strings are off ered in box in the polyester during the manufac- 16L, 17 and 18 gauges. sets, with 50 sets of string along with turing process. You can read more 20 overgrips and a jar of 60 dampen- details in our String Playtest from ers. Not only is the concept green by the August issue. Pro Red Code Wax saving packaging material, it saves the is available in 16 (1.30 mm), 17 (1.25 dealer money, too. mm) and 18 (1.20 mm) gauges.

Head MSV Genesis HEAD.COM RMSBOULDER.COM ALMSPORTSGROUP.COM 800-289-7366 800-525-2852 866-787-4644 Head introduces the Red Hawk This popular German brand has Genesis (ALM Sports) introduces a Touch string to coincide with the a new U.S. distributor in Rocky new hexagon-shaped string: Zona new Graphene Touch racquets. The Mountain Sports of Boulder, Colo. Spin Hexa, available in 17 (1.27) and string features Crystal Core Tech- The company has an extensive line 16 (1.32) gauges. nology, a unique multi-stage heat of synthetic strings and accessories process designed to provide players manufactured in its own factory. with touch and feel to aid in control. (See this month’s String Playtest on page 32 for a free sample off er.)

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_RacquetsStrings.indd 2 10/4/16 4:59 PM New Introductions

RACQUETS

Dunlop Tecnifi bre DUNLOP.COM • 800-768-4727 TECNIFIBRE.COM • 888-301-7878 Dunlop’s new Precision line features Tecnifi bre has revamped its entire a hybrid cross section designed to T-Fight franchise with the introduc- create the perfect combination of tion of the T-Fight DC line: T-Fight precision, touch and feel, says the 280 DC, T-Fight 295 DC, T-Fight company, allowing the player to 300 DC, T-Fight 305 DC, T-Fight 315 control the game. Also new is the DC and T-Fight 320 DC. The line SRX shock reduction system in the encompasses a number of varia- handle. SRX features a combination tions, from weight and swingweight of materials and construction to to string patterns, to fi t a wide vari- help fi lter out heavy impacts and jar- ety of player types. Tecnifi bre also ring, while still allowing all the good has expanded its squash line with sensations to come through. The four new frames: Carbofl ex Storm, line includes four new frames: Preci- Dynergy AP 125, Dynergy AP 130 sion 98 Tour, Precision 98, Precision and Dynergy AP 135. 100 and Precision Tour 100.

Head Volkl HEAD.COM • 800-289-7366 VOLKLTENNIS.COM • 866-554-7872 Head introduces the latest genera- Volkl continues its tradition of hav- tion of its Graphene technology with ing technologically advanced damp- Graphene Touch, which was ening frames with the introduction unveiled at the US Open with the of the V-Sense line, including the new Speed line: Graphene Touch V-Sense 2, V-Sense 4, V-Sense 6, Speed Pro, Graphene Touch Speed V-Sense 8 (285 grams), V-Sense 8 MP and Graphene Touch Speed S. (300 grams), V-Sense 8 (315 grams), With Graphene Touch, the mate- V-Sense 9, V-Sense 10 (295 grams) rial has been re-engineered for and V-Sense 10 (325 grams). improved shock absorption upon impact, says the company. Also new is the Innegra hybrid-composite structured frames, utilizing one the lightest high-performance ﬁ bers in the IG Laser MP and IG Laser OS.

Pacifi c Wilson PACIFIC.COM • 941-795-1789 WILSON.COM • 800-272-6060 For junior players who have Despite Roger Federer’s absence progressed beyond introductory at this year’s US Open, he was still aluminum junior racquets, Pacifi c garnering attention with the new introduces the X Fast Team 1.45, a Pro Staff line he co-designed with 26-inch premium junior frame that Wilson. The line includes a variety is a lighter, shorter version of the of confi gurations catered to many company’s adult frames. player types: Pro Staff RF 97 Auto- graph, Pro Staff 97, Pro Staff 97 LS, Pro Staff 97 S and Pro Staff 97 ULS. Also new from Wilson are two game- improvement frames, the Triad Three and Triad Five.

30 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_RacquetsStrings.indd 3 10/3/16 2:25 PM Tennis Technology

Smarten Up! With cutting-edge technology, PlaySight SmartCourts are helping players of all levels improve their games.

grades and updates as part of the agreement. Once a club or facility decides to purchase Smart- Courts, PlaySight consults and assists throughout the process—from advising on-court preparation for the cameras and technology, to Cameras placed around the SmartCourt capture the shipment of equipment, what a player does— as well as installation, test- and help guide what they should be doing. ing and training. Installation typically takes one to four days, depending on volume. To add SmartCourts, a facility needs to have a o matter where you junior, a USTA 3.0 league tracking, and one overview strong internet connection are in the world, player, a top college recruit camera that provides a fifth (wired is preferred) and a N chances are you or an ATP or WTA profes- field of view and high-defi- dedicated power source. won’t be far from a PlaySight sional—to both improve nition live streaming. A high- The site also needs to be SmartCourt. There are now faster and enjoy the sport performance SmartCourt prepared in advance of the close to 500 SmartCourts more,” says Jeff Angus, Play- can have up to 10 cameras, PlaySight installation team. across the U.S., Europe and Sight’s marketing manager. with additional overview, For outdoor court use, each Asia—including ones used PlaySight says its Smart- baseline and service line kiosk comes with a screen by top national federations Courts can be added to views for added tactical cover, and PlaySight recom- such as the USTA, Tennis any surface and any court analysis and video angles for mends providing additional Canada, Tennis Australia, configuration. At its core, instant replay and review. In sun and glare protection and the German and French a SmartCourt is a standard addition, PlaySight also with either an umbrella or tennis federations. tennis court with perma- offers a one-court set-up awning. The kiosk also needs All four Grand Slam nently installed analytic called “LiveCourt,” which to be cleaned regularly. venues—in New York, Paris, cameras and a courtside provides live streaming and PlaySight works with London and Melbourne— kiosk that are connected to video analysis tools. facilities to ensure that play- have SmartCourts. They’re each other and the internet— SmartCourt installation ers are aware of and excited at the Indian Wells Tennis which is what makes the typically costs $10,000 to about the new technology. Garden, top tennis training court “smart.” PlaySight’s $12,500 per court, and there “We help with marketing, academies and tennis clubs cameras use advanced 3D is an associated monthly fee promotions, and even les- of all sizes. PlaySight is also visual image processing to to cover all maintenance, son and hitting programs,” working with top coaches track everything that hap- hardware support and says Angus, “so that our Paul Annacone and Darren pens on court, from player software upgrades. PlaySight club partners maximize the Cahill to ensure that Smart- movement to individual is constantly adding new revenue they earn with Court users are getting the racquet strokes. features to improve the the technology.” • best tennis advice. A standard SmartCourt on-court and off-court “SmartCourts are helping has five cameras: four corner experience (web- and mo- For more information, visit players of all ages and abili- cameras that provide all bile-based), and PlaySight www.PlaySight.com or email

PHOTO PLAYSIGHT ties—whether it is a rising analytics and player and shot facilities receive regular up- [email protected]

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 31

Nov_Dec_TI_Playsight.indd 18 9/29/16 1:47 PM String Playtest

period—one at five hours, two at nine hours, and one each at 17, 67 and 78 hours.

Conclusion MSV Go Max has a lot to recommend about it, especially at its price point. When installed at a low tension as advised by the manufacturer, it offers power and comfort, MSV Go Max 1.25 which might be just the ticket for players who are better off with a multifilament but want more durability and prefer not having measured 1.21 mm prior to stringing, and to straighten their strings all the time. 1.20 mm after stringing. We recorded a If you think MSV Go Max 1.25 might be string-bed stiffness of 73 RDC units im- for you, fill out the coupon on the following mediately after stringing at 60 pounds in a page to get a free set to try. —Greg Raven Wilson Pro Staff 6.1 95 (16 x 18 pattern) on a constant-pull machine. Playtester Comments After 24 hours (no playing), string-bed “Good string for people who want spin stiffness measured 66 RDC units, repre- and control.” 4.5 male all-court player senting a 10 percent tension loss. Our con- using Babolat Pure Aero strung at 50 trol string, Prince Synthetic Gut Original pounds CP (Babolat Origin 17) Gold 16, measured 78 RDC units immedi- ately after stringing and 71 RDC units after “For this kind of string, I liked the ease of 24 hours, representing a 9 percent tension stringing. Plus, it held tension well. Would loss. In lab testing, Prince Synthetic Gut use it in my own frame.” 4.0 male all-court Original has a stiffness of 217 and a tension player using Wilson Burn 100S strung at loss of 11.67 pounds, while MSV Go Max 55 pounds CP (Wilson Revolve 17) 1.25 has a stiffness of 182 and a tension loss of 18.81 pounds. Go Max 1.25 added 14.8 SV Go Max is a monofilament grams to the weight of our unstrung frame. Playtester Ratings: co-polyester engineered and The string was tested for five weeks by Ease of Stringing manufactured in Germany 59 USRSA playtesters, with NTRP ratings (compared to other strings) M Much easier: 1 by Mauve Sports in one of the world’s from 3.5 to 6.0. These were blind tests, with playtesters receiving unmarked Somewhat easier: 6 most modern production facilities, About as easy: 38 using high-quality ingredients with strings in unmarked packages. The aver- Not quite as easy: 13 newly developed additives. This age number of hours playtested was 26. Not nearly as easy: 0 pedigree gives MSV Go Max a high elas- MSV Go Max was a typical poly to install, Overall Playability ticity index relative to competitors. so we experienced no issues during string- (compared to the string played most often) ing. MSV does recommend a maximum Much better: 1 MSV tells us that Go Max is targeted Somewhat better: 11 at tennis players with moderate to fast reference tension of 53 pounds, which we About as playable: 10 swings who seek a performance string recommended to our playtesters. Not quite as playable: 31 with exceptional feel and a good bal- No playtester broke a sample during Not nearly as playable: 6 ance between power and control. stringing. Seven reported problems with Overall Durability coil memory, two reported problems tying (compared to other strings of similar gauge) Go Max is available in 1.20 mm (17 Much better: 9 gauge) and 1.25 mm (16L) in black. knots, one reported friction burn and two Somewhat better: 19 Dealer pricing is $6.44 for 40-foot reported other problems. About as durable: 25 sets, and $44.50 for 656-foot reels, Not quite as durable: 6 with quantity price breaks. For more On the Court Not nearly as durable: 1 Our playtesters were most impressed by Rating Averages information or to order, contact MSV at From 1 to 5 (best) 843-816-1440, or visit rmsboulder.com. MSV Go Max’s Durability, Resistance to Playability: 3.2 Be sure to read the conclusion for more Movement, Control and Spin Potential, Durability: 4 information about getting a free set to rating it well above average in each of Power: 3.1 try for yourself. those categories. Control: 3.6 No playtester reported premature fraying Comfort: 3 In the Lab Touch/Feel: 2.9 or peeling. Three reported buzzing and Spin Potential: 3.4 We tested the Go Max 1.25 string. The coil eight reported notching. Six playtesters Holding Tension: 3.2

measured 40 feet, 3 inches. The diameter broke the sample during the playtest Resistance to Movement: 3.7 SPORTS MAUVE PHOTO COURTESY

32 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_StringPlaytestNEW.indd 36 10/3/16 2:50 PM “I liked the response. It had a pretty solid “I loved this string right away, but even by FREE PLAYTEST STRING PROGRAM bite on the ball. For heavy string breakers the third time out on the court, the tension who like a polyester, it should work well.” was significantly less.” 5.0 male all-court 5.0 male all-court player using Babolat player using Yonex Ezone Ai strung at Mauve Sports will send a free set of Pure Drive + strung at 42/42 pounds LO 52/52 pounds CP (Head Hawk Touch 19) MSV Go Max to the first 500USRSA (Luxilon ALU Power 16) members who cut out (or copy) this “Overall, for a polyester string, it was coupon and send it to: “Good overall string. Not enough power average. It played well and easy on the USRSA, Attn: MSV String Offer, 310 for my game, though.” 3.5 male baseliner arm. Wish it had more pop. I should have Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North, with heavy spin using Wilson BLX Blade 98 strung it five to 10 percent less.” 5.0 male Suite 400, Birmingham, AL 35203 strung at 55 pounds LO (Gamma Profes- all-court player using Head Prestige Gra- or fax to 760-536-1171, sional 17) phene strung at 60 pounds LO (Head Sonic or email the info below to: Pro 16) [email protected]. “Felt good for a polyester string. Seemed Offer expires Nov. 15, 2016. Offer only to bite quite well with good serve perfor- “Started out OK and then began to fade available to USRSA members in the U.S. mance.” 5.0 all-court player using Prince really fast at about the 20-hour mark.” 4.0 Name: ______Warrior strung at 55 pounds CP (Prince male all-court player using Prince Warrior USRSA Member number: ______Premier Power 17) 107 Textreme strung at 50 pounds CP Phone: ______(Prince Tour XP 17) • “String felt very stiff. Great for serves and Email: ______ground strokes. Average power, but really (Strings normally used by testers are in If you print your email clearly, we will hits spin well.” 4.5 male all-court player parentheses. For the rest of the tester com- notify you when your sample will be sent. using Prince Premier strung at 50/50 ments, visit www.tennisindustrymag.com.) pounds CP (Gamma Ocho XP 16)

www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com Nov/Dec 2016 TennisIndustry 33

Nov_Dec_TI_StringPlaytestNEW.indd 37 10/3/16 3:27 PM Your Serve

Leveling the Field Grouping players by level, as the Universal Tennis Rating System does, offers many advantages. By Kevin Theos

n a cold and overcast Friday in the mid-1980s, a young Chicago O tennis player headed to a sub- urban tournament. Having no car and little money, he took two buses and a train, then walked through snow to the tennis club. There, in the first round, he encountered a nationally ranked junior—and lost decisively. Then he set about the long trek home. That player was me, and that was only one of many such distant tournaments I played as a junior. Through hard work and assistance, I became a good player, but my experiences and observations have shown me that players need more competitive opportunities close to home. Most tennis organizers habitually separate players by gender and age, and only then by level, because that is how it has always been done. A better method is to first group players based few events to get ranked high enough to as one tool to assess skill level, conduct on level, or their ability to have reason- attract the attention of college coaches. events and record scores, communities And coaches have a separate problem: can help players develop near home, Focusing on level makes evaluating potential scholarship candi- save money and enhance the likelihood organized competition dates located far from their schools. that college coaches will spot them. possible in many more Having an accurate way to measure Offering level-based competition in communities. players’ skills could enable communi- each community may not be the whole ties to host level-based events, allow answer to the challenge of developing ably close matches against one another. players to demonstrate their skills and retaining players, but it is surely There are significant advantages to closer to home, and assist coaches in part of the solution. • focusing on level. Most importantly, it evaluating candidates. makes organized competition pos- Fortunately, such a tool is in use and Kevin Theos is the sible in many more communities. By has been evolving for over a decade. It USTA Southern Section having juniors and adults, male and is the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) TSR for Alabama. He female who are close in level competing system (www.universaltennis.com). is a longtime USPTA together, more communities would be The UTR system captures results pro and is the former able to offer tournaments and leagues. from all sanctioned professional, col- executive director of the It would also significantly benefit lege, adult open and junior events, as Birmingham Area Tennis Association. those who aspire to play college ten- well as from some high-school associa- nis. Players who cannot afford to play tions, and generates ratings for begin- tournaments outside their community ning level tournament players all the We welcome your opinions. Please email

face long odds, because they play too way up to touring pros. By using UTR comments to [email protected] PHOTO SHUTTERSTOCK

34 TennisIndustry Nov/Dec 2016 www.tennisindustrymag.com www.tennisindustrymag.com

Nov_Dec_TI_YourServe.indd 40 9/29/16 1:55 PM Introducing California Sports Surfaces, the world’s largest manufacturer of acrylic sports surfacing systems and surface preparation products by DecoTurf, Plexipave, Rebound Ace, Plexitrac, Guardian Crack Repair, Premier Court & Premier Sports Coatings. To learn more please visit www.californiasportssurfaces.com or call 1.978.623.9980.

BUILD A COURT YOU CAN BE PROUD OF.

Introducing California Sports Surfaces, the world’s largest manufacturer of acrylic sports surfacing systems and surface preparation products by DecoTurf, Plexipave, Rebound Ace, Plexitrac, Guardian Crack Repair, Premier Court & Premier Sports Coatings. To learn more please visit www.californiasportssurfaces.com or call 1.978.623.9980. 1160517_TECNIFIBRE_REDCODE_TENNIS_INDUS.ai60517_TECNIFIBRE_REDCODE_TENNIS_INDUS.ai 1 17/05/201617/05/2016 18:4618:46 THE REDSURRECTION

C MAXIMUM M SLIDE J POLYETHYLENE WAX CM FULLY IMPREGNATING MJ THE POLYESTER MATRIX

CMJ

EXPANDED STRING SLIDE LESS FRICTION MAXIMUM LUBRICATION FASTER SNAPBACK MORE EASIER MAXIMUM DURABILITY TO STRING SPIN